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By on September 1, 2016 in Technology
Image by Lenovo

Image by Lenovo

When you hear the word “yoga”, you probably think of flexibility, comfort, and relaxation. What you probably don’t think about is technology. However, Lenovo has fused the two and attempted to embody these feelings with their new tablet, the Yoga Book.

Their goal was to shake up the tablet category with innovative features that would combat the issues users were finding with other existing tablets. The biggest issue they chose to tackle was notebook-style writing. It just wasn’t feeling natural with other tablets. This one (which has some laptop-like features such as hinging and folding) boasts a flat, touch keyboard, on which you can type or write with its dual-purpose stylus. Speaking of the stylus – it works as a real pen with refillable ink as well.

What we love the most about this tablet is the “note-taking” feature (which can also be used for sketching out a quick idea for someone). Lenovo worked hard to get the screen brightness and anti-glare exactly right so it looks as close as possible to writing on a real notebook. They include a magnetic pad of paper that you can attach to the screen and write on with the stylus (pen version). Write on this pad and it shows up on the other screen, making it easy to see what you’re working on and instantly providing a digital copy of your work.

With a click of a button on your stylus, you can switch from handwriting mode to typing mode. Writing with the Wacom stylus is seamless and feels more like a real pen than others we’ve tried – and it really was an engineering feat to figure out the ink/digital combo.

This seems like a great option for students to bring to class, take notes on, and study with.

The Details

  • Laptop/tablet hybrid
  • Flat, touch screen with backlit keyboard
  • Magnetic notepad included
  • Wacom Real Pen stylus included
  • Operating system: Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro
  • Dimensions: 10.1″ x 0.38″ x 6.72″
  • Weight: Starting at 1.52 lbs
  • Colour: Black
  • Front and rear cameras (2MP and 8MP, respectively)
  • 360 degree hinge so it can fold in half both ways
  • Price: starting at $499US

Learn more at lenovo.com

By on July 27, 2015 in Technology
L (3)

By Pabak Sarkar on Flickr

The Tablift Tablet Stand is a unique product from Nbryte that is designed to help consumers get the most out of their tablets. The tablet stand is designed to help people use their tablets while in spots that may cause neck pain or be hard to use. Ideally, the stand would be used while on a sofa or bed where using the tablet by itself may be uncomfortable.

The design of the tablet stand is quite simple and is incredibly easy to learn. The bendable legs allow the position to be adjusted to the type of surfaces and level you wish to hold the tablet at. The stand is accompanied by three slots which allow you to place the tablet in the preferred viewing position. A clip attached to an extendable cord holds the the tablet in place in one of the three slots. The size of stand may seem quite large at times but its adjustability allows it to be used it very small spaces. In most instances, the tablet stand made using my tablet much easier and placed less strain on my neck.

While the tablet stand is propped up, use of your tablet is noticeably easier. Putting pressure on the tablet by typing does not shift the position of the stand and the base points of the legs stay in their original positions. The stand is also exceptionally good when having to do other tasks like cooking or eating. It positions the tablet optimally and is very useful for people who have a busy schedule. Dropping the tablet is also taken out of the equation when using the tablet stand, which is another bonus (especially for particularly clumsy people).

The Tablift Tablet Stand is a great product for any tablet user. While not everyone may need a stand, regular tablet users may see an enhancement in their experience with one. At just under $60, the stand may seem a bit pricy but the improvement it adds to one’s tablet experience is noticeable at first use.

Purchase the Tablift Tablet Stand here.

Highlights:

  • $59.95
  • Leg stability and malleability
  • Ease of use
  • Can be transformed to fit most surfaces
  • Three positions for viewing with clip for stability
  • Benefits for neck and back pain

By on March 26, 2015 in Technology

 
 
Does your hand cramp up when using your finger to draw or write on your tablet for extended periods of time? If you’re open to trying out a stylus, this one may be right for you.

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The Intuos Creative Stylus 2

The Intuos Creative Stylus 2 has a smooth and comfortable grip. The three buttons along the side are easy to access and press. The nib on this stylus is fatter than the Fineline but just as accurate. The stylus needs to charge for two hours (it took just under this for me), and then can function for up to 26 hours.

You’ll need to download an app to draw or write with the stylus (unless you’re just looking to click and swipe between apps, in which case, continue on!). The package suggests downloading Bamboo Paper but there are other compatible apps at the link below if this one doesn’t strike your fancy.

The package comes with a replacement nib, which is easy to switch. The pen case comes with a little metal hole at the bottom where you insert the nib; a simple tilt to the side removes the old one. This was slightly nerve-wracking and I thought I may have broken the nib, but applying gentle pressure removes it in one piece.

This stylus is intended for those planning to be more creative and work for extended periods of time. The grip is great for this and the pen is light. Find out more about using the Intuos Creative Stylus 2 here: https://www.wacom.com/en-us/getting-started/intuos-creative-stylus-2-getting-started.

The Highlights

  • MSR Price: $79.95 US
  • USB cable for charging
  • Charging time: Approximately 2 hours (mine took an hour and 45 minutes)
  • Life: Once charged, the stylus can last up to 26 hours before needing another charge
  • Side buttons: can configure for different functions based on the app you’re using
  • LED light: red when charging, flashes blue to signify a connection
  • Nib: Carbon fibre mesh tip moves more smoothly across the screen than a rubber tip. Package contains replacement nib (2048 pressure levels) and nib removal tool
  • Feel: Light, comfortable, and easy to manage. Ergonomic, flared soft-touch grip
  • Contains pen case
  • Usage: Ideal for drawing. Use it on your own time as a hobby, or in your art classes.

Purchase the Wacom Intuos Creative Stylus 2 from Amazon here.

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By on February 26, 2015 in Technology

 
 
So you’re in the market for a stylus, but with so many options out there, how do you choose which one is right for you? I had a look at Wacom’s Bamboo Stylus Fineline. For my purposes, I used the stylus to brainstorm, but it can also be used for artists who are a bit more creative than myself.

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The Bamboo Stylus Fineline

For those of you new to the stylus game, you are able to use the product as if it was your finger for basic functions on the iPad – swiping, selecting, etc. However, if you’re looking to scribble down notes or draw, you can’t just activate the stylus and start drawing in Apple Notes – you will need to download an app (and there are many). Wacom recommends downloading Bamboo Paper, which I did. If you get frustrated easily, this may irk you.

Within the app, I found the pen responsive, and content I scribbled out was accurate. There were a few times when the pen didn’t make direct contact with the iPad and it skipped, but once I became comfortable with it, this happened less. It helps if you tilt the pen at the angle you’re writing in.

The cap doesn’t stay well on the back of the pen, but it wasn’t an issue for me – I left it off. If you have bigger hands, you may want the extra length. I won’t be using a stylus every day, but I see it being useful for those with bigger fingers who have difficulty pinpointing items on a touch screen.

Here is the key information students should know before purchasing the Wacom Bamboo Stylus Fineline. You can also visit the Wacom website.

The Highlights

  • MSR Price: $59.99 US
  • USB cable for charging
  • Charging time: Approximately 2 hours (mine took an hour and 45 minutes)
  • Life: Once charged, the stylus can last up to 26 hours before needing another charge
  • Side button: can configure for different functions based on the app you’re using
  • LED light: red when charging, flashes blue to signify a connection
  • Stylus cap
  • Nib: Carbon fibre mesh tip is fairly thin (as in the product name), but still thicker than a regular pen. It moves more smoothly across the screen than a rubber tip
  • Feel: Light, comfortable, and easy to manage; solid product that doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap
  • Usage: Ideal for brainstorming maps. If you’re a visual learner, draw out key points for your study notes and show how they relate to each other. The tip is rounded so may not be the best for accuracy in sketching.

Purchase the Wacom Bamboo Stylus Fineline from Amazon here.

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