The Richmond News November 28. 2012 A23
Community
My Christmas anti-wish list
PHOTO COURTESY OF MICROSOFT
Don’t get Barry Link a Surface RT this Christmas — he doesn’t want one. Well, maybe he sort of wants one...
Three tech devices I really want, but won’t buy this season As Christmas approaches, new tech products pop up and despite myself I get into a buying mood. But thanks to being raised Baptist and having a journalist’s wages, I usually hold off. Usually. Here are three tech purchases I’d love to indulge in this season, but won’t pull the trigger on. Surface with Windows RT ($519 and up): ❚ Why I want one: I had an introduction to the Surface last month and came away impressed. It’s a portable computer that can be used as both a tablet and a small laptop. The hardware is beautiful, the interface of lively, updating tiles is fun and functional, and since I’m primarily a Windows household, its use of the new Windows 8 is a plus. ❚ Why I won’t buy it: The RT version of Windows 8 that powers the device cannot run legacy Windows software, and its app store is tiny compared to the powerhouse iPad’s offerings. To be fair, the app store is growing, and none of this will be a problem if you simply want to surf the web, watch Netflix and keep in touch with the world through email and social media. But the Surface has rightly been called a 1.0 device that promises to improve with time. It just depends how much time you want to give it. Microsoft will be unveiling the Surface Pro in January that will run the full version of Windows 8. For power users, it’s a better buy. ❚ Why you might want one: Despite the Surface’s weaknesses, many reviewers have called it the best productivity tablet out there, thanks to its inclusion of a free Office suite and covers (for extra cost) that function as surprisingly good keyboards. This could be your tablet choice for serious work. iPad Mini ($329 and up): ❚ Why I want one: I’m not a huge Apple fan, but I’ve always thought a smaller, more portable version of the iPad would be a great buy. Full-sized iPads always look cumbersome when people pull them out at the
Barry Link THE PRAC TICAL GEEK
board room or lunch table, whereas the eight-inch size of the mini is the sweet spot for portable consumption devices.
A bigger screen than a phone, but without having to hold something the size of a dinner plate. ❚ Why I won’t buy it: I bought an Androidpowered Nexus 7 tablet a few months go and adore it. According to reviewers, the hardware on the iPad mini is superior to the Nexus 7, but with a $209 starting price for largely
similar capability, the Nexus 7 is hands down the best current tablet deal in Canada. Sorry, Apple. ❚ Why you might want one: If you really want an iPad, the mini is cheaper than a regular iPad, which makes it a relatively affordable way to access Apple’s excellent collection — the best in Canada — of apps, music and video on iTunes. Many reviewers say the
higher price compared to competing products is justified. A 50-inch television ($700 and up): ❚ Why I want one:
I have a 40-inch widescreen Samsung TV that I bought five years ago. It works superbly and meets my needs. So of course I want a see TVs page 26
Preschoolers visit Cowell Auto Group Alderwood House School attended a field trip to Cowell Auto Group. These students visited all 4 dealerships under the Cowell Auto Group Brand: Cowell Volkswagen, Audi of Richmond, Land Rover of Richmond, and Jaguar Richmond. Alderwood House School is local preschool where students immerse themselves in the learning experience. Through their recent studies the children had shown a keen interest in cars. The trip to Cowell Auto Group encouraged this interest, and focused on learning about the basic features of a vehicle, vehicle safety and
why vehicles are brought to the dealership for service. The field trip started at Cowell Volkswagen for an introduction to the basic features of a vehicle and to learn about vehicle safety, and what better to demonstrate on, but a 2013 VW Beetle? At Audi of Richmond the youngsters got a kick out of hearing the Audi R8’s engine; although by the looks on the faces of the parents, perhaps the adults enjoyed it more. The last dealership to be visited was Land Rover and Jaguar of
Richmond, where the children got to learn about the Service Department. The class had the chance to walk through the Service Department, seeing cars that were in for vehicle maintenance. A likely highlight for the class, was watching the a Range Rover makes its way across the Off-Road Rock Course housed at Land Rover of Richmond. They were able to see how a driver can maintain vehicle control through side tilts and properly navigating steep ascents. Another highlight? Their teacher Mr. Pat going along for the ride.
The exciting and unforgettable visit to Cowell Auto Group came to an end, with the presentation of goodie bags for each child! There were smiles all around on this special day. No matter big or small, everyone on the Field Trip had a memorable experience, not to be forgotten.
Cowell Auto Group • Richmond Auto Mall • 13611 Smallwood Place, Richmond BC • 604.273.3922