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The first hands-on reviews of the new iPad make it clear not only that Apple keeps the tablet crown but why it continues to do so.

On the surface, the leap from the second-generation iPad to the third-generation would appear to be relatively modest," writes USA Today reviewer Edward Baig. But the leap changes an array of things that keep the iPad's overall "user experience" well ahead of its Android rivals.

The display: "spectacular"

The new display, with resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels, for a total of 3.1 million pixels or four times the number on iPad 2, is the thing everyone notices first. It's better than the high definition flat panel TVs used in homes.

"The display is spectacular," Baig writes. "Examine the new screen side-by-side with one of its near-10-inch predecessors [the iPad 2], and you'll swear you just had Lasik surgery. Text on Web pages or in books is so crisp and sharp that you don't want to go back to reading on an older iPad."

MORE IPAD: 10 Terrific Apps for the New iPad

The contrast between the new iPad display and that of its predecessors struck many reviewers. "Using the new display is like getting a new eyeglasses prescription you suddenly realize what you thought looked sharp before wasn't nearly as sharp as it could be," says Walter Mossberg, reviewing for The Wall Street Journal. As MG Sielger, at TechCrunch says, "After using the new iPad for an extended period of time then switching back to an iPad 2 (or 1, for that matter), you'll cringe at the pixelated cloud that appears to surround every app icon. Text will look murky. Colors will look muted."

Apple didn't rely on just the raw number of pixels to impress. Instead it updated its own on-board apps, and is encouraging third-party developers to do the same, to fully exploit the new iPad's Retina Display technology. "All of Apple's own apps have been updated to suit the higher resolution, with more detailed iconography and text," says Vincent Nguyen, writing at Slashgear. "However, third-party apps also look good, even if they've not been polished to suit the new hardware, though they aren't quite as refined as Apple's own handiwork."

The screen shows vivid 1080p video and high-def photos "though the 4:3 aspect ratio means there are black bars top and bottom," Nguyen says. "Nonetheless, the level of detail is incredibly impressive...."

On the new iPad itself, says Siegler, "Web pages look almost as if they're being displayed in a high-quality glossy magazine. Photos look like photos the printed out kind. Text is razor sharp and crisp, just like print."

Continued here:
New iPad wins rave reviews

Washington, March 16 (IANS) You might feel like giving a beggar a coin when you are passing by him but then quickly suppress the feeling. This could put you at the risk of acting immorally.

For instance, as an experiment shows, such lose a bit of their commitment to morality.

"Compassion is such a powerful emotion. It's been called a moral barometer," said Daryl Cameron, the journal Psychological Science reports.

"In past work, we've shown that people suppress their compassion when faced with mass suffering in natural disasters and genocide.

To the degree that suppressing compassion changes how people care about or think about morality, it may put them more at risk for acting immorally," said Cameron.

He co-authored the study with Keith Payne, both psychology researchers from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, according to a North Carolina statement.

They showed each study participant in their experiment a slideshow of 15 images of subjects including homeless people, crying babies, and victims of war and famine.

Each participant was given one of three tasks. Some were told to try not to feel sympathy, some were told to try not to feel distress and the rest were told to experience whatever emotions come to them.

People who had suppressed compassion did, apparently, have a change in their sense of morality: they were much more likely to either care less about being moral or to say that it's all right to be flexible about following moral rules.

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Suppressing compassion might make you act immorally

In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. Granted, claims by the JuiceTank's creators that their product is "the first ever iPhone charger and case in one" may be a bit overblown, but its design is certainly novel enough to make us give it a second look. The product looks like a pretty standard hard-shelled iPhone 4 / 4S case from the front -- flip it over though, and you'll see two charging prongs embedded in the back. Click the button just below and they'll pop up, allowing you to plug the handset directly into the wall -- no cords or separate chargers needed. Of course, this initial version is made specifically for North American-type outlets, so if you live outside the region or travel a lot, the novelty might be lost on you. If you're covered, however, you can pick up a limited edition green version by being one of the first 400 people to pledge $40 or more. Check out a video explanation / plea after the break. Previous project update: Still time to get in on some of that robot fighting action -- 21 days to be exact. Currently the Mech Warfare Robot Arena is at $2,441 pledged out of a goal of $6,000.

More here:
Insert Coin: JuiceTank is a two-pronged iPhone case

16 March 2012

The Isle of Man's Department of Economic Development has announced that it will be heading a trade delegation of Isle of Man 'Clean Tech' companies to the UK, Europe and the USA, in the latter part of this year.

The events will allow Isle of Man businesses to showcase their products and services, as well as explore business growth opportunities with potential investors, customers and partners.

The locations the Department is targeting include: Boston, Oregon and San Francisco in the USA; Edinburgh, Manchester, Lincoln and London in the UK; Belgium, Germany and Scandinavia.

The Department said each event will involve a similar format. The presence of one or more electric motorbikes that have competed in a zero emissions race in the Isle of Man; presentation on the benefits of the island for Clean Tech businesses; screenings of a one-hour version of the TT Zero movie Charge, and a panel question and answer session, followed by a networking opportunity. The Isle of Man government have encouraged island businesses to get involved.

Laurence Skelly, Political Member for the Department of Economic Development with responsibility for Clean Tech, explained: The Isle of Man has a unique selling proposition to attract businesses in the Clean Tech sector, the key benefits being an ideal location to trial technology and to protect and maximize financial benefit from intellectual property. I hope businesses will take this valuable opportunity to help generate new business. We have a very competitive proposition which is difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Dr Ken Milne, Senior Manager for Energy Policy, added: The Department is particularly looking to leverage the value generated by the TT Zero event and TT Zero movie Charge and follows on from a very successful Clean Tech event we hosted in London recently which generated several high quality business leads. Through promoting the island as an excellent location for Clean Tech businesses we hope that we will attract dynamic, innovative businesses and entrepreneurs.

See the article here:
IoM Plans Clean Tech Promotional Tour

by Alex Wilson

Crossroads Care Isle of Man and Milntown are looking for happy hunters to help them and the Easter Bunny find his friends that are hiding in Milntown Gardens.

The Hunt is on daily from Saturday 31st March Sunday 15th April, (except Tuesdays) 10.00am 4.30pm when visitors to Milntown will be able to take part in the Easter Hunt in aid of local charity Crossroads Care Isle of Man.

Hunters who successfully find all 10 of the Easter Bunnys friends will be rewarded with a chocolate Easter egg.

To take part in the Easter Hunt, Crossroads Care Isle of Man asks for a 1 donation to the charity. All funds raised from the Easter Hunt will provide meaningful respite for those looking after a loved one with an illness, disability, frailty, substance abuse or mental health issue on the island. Normal garden admission fees will apply in aid of the Milntown Trust and the upkeep of Milntown Estate.

Milntown Restaurant will also be offering an Easter menu for hungry hunters with seasonal lunchtime specials from 11.30am 2.30pm and afternoon tea from 2.30pm.

Manx Radio will be opening the Easter Hunt on Saturday 31st March with Alex Brindley and Ashlea Tracy seeing whether they can find the Easter Bunnys friends and speak to their fellow hunters.

Special thanks must be paid to Shoprite for their support of the event by way of providing a stock of Easter Eggs, which allows for all funds raised to go to Crossroads Care Isle of Man.

For restaurant reservations please call 01624 818091. Please note Milntown Restaurant and Gardens are closed every Tuesday.

-ENDS-

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Egg-stra Special Easter Hunt at Milntown