Cheap, Fast or Good – Pick Any Two

The title of this post can apply to almost anything. You can get something cheap and fast, but it won’t be any good. Or, you can get something fast and good, but it won’t be

Back in the day, this is what you meant when you said you had a cheap tablet…

cheap. Lastly, you can get something cheap and good, but it won’t be fast.

Same rules apply to technology – only more so as cheap usually equates to being neither fast nor good and you hardly ever hear of something being cheap and good, as good and fast typically walk hand in hand. As a public librarian, I have seen the gamut of tablet and e-reader devices walk through our doors. At a glance, I can easily tell whether or not the patron’s user experience in trying to get at our e-book collection will be a dream (“Great, you have an iPad/Samsung Galaxy/Kindle Fire/insert-pricey-but-good-and-fast-item-of-your-choice-here!”) or a nightmare (“Great, you have an insert-cheap-but-bad-and-slow-item-of-your-choice-here…”).

Let the buyer beware, as this CNET (via Yahoo!) article outlines Three tech gadgets you might be tempted to buy, but shouldn’t

The part on tablets particularly caught my eye:

A tablet is a tablet is a tablet, right? Why spend $500 on an iPad or even $200 on a Kindle Fire when you can get the Pandigital Planet 7-inch Android tablet for $99? Or a MID 70009 Android tablet for $72.95?

Because they’re terrible. Most of these dirt-cheap tablets have excruciatingly slow processors; you tap an icon, and nothing happens for several seconds. Scrolling a Web page can be an unresponsive exercise in frustration. The usability here pales in comparison to what you get from a more mainstream tablet.

What’s more, some bargain tablets employ resistive touch screens, which require physical pressure. That’s in contrast to the capacitive screens used in better tablets, which respond to the slightest brush of your fingertip. With a resistive screen, you have to push — and that ruins the entire experience. Plus, with those slow processors, it’s very difficult to tell if the tablet has registered your input, so you end up push-tapping again — often with unwanted results. Bleh.

Another big issue: no Google Play (aka Android Market), meaning you’re severely limited in the apps you can add. They might have knockoff app stores, but with none of the apps you’ll want. No Angry Birds, No Kindle, no Facebook. Double-bleh.

Recently I’ve seen some attractively priced 7- and 10-inch models with fast processors, capacitive screens, and even Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), but still no Google Play (or, for that matter, Amazon Appstore). Trust me: You won’t be happy without at least one of them.

So, be careful out there! The technology landscape is littered with lots of cheap, bad junk. Don’t give in to the temptation to purchase because the “price is right”. Save up your pennies and hold out for the best that you can buy!

-Tony L.

What’s Going on in September?

There’s always something new and exciting happening at Fountaindale Public Library and we invite you to join us for the fun. Here’s what’s coming for the month of September:

• Yoga classes
• Coffee and Conversation Book Club
• AARP Driver Safety Program
• Genealogy Meeting
• Rubber Stamping Greeting
• Adult Gaming Club
• The Art House and Foreign Film Series
• Diabetes: What to Eat and When to Eat It

As always we offer a selection of computer classes ranging from:

• Basic Computing
• Getting Started on the Internet
• Introduction to Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Intermediate Excel

For details, dates and times, or to register for these events, be sure to visit us online or on site. You can also reach us at 630-685-4176. Spaces may be limited so don’t wait; register today.

Rozie

Free Computer Classes – WOO HOO!

It seems nowadays everywhere you go you see people on laptops and tapping away on PDAs. These little gadgets can seem intimidating at first, but ultimately provide many conveniences to make your life run smoother. Many of the programs used can save you time and help you get organized. BUT! How do you use them??? Well, did you know that computer classes are available through the Fountaindale Public Library District? These one time, two hour classes are free of charge and are offered to our adult patrons. The classes are intended to give users a basic introduction to a particular computer application program and we currently offer the following:

• Basic Computing – If you’ve never used a computer before, or you just need a refresher this class is for you. You will learn computer terms and receive hands-on instruction. You will learn how to turn the computer on and off, operate the mouse, open and close programs and files, and save and print documents
• Getting Started on the Internet – This class covers the basics of the Internet and you will learn how to perform simple searches and learn the basics of a web browser and email fundamentals. We will show you how to sign up for a free e-mail account online.
• Introduction to Microsoft Word - This class provides an introduction to word processing and teaches the basic features of Word 2007.  We will cover opening a document, saving a document, and printing a document.  We will also cover how to cut and paste, and how to make basic formatting changes.
• Microsoft Power Point – This class will cover the basics of PowerPoint, Microsoft’s presentation software.  It will cover how to create a slide, how to add text and graphics to a slide, as well as how to add effects to the presentation.
• Excel - This class will teach the basics of the Excel spreadsheet program.  In this introductory class you will learn how to create, navigate and format a worksheet.  In addition, you will also learn how to create formulas and save a workbook.
• Intermediate Excel - In this class you will build upon the basics learned in the first Excel class by teaching the database functions of the program.  You will learn many things including how to sort, filter, and link cells.

Registration is required and classes fill up quickly, so don’t wait to sign up for the next available class. Registration for September classes is now open so visit us online to save your seat. You can also give us a call to register at 630-685-4176, or stop by the Information Desk located downstairs. Our friendly staff is ready to help you, and we love to see new faces at the library.

Rozie

Think you know all the ways to use Google?

If you think you already know everything there is about using the Google search engine, check out the article, “10 Simple Google Search Tricks” by Simon Mackie that appeared in the Technology section of The New York Times on April 2, 2010. You’ll probably find at least one thing you either have forgotten about or that may even be new to you. Get clicking!

Tom D.

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance – The Best Of Everything 2009

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, the monthly magazine known for providing “sound, unbiased advice in clear, concise language” since 1947, has pulled together THE BEST OF EVERYTHING 2009 list in their December 2009 issue and at their website. The annual roundup gives their top values in everything from credit cards to cars, cell plans to college savings, tech & gadget items to retirement resources. 

If paring down is on your list of New Year’s resolutions, be sure to check out Clunkers, Part II-and III and IV to learn about programs for trading-in your video games, DVDs, electronics and appliances. 
- Tom

How to get cash from old electronics

There was an article in the Chicago Sun Times this past weekend showing how you can trade in your used cell phones and laptops for gift cards. Nextworth, an electronics trade in website, will help you sell, upgrade, or recycle your used electronic gadgets or video games. In return for your older gadgets or video games the company will either give you a check or a gift card from Target or Amazon.

To get more information about this service go to the Chicago Sun Times article by Sandra Guy called Get cash for old electronics.

-Bryan R.

E-Book Readers

E-Book readers are one of the hot holiday presents this year – lots of us have heard of the Amazon.com Kindle.  There’s also the Sony E-Reader, and Barnes & Noble is getting in the act with the Nook.

The Fountaindale Public Library District is seriously starting to explore circulating a limited number of e-book readers to its patrons.  We already provide access to electronic media, through NetLibrary and OverDrive (both found under the “Resources” tab on our web page – just click through to “Databases.”).  We have provided our patrons with e-audio and e-books for several years.

Now it’s time to take the plunge and start circulating the e-book readers!  So while the Administrative staff is working out the details of loan period and fines, the Adult Services Staff is busy playing with samples of the devices.  They each have their advantages and disadvantages: the Kindle is sleek and cool, with great design elements.  The Sony is more functional, less sleek, but allows downloads from the District’s OverDrive subscription.  We haven’t seen the Nook yet, but we are getting version of that as well, so that we can play with it.  We want to make sure that we’re buying the devices that our patrons will find the most interesting and the most useful.  So help us out, and answer the poll below!

We should start circulating the readers in the new year. Watch this blog, our webpage, and our newsletter for more details!