Maandag 29 April 2013

All Bottled Up: Safe Battery Disposal

With growing concern about button battery ingestion, I thought I would post this incredibly obvious simple hack for battery disposal.

While this solution doesn't address the problems of button batteries while in use in everything from greeting cards to remote controls to toys, it does keep the old batteries corralled until they can be recycled or disposed of properly (call your local solid waste district or trash service for more information).

We drop our dead batteries in a child-safe vitamin container, and put the containers out of the kids' reach. I relabel the containers solely for my own amusement (Do you do this? Maybe we should start a Pinterest board).

The filled container is deposited at our wonderful local recycling facility (which accepts a broad array of batteries in a co-mingled bin).

Not only does this hack keep our batteries away from our little kids and out of the solid waste stream, it also means that batteries outside the bottles are easily identifiable as fresh.


***Baby Toolkit is a frontrunner in observing the obvious and the ridiculous in parenting. It is written by two geek parents presently enjoying a Fall-like Spring somewhere slightly above the Mason-Dixon line. Although we make no links in this post, we are admittedly Amazon affiliates, so a portion of purchases made through our Amazon links fuel our pipe dreams of owning a bathtub with a water slide (thank you!). Our actual voices (and sordid secrets) can be heard on our board gaming podcast GreatBigTable.com.

Woensdag 24 April 2013

Now in Stereo*: We Launch a Boardgames Podcast at GreatBigTable.com

Jim and I have been talking about boardgames for decades, so it's about time we start inviting others to the conversation. While we'll still post written reviews on boardgames here on Baby Toolkit, we just issued our first episode of Great Big Table- our podcast about introducing more people to the boardgaming hobby.  We'll definitely be discussing gaming with our kids and families there, but we're also talking about some community gaming we do with friends, family, coworkers, and at church.

If you have gaming group or are thinking about starting one, please join in this new conversation. If you just want to hear how goony we sound when speaking or some of the conversational torment we like to dish out, well, there's that too.

The podcasts are free and can be individually downloaded  or by subscription. We're not on iTunes yet, but that should happen shortly.

If you have better things to do with your time, we aren't surprised, but sometimes you need to egregiously waste time to really see its value.

*Actually, I think it's mono, so the listener on the left has identical mental loss to the listener seated on the right.

***Baby Toolkit remains the written meanderings of a couple geek parents. Not only are we affiliated with GreatBigTable.com, we ARE GreatBigTable.com.

Sondag 14 April 2013

Smart phone and tablet


An industry official has stated that smart phone and tablet users in the UK have been making the most of mobile broadband services through downloads.

It has been claimed that the huge demand in mobile downloads amongst users of smart phones and tablets has taken mobile broadband providers by surprise, with many stating that they were not expecting such demand for services in such as short period of time. The availability and popularity of smart phones and tablets has resulted in more and more people using mobile broadband services, and this demand has surprised the industry.

Over the past twelve months the demand for mobile broadband is said to have soared as more people carry out downloads on their tablets and their smart phones. The major growth over the past twelve months was unexpected according to one industry official. He stated: “I think the providers have been slightly surprised by the amount of bandwidth that people are consuming and we’ve seen that change over the past year in terms of terms and conditions and the tariffs.”

The sale of smart phone and tablets is set to continue increased, with more and more people getting their hands on the latest smart phone or one of the tablets on the market. The level of streaming media will also increased in line with this, which will see the demand for mobile broadband continue to increase.

This could spell bad news for mobile broadband users who rely on these services for business, as the increase in demand means that capacity will be squeezed further, and until 4G services are rolled out this could cause a lower quality service for users. Source

Vrydag 12 April 2013

Replacing paper with tablets -paperless, save money, countless resources


A month ago, Scarborough councillors voted to go the paperless route after much deliberation. As a result of their discussions, a proposal to provide fifty councillors from the east coast of Yorkshire with their own tablets for official use was drafted and subsequently submitted. Numerous studies have found that going paperless will save money and countless resources in the long run.

Now a decision has been reached, and the councillors have voted in favor of getting the tablets.

The Counservative-led council asserted that replacing paper with tablets would save £10,000 a year in printing and postage costs. Members also insisted that having these devices would be cheaper than getting laptop or desktop PCs which will cost about £12,000 per year.

However, not everyone agreed with the decision. Independent councillor Janet Jefferson, who voted against the plan, said: “I don’t think public money should be used in this way. We all have our own computers or are facilitated by the council with a laptop. I think if we do find we want them we can buy them ourselves.”

Ian Anderson, who is Scarborough Borough Council’s head of legal and support services, stated: “The council is always looking at providing efficient methods of communication. The provision of this equipment will radically cut down on the production of paper agendas, which includes printing and postage costs, and will provide a more efficient way for councillors to work.” Source

Donderdag 11 April 2013

Sopan Santun Menggunakan iPad


Cobalah bersikap cuek. Anggap saja menggunakan iPad di kendaraan umum seperti busway merupakan kewajaran. Tapi tentu saja jangan berlebihan ketika menggunakan iPad.

Mengecek email di iPad tentu hal wajar. Tapi hindari teriak histeris ketika asyik bermain “Angry Birds” di dalam busway. Tentu itu akan membuat tatapan ke Anda semakin bertambah, tentu saja tatapan sinis yang berpikir Anda norak.

Jangan sombong ketika ada orang yang mencoba bertanya kepada Anda mengenai tablet yang Anda gunakan. Apalagi jika Anda menggunakan tablet selain iPad, yang tidak biasa terlihat. Tentu pertanyaan mengenai harga dan spesifikasi dari orang-orang yang penasaran akan wajar kalau terlontar dari orang di samping Anda.

Masih ingat kejadian Arifinto, anggota DPR dari Partai Keadilan Sejahtera. Kalau ingat, tentu Anda tidak ingin seperti Arifinto yang tertangkap kamera sedang melihat situs porno saat rapat paripurna DPR dari tabletnya.

Karena itu, penting juga bagi Anda untuk sekali-kali membersihkan history. Jadi, Anda akan terhindar membuka situs yang tidak layak dibuka di tempat umum, yang tentu saja akan memalukan Anda.

Layar tablet Anda yang menyala di ruangan gelap tentu akan mengganggu orang lain. Cobalah tahan kebiasaan mengecek tablet, setidaknya selama 120 menit ke depan. Belajarlah menghargai orang lain dibanding menuruti kebiasaan Anda.

Tablet seperti iPad tentu bisa membantu Anda dalam melakukan presentasi di rapat. Tapi, jika Anda asyik bermain iPad dan tidak mendengarkan orang yang sedang berbicara di hadapan Anda, tentu itu bukan sikap yang layak dan dianggap tidak sopan. Source

Dinsdag 09 April 2013

The Hunger Games


The Hunger Games [Kindle Edition]

Starred Review. Reviewed by Megan Whalen Turner If there really are only seven original plots in the world, it's odd that boy meets girl is always mentioned, and society goes bad and attacks the good guy never is. Yet we have Fahrenheit 451, The Giver, The House of the Scorpion—and now, following a long tradition of Brave New Worlds, The Hunger Games. Collins hasn't tied her future to a specific date, or weighted it down with too much finger wagging. Rather less 1984 and rather more Death Race 2000, hers is a gripping story set in a postapocalyptic world where a replacement for the United States demands a tribute from each of its territories: two children to be used as gladiators in a televised fight to the death.Katniss, from what was once Appalachia, offers to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, but after this ultimate sacrifice, she is entirely focused on survival at any cost. It is her teammate, Peeta, who recognizes the importance of holding on to one's humanity in such inhuman circumstances. It's a credit to Collins's skill at characterization that Katniss, like a new Theseus, is cold, calculating and still likable. She has the attributes to be a winner, where Peeta has the grace to be a good loser.It's no accident that these games are presented as pop culture. Every generation projects its fear: runaway science, communism, overpopulation, nuclear wars and, now, reality TV. The State of Panem—which needs to keep its tributaries subdued and its citizens complacent—may have created the Games, but mindless television is the real danger, the means by which society pacifies its citizens and punishes those who fail to conform. Will its connection to reality TV, ubiquitous today, date the book? It might, but for now, it makes this the right book at the right time. What happens if we choose entertainment over humanity? In Collins's world, we'll be obsessed with grooming, we'll talk funny, and all our sentences will end with the same rise as questions. When Katniss is sent to stylists to be made more telegenic before she competes, she stands naked in front of them, strangely unembarrassed. They're so unlike people that I'm no more self-conscious than if a trio of oddly colored birds were pecking around my feet, she thinks. In order not to hate these creatures who are sending her to her death, she imagines them as pets. It isn't just the contestants who risk the loss of their humanity. It is all who watch. Katniss struggles to win not only the Games but the inherent contest for audience approval. Because this is the first book in a series, not everything is resolved, and what is left unanswered is the central question. Has she sacrificed too much? We know what she has given up to survive, but not whether the price was too high. Readers will wait eagerly to learn more. Megan Whalen Turner is the author of the Newbery Honor book The Thief and its sequels, The Queen of Attolia and The King of Attolia. The next book in the series will be published by Greenwillow in 2010. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Grade 7 Up -In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives. Collins's characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing. This book will definitely resonate with the generation raised on reality shows like 'Survivor' and 'American Gladiator.' Book one of a planned trilogy.Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Source

Maandag 08 April 2013

Premium Black Dual Pocket Carring Bag


Compatible with: ASUS Transformer Prime TF201-B1-GR Eee Pad£¬ ASUS Transformer Prime TF201-B1-CG£¬ASUS Transformer Prime TF201-C1-GR£¬ASUS Transformer Prime TF201-C1-CG

Package includes: 1 x Pocket Bag + 1 x Stylus Pen + 1 x HDMI Cable 6 FT
Professional accessories Support for ASUS Transformer Prime TF201 10.1-Inch Tablet
High quality guaranteed
Nice Gift for your friends
Easy and Fun to use. Can put in a big bag. Source

Sondag 07 April 2013

Asus Eee Pad Transformer PRIME 10.1-Inch TF201 Tablet


Custom designed for your precious Asus Eee Pad Transformer PRIME 10.1-Inch TF201 Tablet, this case features a combination of functionality and style. The premium quality GENUINE leather boosts a classy look; premium quality no-scratch micro suede interior adds comfort and an additional layer of protection; detachable inner sleeve for handheld operation; sleeve reattaches to folio by velcro for landscape or portrait viewing; magnetic flap closure; access to all ports and controls. Well built to protect your tablet for the years to come. NOTE: This product is sold exclusively by BSCstore. Only buy from BSCstore to get genuine MoKo(TM) products and superb customer service. MoKo is registered trademark of BSCstore and is exclusively distributed by BSCstore on Amazon. MoKo trademark is protected by US Trademark Law.

Dual-View Multi-Angle Leather Cover for Asus Eee Pad Transformer PRIME 10.1-Inch TF201 Tablet (Tablet NOT Inluded).
Premium quality GENUINE Leather with Micro Suede Interior.
Detachable Inner Sleeve for Handheld Operation; Detachable Inner Sleeve for Handheld Operation; Sleeve Reattaches to Folio by Velcro for Landscape or Portrait viewing.
Magnetic Flap Closure. Access to All Ports and Controls.
A MUST Have for all Asus Eee Pad Transformer PRIME Tablet Owners!! Available in Black, PURPLE, and BLUE. Search: MoKo(TM) Asus Transformer Prime TF201 Dual-View.Source

Saterdag 06 April 2013

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101-B1


As usual Android users (and more intense users of the possibilities of the Android OS) I was the first GUI, the user interface so pleased. It's all the way to my Defy, just a tad bigger.

The reactions of capacitive Bildschirms were carried out at 99% directly and without delay, ie the performance of the two Tegra chips is well utilized here, although possibly at the various Android apps still needs to improve a little.

The processing of my device is perfect, no adhesive residue, as some had home here. But I'm also a unit of the B70 series, he, it certainly has a later revision.

I write straight on the dock, which is an extremely useful extension of the tab, and I am more than convinced of this, the full area metal finish around the buttons looks classy and sturdy. USB and SD card readers are also highly useful especially HERE ALSO WORK.

Have been able to watch movies from the external 320 GB drive.
The buttons on the docks of the same size as on my EEE 1000H, so my netbook. Therefore, the write "comfortable" nothing new for me. It can be written indisputably better than onscreen, but a full-size keyboard is probably even more comfortable but wait the moment you can connect from.

The battery life is very good compared with my smartphone, while my habs Sufstunden (and there were already some 4-6 hours) never got below 50%, without a dock by the way, but with brightness at level 5 (of 12).

The dock charges the way to the Tabinternen battery, ie The tab nuzt not have the energy for the operation of the dock also recharges itself over here only to myself, which I think is VERY good, even if it is associated with energy losses (load operations have nunmal in itself). So you can, the tab if it was docked, always take with guaranteed full charge from the dock, and this will depend first on the charger you get more durable portability, since the tab when I prop myself never to the can needs.

The plastic backs huh ... so I think it look very pretty, though would be "something metallic" was of course still edeler but the frame is metal, the back I see rarely, it saves weight if it is plastic. I do not think so bad that it is "only" plastic.

Dockeinrast The device looks very stable way, so should be sufficient to withstand the many docking operations.

Oh, the display the wide viewing angle is fantastic, and better ... wow ... so the colors at full brightness, there is enormous ... YOU can look like the photos  contrast are fantastic ( and after sampling, according notebookcheck.de as the iPad) and the brightness is absolutely fine. Neither LightBleeding (too bright / LEDs produce halo around the screen) is still too dark. Source

Vrydag 05 April 2013

ARCHOS 101 Internet Tablet 8GB


Good price / performance, I have a tablet for a week now and a lot of testing. I think I can therefore judge the product. Many compare the product with the iPad, which makes the insights but something is broken, as the Android operating system works quite differently than the Mac world. One should not compare two different operating systems together, so here I discuss only the technical stuff. I also think that Android has many advantages over the Mac. This was also the reason why I've bought this tablet.  I also own an iPad.

Tablet for yourself:
+ The Archos has a few ports such as USB or HDMI. His memory can be expanded with a MicroSD card. This all goes with the iPad not what a student is a little annoying if you want to transfer files via USB. Before now, but will protest: This is of course a matter of opinion, but an advantage to have NO USB input, there are no guarantees.
+ The battery life is very very good. After 12 hours of use I arrived at 5% (Wi-Fi always on). The shutdown of the tablet is not necessary because it is in standby (darken the screen) is eating almost no power.
+ The pad responds well to my commands. Some write here the opposite, but I think it's just a matter of practice if you have never used a capacitive touchscreen.
+ The performance is great. I have yet another Android pad, but this is faster wide (despite its that I just paid a lot for the other). Videos are really good and fluid, and the player plays from liquid rock. I had previously seen only in a few pads. And certainly not in the price range
+ The stand is a "WOW" effect. It is tiring to constantly keep a pad in his hand. By foot you can sit there comfortably as you see best. If the pad is not even used, so the foot can also intended to use as a digital picture frame.The built-in function for this is really great
+ Of course, this goes for all Android operating systems: But the selection of apps is huge. You can adjust the pad as you want it. If one player does not like the gallery, invites you down a new one. If one does not like the keyboard, no problem. There are thousands. It is therefore not dependent on use what is installed from the start. That's the positive side of an open operating system. This is not the iPad. You can only install this new apps that do not change but the handling.
+ Skype works great, thanks to the built-in webcam.

I could list many things, but I think that's enough for a general overview.
Here, briefly, what is not so pretty:
- The display is angle dependent. If we get it wrong, then the image is too dark. This is the iPad, too, but the Archos something stronger. For myself, no problem, as I look on it anyway from the front (like most people)
- The display reflects. But this is the disease of all pads. The iPad is reflected even more, which is the main reason for me not to take him outside. When the Archos but keeps within

All in all, I think that my money is well spent at the pad. It runs really well and I think so far nothing that should make it worse than the original. The Android software gives it even a plus.
Strong buy recommendation from me! Source

Woensdag 03 April 2013

Acer Iconia Tab A500-10S16u Tablet


The Iconia in daily use, I have the tab for several days now in personal commitment. About the various advantages and disadvantages of the technical equipment has already written much about the well 3.0.1 is not currently updated Honeycomb and the associated problems. I will limit myself to personal impressions and experiences in daily use of the tab.

WLAN reception: - No problems for me. For me, a cheap router is in the house and I also have three rooms away yet immaculate reception (50%) at the same table in the office.

Display: - My display has no errors and is primarily indoors, the picture is clear and rich in contrast and the colors are brilliant dar. overall I could not say that I could rotate the tab from a rope - maybe there are better displays, but is thein daily use really play such a role? If you message not always flush with the scraps you have on display anyway Fingertips that cloud the brilliance.Who cares should applaud a film about it - this reduces (depending on the film) wegbekommen supposedly this problem, but it never. For me it is the only not so dramatic (and film) - if I have too many valor on it, I just simply wipe the screen briefly (with the included cloth) from, so I'm sure but no head.

Outdoor: - Of course you can / should we sit down with the tab not the case that one of the sun in the back and it just seems to display. Then you can still see very little - I think that is logical and therefore no real criticism - no tab will play there. Hovering the tab in the shade, although there are occasional reflections (depending on how you hold it), you can use it without problems.I've used different games and e-reader, without me after prolonged use, the eye doctor had.

Battery: The battery lasts m.M. very long. I also have an Android smartphone - here I must at the latest after 24 h of electricity (even without much use times). The tab has (see surfing, games, e-Reader, images, constantly connected with wireless Internet) at 5-6 h of continuous use and 48 hours without turning off (in standby when not in use) is still almost 30% battery capacity. Charging is also quite fixed (2-3 h). These are values ??that are for me personally more than adequate and satisfactory. Of course one should keep various battery-eating apps in mind and also actively take care of the "Battery Management" by killing senseless power hogs. Activate the flight mode and turning on only when needed to help the wireless ever in principle to extend the battery life.

No 3G: Find open wireless access points are now already in many places. The tab recognizes this and I have had no problems also, get into various open wireless networks. If no WLAN is available, I still have my Android-powered smartphone, with which I can provide at any time via a wireless tethering.Here too, everything works without problems and the tab is immediately in my personal network. For me, the lack of 3G is therefore not a criticism - quite the contrary. The tab is thus cheaper to buy it and fall for me at no additional cost for daily use. Who the comfort of your own 3G access would have on the tab will wait for the 3G version, and thus certainly be happy.

Weight / Handling: Yes, the thing weighs three quarters of a kilogram. This is evident in the long run, of course, and sooner or later you have to support themselves somehow. Question is whether the ev-600g with a tab for only a few minutes later, just as is, and whether this is such a crucial factor in fact that might influence the purchase? I find the tab control at your fingertips, it is of course a matter of habit. Whether the tab is now one of "heavy", or another is to keep better, well need to decide for themselves. The hands / fingers / power of each individual are different and therefore the subjective impressions that each individual gains for himself the daily handling of the tab.

Conclusion: The purchase decision was correct. For me, this tab is the ideal blend of smart phone and laptop. What is too small and awkward on the phone (eg, reading and writing with the virtual keyboard, surfing on non-customized pages), Tab works splendidly.
Although a laptop is also intended for mobile use, to transport and especially for me, "Couch-appropriate" and also more difficult because a lot heavier, bigger and more complicated in use (eg not so long battery life). My Iconia I can always take it easy and surf, check email, read eBooks and if I feel like it, play high quality games. The price is m.M. justified - whether you need a tablet, or it looks just as expensive toys?Also has to decide individually.Source

Samsung Galaxy Tab



Although the Galaxy tab yet equipped with a single-core and is therefore, not like its two bigger brothers, who come sometime this year on the market run, with the Android operating system 3.0. However, the new Galaxy Tabs would be with 8.9 or 10.1 inch too big for me.
I was looking for a way to go traveling times to the Internet or watch one or the other video. Handiness was therefore important premise.
The Samsung i9000 is undoubtedly excellent but this principle also suitable, but just very tricky, since much smaller than the Galaxy Tab
The Galaxy Tab fulfilled my expectations completely. Videos are different, as it was partially maintained, liquid even at high resolutions. Surfing is also much faster by hand than with the smartphone. Lag or "Hakeleien" I have not noticed before.
That the camera can not compete with that of current smartphones, I do not mind, because that I have the i9000 always there for emergencies and the Camera tab of the Galaxy is always sufficient.
For me, the only slight criticism: you can not replace the battery. It seems, however, soon to be standard. In the iPhone 4 is also no such possibility.
It is quite a lot has been written on this tab, so I want to leave it with a concluding sentence:
The Galaxy Tab is for me the perfect solution to bridge the gap between smartphone and laptop.
5 stars! Source

MOTOROLA XOOM Tablet Review


Now, after two weeks I've gained a very positive impression of Xoom. My copy is solid and accurate, I am very satisfied. The monitor is for the lateral viewing angle is not quite as good as some of the iPad 2 (the 1st I do not know), but that's the only thing in my view.The way I Xoom use the monitor is perfect, and if one wants to watch sometimes, that's still quite good, and he can even bend a little closer to the central view.

The software and hardware harmonize very well together, the device is snappy and responds to all inputs and spontaneous gestures. USB port, Bluetooth, Flash, Firefox Fennec and other amenities are just a strong case, one needs no iTunes, no Windows and no OSx. And with the SD memory slot will soon be available without end, it just fits everything together. The charging plug is indeed really petite, but still get the broken probably just as gross motor skills. The charger will actually burn very hot, but you can definitely do not mind. The charge time for a nearly full battery is pleasantly short.

Amazed me was the WiFi sensitivity, it is better than my ThinkPad. 3G worked right away as it should be.

The battery life was the first battery charge during intensive use Video/3G/Wlan/GPS after 3 hours at 60%. After several charges, this value is improved, and if the first course, very intensive use has been normalized, you should easily reach 80-10 hours of run time. So real use is meant in the standby mode, the process will take many times longer.

Crashes are the exception, for me it only concerned itself twice Android (automatic reboot), and one or two times an application. However, I had the Xoom it also pretty stressed out: Market-installation, GPS search, download 3G, Music Player etc., and then it stalls the download. In normal operation, otherwise it runs smoothly and without flaws.

I know of no reason for a point deduction, so the highest rating.Source

HP touchpad


Have now been 3 weeks an HP touchpad and am completely satisfied.

Web OS runs fine with multitasking, the apps now appearing gradually (10 to 15 per day) run smoothly, the performance is good to very good. Even the kids have their fun with the games.

What is very positive:

- Multitasking: that's really super successful
- Battery life: every 2 days to the grid, if you're not constantly watching videos
- Display: clear, bright and clearly visible from the side
- Sound: Very good sound quality, the HP Beats Audio
- Synergy: All email accounts together in one inbox. Setup is a matter of seconds
- Just type function: direct entry - no matter what - on the surface and it is looking for it everywhere, Hp touchpad internally and externally about all sorts of search engines that add automatically when you would like the
- Boot: I use the machine every day and had not even been rebooted for the OS update - a total of only a single time since I did it
- No closed system like Apple
- Surf works easily go over mobile wireless hotspot

What we needed to work on:

- Number of good and necessary apps, but there is one on a good path. Many German-language have been added the last days SOURCE

Archos Tablet 8 GB Review

Got the new Archos yesterday, before the Galaxy + Ipad've tried.
+ + Works perfectly fast enough.
+ Diplay völig enough.
+ More easily than others
+ Battery have enough now for hours (about 5) tested with w-lan and another 40%

- Comes with Android 2.1, 2.2 should be submitted
- No Android Market, just down version
+ (It is, Google is your friend, but upgraded by apk - work)

'm Very happy, just the right size for relaxed reading and surfing, I do not need more for your home.

Update 01/11:
Meanwhile on Android 2.2. upgraded to the 12/10 part of Ergänzugspatch running now, actually does everything I want.
Continue to be very satisfied, for the unbeatable price. Source