Stories by Michael Gartenberg

Five things I really like and dislike about Android

A lot has been written about Android since its introduction by Google, both good and bad. It's been praised as an open model that led to the creation of the Open Handset Alliance. It's been criticized for being fragmented as a platform and for the rapid pace of new releases, which has made it hard for both users and vendors to keep up.

iPhone 4S and iOS 5 raise the smartphone IQ once again

It came late and with a different name than many expected. Some were anticipating a new hardware design (some case vendors went as far as to order cases made on rumored design changes), others a larger screen. More than a few expected something called iPhone 5.

Why Apple dares to change your apps

Apple recently introduced the long-awaited update to its Final Cut Pro video-editing application. Final Cut has been around more than a decade, and it’s become quite popular with those who do professional video work.

Apple keeps on giving lessons in retail

If you shop in the U.S., you're likely familiar with the Nordstrom brand. It's not just another department store: It's a business with legendary customer support.

Google Chromebook: Bigger than a tablet, but less useful

More than a year ago, Google announced an ambitious project to create a new class of device powered by an operating-system version of its Chrome browser . Many months of hyped expectations later, Google finally took the wraps off the first of its Chromebooks at its developer conference last week. While Google has delivered in some ways, the pricing of the Acer and Samsung Chromebooks relative to the functionality offered could spoil the party.

Five questions for IT from CES

Didn't send anyone to CES? You probably should have. As I wrote last April, the Consumer Electronics Show may have "consumer" in its name, but it is more and more a place for IT to keep up to date with what will be happening in their companies soon. That's because users are increasingly having their say when it comes to the technologies they use.

And then there were three: A look at Chrome OS

A year ago, Google began discussing the idea of offering a full operating system based on its Chrome browser. This month, Google revealed further details of its plans and began shipping a first run of test units so that developers, reporters and analysts could begin to evaluate Google's efforts. I've been testing one of these units over the last week or so, and I found Google's efforts impressive. The question is whether Google has created a new environment that will challenge more traditional PC operating systems such as Mac OS and Windows, or whether Chrome will be the latest challenger that ends up with niche success at best.

RIM needs to make the BlackBerry business-sexy

Last week at an event in New York, Research In Motion introduced its latest smartphone, the BlackBerry Torch, along with the most recent update of the operating system, BlackBerry 6.

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With 2.2 release, Android for the enterprise deserves a second look

Just last year, with the arrival of Android 2.0 mobile operating system, I warned that Android devices were not quite ready for the enterprise.

The pros and cons of Windows 7 for business

Is your IT organization ready for Windows 7? You're running out of time. Microsoft will ship the new version of Windows on Oct. 22.

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Is Apple gearing up to enter the enterprise?

It could be that a real battle is brewing between operating systems. Apple will fire first by releasing Mac OS X 10.6, known as Snow Leopard, in September. Microsoft's response, Windows 7, will hit store shelves a few weeks later, on Oct. 22.

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Windows Mobile: Alive and well -- and suitable for business

Having discussed the progress of the iPhone in the enterprise last month, I thought that this month I would take a look at a longtime player, Windows Mobile, and see how it stacks up against the competition these days. And next month, I hope to have some comments on the new Palm Pre and how it fares for business use.

What's coming in 2009

Well, it's that time of the year again. Time to enjoy the glow of a nice LED backlit display and huddle with the warmth that only an overclocked PC can produce. Yep, it's time to take a look at what's going to happen in technology in 2009. Here are my five predictions for the new year.

A road warrior's guide to netbooks

The netbook is one of the most interesting categories on the market. These small laptops can do most of the jobs of their big brothers while costing under US$500. For some people, such as students, a netbook can be a primary computer. For a business user, it might be a second PC for use when traveling or commuting. Here are five tips to help pick the right one for your needs.

Leopard redefines 'what personal computing looks like'

Leopard, the latest release of Apple's Mac OS X, lays the foundation for the next generation of personal computing. It offers a better user experience as well as the reliability inherent when you are able to integrate hardware and an operating system. It's an evolutionary release with parts that are downright revolutionary.