Big Tablet. Really Big.
Tablet displays have been creeping up in size since their introduction with, for example, the current run
of iPads offering a 9.7 inch display and a Samsung
Galaxy unit offering 10. 5 inches. If bigger is better, then
check out the nabi Big Tab HD 24" (well, 23. 6 actually),
offered as the "world's biggest HD tablet made
especially for children and their families." The
1920x1080 multi-touch screen lets users play console-quality games (including air hockey, monopoly, and
many others) in HD, and room-to-room portability
allows you to watch movies, surf the ‘net, or play games
anywhere in the house. [It weighs 13 lb ( 5. 9 kg),
though, so get a good grip.]
The Android-based device can be laid flat or
propped up as desired. The unit features nabi's OS 3.0
Blue Morpho which includes more than 400 "kid-focused, parent-approved features." Specs include a 1.6
GHz Tegra 4.0 quad-core processor, 2 GB of DDR3
memory, and 802.11bgn wireless. Don't stray too far
from an AC outlet, though, as average battery life is rated
at only 30 min.
Accessories include a microphone (with or without
karaoke box), headphones, and an HD camera. One
quick caveat: Don't let the kids see this unless you're
prepared to shell out $500 (street price) for one. For
more info, visit www.nabitablet.com. ▲
EVENTS, ADVANCES, AND NEWS
COMPUTERS and NETWORKING
Time for a New Scanner?
Way back in 1988, Apple introduced the first flatbed scanner, cleverly called the Apple Scanner. While revolutionary for its time, it offered only a four-bit image ( 16 levels of gray) and 300 dpi maximum
resolution. On top of that, a full-page scan took a little over 20 seconds. But, hey, you only had to shell out
$1,799 for one (plus $795 for Omnipage if you wanted to do OCR work). Today, you can pick up a unit that
offers 4,800 dpi resolution, millions of colors, OCR software included, and various image processing features
for a lot less. In particular, we're talking about the new Epson ( www.epson.com) Perfection V39, which allows
you to scan, restore, archive, share, and send images directly to the cloud. The price is $99 MSRP, with street
prices as low as $79.99. The V39 features
convenient front buttons for simple scan jobs, plus
a built-in kickstand if you prefer vertical operation.
Additionally, the V39 comes with a software
package that includes ArcSoft Scan-n-Stitch®
Deluxe (allowing you to scan oversized prints and
documents), 4 Easy Photo Fix® technology to
restore color to faded photos, advanced digital
dust correction to remove dust from scanned
photos, and OCR capabilities. Okay, I know. You
already have a scanner and it still works fine
(unless the manufacturer is trying to force you to
buy a new one by not upgrading the driver). Just
also consider that the V39 takes up only 9. 9 x 14. 4
x 1.5 in ( 25 x 36. 5 x 3. 8 cm) on your desktop, and
it is powered entirely through the USB connector
— no power adapter needed. It might be worth 80
bucks just for the convenience. ▲
■ The shark game — one of many available on the
nabi Big Tab.
October 2015 7
■ The Epson V39: compact, feature-packed, and cheap.