Unhinged rants

I know what you're thinking: another iPad article, Jasmine? Really? Must you? The answer is: "Yes, I must." Clearly, it is necessary for me to cash in on the buzz, too--I'm not letting Donald have all the fun! Honestly, though, if you think you're sick of hearing about Apple's latest wonder gadget, take a moment to consider how those in the tech media field must feel.

However, far be it from me to overlook the advantages of my position. Namely, I've already had my hands all over an iPad and I didn't have to shell out a cent for the privilege. This combined with easy access to dozens of people who've had personal time with the device has provided rich fodder for addressing the question on everyone's mind: what--and who--on earth is such a unique gadget good for? As it turns out, I do have a few thoughts on the matter.

First of all, the iPad is really much more suitable for the living room or bedroom than for true on-the-go use, so DON'T bother shelling out for the 3G version. Not only will you have to plunk down an additional $130 for the integrated tech, you'll also be bleeding $30 per month for unlimited data. For the majority of users, this is not going to be a day-to-day multimedia device that you cart around on your person. In the event that you travel with it--because let's face it, flying with this thing is a huge DO--you wouldn't be able to use the cell service in the air anyway, and most likely, your hotel (or someplace nearby) will have some Wi-Fi for you to hop onto. Heck, even planes have Wi-Fi now. Just make sure you pick up some headphones, since none come with the iPad.

Before we stray too far from the topic of using the iPad as an in-home entertainment device, DON'T underestimate the will of third-party accessory manufacturers. Currently, you can turn the iPad into an mini entertainment system by picking up the Apple dock for $29 and connecting some speakers to the back, or get a kickstand for around $50 and stream wirelessly to a set of Bluetooth speakers. But my money's on a speaker dock that seamlessly integrates the iPad and turns it into a totable AV system--surely that's in the near future. (Although the built-in speakers get plenty loud, it would be nice to have an all-in-one solution that props the player up and improves the sound.) And with apps for Netflix, ABC, and more already available, who even needs a regular old TV in the bedroom anymore?… Read more

My sixth sense tells me I'm not going to make many friends with this article, but I'm just going to say it: if you carry a bag over or across one shoulder, it's a purse. That means all those messenger bags you fellows are carrying around are man purses. I don't care how big it is: it's still a murse. And I've already earned the ire of one coworker by calling it that (I believe his exact words were: "I'll murse you"), so if you want to bombard my comment section … Read more

Now more than ever our interpersonal relationships are dictated by electronic communication, which in turn depends upon some form of the written word. Text is of course a great way to express oneself, whether in an e-mail, an instant message, or a text message. However, when it comes to interacting with your friends, family, and business associates in this way, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind:

DO send a text to convey quick details, such as a time and address for meeting with a colleague or friend. Texts are also a great way to … Read more

According to some data, 80 percent of the population in the United States lives in urban areas. For those of you not counting (ahem...me), that's about 243 million people, give or take a million. These same people contributed to the 10.7 billion trips taken on public transportation in 2008 alone. In short: there are a lot of freakin' people who take municipal transit. If you are one of them, pay attention.

All too often, commuters forget one very important word in public transportation: public. There are innumerable ways in which this lack of consideration for one's fellow humans can become aggravating, offensive, or downright disturbing. I would take great pleasure in airing them all here*, but as this is CNET, I'll stick to tech-related grievances. What follows are some general guidelines for using your gadgets on transit (or in the general public, for that matter).

DON'T talk loudly on your cell phone when riding mass transit. In fact, if you can avoid it, don't talk on it at all. With the exception of some admittedly curious bystanders, most people don't want to be made privy to the ins and outs of your life...especially if the conversation is of a particularly private nature. No one wants to hear you berate your mom for calling too often (true story), and we certainly don't need to hear the words: "Yeah, so the doctor said you should probably get tested, too" (also a true story). OK, so maybe there's a bit of humor to that last one, but really, people? Have you no shame? Oh, and if it wasn't already clear from this, DON'T use your speakerphone, either.… Read more

I like to tell myself that if I weren't an editor, I'd probably be a teacher. Why? Um, summer vacation, of course! But also, I absolutely love to give advice, and I get pretty worked up over tech etiquette and general gadget nonsensery. Hence, my new column: Jasmine's Tech Dos & Don'ts.

Navigating today's digital life can be tricky at times, and there's no limit to the number of annoyances that your devices can cause. Your cell phone, your earbuds--even your GPS--can cause a whole host of confusing, frustrating, and socially awkward situations. I'… Read more

This week, Donald and Jasmine discuss a monumental smackdown between the Beats Solo by Dr. Dre and the Bose On-Ear Headphones. OK, maybe not quite monumental, but it is certainly interesting. Of course, if you think we're going to reveal the outcome without making you suffer through all three judges' rantings on the matter, you're sorely mistaken. Also on tap for this week: Cowon trots out a new video player, V-Moda makes an appearance with some new iPhone-friendly headphones, and Real takes a huge, industry-changing beating from the MPAA-holes. Plus, what exactly do the MP3 Insiders think about keeping all our media in the cloud? Tune in to find out.

Subscribe in iTunes audio |  Subscribe in iTunes video | Subscribe in RSS audio |  Subscribe in RSS video… Read more

Bose has built quite the reputation for its entire audio line, so it's no surprise that the company's portable headphones, the On-Ear, have a tidy little following. These cushy, earpad-style cans distinguish themselves from their brethren by removing Bose's signature noise-canceling functionality in favor of offering a slightly deflated price tag. But don't fret: the On-Ear headphones still present a sleek design that's understated and compact without feeling flimsy. It's no wonder the Bose name springs easily to the lips whenever headphones are mentioned, and why plenty of competitors want a piece of that … Read more

If you're wondering just how long you can expect Klipsch's Image S4 earphones to last with normal wear and tear, the answer is 7 months, 27 days, 4 hours, 13 minutes, and 9 seconds (OK, maybe I am making up the minutes and seconds). Here's how it went down: I was power walking to pick up lunch when a rogue arm (my right one, to be exact) flew into the cable, yanking the right earpiece out of my ear. When I stuck it back in, nada. The 'bud was dead and wouldn't produce a sound.

Upon … Read more

There were a number of hot trends at this years CES, such as 3D televisions, Internet-connected cars, tablets, e-book readers, and Netbooks. Unfortunately, I don't cover any of that technology.

I cover portable media players, and for the most part, CES offered slim pickings. Last year, we had Sony's X-Series Walkman unveiling, a hands-on with the long-awaited Samsung P3, and a grab bag of PMP announcements from Iriver. This year, Sony was mum on the Walkman, Samsung's MP3 players seemed desperately gimmicky, and Iriver's lone PMP announcement came with scant details.

Truth be told, I was hardly surprised by what I saw. It was what I didn't see that made me feel uneasy. Going into CES, my preshow predictions promised Android-powered PMPs and all kinds of interesting fusions between iPod accessories and custom-built apps. Well, I was wrong.

Sure, there were dozens of Android-powered touch-screen devices out there, but in the looming shadow of Apple's… Read more