Chemical Exposure Linked to Attention Deficit Disorder in Children: Scientific American

An important article. Key points...

"The connection was only detected for the types of phthalates used in perfumes, shampoos, nail polishes, lotions, deodorants, hair sprays and other personal care products."

"But there are no U.S. restrictions on phthalates in cosmetics and other personal care items."

"Engel said people should “press legislators” to restrict phthalates in adult, as well as children's, personal care products"

Here's the link to the article

iPad disappointments

Gauging from the rampant speculation, there would most likely be a number of people who think today's announcement didn't live up to the hype. A game changer does not come along very often so I didn't expect way too much, but came away with a few disappointments

• No ability to make calls from the 3G device i.e. it will not be attached to a phone number. You can still make calls over wi-fi but what's new about that?
• User interface seems almost like the ipod touch, so what's new about that?
• No camera (or is there one?). Very sad if there isn't one as this would have been ideal for video chats
• Can't multi task? I think it should be able to especially since it's competition is not phones but netbooks. I need to follow up on this

iPad surprises

Almost none. But I'll list a couple anyways

• A big one for me was that the processor is built in-house. I was sure there was an effort to build an ARM based processor, but I believed that the first edition tablet would have a custom designed one built by Samsung or Qualcomm.
• The price point of $499 is nice. However, I'm not sure of the punch this device has, especially with the "creation" of a new category of devices. Also, paying 100 bucks extra for another 16GB is steep! I wonder what external storage interfaces it has
• 3G not built-in by default. This is something new from Apple, which generally doesn't create too many flavors of the devices it manufactures. I think this is simply a pricing decision for those who like the tablet form factor but don't need the mobility factor
• Unlocked 3G. So it looks like AT&T decided not to subsidize the tablet like they do with the iPhone. Maybe the balked at the subsidy Apple was asking for. Or maybe they figured people who really wanted it would get one anyways. I wonder if there is any way to share a data plan between an iphone and the ipad or you have to pay separately for both

A book I'd like to read

Bright-sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America (Hardcover)

The problem is I know I won't get through the whole book, so I just read the reader reviews! Can someone oblige me and read it. Viji?

What will bring the wow to the Apple tablet?

I think it will be the user interface.

Other specs I believe are: use of an ARM based processor, most likely from Qualcomm. Able to connect not only to wi-fi but to 3G data networks. A deal on pricing with a carrier with a data plan contract (i think given their current deal with AT&T for the iphone, it should be a GSM only device). An option to buy it without contract. Ability to run Iphone apps.

Only 3 weeks more to the big event! I think I'll wait until Apple starts using their own ARM based processor (designed in-house). This should be the next upgrade to the device - better power profile, able to run on both CDMA/GSM and so expand to include Verizon, Sprint.

A bold prediction: Google to sell netbook

It's already selling a smartphone, so why not a netbook? The specs you ask: around 10" touchscreen, snapdragon or other ARM processor, Chrome OS. They will sell this like they are currently selling the phone: standalone without contract and costing more, or bundled with a contract from a wireless carrier. I wouldn't be surprised if there were some way they could further bring down the price by putting in advertising directly into the browser, but I doubt that.

I expect this to happen in time for the holiday season 2010. I'll be watching.

Spout

Welcome to stimit.blogspot! I intend this place to be a safe haven for my ideas, thoughts, opinions. More often than not, these gush out with great vehemence - hence title of the blog. I promise to try and regale, inform, prod, offend. Almost certainly, you won't be bored.