Archives for October 2012

October 15, 2012

iPad Mini At $249

You gotta love leaks. The word on the street (internet) according to Gizmodo is, the new iPad mini is going to be priced starting at around $249 for the 8GB version. Higher models will be priced more. Here’s an excerpt from the LA Times:

The posted picture, which according to the blog comes from an anonymous informant, shows 8 GB versions of the iPad mini will go for 249 euros, or about $320. But Gizmodo is reporting that the U.S. price is likely to be $249. As it points out, Apple charges roughly the same figure in Europe for the third generation iPad as it does in America. It doesn’t conpensate for the foreign exchange difference.

As for the inventory list provided by the German blogger, the price goes up to 349 euros for the 16 GB model, 449 euros for the 32 GB device and 549 euros for a 64 GB version. The cellular-connected versions of the iPad mini start at 349 euros for the 8 GB model, 449 euros for the 16 GB model, 549 for the 32 GB and 649 for the 64 GB versions of the device.

Now, how accurate these figures are, you really can’t be sure. But, it looks very promising for people looking for a smaller and affordable iPad. Interestingly enough, Amazon’s Kindle Fire is priced at $249. So, it looks like Apple is matching the price of the Kindle Fire.

October 12, 2012

Windows 8 Pricing

A new ZDNet article just revealed Windows 8 pricing. Although Microsoft still hasn’t officially released the price, it’s partner Newegg.com has. Based on what I’ve seen, the Windows 8 pricing is more palatable than previous editions. Users are more inclined to purchase since prices seem more reasonable. In addition, Microsoft has reduced and simplified the number of OS choices to just four. It’s amazing what simplicity does to lessen the user confusion. Here are the four choices:

The Newegg page lists four separate products:

Windows 8 Professional Upgrade – $69.99 (save $130)

Windows 8 Pro Pack – Product Key Card (no media) – $69.99 (save $30)

Windows 8 (Full Version) – OEM $99.99

Windows 8 Pro (Full Version) – OEM $139.99

The two OEM products are available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

I suggest you get over to Newegg.com and pre-order Windows 8. They offer a $10.00 discount.

Finally, Windows 8 scheduled release date is October 26.

October 11, 2012

Free Boingo Wifi In San Francisco

If you’re traveling, working, or just walking around and near San Francisco, Christmas is coming early, courtesy of Microsoft and Boingo Wireless. Microsoft recently inked a deal with Boingo, to sponsor free Wi-Fi access at certain hot spot locations in San Francisco, as part of the Windows 8 celebration, to be announced later this month.

Here’s the announcement from Boingo’s website.

Boingo Wireless (NASDAQ: WIFI), the Wi-Fi industry’s leading provider of software and services worldwide, announced today that Microsoft is sponsoring free Wi-Fi access at high-traffic New York and San Francisco locations from now through the end of the year. The Wi-Fi sponsorship is part of the launch celebration for Windows 8, and will introduce the new Windows Store for Windows 8 to the app builder community. Consumers can also enjoy browsing great new apps in the Windows Store, view staff recommendations and get personalized picks based on apps they may already use.

As part of the holiday promotion, Microsoft’s sponsored Wi-Fi is immediately available for users of all Wi-Fi enabled devices in six Manhattan subway stations, supported by Transit Wireless’ state-of-the-art network, and across Wi-Fi hotzones covering iconic San Francisco locations including Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, UN Plaza, the Financial District, Nob Hill and more. Microsoft will also sponsor Wi-Fi via more than 200 Manhattan hotzones, starting November 1. The Wi-Fi hotspots are part of the Boingo’s Cloud Nine media platform, a global advertising network that enables brand advertisers to reach target audiences through high engagement Wi-Fi sponsorship.