I picked up a 10 inch Lenovo Ideapad K1 tablet a while back specifically because the question was, “What can you really do with a tablet?“. I can’t say for the 7 inch screens, however a 10 inch screen is a great size for viewing and typing and facilitates activities that your phone screen are just too small for. Yes, it’s bigger and no it doesn’t fit in a pocket or purse, but I find it’s a good size.

Embrace the Environment

I have a Samsung Galaxy S smartphone running Android and no Apple products apart from an AppleTV. I’m also a tech who likes to have the flexibility to tinker with the OS and choose my apps. It made sense to stick with the Android OS. My company is small and so I can adapt more easily to new technology and change company processes and standards as opportunity comes along.

The K1 tablet runs Android as well and has now pushed me to embrace the Google environment since it is tied in so nicely. I’m at the point that if I really wanted to, I think I could eliminate Outlook and the Microsoft Office Suite, almost….

The 10 inch screen size on the K1 is big enough that I can almost touch-type on it. I could get a bluetooth keyboard I suppose but that’s just one more thing to carry. I’m getting better at typing on the tablet without that sensory feedback of pushing a keyboard key.

Gmail

The Gmail App on the Ideapad K1 slick and the 10 inch screen makes for easy reading. Spam gets pushed aside to its own folder and Google does a pretty good job of determining what is Spam. (I always check before deleting, just to be sure) Creating emails is intuitive and as I mention above, typing is pretty good – especially in landscape mode, which is how I normally work. Start typing a contact name and the Gmail App offers suggestions you can pick.
A folder structure can be created and dragging emails to a folder is easy enough by just press-and-hold, then drag – a feature that works in many places on the K1.

Google Calendar

I now use the Google Calendar to track my customer visits throughout the day and record my activities while there. Later I copy/paste that information into Quickbooks for billing. (It is easier to do that on a computer – imperative in fact, since Quickbooks will not run on the tablet). There are a few time tracking Apps I’ve seen that will let you port the entries into Quickbooks but I haven’t seen anything I liked.
Viewing your calendar on the Ideapad is delightful due to the screen size. I typically have the view on week-mode and can see appointments and details. Creating appointments is easy. The only complaint is that the description field is very small and I use this area to write my activities, which can be fairly detailed.
I also have access to other Shared Calendars, which you can see on the right, and it is very effective to be able to see them all, or toggle off the ones I don’t need to see right now. I can quickly see my schedule in comparison to other things going on. It’s very much like collaborating on Microsoft Exchange – without Exchange.

Google Docs

I’ve used Google Docs now and again in the past but until now have never really embraced it. Now, having a tablet, I use it a lot! The ability to be at a customer site and quickly check their documentation without waiting 5 minutes for my laptop to power up is effective use of time. From that same customer, or my local coffee shop I can make quick updates as needed.
I keep the documents in Google format and do not try to convert back and forth to Microsoft Word. I want it simple without a lot of uploads/downloads. I also want to be able to edit wherever I am without restriction. If I really need to I can download to Microsoft doc format and would only do this if I need to send that document to someone who’s using MS Word.
The Ideapad K1 does have a Google Docs App, however it will not allow you to see formatted tables, which I use a lot. Instead I use the web-based version which is still very acceptable and easy to read and edit. Google please update this App!

Google Tasks

I think that little web-based Google Tasks that pops up on the side in Gmail is pathetic! Fortunately the Google Tasks App on the Ideapad is much better. You can have five full-screen pages of tasks which you can filter by category. Assign dates, or not, and check them off when completed. It’s much easier to work with and as a Getting Things Done proponent I use tasks A LOT!

Widgets

I’ve pushed aside the standard square menu box that Lenovo has made default on the home screen of the Ideapad K1. Instead, my home screen has three Widgets: the Gmail widget, the Calendar widget, and the Tasks widget. They are expanded to fill the screen and give me an immediate quick overview of what’s going on and what might be coming up.
On a different page I use the Bookmarks widget to show my most-used pages and this give me quick access to those. One a third page I have the AccuWeather widget to track cities across Canada and I downloaded the Analytics widget that shows me Google Analytics visitor totals on various websites, plus icons for the other things I use.
The right widget makes all the difference.
I recommend browsing the included widgets on the tablet to see which ones will help make you more effective.

Synchronization

I still need and use my laptop, so it needs to be synchronized to my other devices. I would have thought that Google would create a program for my desktop to automatically sync from Outlook, however I had to go purchase a 3rd party program. I’ve been using gSyncit and so far have been pleased.

Conclusion

Using a tablet for business has given me an instant-on device with access to the things I use the most.
What I wanted was the same information (Contacts, Calendar, Tasks, Documentation) on every device so that there’s never any question of, “am I looking at the most recent version of this?”. My computer, smartphone, and tablet give me full access to the same content and a change on any one, updates the others.

What about you? Are you using your tablet for business? What works for you?

Reading on the K1 works best when you hold the tablet in portrait mode and using it this way gives you the equivalent of a full page of text from a book. The screen is bright and the text is clear. Lenovo includes a reader with the tablet (along with the Amazon reader for Android) called eReader and I chose to use that rather then download anything new.

 
eReader is set by default and shows up on the bottom right of the Ideapad K1′s unique control panel shown on the main screen of the K1. It’s the picture of the open book and hard to miss. When you click to open it you see a set of bookshelves waiting for your digital books. eReader however, offers no advice on how to get the books there and you’ll find no menu option to “add book” or anything like that. The PowerMobia eReader is made by ArcSoft and this is an OEM product specifically for the Ideapad K1.

ArcSoft eReader Features

It took a couple of emails to ArcSoft to get a short reply. Because eReader is an OEM product there is no manual online and ArcSoft wasn’t very forthcoming. Here’s the details received:

• Supports TXT, HTML, EPUB, PDF
• Supports multiple languages
• Works on Android 2.1 & 2.2

How To Add A Book To eReader

• - Plug your IdeaPad K1 into your computer using the included USB cable
• - Once attached you should see a new drive called “K1″
• - Click from the down to Device Storage and you’ll see a folder called “ebook”
• - Simply drag your digital books to this location and they will show up on eReader’s bookshelves

Sounds easy right?!
And it is – except your books show up all looking the same and if the titles are long then you can’t tell which book is which.
The book name is not the name of the file, according to ArcSoft it’s being pulled from the EPUB file, as is the book cover. Depending on the source of the ebook and whether it was converted from another format will depend on whether you get a book cover or not. We offer an easy way to convert books using Calibre.

Using eReader

As you collect books on your shelf it turns them so the spine faces out, just like they would show on a physical bookshelf. You can run your finger along the books and it will turn them slightly so that you can see the title and front cover. If no cover exists then PDF’s show in a reddish tone and EPUB’s show in a greenish tone.

The text document showed up as “unknown” rather than the file name – not very helpful, but rendered just fine.

The HTML document I tried did not show up at all, either with .HTML or .HTM extension.

You can press and hold on a book and then move it from shelf to shelf or even put them in order on the shelf. The book that sits over the shelf label will be facing out.
You can also change the shelf labels so that a shelf can house certain book types or themes. Press and hold the shelf label and you’ll be prompted to enter a new label.

If you have more books that fit on the shelves on the first screen, swipe anywhere outside a shelf and you’ll see another screen of blank bookshelves. There are lots of shelves – more than you’re likely to use.

Once a book is turned or facing you then you can press it and it will open. Turning pages is natural and is just swiping left or right. PDF’s can be resized using pinch with your fingers.

At the top of the book page you will see icons that, from left to right, take you back to the bookshelf, show you chapters and bookmarks, resize the text, change the display brightness, and set a bookmark. Press any one and the actions required from that point are quite intuitive.

When you are done reading press the back arrow at the bottom right of the tablet, or the icon on the top left of the page, and the book will close and take you back to the eReader main screen. Press the back arrow again, or the home button, and you will be taken out of eReader and back to the Ideapad screen.

Conclusion

eReader does work and renders books well. It’s functionality is very basic and there are better eReaders out there that will offer you more features. However if you want to keep your Ideapad k1 clean and use a product built specifically for it, then eReader does the job.

This is an ongoing series of articles on using the Lenovo Ideapad K1:

• - Using the Lenovo IdeaPad K1

Save a Bookmark

Open the Internet browser and go to the website you want to save.
At the top-right of the tablet, press the white square icon just right of the magnifying glass – this is the bookmarks icon.

Then at the top press Add Bookmark link

Change the bookmark label if you like, then press OK.

The new bookmark should show up on the list of pages you see in the bookmarks list.
You can scroll up and down those pages and then press to go to the one you want

Using Bookmarks

Next time you want to go to that website;

• Open the Internet
• Press the bookmark icon
• Scroll to the website you want and press it!

Deleting Bookmarks

• To DELETE a bookmark, press and hold the bookmark you want to delete
• A menu pops up, select Delete bookmark

The Booksmarks Widget

The Ideapad K1 comes with a widget that will let you display bookmarks directly on any of your pages. This is handy as you can just select the bookmark and go straight to it without opening up the Internet browser.
This widget needs a lot of space on the page. Go to a clear page on the tablet and press the plus sign in the top right of the tablet screen.
Scroll to the right under Widgets until you find bookmarks and press that. It will automatically be sent to the page your were on.

Vienna, VA (PRWEB) February 02, 2012

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, a home robbery occurs every 12 seconds. While there are multiple security system options available in the market today, Alarm.com offers five reasons why a wireless home security system is the superior option when it comes to providing homeowners with the peace of mind that their homes can remain safe, secure, and connected at all times.

1. Easier to install A wireless interactive security system is much simpler to install than a traditional wired system. For starters, theres no hassle with running wires and the chances of drilling holes into walls, ceilings, woodwork or concrete are slim. The installation of a wired system can be time consuming and invasive. Also, when choosing to go wireless, the motion detectors, door and window sensors and other equipment products are easy to place wherever you want to keep track of activity.

2. Offers flexible options For decades, even dating back to the old tin can systems, security systems have often been a purchase that only property owners could justify. Not today; wireless systems are so convenient to set up that even as a renter the assurance that your residence is secure with a top of the line system is available. Plus, theres an added benefit of easy portability enabling homeowners and renters alike to take the complete system with them when moving to a new location. With a wired system, if moving, youre out of luck.

3. Less vulnerable Traditional wired home security systems expose the consumer to significant vulnerabilities associated with the power grid, phone lines, or Internet connections. That means whenever theres a line cut or power outage a wired system becomes inoperable. Wireless security systems are not vulnerable to such scenarios and also have battery-power back-up that continues to keep the home secure even when the power is out. Not only are wireless systems resistant to savvy criminals cutting phone and power lines, some also protect against crash and smash attacks and are able to still alert professional monitoring stations even if the security panel is damaged or destroyed.

4. Provides a platform for whole home solutions Wireless systems utilize wireless communications over dedicated, secure networks making them ideal for both homes and vacation properties without a landline. Due to the technology used, most wireless security systems also offer activity notifications and system alerts that keep you aware of whats happening at the property. Today, there are even options to control a homes lights, temperature and door locks through the security system. Home automation and integrated video monitoring can all be options with a wireless interactive security system. Plus, youll likely find that youre able to control all of those features from free mobile apps as well.

5. Simple to troubleshoot An added benefit of wireless systems is that if there is an issue that needs attention, it can most frequently be identified and fixed by the installer remotely. Over-the-air system tools enable quick troubleshooting access to the system to find the cause of the problem, without even needing to schedule a technicians visit. Also, many wireless alarm systems do their own troubleshooting and pro-actively notify you of the problem component, such as low battery alerts for wireless sensors.

A home is a sanctuary, a place to go at the end of the day to rest, find comfort and have peace of mind. When considering the type of security system to keep your home secure and connected, keep the advantages of a wireless alarm system in mind.

About Alarm.com

Alarm.com, founded in 2000, is the industry leading technology provider of interactive security solutions. Through advanced wireless monitoring, mobile and web-based services, and a proven hosted services platform, Alarm.com helps protect hundreds of thousands of residential and commercial customers throughout the United States and Canada. Alarm.coms products and services are offered exclusively through a network of over 2,500 licensed and authorized Security Dealers. Alarm.coms headquarters is located in Vienna, VA. For more information, visit http://www.alarm.com.

First we checked the folders adjacent to see if it had been dragged there by mistake, this can happen in Outlook, especially if you have a lot of sub-folders. When you’re in a hurry or are doing an Inbox cleanup it’s easy to drag a message to the wrong folder by mistake – and difficult to find afterwards.
We also checked the Outlook Deleted folder to see if, somehow, the message had gone there.

 
Turns out the message WAS in the folder, we just couldn’t see it. Here’s the solution.

• In Outlook 2010 click the View tab for the ribbon bar
• Click on the folder you want and then click View Settings
• Go to advanced and see if there is any advanced filtering shown.
• If so, remove it and click OK.

 
You will now be able to see all email messages in that folder.
We had to go through each Outlook folder to confirm no filtering was taking place – there is no way in Outlook to highlight all folders and change them all at the same time.

If you’re sure you moved an Outlook message to the right sub-folder, but can’t see it show up in that folder then check for filtering on the folder.

Lenovo Ideapad K1 Tech Details

• NVIDIA® Tegra™ T20 1.0GHz Processor
• Android™ 3.1
• 10.4” x 7.4” x .5” and less than 1.7 pounds
• Up to 10 hours battery life
• 1GB DDR2 memory, up to 64GB SSD storage
• Integrated Bluetooth®
• 802.11b/g/n WiFi
• MicroSD card reader, mini HDMI connector and optional docking port
• Integrated front (2M) and back (5M) webcam

 
This is not a hardware review of the Ideapad K1. There’s plenty of qualified sites that have already done this (eg: here, or here). Instead this is a focus on the functionality of the IdeaPad K1 and just what exactly you use this tablet for.

Productivity On A Tablet

This Lenovo tablet is meant to be a functional addition to a laptop and Samsung Galaxy Android phone and the focus is to use it productively for tech, personal, and web business. As much as one could duplicate all the apps installed on the phone that doesn’t seem to make sense. The phone only has a 4 inch screen whereas the K1 has 10 inches. The phone includes a data plan whereas the K1 is WIFI so it will only be used where there is WIFI capability.

Here’s how I currently percieve the segmentation of apps between devices:

What To Use A Tablet For?

The Lenovo K1 has a 10 inch screen and WIFI only, so it’s unlikely to be carried around like a phone. You might use it in your favourite coffee shop, friends, family, school and other WIFI-enabled places. This means it’s not going to be your GPS map in the car – even though it is GPS enabled.

Email: Gmail displays very nicely on the tablet. If your eyes are beginning to fail like mine are then you will appreciate the larger real-estate. If you email account is IMAP then a tablet is another way to manage your email flow. However my other email account is POP and I chose not to add this to the K1 as this email would still be downloaded to my laptop – I’d see the same emails twice. Also, if I sent a reply from the K1 using POP I would not see that reply in my Outlook on the laptop. Since the POP is used for business I keep important incoming and sent emails for history.

Calendar: The Gmail calendar works very well on the 10 inch screen. Text is large enough to read and the day/week/month views all work well. Entering new appointments is easy and intuitive and because it is sync’d to Google it’s available on the Smartphone too, plus I have it syncing to Outlook on the laptop.

Games: The Ideapad K1 comes with a stable of games, including Angry Birds of course, and my wife is all over that. This version of Angry Birds is HD and is a super display. If you are into gaming Apps and they’re adapted for Ice Cream Sandwich then they will look and perform well on this tablet. Gaming is not my focus so I won’t be talking much about this area.

Books: The Ideapad K1 includes the Kindle reader and eReader. Both are great to look at indoors (I haven’t tried outdoors yet) and provide a page that is pretty close to a paperback size. Prior to getting this IdeaPad K1 I was reading books on a iPod Touch – so again, the extra real-estate is welcomed. Stay tuned for an article on how to get your books to the K1.

The Bad

As much as I like the 10 inch screen it does of course smear up from usage. However I know I am a clean freak and do find I wipe it often, once or twice a day.
A few days after I set up the K1 it automatically performed and update. I really think it would be nice to have some notification that it was to do this and the option to pick when you’d like it performed. This update just up and went off without warning. And, the aftermath is that Internet shortcuts that I saved on the desktop disappeared. Bad bad Android.
Now, since the update, I cannot access the Android Market to load any new Apps. The message is “Your client is out of date. It will be automatically updated shortly” – that’s been there for two days now and there doesn’t seem to be any way to force the update.
[Update: I used a browser on another computer to go to the Android Marketplace and downloaded the marketplace app to the kindle device that way. It took a few times but finally worked.]

Conclusion

So far the Lenovo IdeaPad K1 has lived up to expectations overall. The battery lasts two days, it responds quickly to the touch.

It’s only been a week and there’s some nitty gritty to dig into, which I’ll get to on subsequent articles, such as how to get your ePub’s to the K1, how to watch movies, how to work with documents.

Have you got an Lenovo IdeaPad K1? What are your experiences? How are YOU using it?

Google announced a new privacy policy that takes effect March 1st that will start combining nearly all the information it has on its users.

This could mean, for instance, that when users search via Google, the company will use their activities on sister sites like Gmail and YouTube to influence those users’ search results.

Google hasn’t done that before.

Depending on how you feel about targeted advertising this could be a benefit, as you will see ads that closely reflect you and your activities on the Net. However it could also mean that your online privacy has taken another dip and you are yet again more easily trackable. You’ve probably already noticed that advertising seems to follow you from website to website and personally I feel this restricts your exposure to new products and things that may ordinarily be “outside your box”.

You may feel different, however after March 1st you may not have a choice.

Communications companies Everything Everywhere and BT Wholesale annnounced an extension to the UK’s first live multi-operator customer trial of next generation 4G LTE broadband.

Under the 4G LTE trial, the two companies collaborated to provide wireless broadband to 180 customers living in and around St. Newlyn East in Cornwall since October 2011.

The extension has been granted by the regulator Ofcom to enable the companies to continue to investigate the application of 4G LTE in rural areas, which will be beneficial to the rollout of any potential subsequent commercial service.

The trial has proven that fixed and mobile technologies can work together to provide a broadband delivery option for remote rural areas and also demonstrated that the low frequency spectrum allocated to the trial is optimal for enabling broadband in remote rural communities.

Everything Everywhere CEO Olaf Swantee said the rollout of 4G will help drive economic growth and create jobs across the UK by making the economy more competitive, by enabling businesses to be more productive, and by allowing consumers to benefit from the latest mobile innovations.

“This trial has been key in investigating ways to rapidly bring 4G LTE to Britain, and Ofcom is helping us do the groundwork to accelerate the UK from laggard to leader,” said Swantee.

BT Wholesale CEO Nigel Stagg said the trial is enabling BT to see at first hand the real difference LTE is making in rural Cornwall and how it could provide an alternative mode of delivery in rural areas to complement fibre delivered broadband.

“There’s no doubt that fixed line solutions offer a faster and more reliable broadband service, but there isn’t a single silver bullet to meet the rural broadband challenge. We continue to also assess other potential solutions including other mobile and wireless technologies,” said Stagg.

Steam, the online games and gaming community, has released to Beta a Steam app for iOS and Android. The app is live in the Android and iOS app stores.

Steam Mobile sports a set of features that should be familiar to PC gamers, including gaming news feeds and the ability to browse the extensive catalog. It additionally provides up-to-date information about games on sale. It’s also very geared toward communication, as it allows you to keep in touch with your fellow Steam buddies by poking through their profiles or kicking off a mobile chat session.

“With Bill C-11 back on the legislative agenda at the end of the month, Canada will be a prime target for SOPA style rules. In fact, a close review of the unpublished submissions to the Bill C-32 legislative committee reveals that several groups have laid the groundwork to add SOPA-like rules into Bill C-11, including blocking websites and expanding the “enabler provision” to target a wider range of websites.”

How do you feel about SOPA coming to Canada?