Credit: ChangeWave

A recent survey conducted by ChangeWave Research revealed the true feelings of iPad owners of all kinds. 82 percent of new iPad users said they were very satisfied with their new toy, while the remaining 12 percent were just somewhat satisfied, and none claimed complete dissatisfaction. The survey also revealed that the new high-resolution display topped the list of favorite features, and the high cost of the tablet was the most disliked feature.

So 82 percent of new users were very satisfied? I guess I would be very satisfied too with my shiny new tablet without having any experience with previous models. Honestly, if we valued these statistics across all markets the phrase “Best Hotdog in Chicago” would simply be a measure of how many hotdog virgins you could pack into one room.

The number we, as critical consumers of technology, should concern ourselves with is the amount of very satisfied returning users. These users know every inch, feature, and function of the iPad and qualify as informed analysts.   74 percent of returning users self-identified as very satisfied meaning, despite bad WiFi connection and overheating rumors; consumers still feel that their new iPad is an improvement on the previous iPad 2 model.

What do you think? As consumers we have the most powerful voice in the conversation. What features really stand out to you and which do you really want to say in future models. Get creative, this product fiends for a little innovation and maybe one of you can spark it.

There is already a waiting period for the upcoming New iPad.  Apple unveiled the new iPad last week, which features a higher resolution display, a slightly tweaked processor, a 4G LTE connection, and a better camera. While not a massive upgrade to the device, it has still consumers excited to own the newest member of the Apple tablet family.

While consumers could order the various version of the iPad and get it shipped to them by Friday, delays started to pop up within a few days. By last Friday Apple was seeing delays ranging between three days and three weeks, depending on the country.  Check with Abt Electronics to see if you can order your New iPad through us online or over the phone on the iPad’s release date!

“It’s hard to imagine a time without [the iPad]” states Tony Bradley from PC World.  Apple has announced the newest family member of their line of tablets.  The new iPad, not iPad 3 or iPad HD as it was rumored to be called, has a display of 2048 x 1536, that’s a total of 3.1 million pixels.  An A5X processor is used to handle the super new graphics.

The New iPad also has an upgraded camera.  The video is recorded in 1080p and both the front facing camera is 5-megapixel backside illuminated sensor on the back, 5-element lens, IR filter, and ISP.  Speed has increased as the old iPad 2 has 3.1Mbps on EV-DO, 7.2 on HSPA, where the New iPad now has, has 21Mbps HSPA+ and DC-HSDPA at 42Mbps, with LTE taking the cake at 73Mbps.  The battery life is expected to last around 10 hours.

Look for it to hit the market on March 16th!

For many students and professionals, spring break is just around the corner.  At Abt Electronics, we have just what you are looking for to make lying on the beach or poolside, even more relaxing.  Check out our full line of great Spring Break essentials!

Abt has just reduced pricing for its line iPad 2′s.  Since Apple is planning a “big announcement” on March 7th, it will most likely be about their upcoming iPad 3.  If you have always wanted an iPad, but don’t want to wait for the newer, more expensive iteration on March 7th, then get an iPad 2 from Abt at a great price.

If you’ve recently bought an iPad2 but regret doing so hoping to get the newest unit, with Abt’s Trade-in Program, you can make some money off your old iPad 2.  Just fill out the form and see what you can make back!

We just saw info on the new Mac OS and are blown away.  The fact that it’s “inspired by iPad” and has so much iOS look to it seriously has me wondering if we are going to see a touch screen Mac this year.  Other than that thought,  Here’s my round up for the top 3 reasons why I MUST have Mountain Lion:

#1 Airplay Mirroring:  Mirror your Mac on your HDTV via your Apple TV

We have been waiting for this feature to hit Macs for a long time.  At Abt we sell adapters to physically plug your Mac into your HDTV with HDMI or VGA.  However, besides adapters  and a video cables  you might even need audio cables.  “Can I do this wirelessly?” is a question that unfortunately we’ve been saying no to for TOO long.  There was a couple USB wireless adapters that tried to do this but were riddled with problems.  To do this wirelessly is going to be great.  I am most excited about the ability to take my project from iMovie and Airplay it straight to my Plasma!  iMovie is my hobby and I am making fun videos weekly, exporting to iTunes and accessing through  my Apple TV.  The experience has been fantastic.  The quality is amazing.  But the Share to iTunes feature takes a great deal of time to convert.  I don’t deliver many keynotes but the ability to deliver a keynote via Airplay will become so critical for business.  To be able to walk into a conference room and have the ability to simply click a button and wirelessly send your keynote to the projector will allow for all to wirelessly deliver presentations.

The one thing here that concerns me is how good is your network.  Airplay struggles when your network isn’t great.  So, I’d urge you to upgrade to an 802.11n router.  If you have 802.11g devices connecting, then try and get something with simultaneous dual band to reduce those 802.11g devices negative impact.

#2 iCloud’s Mac OS upgrades:

Finally!  Notes is ripped out of Mac Mail where it’s been hiding and has become an independent app.  I’ve been using the notes feature inside Mac Mail for a while.  It’s been flawless with its ability to sync across my Apple Devices.  I’ll start using it less though, since Reminders is now an App on Mountain Lion!  I used to make grocery lists on my Mac Mail notes and then leave the house knowing that iCloud updated the notes on my iPhone.   I always preferred the Reminders cool checkmarks but they weren’t a part of my Mac syncing.  Lastly for me is the docs.  Syncing Numbers spreadsheets from my iPad to my iPhone via iCloud has been so efficient.    Now, Documents you are working on your Mac will instantly update to your iOS Pages, Numbers & Keynote Apps and vice versa.  These new apps on our Macs truly gives us that iPad Feel.  Maybe why Apple says “inspired by iPad” ?

#3  Messages:

So you’re working on your Mac and someone texts you.  Only this time you keep working on your Mac instead of picking up your phone.  The text is on your Mac Computer screen!  We love all of these devices but sometimes it is a bit much.  When I’m in front of my Mac my phone hangs out with me in case someone messages me.  Now that it’s all integrated I’ll really enjoy the simplicity.  I can also see the value of this feature in conjunction with people that own iPod Touch and iPad iOS devices.  Its nice to have all of this open communication independent of an carrier.

Summary:  Mountain Lion is going to be a Mac OS that marries the world of iOS and MacOS.  It’s children will be the waves of new Macs, iPods, iPads and iPhones we see hit the market in 2012.

-Josh Davis

According to numerous rumors/speculations/whispers in dark, seedy alleys, Apple is planning on releasing the next generation iPad this year, with an official announcement scheduled in early March.  According to reports there will be additional functionality added to Siri in iOS5.1, such as the ability to interact with device Settings and other ‘select’ applications, as well a fix for that battery bug that has been plaguing iPhone 4S users the globe over, as well as a new keyboard for email with an easy to access ‘@’ symbol.   What would you like to see with the next iPad?

It’s hard to separate yourself from your computer.  Chances are, it is filled with photos, movies, songs and more, but sometimes it just can’t keep up with current technology.  If you are a stickler for getting the most out of every electronic you buy, here are some suggestions on when enough might be enough for your computer…

If your computer is out of warranty and needs any type of major hardware replacement.  For example a motherboard, screen, video card etc.  Hard drive repairs are traditionally fairly inexpensive.

If you are running an operating system older than Windows XP.  Windows 7 is now out and Windows 8 is due out this fall.  Windows XP is still used by many businesses, however it was released in 2002 so it is very old.

If it is going to be just as expensive to repair your computer as it is to purchase a new computer.  In some cases software and hardware repair can cost just as much as a new computer.  In today’s computer industry sometimes it is just better to purchase new, since the cost of technology has come down so much.

If your computer is too old to upgrade to the latest version of the most current operating system.  Some older computers cannot handle the advanced features of today’s operating systems.

If you have cracked your LCD screen.  In most cases LCD screens and the labor to install them can be considerably expensive.  Screens can run anywhere from $200-$700 depending on the brand and if you use original or aftermarket parts.  Labor rates also range from $149 to over $200.

If you have damage to your computer caused by liquid.  Liquid damage can be very harmful to computers and cause most components to fail.

For more information on computers visit us online at abt.com or call us at 888-228-5800.

-Chad Taylor

Apple is looking to make school a bit easier for students by providing iPad users with accessibility to school/university textbooks.  Apple has been working with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Pearson PLC and McGraw-Hill – publishers responsible for 90 percent of U.S. textbooks – to develop digital textbooks that can be offered on the iPad, Reuters reports. The digital textbook market is estimated at $8 billion, and Amazon and others are already tapping into it.

Holidays are fast approaching and that means holiday shopping.  Get a head start with these great gift ideas from Abt Electronics sure to put a smile on all your friends’ and families’ faces.

It may be cold outside, but there’s never a bad time for ice cream.  With the Cuisinart Ice Cream maker you can have your cold, tasty treats in your own home, without having to go out in the snow.

If you plan on doing a lot of baking, (who isn’t?) this KitchenAid stand mixer is sure to make all your cookies, pastries and more, come out as delicious and easy-to-make as ever.

Listen to all your favorite holiday songs whenever and wherever you go with the Bose Wireless speaker or the Yamaha low-profile soundbar.

A great gift for the bookworm in your family is the Sony 6’’ e-Reader with Wi-fi capabilities.  You can read books or download new ones on the go.  Never be without your favorite authors.

Keep all those holiday memories preserved with Panasonic’s Lumix 12 megapixel camera.  This camera is easy-to-use and small enough to take anywhere you go.  Be ready for that perfect shot!

If you have a super techie family member, you can never go wrong with the ever popular Apple iPad 2.  Play games, watch movies, check stocks, weather and so much more on this great tablet from Apple.

When holidays are through, nothing cleans up the mess quite like a Dyson vacuum.  The Dyson canister vacuum DC23ANIMAL is the perfect size for working around tables and couches on your carpet or hardwood floors.

Santa keeps up with new technology, just like we do, so e-mail him a wish list of your gifts on this new Asus Zenbook.  Incredibly thin, light and designed with an ultra-slick look, you will want to take this laptop wherever you go.

Stay in touch with friends and family who can’t make it to the holiday party with a phone call or a “face chat” with an iPhone 4s.  the newest generation of Apple iPhones to hit the market, you are certain to be pleased with this updated version that has incredible speed and an incredible camera for images and HD video.