You want a tablet, but Android or iOS?

by Dan Strom on July 27, 2011

It’s July and folks are starting to think about Christmas?? That must be the case, because I’ve had two people in the last week ask me what tablet they should buy their spouse for Christmas. My standard answer is …

It depends

Let me make it clear that I try to remain relatively agnostic when answering that question. You see, I currently run an Android cell phone, use an iPad2, have a 2006 model MacBook, and am writing this post on a Windows 7 desktop computer. I have used Windows Mobile cell phones and an iPhone 3. I have virtual machines running a variety of Linux distributions.

To put it mildly, I have some personal preferences, but mostly care about using a product that works.

When talking to most people, I avoid any discussion of the technical and marketing merits of one product over another. Sure, we could discuss the encryption found on iOS. Or, we could discuss the malicious apps that have found their way into the Android Market. Or, we could talk about more developers writing for Android (or, iOS depending on which industry pundit you read). Or we could discuss the merits (or problems) of the protections used by Apple before they let an app be included in the App Store. Or, we could get into a deep philosophical discussion of whether iOS is closed or open and whether Android is any different.

Most people simply care about 2 things – cost and usability.

Cost is really a non-issue when considering the choice for a tablet. If someone really wants a low-end tablet, they can get a Nook and flash cyanogenmod onto it. That makes a remarkably usable tablet for around $250. The difficulty I see with recommending this option is that most consumers simply lack the technical know-how to successfully do this. Another low-cost option is one of the Android tablets with a resistive screen. These are generally under-powered, and the entire user-experience is painful. They just do not meet expectations.

To achieve the expectations that almost everyone has, you need to be prepared to spend $500+ for a useful tablet. The low-end WiFi-only tablets for both Android and iOS/iPad2 start there. A recent circular from Best Buy shows the Toshiba Thrive for $479. That is only $20 less than the comparably equipped 16GB iPad2. The way I see it, cost is a non-issue when making a decision.

So, if cost is not a significant differentiator, then how about the user experience? Here’s what I tell inquirers…

  • They are both similar with how applications are started. You press the application icon and the application starts in the foreground.
  • Both are multi-tasking. To see running applications on iOS, you double-press the only button on the front of the unit. To see running apps on Android, you long-press the Home button. With both you can quickly go to another running application. Note that there are some folks who will argue that one or the other is better with multi-tasking. I don’t know a single non-technical consumer who really cares!
  • Both have a way to download more apps onto the device. Both processes work well. There are similar apps for both platforms.
  • Both devices can be used quite effectively.

But, there are some differences…

  • If Flash websites are important to them, then they should look to the Android platform. iOS does not support Flash. In my experience this is becoming less and less of an issue for most people.
  • iOS devices (iPad and iPhone) currently require a connection to iTunes running either Mac OS X or Windows in order to set up the device. This will no longer be an issue once iOS 5 is released later this year. But for now Android is the only one that is truly stand-alone.
  • It seems to me that the iOS interface is simpler and more understandable for the non-technical user. Android makes use of pop-up menus throughout, and iOS generally does not.
  • Deleting an application from iOS is simpler than deleting from Android. On iOS you simply long-press an app and it starts jiggling with a red X. Press the red X and the application is gone. On Android, you have to press the Menu button on the home screen, then choose Settings. After that, select Applications and then Manage Applications. Select the application you want to delete and then choose Uninstall. It’s a pretty cumbersome and non-user friendly process.
  • iOS versions are released regularly to all iPad/iPhone/iTouch devices as a result of the hardware coming from the same manufacturer. New Android units can be found with Android v2.2. Others have v2.3. Most tablets are now selling with v3. But, it is up to the device manufacturer to ensure that the lasted Android software is available for specific hardware.
  • All iOS devices look and feel the same. Many Android hardware manufacturers are customizing the Android experience rather than using stock Android. It becomes confusing for the consumer to have to understand the various versions.

I find it interesting that almost everyone I know that is a hard-core Microsofty is also a hard-core Android fan.

So in the end I tell people that unless Flash support is a Killer App for them, they probably would be satisfied with either one.

And, then they always ask me my preference. I tell them that I bought my wife an iPad and she has not been disappointed.

Have fun!

- Dan

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What I’ve Been Reading – July 24, 2011

by Dan Strom on July 24, 2011

Here are the stories I found interesting this past week.

Monday, July 18, 2011

If you are still trying to figure out what to do with your iPad, read this – Top 5 Business Uses for the iPad – http://www.openforum.com/articles/top-5-business-uses-for-the-ipad

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

I can honestly say that I’ve never, ever thought about this – How to avoid being eaten by lions – http://bbcearth.posterous.com/how-to-avoid-being-eaten-by-lions#

Let’s see if there is any relationship between this and being eaten by lions – The Contagious Smell of Fear In Information Security – http://blog.zeltser.com/post/7787134857/smell-of-fear-in-infosec

This obviously takes a great amount of work and attention to detail. I love the statement “Effective remediation means, identifying the “right” programs to patch, Stefan Frei, research analyst director of Secunia, told SCMagazineUS.com on Thursday.” – Report says firms must rethink patching strategy – http://www.scmagazineus.com/report-says-firms-must-rethink-patching-strategy/article/207478/

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

I’m trying Real Hard not to make a cynical comment about this – Bill Gates To Reinvent The Toilet – http://mashable.com/2011/07/19/bill-gates-reinvent-toilet/

Another example of small actions having a much larger impact – Scientist: Tae Bo workout sent skyscraper shaking – http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/07/19/scientist-tae-bo-workout-sent-skyscraper-shaking/

But they don’t really say Why? – Apple iOS still rules, but Windows 7 Phone edges Android in user satisfaction – http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/071811-smartphone-preferences.html

Thursday, July 21, 2011

It is important to be aware and observant – How to Avoid Being a Victim of ATM Skimming – http://www.walletpop.com/2011/07/18/how-to-avoid-being-a-victim-of-atm-skimming/

I enjoy reading David Pogue. Here’s his take on OS X Lion – Upgrading to Lion Means Embracing the iPad – http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/21/technology/personaltech/the-usual-apple-upgrade-big-steps-forward-a-stumble-backward-state-of-the-art.html

Have you always wondered why there are so many standards in electronics, etc? – How Standards Proliferate – http://xkcd.com/927/

Friday, July 22, 2011

The space shuttle program starts and ends with Star Trek – Shuttle Era Ends – Atlantis Welcomed Home To Star Trek Voyager Theme – http://trekmovie.com/2011/07/21/shuttle-era-ends-atlantis-welcomed-home-with-star-trek-voyager-theme/

Do you suppose this dude has Little Man Syndrome? – Man Etches Name in Sand, Visible from Space – http://news.discovery.com/space/big-pic-hamad-abu-dhabi-space-graffiti-110721.html

For the job seekers – Hacker hunters: Join the cyber security job boom – http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2011/07/22/hacker-hunters-join-the-cyber-security-job-boom/

… and those job seekers need to understand this – The business-security disconnect that won’t die – http://www.csoonline.com/article/686591/the-business-security-disconnect-that-won-t-die

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The StillSecure PCI Calculator

by Dan Strom on July 19, 2011

Last week I came across the PCI Calculator from StillSecure. I’ve since downloaded it and spent a bit of time with it.

What are my impressions?

I was expecting some sort of tool to help me with tracking and maintaining PCI compliance. I obviously read the StillSecure description and created a fictional meaning in my own mind!

What I did get from StillSecure is a tool that is useful in helping to create budgets for the PCI compliance testing. It allows for using Gartner benchmarks for estimating costs for level 1-4 merchants by contracting the StillSecure PCI Complete service.

While I am not currently looking for a service to do PCI work, it is interesting to see the estimated savings. This is an option that I need to remember for the future.

As far as I know, I don’t know anyone at StillSecure, nor do I have any vested interest in the company. But should the time come when I need help with PCI compliance, the numbers in the PCI Calculator would make me want to include them in the RFP list. I guess that’s what a sales tool is supposed to do.

Keep yourself safe!
-Dan

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What I’ve Been Reading – July 15, 2011

by Dan Strom on July 18, 2011

(I had some computer problems, so this is getting put up a couple of days late.)

Here are some interesting links from the past couple of weeks…

Tuesday, July 5, 2011
This is a welcome change in attitude – Apple to allow license-free virtualization with OS X Lion – http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/04/apple-to-allow-license-free-virtualization-with-os-x-lion-devel/

This is an interesting project – A month of sunrises over Chicago – http://vimeo.com/25999231

Wednesday, July 6, 2011
I found this analysis interesting – This Is The Connected States of America – http://www.good.is/post/this-is-the-connected-states-of-america/

I’m not really surprised to see this – Atlanta cheating scandal renews school reform debate – http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/07/05/eveningnews/main20077025.shtml?tag=cbsnewsLeadStoriesAreaMain;cbsnewsLeadStoriesHeadlines

Although I’m not a fanboy of Facebook, this seems like a natural progression – Call Your Friends Right From Facebook – http://blog.facebook.com/blog.php?post=10150223135777131

Thursday, July 7, 2011
It takes work to make your web application security – Protecting your web apps from the tyrrany of evil with OWASP – http://www.troyhunt.com/2011/07/protecting-your-web-apps-from-tyranny.html

Inc. has some good basic information on communication – How to Communicate in a Crisis – http://www.inc.com/guides/how-to-communicate-in-a-crisis.html

We’re told to do patches. But what if we can’t? – “There’s a Patch for that” (or maybe not) – http://isc.sans.org/diary.html?storyid=11170

Sometimes you have to pay for customers – Microsoft gives $250K to University of Nebraska to Use Office 365 – http://venturebeat.com/2011/07/05/microsoft-gives-250k-to-university-of-nebraska-to-use-office-365/

Friday, July 8, 2011
The Droid 3 from Motorola looks like a sweet phone – http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=5676&deviceCategoryId=1

I’ll be downloading this – PCI Calculator from StillSecure – http://www.stillsecure.com/pcicomplete/calculator.php

First the Pope, and now the President – Obama tweets for first time – http://holykaw.alltop.com/obama-tweets-for-first-time

This reminds me of Death By PowerPoint – Three Powerpoint slides to avoid – http://scotteblin.typepad.com/blog/2011/07/three-signs-that-your-slide-deck-stinks.html

Printer produces personalized 3D chocolate – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-14030720

Tuesday, July 12, 2011
For all my job seeking friends – 99 interview tips that will actually work – http://passivepanda.com/interview-tips

How many can you count in this picture? – The Perseus cluster of galaxies – http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap110712.html

I wonder how many industries have significant issues with employee theft, and what other solutions have been found – Pizza Hut saves dough with biometrics – http://planetbiometrics.com/article-details/i/708/

I’ve got mixed feelings about this – Light bulb ban draws fire – http://money.cnn.com/2011/07/11/news/economy/light_bulb_ban/index.htm?iid=HP_LN

Get ready for ‘Manhattanhenge’ on July 13 – http://news.discovery.com/space/get-ready-for-manhattanhenge-july-13-110712.html

One Neptunian Year! – Hubble’s Neptune Anniversary Pictures – http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/science/neptune-circuit.html

Wednesday, July 13, 2011
U.S., Russia Make Cyber Security Pact – http://www.itbusinessedge.com/cm/community/news/gt/blog/us-russia-make-cyber-security-pact/?cs=47806

Thursday, July 14, 2011
Pentagon Discloses Largest-Ever Cyber Theft – http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/07/14/pentagon-discloses-largest-ever-cyber-theft/

Friday, July 15, 2011
Metasploit is the Hot Thing right now – Metasploit Payloads Explained – https://infosecisland.com/blogview/14893-Metasploit-Payloads-Explained-Part-1.html and https://www.infosecisland.com/blogview/14894-Metasploit-Payloads-Explained-Part-1-Continued.html

Another information security framework that I need to take a look at – OWASP Mantra – http://www.getmantra.com/

You should actively protect your identity. One way is to monitor your credit reports. The government passed a law in 2004 that requires the big three to provide an annual free report. – Free Annual Credit Report Law – http://idtheftcenter.blogspot.com/2011/03/federal-annual-free-credit-report-law.html

Another example of 3D printing – 3D Printer – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZboxMsSz5Aw

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What I’ve Been Reading – July 1, 2011

by Dan Strom on July 1, 2011

Summary of what caught my attention this past week or two

Monday – June 20, 2011

What motivates LulzSec? - LulzSec: Hack Attacks Will Continue Until Group Caught – http://www.csoonline.com/article/684654/lulzsec-hack-attacks-will-continue-until-group-caught

Maybe this will lead to interoperability in the cloud - A new security architecture for the cloud – http://www.csoonline.com/article/684665/a-new-security-architecture-for-the-cloud

Here’s an interesting perspective on selling apps in the Android marketplace compared to the iOS App Store - Android – http://mikamobile.blogspot.com/2011/06/android.html

Tuesday – June 21, 2011

Here’s one person’s response to SmartGrid and Smart Meters - CA woman arrested… – http://www.examiner.com/conservative-in-spokane/ca-woman-arrested-for-attempting-to-block-smart-meter-installation

Dropbox is useful, but this causes concern - Dropbox Left User Accounts Unlocked for 4 Hours Sunday – http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2011/06/dropbox/

This is an interesting proactive approach by Google for WordPress users - Google Now Warning WordPress Users They Need To Update – http://www.stateofsearch.com/google-now-warning-wordpress-users-they-need-to-update/

You’ve got to be kidding me! -Beautiful People Repels Invasion of 30,000 “shreks” After Alleged Virus Attack – http://mashable.com/2011/06/20/beautifulpeople-shrek-virus/

Wednesday – June 22, 2011

I originally considered the iPad to be a supplemental device. Maybe not -Apps That Make Your iPad Work Like a Laptop – http://www.inc.com/business-travel-2011/apps-that-make-your-ipad-work-like-a-laptop.html

Seems like this is mutually exclusive with the move to The Cloud - Verizon to end unlimited data next month, report says – http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9217795/Verizon_to_end_unlimited_data_next_month_report_says

A very simple explanation of histograms and why they are important in digital photography - What is a Histogram, and How Can I Use it to Improve My Photos? – http://www.howtogeek.com/66546/what-is-a-histogram-and-how-can-i-use-it-to-improve-my-photos/

A new version is out. Get it, Read it, Implement it -20 Critical Security Controls – http://www.sans.org/critical-security-controls/

And then there is this - Should I Change My Password – https://shouldichangemypassword.com/

Monday – June 27, 2011

I wonder what point they were trying to make -LulzSec Calls It Quits – http://usat.ly/mSV0cn

Tuesday – June 28, 2011

There may be significant benefit to this - iOS Developer Enterprise Program – http://developer.apple.com/programs/ios/enterprise/

The wave may be starting - Publishers Launch First Digital-Only Textbook for K-12 – http://mashable.com/2011/06/27/iste-textbooks-k-12/

Google vs Office 365 - 365 reasons to consider Google Apps – http://googleenterprise.blogspot.com/2011/06/365-reasons-to-consider-google-apps.html

And finally, some news I can use - Coffee May Ward Off Alzheimer’s – http://news.discovery.com/human/coffee-may-ward-off-alzheimers.html

Wednesday – June 29, 2011

Need help learning the Logos? – LearnLogos.com – http://learnlogos.com/

If The Pope can do it, so can you!The Pope Sends his First Tweet, From an iPad – http://mashable.com/2011/06/28/pope-tweet-ipad/

Yet another complaint about lack of choices with Apple - The dark side of Apple’s power of ‘No’ – http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/hiner/letter-to-the-editor-the-dark-side-of-apples-power-of-no/8576?tag=nl.e099

Thursday – June 30, 2011

We shouldn’t turn our backs on situations like this - Yet Again in Sudan – http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/30/opinion/30kristof.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

Friday – July 1, 2011

 

Kansas has weather like this, too! – Spectacular Storm Photography - http://www.amusingplanet.com/2011/06/spectacular-storm-photography-by-chris.html

Now we know – Twitter Is Obscenely Profitable – http://www.businessinsider.com/twitter-is-obscenely-profitable-2011-6

This might be useful to some folks – Linked Influence – http://linkedinfluence.com/?hop=oziii

Wondering how to secure your iPhone or iPad? – CIS Apple iOS Benchmark v 1.3.0 - http://benchmarks.cisecurity.org/en-us/?route=downloads.show.single.iphone.130

It’s probably time to modify tenure – New Florida teacher evaluation guidelines take effect Friday - http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2011/jun/29/new-florida-teacher-evaluation-guidelines-take/

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