Don't Chase Technology, You'll Never Catch It!

My head has been spinning lately based on the sheer number of tablets and pad devices entering the marketplace. It seems every other television commercial touts a newer, faster, more "Apps", and better equipped device. As a consumer,  I felt bombarded, confused, and anxious when trying to determine which tablet/pad device would be best for my needs.

Prior to purchasing the Samsung Galaxy Tab in December 2010, I conducted what I thought was a reasonable level of research. I visited the Samsung website, CNET.com, spoke to numerous technology "experts", and made several visits to my local Best Buy store to consult "Geeks" and test devices. Based on my knowledge and the expertise I had available to me at the time, I felt comfortable purchasing the Wifi version of the Galaxy Tab. I purchased the Galaxy Tab from Best Buy for approximately $650 and thought Wifi was the better option as I did not wish to add yet another device requiring a data plan to my monthly expenses.

I have been the proud owner of a Galaxy Tab for approximately four months and although I am fairly pleased with my purchase it bothers me that an array of new, less expensive, better equipped devices can now be had for almost half of what I paid for the Galaxy Tab. It bothers me when I leave the comfort of my home and workplace Wifi systems that I must become a "pirate", stealing the Wifi signals of unsuspecting businesses and nearby residents in order to use my Wifi enabled Galaxy Tab.

Given my need to use the Galaxy Tab anywhere I happen to be (guilt free) I decided recently to enable my iPhone 4 as a "Personal Hotspot" to power the Galaxy. No more pirating! My cell phone driven Wifi service added $30 to my monthly cell bill. What I dislike most about enabling my cell with Wifi is the power required to run the hotspot, it drains my cell phone battery in just a few short hours. Based on my experiences, I would like to offer my readers a bit of advice when considering purchasing a new tablet/pad device:

1) If you own an iPhone, don't purchase an Android pad, buy an iPad (you'll purchase fewer duplicate apps, movies, and accessories for your devices in the long run) and if you own an Android phone, don't purchase the iPad.

2) Be happy and content with the device you choose, and don't allow yourself to compete with others and their devices.

3). Know there will always be a newer, better, more exciting device entering the market the minute you purchase yours.


4) Don't chase technology, because you'll never catch it!