iPad, Galaxy, phones and tablets

In the past month, I've had the chance the use a variety of mobile devices and tablets. I was testing the iPad and Samsung Galaxy for a customer, and several customers have purchased new phones (mostly Android).

One exciting aspect of my testing is that I was able to use the 2X Application Server with Windows Server 2008's Remote Desktop Services to publish Windows applications to an iPad. The programs worked properly, but I was disappointed with the user experience with the onscreen keyboard's monopolization of the screen. I will be testing with an iPad case that has an integrated hardware keyboard. This may help the customer make a decision as to whether they will standardize on the iPad.

I also had a chance to use the Samsung Galaxy. I have to admit that I like the size of the Galaxy and ability to thumb type as many other reviewers have pointed out as well. The Galaxy seems like a great form factor to leave hanging around the family room or kitchen. Yet, the price tag on the Galaxy is simply too much. I'll, personally, be waiting to purchase a tablet device. I'd like to see the price to be sub $200 for decent hardware specs.

As far as phones go, I have seen many Androids in the past few months. Pretty standard. The Droid Pro on Verizon is a BlackBerry style hardware device with the QWERTY keyboard on the face of the phone... nice for the BB user that you've been trying to get to Android. With the iPhone coming to Verizon, I will be happy to see/hear the feedback from early adopters. As for myself, I will be upgrading my phone when there is a larger selection of Verizon 4g phones (I still have some time left on my Droid contract time).

Ultimately, the consumer wins with all of this Apple, Google, Microsoft, RIM competition. My bet is on Android. The conversations I've had recently about the Mobile Wars have struck a note about how Apple is, once again, closing themselves off... like they did in the PC Wars, and we know how that turned out (success in the long run, but not when you compare it to Microsoft).