Old Chromebooks (which) don’t get updates

(Some) Chromebooks, tablets, and other devices…are subject to Google’s End of Life policy:

“When a device reaches End of Life (EOL), it means that the product model is considered obsolete and automatic software updates from Google are no longer guaranteed.

“Google will provide advanced notice of a model’s EOL Date on this page as soon as it is launched, giving our customers time to make purchase decisions.”

Some past their prime…

Asus Nexus 7 (2012) – Jul 2015, Android
Google Cr-48 – Dec 2015, Chrome
Samsung Chromebook Series 5 – Jun 2016, Chrome
Acer AC700 – Aug 2016, Chrome

 

New Kindles…watch video while offline!

There are new Kindle Fire tablets:

All-New Kindle Fire HD 7″ Tablet
7″ HD Display, Wi-Fi, 8GB or 16GB
$139.00

All-New Kindle Fire HDX 7″ Tablet
7″ HDX Display, Wi-Fi, Optional 4G LTE Wireless, 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB
$229.00

All-New Kindle Fire HDX 8.9″ Tablet
8.9″ HDX Display, Wi-Fi, Optional 4G LTE Wireless, 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB
$379.00

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CU0NSCU/ref=sd_allcat_kdpso#kindle-compare

The HD has a dual-core processor; the HDX tablets have quad-core processors.  I can tell the difference in performance of the two types…maybe because I can be consided a “power user” of all kinds of technology (computers, phones, and tablets)  and tend to push them to their limits.  If you intend on using them in in situations that pertain to heavy video and graphic uses…get the quad-core units.

What’s more impressive to me, is the enhancement to Amazon Prime:

“Prime members can now download hundreds of Prime Instant Video movies and TV shows to watch anywhere—on a plane, on vacation, or in the car. Prime Instant Video is the only U.S. online video subscription streaming service that offers offline viewing, and it’s included at no additional cost.”

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After composing this post, I found viewing Amazon Prime content offline has been available via iOS:

“Download purchased and rented videos from Your Video Library for offline viewing on airplanes, road trips, or when a Wi-Fi connection is unavailable…

“…Requires iOS 5.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch…”

new Samsung Galaxy tablets will be available for pre-order

According to reports, June 25, pre-orders will be accepted for new Samsung Galaxy tablets…

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 will cost $199, $299 for the Galaxy Tab 3 8.0, and $300 for the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1.

I noticed that none are noted to have a quad-core processor.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/24/samsung-galaxy-tab-3-7-0-8-0-and-10-1-release-date-pricing/

“All three Galaxy Tabs will come with a $10 Google Play voucher, three months free Hulu Plus, and a year of free Boingo hotspot use (it’s not clear what the data allowance will be). They’ll be available in either white or brown…”

http://www.theverge.com/2013/6/24/4458606/samsung-galaxy-tab-3-us-price-release-date-specs-pictures

It’s also reported that two years of 50 Gb Dropbox storage will be included.

And:  “…keep in mind that the Galaxy Note 10.1 with its quad-core processor and S Pen costs only $50 more” than the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1.

http://blog.laptopmag.com/samsung-galaxy-tab-3-2

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Just a reminder that the Google Nexus 10, though it doesn’t have a memory card port (which is something I prize), has a quad-core processor…and is priced at $399.

 

Have others pay for your computer (for college)

Don’t pay for your computer…if you’re a college student…here’s how to have others pay for it:

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Microsoft announces Chip In student PC crowdsourcing program

…Chip In, a new seasonal buying program to help students get the Windows PC or tablet they need for school…students crowdsource contributions from friends and family toward the purchase…

Students can participate in Chip In exclusively at http://www.windowschipin.com

Chip In runs now through Sept. 1, 2013. To participate, students need a valid .edu email address or documentation to prove enrollment in a university or accredited institution…

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/Press/2013/Jun13/06-03WindowsChipInPR.aspx

 

Microsoft Office 365 University only $80!

If you are affiliated with a college, you may qualify for a four-year subscription to Office 365 University from Microsoft…

Though, it appears you must have an eddress that has an “edu” top-level domain.

It can be installed on two computers (Windows or Mac), and some mobile devices.

Office 365 University includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access.

“The Office 365 University plan allows you to install Office on up to two PCs or Macs and on up to two smartphones or tablets, for use by a single person.”

The supported operating systems include Windows 7, Windows 8 and Mac OS X 10.6 or later.  But:  “…you can install Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook on your Mac…”  (Based on that statement I assume there’s a chance OneNote, Publisher, and Access will not function on a Mac.)

I read:

“Office 365 University is a four-year subscription for full- and part-time enrolled university and college students, faculty, and staff in accredited institutions…”

“After purchasing Office 365 University at a participating retailer…Each eligible user can redeem Office 365 University product once in a three year period and can only activate a maximum of two.”

As I’m understanding it:  you can install it once on two different computers within three years.  What if a computer becomes unuseable?  Or a licensed user wants to remove the product from one computer, and install it onto another?

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The cost of the four-year subscription is only $79.99.  Overall, it seems like a great deal to me…