Refurbished Amazon 4th Generation Kindle - Amazon Kindle (4th Gen) Review - buyEtail.com

 

The new Kindle Fire may have gotten most of the attention when Amazon refreshed its Kindle lineup this year, but Amazon is still very much in the e-reader market. The fourth-generation Kindle, the Kindle Touch, and the Kindle Touch 3G all promise to deliver the traditional Kindle experience in a lighter and less expensive package - continue reading for our thoughts on the new $79 Kindle.

Hardware and Tech Specs

The new Kindle’s 6”, 600x800 E-Ink Pearl screen is basically the same as the previous model’s, but that’s where most of the hardware similarities end: the keyboard, a mainstay of all previous Kindles, has been removed and replaced by four physical buttons and what Amazon calls a “five-way controller,” a directional pad surrounding a button. Typing is now done using this controller and an on-screen software keyboard, which I’ll complain a bit about later.

For all the inconvenience of text entry, the keyboard’s removal does noticeably reduce the Kindle’s size and weight - the new unit is 6.5” (166mm) tall, 4.5” (114mm) wide, and 0.34” (8.7mm) deep, and weighs just a shade under 6 ounces, down from the 8.5 ounces of the previous model. As a result, it’s comfortable to hold in one hand for most extended reading sessions. Many promotional shots show it nestled in the back pocket of someone’s jeans, which you can do, even though you feel like you’re going to snap it in half when you sit down. Suffice it to say that it slides easily into most bags, cases, and purses without issue.

On the inside, the Kindle is outfitted cheaply (to hit that $79 price point) but well enough, given its intended function - the fine folks over at Blog Kindle have done a very thorough, device-bricking teardown of the Kindle so that we didn’t have to. The action is driven by a Freescale i.MX50-series Cortex A8 SoC running at 800MHz, while an Epson KCRE7000 E-ink display controller handles the visuals. An Atheros AR6103 chip provides wireless b, g, and n Wi-Fi speeds of up to 72.2 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. 256MB of RAM from Hynix and 2GB of flash memory from Sandisk round out the rest of the Kindle’s important chips.

All of this hardware is powered by a 890mAh 3.7 V battery, which Amazon says is good for about a month, and while I haven’t had the thing for a month I can say that this sounds about right - after a week of daily usage, I’ve used about a quarter of the Kindle’s battery life. There’s no charger included in the box, but the included micro-USB cable can be connected to any computer or USB charger - the Kindle had no problem with my iPhone’s charger, and I expect that most micro-USB chargers will work without issue. Amazon also sells its own branded adapter for $10.

The basic Kindle’s 2GB of storage space (which in practice works out to be around 1.3GB after the system software) is half that of the previous generation Kindle and the forthcoming Kindle Touch, though it’s certainly as much as you need to store anything you’re actively reading. Amazon’s cloud storage lets you archive anything you’re not reading, and you can re-download it to your device in short order if you’ve got a Wi-Fi connection.

Aside from Amazon’s .AZW format books, this Kindle supports TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, and PRC files natively. HTML, DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, and BMP files can all be viewed after being converted by Amazon or another program. You’ll notice that there are no audio files on this list - the low-end Kindle doesn’t support audio in any way, so audiobooks, the “read to me” text-to-speech feature, and music are incompatible with it. The Kindle Touch will include audio support when it launches in November, and the Kindle Keyboard (a rebranding of the previous-generation device) continues to support audio.

Plugging the Kindle into your PC puts it into USB drive mode, where you can charge the device and move files into its flash memory. To continue to charge the Kindle while using it normally, eject it from the computer.

The Kindle comes in a simple, unadorned cardboard box with “Kindle” emblazoned on the side. Open it up, and you’ll find the device and the micro USB cable nestled in an all-cardboard enclosure that should be familiar to anyone who has experienced Amazon’s “frustration free” packaging - the lack of plastic makes it both easier to open and more environmentally sound. A simple slip of cardboard tells you how to navigate with and charge the Kindle, and there’s no other manual in sight.

source: http://www.anandtech.com/show/4988/amazon-fourthgeneration-kindle-review

by Andrew Cunningham

http://www.buyetail.com

Refurbished Apple iPad - “Must-have” iPad accessories you should NOT buy: Screen Protectors - buyEtail.com

Especially if you are buying your very first iPad, you might be very excited to complete your new gadget with some “must-have” iPad accessories that are touted all around the web. But lets stop and breathe a little bit: do you really need to spend almost half of the price of your iPad again on accessories? You can if you like, but please don’t spend your money on these four “must-have” iPad accessories that are absolute bogus! Read on to learn how you can save almost $200…

With Apple’s next generation iPad 3 looming on the horizon, many people will buy their very first iPad and wonder whether they will need a screen protector, a cover or case, extra warranty, and other stuff. There must be something on the web to help you decide!

If you google for “iPad accessories”, you are pretty likely to find the following quote very soon:

“So you just dropped a bunch of cash on a shiny new iPad 2. All you want to do now is spend a little quality time getting to know your new device. But no, you’ve got more shopping to do. You need to accessorize!”

I am not saying that all iPad accessories are bad. In fact, I am a big fan of improving my workflow through accessories. But so many items that float around online on countless “must-have” lists are so ridiculously useless that it makes me wanna scream!

The following four items make it to the top of my “must-have iPad accessories you should never buy” list:

Bogus “must-have iPad accessories” #1: Screen protectors

Screen protectors are the biggest scam! There are plenty of companies and bloggers out there who will tell you that you must permanently cover the screen (and the back) of your iPad in order to prevent scratches. ZAGG is one of the biggest player in this game, and they lure you with impressive attributes such as “military grade” and “self-healing properties”. Wrapping your iPad in its invisibleSHIELD will set you back $40, or even more if you let somebody else do the wrapping.

I call no way! You don’t need to worry about scratching your screen for the following reasons:

You don’t carry around your iPad in your pocket, therefore there is little risk that its screen will be scratched by keys or coins.

The iPad’s screen is made out of very durable glass. While no-one except Apple and their contract partner knows what exact glass is used for the iPad, you can assume that the glass is very strong. I am using my first generation iPad since the day it came out in Canada, and there is not a single scratch on my screen that you could detect under normal use. UPDATE: Apple has just (March 2, 2012) acknowledged that it uses the famous Gorilla Glass for the iPhone. Its quite likely that Gorilla Glass will be also used for the iPad 3.)

Apple sells many iPad accessories in its stores, but it stopped selling screen protector before the original iPad came out in 2010. Hint, hint, hint…

Another reason why screen protectors are a lame idea is that they are damn hard to apply without ending up with a bunch of bubbles and trapped-in dust. I admit, I once bought a screen protector (for a different reason than scratches – see below) in 2010, and I ended up with a lot of dust in between the screen and the film (obviously, I am not the most talented guy). It impaired my using experience so much that I ripped off the film after 30 minutes. Learn from my mistakes and save your money for iPad accessories that are actually useful.

Don’t trust the propaganda!

But why are so many bloggers telling you that screen protectors are a “must-have” iPad accessory? It is because if I told you today that, for example, ZAGG’s screen protectors are the best thing in the world and that you are a fool for not protecting your iPad with it, I would right away make 20% commissions on whatever you are spending on ZAGG’s stuff. I believe that the affiliate programs of ZAGG and other vendors are among the main reasons why so many people out there recommend screen protectors. It is a clever marketing campaign. As somebody who is doing a PhD in Marketing, I find this approach by ZAGG and others quite interesting. But as a consumer and as your fellow academic comrade, I say stay away!

In the interest of full disclosure: I do use affiliate links, but I only recommend stuff I really believe in. See academiPad’s policies on affiliate links here.

So please, don’t spend your money on a screen protector, at least if your only worries are scratches. If you worry that your iPad screen and back might get scratched while carrying it around in your bag (I am), get a case or a sleeve (but see item number 2 on this list).

There is only one reason why you can buy a screen protector and still be my friend: The iPad’s glossy screen makes it very prone to reflections, especially when light is shining right onto the screen. A matte screen protector might be a good investment for you if you are struggling with reflections (this was the reason why I tried out a screen protector once). Check out this video to see the matte effect yourself and to learn how to install a screen protector.

But again, in most cases you will be fine without a screen protector. Except for the 30 minutes back in 2010, my iPad’s screen has been all-natural all the time, and I never had any issues with that.

Money saved: $40

Check out the other three items on my list of “must-have” iPad accessories you should never buy (more details coming soon):

#2: Apple’s Smart Cover: Save up to $57 with a more stylish alternative that will protect your iPad way better. Or don’t save at all but get a better deal.

#3: Magical cleaning potions: Save up to $18 and come to terms with reality again.

#4: Apple Care Protection Plan: Save $79 by reading the fine print. UPDATE: It seems like somebody at Apple is reading my blog (ahem…), as the warranty program was updated on March 7 to include warranty from accidental damages. That makes the new Apple Care+ Protection Plan more consumer friendly. However, I am still not convinced that it is a “must-have”.

Altogether, this list of four iPad accessories you should not buy will save you $194.

source: http://www.joachim-scholz.com/academipad/2012/03/02/ipad-accessories-not-buy-screen-protectors/

by: Jo

http://www.buyetail.com

Refurbished Unlocked Apple iPhone 5 - Why buy an Unlocked Apple iPhone - buyEtail.com

In a word, freedom. Here's what type of freedom buys you.

First, it is important to remember that the iPhone 5 comes in several different models that are optimized for the different wireless network operators. The unlocked model works on GSM networks, not CDMA networks. That means you won't be able to use the unlocked iPhone on either Sprint or Verizon's networks. Instead, it will be limited to GSM networks. In the U.S., that means AT&T or T-Mobile USA. (You'll be able to get LTE service from AT&T, but only 3G service from T-Mobile in a handful of markets.)

The biggest benefit of having an unlocked device is that you'll be able to use the iPhone 5 on the networks of foreign carriers when you travel abroad. The on-contract version of the iPhone will roam on those networks, too, but you'll have to pay roaming fees to your U.S.-based carrier (think Bill Shock). Unlocked devices can be used with local SIM cards at a much lower cost.

The trade-off is that you lose *your* phone number, which is replaced with a local phone number. This means your coworkers or family will get dinged for long-distance charges if they call the foreign cell number temporarily assigned to your unlocked iPhone 5.

The second biggest benefit is that you won't be beholden to a pricey contract. Remember, the $199 iPhone may seem like the best deal, but it chains you to a two-year contract with the wireless network operator of your choice. Most post-paid carriers charge a minimum of $70 per month for voice, messaging and data packages. Multiply that by 24 months and you're looking at about $1,700 in carrier fees.

Living contract free means you can use a month-to-month service that costs less. For example, T-Mobile USA offers a prepaid plan that includes unlimited 3G/4G data, unlimited messaging and 100 voice minutes for $30 per month. Some quick math tells us that T-Mobile's two-year prepaid plan costs $720.

No contracts also afford you a greater degree of flexibility, especially if big things change in your life (income, employment, location, etc.).

There's one really important factor consider with the iPhone 5 in particular, however. Verizon Wireless's version of the iPhone 5 already comes with an unlocked SIM card tray (per FCC regulations). That means you can take a Verizon-branded iPhone 5 from the U.S. across the pond to the U.K., buy a local SIM card from a U.K. carrier and use the device at a lower cost on that foreign network (it includes the necessary radios to talk to the GSM networks in foreign countries).

So, if you want to live contract free, the iPhone 5 isn't a bad choice.

source: http://www.informationweek.com/mobile/mobile-devices/unlocked-iphone-5-worth-the-cost/d/d-id/1107620?

by Eric Zeman

http://www.buyetail.com

Refurbished Apple iPad - Why I Bought an iPad - buyEtail.com

Why did I buy an Apple iPad tablet computer when I already own a Mac computer and an Apple iPhone?

I bought an iPad so that I can maintain my love of reading books and newspapers now that my vision has been reduced significantly from glaucoma and cataracts.

Sure, I could read the same eBooks using the free Kindle app on my Mac or iPhone, but the thin, light, intimate form factor of the iPad allows me to read or write in the comfort of my bed, or on my sofa, or anywhere my travels take me.

With my vision reduced to 20/70 acuity due to glaucoma and cataracts, I can no longer read normal-sized print books. Therefore, because I love to read, I now read virtually any book I want on the iPad via a three-second download of the e-book version from Kindle Books on Amazon.com and read it on my iPad using the free Kindle app.

I also use my iPad to read my daily subscription to the New York Times, to read and write emails, to surf the Internet, to do my online shopping, and to share our family calendars and contacts with my wife on her iPad Mini and iPod Touch using Apple’s iCloud.

I can watch videos, take pictures, or use Siri voice recognition to transcribe my speech to text for use in an email or a word processing document, or I can tap out what I want to write on the iPad’s virtual keyboard or an external Bluetooth keyboard.

For work and play, I’ve downloaded over 175 of the 1,000,000 available apps onto my iPad, most of them for free or at very low cost, so that now I’m both more efficient and never bored.

With the iPad you don’t have to sit at a desk, or strain to see a screen that’s too far away for you to read. You can hold the iPad as close as you want. It’s very intimate and personal.

And, if God forbid, my eyesight should deteriorate further into complete blindness, I can use the iPad’s Voiceover software to control it using my ears, hands, and voice. 

source: http://www.glaucoma.org/treatment/why-i-bought-an-ipad.php

by Paul Otterness

http://www.buyetail.com

Refurbished iPad - How to Clean Your Screen - buyEtail.com

The materials used to make Apple products vary; in some cases each product may have specific cleaning requirements, which may vary by the part you are cleaning. Here are some tips that apply to all products to get you started:

Use only a soft, lint-free cloth. Abrasive cloths, towels, paper towels, and similar items may cause damage to the item.

Disconnect your Apple product from any external power sources.

Disconnect any external devices and other cabling from the product.

Keep liquids away from the product.

Don't get moisture into any openings, and don't use aerosol sprays, solvents, or abrasives.

Do not spray cleaners directly onto the item.

source: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3226

http://www.buyetail.com

Refurbished iPad Mini - How's your Retina iPad mini battery life? - buyEtail.com

The iPad mini with Retina Display has been available for a little while now, and so it's time to talk battery life. We've put it through its paces – thoroughly – and completed our full review, but battery life statistics are always much more detailed and accurate when they're crowd sourced. So, if you picked one up, how are you finding the battery life on your Retina iPad mini?

As with the iPad Air, we're seeing great battery life on the new Retina iPad mini. The WiFi only versions just keep on going, and the 4G LTE enabled one can still get you through a day and a night of tethering. Personally, I've not noticed it being any better, or worse, than the iPad Air. And that's no bad thing.

But we're not the only ones with a Retina iPad mini, and sadly not everyone gets the same great experience with battery life. There's things we can do to help the situation, but for one reason or another for some folks it just isn't that great. So, let us know what you're experiencing in the poll up top, and give us the details in the comments below.

source: http://www.imore.com/hows-your-retina-ipad-mini-battery-life-poll

by Richard Devine

http://www.buyetail.com

Refurbished iPhone 5 - iPhone 5 Amazing Tips & Tricks and Ways to Extend Battery Life [Videos] - buyEtail.com

The latest iPhone from Apple comes with new, thinner and lightest design ever with the fastest speed among its kind. Using iPhone 5 has become more fun than ever, but what will you do to have access to applications and use features easier? And what can be done if the battery level starts to go down before the end of the day and you are either out or there is no charging station nearby? Follow these tips and tricks and make your use of the iPhone 5 more enjoyable.

Siri

Launch the Siri app and tap the Info button for more functions it can provide such as direction from home, post to Facebook, send a Tweet, today's weather and more.

Camera

Access the Camera app from your lock screen by simply sliding up the camera button.

Change the Panorama direction by tapping the directional arrow.

Tap on any area what the camera is seeing, and it will automatically focus on that selected. Part

System

Activate "Do Not Disturb" feature to prevent incoming calls whenever you are busy. Go to Settings > Do Not Disturb.

Add keyboard shortcuts to program certain letters to display phrases on text messages. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Shortcuts.

Remove applications running in the background by double tapping the Home key on the home screen. Select all the applications you want terminated.

Emoji is now available with iPhone 5, and you can activate it by going to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard > Select Emoji.

Apple Maps

Use the Satellite mode to view building, roads and landmarks from satellite view. You need to activate this to use the 3D mode.

Use the 3D mode to see areas in different perspective. You can pinch or twist to see all around the 3D images.

You can drop a Pin by press and holding on a specific part of the map and it will automatically navigate you to that destination.

Safari Browser

If you do not want to scroll once you have reached the bottom part of the Web page, hit the status bar and it will bring you to the top area of the page.

You can lock the orientation screen when browsing by double tapping the Home key and swiping to the far left. There, you will see an icon to lock orientation.

You can add Web pages to your home screen from the Safari browser by clicking the Launch button and selecting the site you want to add.

source: http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/457057/20130415/iphone-5-amazing-tips-tricks-ways-extend.htm#.U55qc_ldWSo

by ryan Inoyori

http://www.buyetail.com