Comments for Ilja Coolen \ ICSS

Comment on HDS Blogger Day 2011 recap Pt.1 by KenWoodOnTech

KenWoodOnTech — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:20:29 +0000

Good morning Ilja. I ran across your blog while following the HDS Influencer Summit and ended up clicking into the recent past with the previous HDS blogger event in the UK back in March and your blog review of the event. Nevertheless, I wrote this blog to help answer your question about server packing and capacity at http://bit.ly/u1KNAL

I hope you find it useful and if you have any questions, tweet me @KenWoodOnTech.

Cheers

Comment on HDS Blogger Day 2011 recap Pt.1 by Techno Musings >> Blog Archive >> Answering Ilja’s Request for Server Capacity – HDS Style

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:27:33 +0000

[...] stage” during the afternoon’s main session. I was following links to various write-ups and ran across Ilja’s Coolen’s blog. Funny thing is, it was a write-up from a separate event back in March in the UK that I didn’t [...]

Comment on Consumer Review: Android Tablet: Archos 10.1″ Internet Tablet by Your Questions About Apad Tablet Pc | Laptopsunder500bucks.com

Your Questions About Apad Tablet Pc | Laptopsunder500bucks.com — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 04:45:40 +0000

[...] David asks…which table pc I should buy, is it worthy?pls give me some idea?http://www.shoppingkool.com/Android-Tablet-PC-aPad-MID–Wifi-7-TFT-Touch-Screen–Rockchips-RK2808-Processor-600MHZ–2G-ARM-11_pid3778.html http://cgi.ebay.com/Superpad-10-2-Table-PC-Android-2-1-Webcam-Wifi-HDMI-/200619376398?pt=US_Tablets&hash=item2eb5d8bf0e answers:This is not a pc! It is not even a c(computer) and the first one is better anywaysMichael asks…iRobot Apad Wifi MID 7" Android Tablet?Just bought second hand an iRobot Tablet PC. On the top screen next to the 'home' icon it has the Android Icon (Advanced Task Killer) and next to that it says in red writing "Demo Purpose Only". Any idea how to get rid of the message in red?? I've tried stopping the ATK app' and it is still there. Help?!! Does anyone know of any forum for those of us trying to figure these tablet PC's out? :-S answers:I dont know…but if you choose my answer, You get 3 points back!Joseph asks…M001 iRobot aPad Orphan- Good Buy?Similar to iPad, tablet PC from China, runs Google Android, Android Market, etc. Here are the specs: http://pricedinchina.com/buy-cheap-irobot-apad-m001-android-tablet-pc-mini-computers.aspx Is this a good tablet PC to buy or not? I need answers please, I don't really trust the site this review is coming from. Give me your thoughts answers:I was looking into these also due to their low price point and Android OS then I found this link to a review of the Chinese made iPhone 4 knockoffs. Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUT39op2Pp8&feature=fvw Watch it…pretty hilarious. And even though it's for the aPhone and not the aPad, the same problems/issues/lack of quality will persist. My opinion – run far away. Bad items I noticed from the specs: Price – $233.99 is expensive for a Chinese knock-off of the iPad…..$180 is typical range. Android 1.5.2 is extremely outdated. Android 2.1 is typically installed with Android 2.2 with Flash 10 support soon to be installed. 3000 mAh battery is probably good for 2 to 3 hours of use before it needs to be charged. Resistive touch screen (there are two major categories of touchscreen displays: capacitive touchscreens and resistive touchscreens. Resistive touchscreen displays are composed of multiple layers that are separated by thin spaces. Pressure applied to the surface of the display by a finger or stylus causes the layers to touch, which completes electrical circuits and tells the device where the user is touching. As such, resistive type touchscreens require much more pressure to activate than capacitive touchscreens). More like you'll be pushing very hard to launch any app and forget about "gliding" from one screen to the next like the iPad. Web Camera – probably absolutely hideous. OK so what to do now? Do a google search for the Archos 10.1 Internet Tablet – it should be coming out next month. Following is my response to another question that asked for the differences between the Archos 101 IT and the iPad but it will tell you about the features and cost. It looks really nice. Here’s a run-down of the key differences: * 10.1' screen compared to the iPad's 9.7'. * Thinner and lighter: the Archos is 16.9 ounces to the iPad’s 24 ounces. Based on my hands on time with the iPad, this makes a big difference when you need to carry around the device with just one hand. The Archos 101 IT is also slightly thinner. * Storage: Just like the Galaxy Tab, the 101 IT is expandable up to 32GB of extra storage via a MicroSD card. Not to mention a customer could use multiple cards—whereas iPad users are forever limited to the built-in SSD. * Ports/connectivity: this is where the some of the biggest differences exist. The 101 IT has a webcam (although only 0.3 MP?? Really???), HDMI output, and a USB host port—likely a mini-USB like most smartphones. In contrast, the iPad only includes a proprietary jack for connecting a USB dongle. * Speed: both use a 1GHZ ARM-designed processor. Where the two devices differ is that the iPad’s GPU is combined onto one die with the processor (known as a “system on a chip”). According to specs provided by Archos, the 101 IT appears to use a separate OpenGL 3D accelerator. Without hands-on, though, it’s difficult to compare the two devices’ performance, but equal prowess is a reasonable expectation. * Kickstand: another nice touch is that it has a built-in kickstand. The iPad has a docking accessory, but it’s nice to be able to prop a tablet without holding it in one hand. Since it hasn't come out yet, the rumored price is around $300. Keep in mind that the cheapest iPad is $499 for the 16GB version with no 3G option but that the price can go all the way up to $829. Battery life is listed as 10 hours for web surfing, music playback at 36 hours and video playback at 7 hours which is almost identical to the iPad. I own an Archos 5 Internet Tablet and an Archos AV 700 40 GB Mobile Digital Video Recorder, and Archos does build solid hardware. Android 2.2 with Flash 10 support is HUGE compared to the iPad. Free apps from the Android Market is awesome. The one big gripe you always hear about Archos is this – they tend to nickle and dime you to death by requiring you to purchase all these "upgrades" that they should just put in the product to begin with – $25 for a codec to play all multimedia type formats, $25 for this, $25 for that. It is a pain. I know Archos is attempting to keep the basic model price down, and if you want additional features, you can pay for them. Still it's a gripe from people who want "everything included" for one price. Make sure to read some reviews of the 10.1 Archos when it hits the streets. It looks amazing in the videos and pictures that I've seen. I own an iPad but will probably get this as well if the reviews are sound. OK I just checked out the Tech Specs for the 10.1 at the Archos website and Archos will continue to charge additional $$ for extra features that I wish were just standard: Video upgrade – With optional plug-in (downloadable on http://www.archos.com): • Cinema: MPEG-2 (up to DVD resolution MP/D1, 30 fps@10 Mbps) Audio upgrade – With optional software plug-ins (downloadable on http://www.archos.com): • AC3 5.1 OK so if you want those additional video and audio upgrades be prepared to spend $15-$25 for each. Still $300 base price is outstanding. Update: $300 is rumored for the 8GB model and $350 is rumored for the 16GB version. Both have an SD slot so you can add up to 32GB more of space.John asks…Which PC Tablet is the better?Seems to be a few different cheap versions of the IPAD out there (epad,apad etc) so which is the better out of them if I was inclined to go that way? Use will be to hook up an external hardrive and watch movies on it! Seen a few listed on e-bay so if you know of a reputable site with good prices let me know. Thanks guys. answers:Pan digital makes one, it's sold at kohls and best buy, the thing to look for is weather you can upgrade the firmware and load android on itDaniel asks…which google tablet is better?i want to get one of these but i cant tell the difference http://cgi.ebay.com/Google-Android-7-notebook-Netbook-Tablet-PC-UMPC-MID-/140431990844?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item20b266203c#ht_4874wt_1137 http://cgi.ebay.com/7-Google-Android-Tablet-PC-mini-WiFi-Apad-iPed-UMPC-/250672437276?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3a5d3dd81c#ht_2413wt_911 answers:You can buy it from amazon Hey you can visit below link you can find more options here : http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=google+tablet&x=0&y=0&ih=1_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0.1485_1&fsc=-1&tag=bdd-linking-001-20Powered by Yahoo! AnswersDavid asks…which table pc I should buy, is it worthy?pls give me some idea?http://www.shoppingkool…ebay.com/Superpad-10-2-Table-PC-Android-2-1-Webcam-Wifi-HDMI-/200619376398?pt=US_Tablets&hash=item2eb5d8bf0e answers:This is not a pc! It is not even a c(computer) and the first one is better anywaysMichael asks…iRobot Apad Wifi MID 7" Android Tablet?Just bought second hand an iRobot Tablet PC. On the top screen next to the 'home' icon it has the Android Icon (Advanced Task Killer) and next to that it says in red writing "Demo Purpose Only". Any idea how to get rid of the message in red?? I've tried stopping the ATK app' and it is still there. Help?!! Does anyone know of any forum for those of us trying to figure these tablet PC's out? :-S answers:I dont know…but if you choose my answer, You get 3 points back!Joseph asks…M001 iRobot aPad Orphan- Good Buy?Similar to iPad, tablet PC from China, runs Google Android, Android Market, etc. Here are the specs: http://pricedinchina.com/buy-cheap-irobot-apad-m001-android-tablet-pc-mini-computers.aspx Is this a good tablet PC to buy or not? I need answers please, I don't really trust the site this review is coming from. Give me your thoughts answers:I was looking into these also due to their low price point and Android OS then I found this link to a review of the Chinese made iPhone 4 knockoffs. Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUT39op2Pp8&feature=fvw Watch it…pretty hilarious. And even though it's for the aPhone and not the aPad, the same problems/issues/lack of quality will persist. My opinion – run far away. Bad items I noticed from the specs: Price – $233.99 is expensive for a Chinese knock-off of the iPad…..$180 is typical range. Android 1.5.2 is extremely outdated. Android 2.1 is typically installed with Android 2.2 with Flash 10 support soon to be installed. 3000 mAh battery is probably good for 2 to 3 hours of use before it needs to be charged. Resistive touch screen (there are two major categories of touchscreen displays: capacitive touchscreens and resistive touchscreens. Resistive touchscreen displays are composed of multiple layers that are separated by thin spaces. Pressure applied to the surface of the display by a finger or stylus causes the layers to touch, which completes electrical circuits and tells the device where the user is touching. As such, resistive type touchscreens require much more pressure to activate than capacitive touchscreens). More like you'll be pushing very hard to launch any app and forget about "gliding" from one screen to the next like the iPad. Web Camera – probably absolutely hideous. OK so what to do now? Do a google search for the Archos 10.1 Internet Tablet – it should be coming out next month. Following is my response to another question that asked for the differences between the Archos 101 IT and the iPad but it will tell you about the features and cost. It looks really nice. Here’s a run-down of the key differences: * 10.1' screen compared to the iPad's 9.7'. * Thinner and lighter: the Archos is 16.9 ounces to the iPad’s 24 ounces. Based on my hands on time with the iPad, this makes a big difference when you need to carry around the device with just one hand. The Archos 101 IT is also slightly thinner. * Storage: Just like the Galaxy Tab, the 101 IT is expandable up to 32GB of extra storage via a MicroSD card. Not to mention a customer could use multiple cards—whereas iPad users are forever limited to the built-in SSD. * Ports/connectivity: this is where the some of the biggest differences exist. The 101 IT has a webcam (although only 0.3 MP?? Really???), HDMI output, and a USB host port—likely a mini-USB like most smartphones. In contrast, the iPad only includes a proprietary jack for connecting a USB dongle. * Speed: both use a 1GHZ ARM-designed processor. Where the two devices differ is that the iPad’s GPU is combined onto one die with the processor (known as a “system on a chip”). According to specs provided by Archos, the 101 IT appears to use a separate OpenGL 3D accelerator. Without hands-on, though, it’s difficult to compare the two devices’ performance, but equal prowess is a reasonable expectation. * Kickstand: another nice touch is that it has a built-in kickstand. The iPad has a docking accessory, but it’s nice to be able to prop a tablet without holding it in one hand. Since it hasn't come out yet, the rumored price is around $300. Keep in mind that the cheapest iPad is $499 for the 16GB version with no 3G option but that the price can go all the way up to $829. Battery life is listed as 10 hours for web surfing, music playback at 36 hours and video playback at 7 hours which is almost identical to the iPad. I own an Archos 5 Internet Tablet and an Archos AV 700 40 GB Mobile Digital Video Recorder, and Archos does build solid hardware. Android 2.2 with Flash 10 support is HUGE compared to the iPad. Free apps from the Android Market is awesome. The one big gripe you always hear about Archos is this – they tend to nickle and dime you to death by requiring you to purchase all these "upgrades" that they should just put in the product to begin with – $25 for a codec to play all multimedia type formats, $25 for this, $25 for that. It is a pain. I know Archos is attempting to keep the basic model price down, and if you want additional features, you can pay for them. Still it's a gripe from people who want "everything included" for one price. Make sure to read some reviews of the 10.1 Archos when it hits the streets. It looks amazing in the videos and pictures that I've seen. I own an iPad but will probably get this as well if the reviews are sound. OK I just checked out the Tech Specs for the 10.1 at the Archos website and Archos will continue to charge additional $$ for extra features that I wish were just standard: Video upgrade – With optional plug-in (downloadable on http://www.archos.com): • Cinema: MPEG-2 (up to DVD resolution MP/D1, 30 fps@10 Mbps) Audio upgrade – With optional software plug-ins (downloadable on http://www.archos.com): • AC3 5.1 OK so if you want those additional video and audio upgrades be prepared to spend $15-$25 for each. Still $300 base price is outstanding. Update: $300 is rumored for the 8GB model and $350 is rumored for the 16GB version. Both have an SD slot so you can add up to 32GB more of space.John asks…Which PC Tablet is the better?Seems to be a few different cheap versions of the IPAD out there (epad,apad etc) so which is the better out of them if I was inclined to go that way? Use will be to hook up an external hardrive and watch movies on it! Seen a few listed on e-bay so if you know of a reputable site with good prices let me know. Thanks guys. answers:Pan digital makes one, it's sold at kohls and best buy, the thing to look for is weather you can upgrade the firmware and load android on itDaniel asks…which google tablet is better?i want to get one of these but i cant tell the difference http://cgi.ebay.com/Google-Android-7-notebook-Netbook-Tablet-PC-UMPC-MID-/140431990844?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item20b266203c#ht_4874wt_1137 http://cgi.ebay.com/7-Google-Android-Tablet-PC-mini-WiFi-Apad-iPed-UMPC-/250672437276?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3a5d3dd81c#ht_2413wt_911 answers:You can buy it from amazon Hey you can visit below link you can find more options here : http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=google+tablet&x=0&y=0&ih=1_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0.1485_1&fsc=-1&tag=bdd-linking-001-20Powered by Yahoo! Answers WordPress › Error [...]

Comment on Lenovo M90z All-in-one PC Giveaway (CLOSED) by anna.bring

anna.bring — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:51:42 +0000

Hi, I would love to be able to use a ThinkCentre. I think it would be perfect to use with students in class when they are working in groups on projects. From August I will be teaching math, science and languages for 8th to 10th graders and a ThinkCentre would be perfect for all of these classes. In the 10th grade they don’t have their own computers and therefore I would use it mainly there. In math a group of students could work on math games or maybe on editing their own instructional video. In science they could work on simulating experiments or edditing reports for experiments that they have done. In language classes I would love to see them working on publishing text, audio and video to show off their language skills.

Comment on Lenovo M90z All-in-one PC Giveaway (CLOSED) by Ilja Coolen

Ilja Coolen — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 04:38:12 +0000

Thanks all so far for entering and taking the time to submit these compelling motivations.

Please note, that today (April 19th) is the last day you can submit your motivation. I will close comments at midnight GMT and email submissions entered after this time will be discarded.

I will be preparing the winner selection and notifications starting tomorrow.
I hope to have the winner announced on or before Friday.

Comment on Lenovo M90z All-in-one PC Giveaway (CLOSED) by dinat

dinat — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 01:04:34 +0000

What an awesome opportunity! I work with special needs preschoolers at a Title 1 school and we have very limited funds. Many of my students are on the autism spectrum and all have developmental delays. Being in PreK, we seem to often be forgotten when it comes to the new technology; and are usually given hand me down computers. This means extremely old and extremely slow! I would love to give my kids the head start that they need to be more successful in the upcoming elementary years. Thanks again for this awesome chance.

Comment on Lenovo M90z All-in-one PC Giveaway (CLOSED) by Sharlene Tupas

Sharlene Tupas — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 20:30:06 +0000

(Submitted by email)

Good day! My name is Sharlene and I’m a mom to two wonderful autistic boys. Kyle is 11 and my younger son Austin just turned 10. Although they both have autism, they are almost on opposite ends of the spectrum. Kyle is now mainstreamed in school and is on par academically with his peers. Austin is non-verbal and I am working hard on developing a home school program for him. Austin has worked with touch screen computers at the speech therapy clinic he goes to and took to it like a duck takes to water. His therapist and myself were amazed at how quickly he picked up on the concept. Austin does have low muscle tone which he receives occupational therapy for. He has some difficulty holding and manipulating objects like pencils and silverware. He does know how to use a computer mouse but with his low muscle tone has some difficulty with it. When we offer him a choice at the clinic, he always goes for the touch screen and often appears disappointed when he encounters a computer that does not have a touch screen function. I’ve wanted to get one for him before but the cost is prohibitive for our budget. My husband is in the Navy and is due for an 8 month underway soon so we need to watch our finances carefully. Now that I’m setting up a homeschool environment for Austin, a touch screen computer would be invaluable not only to him but also for myself in setting up programs for him to work with. I just know that Austin would be very successful with it as he is a highly visual learner. If we were fortunate enough to get a touch screen computer, I would get some of the software that they use at the speech therapy clinic to use with Austin at home. He loves the programs at the clinic and is highly motivated by them and it has helped to improve his speech which is my main goal at this point. Communication is the key that will open up worlds for Austin and the touch screen computer would be the tool to help him succeed with this. I would also get homeschooling curriculum to help my son with his academic skills and hopefully help him progress to reach his highest potential. Please consider our family as recipients of this generous giveaway. It would be a huge blessing for my son and our family. Thank you!
Sharlene

Comment on Lenovo M90z All-in-one PC Giveaway (CLOSED) by Eric

Eric — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:49:04 +0000

Hi, my name is Eric Zade and I teach in a special education class in Oregon. I have been looking for a touch screen all in one computer for some time now. However, due to the budget crisis in our district, there is a technology purchase freeze. We use a reading program on the computer that asks the kids to touch words and is geared towards tactile learners. Especially those who are on the Autism Spectrum. Not only will we use it to enhance our students academic abilities, we will also use it as a positive reinforcement for those students making good choices. The students would love to be able to draw on the computer and be able to print it off and show their parents. Please consider me in your selection. My students and I will all benefit so much from this amazing tool.

Comment on Lenovo M90z All-in-one PC Giveaway (CLOSED) by Maasgouw

Maasgouw — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 11:54:09 +0000

Hello,
Our school can use such a computer for our disabeld children.
With the touchscreen they can listen and look to digital books and turn the pages themselves.(which is a great achievement for them)
Or they can surf the internet without using a mouse (because of their handicap they often cann’t use a mouse)
A school like ours hasn’t enough money to buy such a computer.
If you want to take a look at our school then you can look at http://www.maasgouw.nl
We have a touchscreen with an older computer but the touchscreen doesn’t work right.
I think the children will love to work on this computer and it is very motivating when the computer does the things that our children cann’t do by themselves.

Thank you very much
Groetjes Frank Zeijen (ICT coördinator Tyltylschool de Maasgouw Maastricht)

Comment on Lenovo M90z All-in-one PC Giveaway (CLOSED) by ldemarco68

ldemarco68 — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 19:39:22 +0000

Attention Please!!!!!!!! The question shouldn’t be “What would I do with this technology?” It should ask, “What wouldn’t I do with this technology?” I’ll try to make it brief, but I have a gazillion ideas. WHHHHOOOOOAAAA. I teach a 2/3rd grade self contained special education class. Their disabilities vary from auditory issues, visual processing, behavioral, dyslexia, adhd, to communications impairment. Because of their age, my children need and thrive on instruction that is presented in a variety of ways. They need repetition and a print rich environment. They need good productive movement while learning. The Lenovo M90z Think Centre is an incredible piece of technology that could help do just that. I could capture their attention and present lessons with a visual, auditory and tactile component. Behaviors would be at a minimum because they would be engaged in the lesson. I teach whole group and small groups. This would be great for small group instruction. I have groups of about 3 at a time, pending their levels. This technology would help bring in a closer look at their stories. I could borrow a document camera and take pictures of their up coming stories. I could then show it on the Lenovo with added voices, sounds, and a touch component maybe highlighting our skill. Ex. Decoding – breaking up the word. I could use different color print to show vocabulary words. Reading stories on the Lenovo or having the story read to them while they follow along would not only be successful, but would be remembered. I love to add united streaming videos to show as another visual component. To watch these, we all have to gather around a very small and old computer. This doesn’t always turn out so great because of the fighting to get closer for a better view. The computer is so old, I have to download the video days before so that we are not waiting hours for it. Math would now be considered “game time”! I used to wish that my teacher would make math more interesting when I was growing up. The Lenovo would make this possible for me to be able to do this for my small group settings. I could get rid of all the childrens texts involved and show the book on the big screen. Most companies have the text on line. Now we share books because of budgeting issues and some need replacing because of age and use. I wouldn’t have to order more texts to replace the ones falling apart which would help make our room more environmentally friendly. They could interact and touch the computer and probably teach me a thing or two. Our district is a district in need of a lot of help. We can only go on one trip a year providing that the PTO pays for it. (That is, if they were able to raise enough money.) We could go on virtual trips to places my children will never be able to go. Showing the Google earth program on a big screen like that would be hypnotizing to any child. I personally own an Apple Ipad. I use a lot of the educational apps on it for my children to have fun while learning. The problem is only one child at a time can play. I could hook up the Ipad to the Levono M90z and then several children could use it at one time. They have so much fun with it, but they fight over whose turn it is. Please consider my class for this prize. My wonderful fun loving children could really benefit from this technology. I truly believe that the children would want to come to school and learn which would in turn bring up their self esteem and desire to succeed. Imagine them going home and telling their parents what they did in school each and every day. Wow, what a thought – children and parents communicating. That sounds too good to be true.

Thank You,
Lisa DeMarco