Summary: We dive into discussions about the Kindle Fire HD, iPad security in schools, the percentage of Americans not online, and giving up a cell phone while at a restaurant. Kindle Fire HD Amazon has introduced their 3rd generation of Kindles into the marketplace. With a host of new features, better picture quality, faster processing ability, and a clear slant towards entertainment, the Kindle Fire HD looks to make another big splash in the tablet market. Since the costs are reasonable, look for many 1st generation users to upgrade to the Fire HD and look for some new consumers to swoop in on the new product. LA Students Breach iPad Security It took less one week for students to manipulate the security settings on school-issued iPads. The introduction of iPads was designed to enhance learning, integrate classroom with at-home work, and create a robust learning environment. Well, kids have found a way to tweet, stream live music via Pandora, provide status updates, and micro-blog all while on the school's dime and time. Now it's back to the drawing board for school and network administrators. 15% of Americans Don't Go Online In a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, nearly 1 in 7 Americans do not use the Internet at all. Many reasons were given for their decision: waste of time, concerned about privacy, didn't see it as useful, service is too expensive, or disability prevents usage. There are a range of variables such as age, income, education, location, and race. A surprising stat shows that nearly 3% of users are still using a dial-up connection. Giving Up the Cell Phone for a 5% Discount It's inevitable...you pull out the cell phone during dinner to check Facebook, tweet about your meal, check-in via FourSquare, return a text message, check and respond to an email, or post a picture of your food. Maybe it's the human desire to being constantly connected in a social group or social atmosphere that drives us to continually check our phones. We do this all while being seated, placing a drink order, deciding on the entree, ordering dessert, and between conversation gaps with your dinner partner. This is all too common today. Well, some restaurants are now offering 5% discounts to individuals willing to part with their phones for the entire meal. It's a way of creating a better dinner experience, for the manager, the waiter/waitress, and the clientele. Would you be willing to turn in your phone for a discount on your dinner check or are you strong enough to keep that phone locked away for an hour or so?
