Author Archive: Matthew Dillon

As an educator and school counselor, Matthew is an advocate for using technology in the classroom and passionate about exposing students to technologies that will empower them in their future careers. Follow Matthew on Twitter.

rss feed

Author's Website

Many Blogs Are Now on Death Row

Many Blogs Are Now on Death Row

Magazines? What are those? We are living in a time when digital media reigns supreme. If you’re like me, you likely subscribe or follow several blogs to get your daily fill of news and information. If you want to know the news before it is on television, you no doubt follow blogs. The way we [...]

Posted by | 08/06/2010 | 4 Comments More
GBM Shortcut: Note Taker HD Brings Ink to iPad

GBM Shortcut: Note Taker HD Brings Ink to iPad

After posting a GBM Shortcut demonstrating FastFinga’s features, I was prompted by Dan Bricklin via Twitter to check out his Note Taker HD app for the iPad. I’ve been using Note Taker HD for about a week, and I can honestly say that it is the best note taking experience I have found thus far on [...]

Posted by | 07/12/2010 | 11 Comments More
GBM Shortcut: FastFinga Inking on the iPad

GBM Shortcut: FastFinga Inking on the iPad

I’m always on the hunt for iPad apps that turn the media consumption device into a useful productivity tool. Unlike Steve Jobs, I still believe that the pen has a place in digital note taking and computing. Many iPad apps have promised inking capabilities, and many most have failed horribly. Penultimate is a good example of one [...]

Posted by | 06/29/2010 | 3 Comments More
What Happens When Motorola Droid and RunKeeper Play Hockey

What Happens When Motorola Droid and RunKeeper Play Hockey

You’ve likely seen numerous posts on Twitter and Facebook of runners proudly sharing the detailed statistics of their distance workouts. Seeing this information shared over and over prompted me to perform an experiment. What happens when you use RunKeeper while playing ice hockey? I decided to put my Motorola Droid smartphone to the test by [...]

Posted by | 06/14/2010 | 6 Comments More
The iPhone’s Role in Limited Data Plans

The iPhone’s Role in Limited Data Plans

As a Verizon Wireless subscriber for over five years, I’ve had essentially no problems with their wireless service. My experience with customer service, on the other hand, has had its share of bad moments, but I’m happy overall. I would consider myself a satisfied customer except for one thing. I wanted the iPhone. Like many [...]

Posted by | 06/10/2010 | 10 Comments More
What the Ever Expanding Android Market Needs

What the Ever Expanding Android Market Needs

The Android Market, Android’s apps store, is finally featuring applications that are able to compete with and rival those of Apple’s. Like most newborn app stores, the Android Market was weak and tiny during its infancy, but has blossomed into a a full-fledged adolescent with many helpful, entertaining, and polished applications. Although the Android Market [...]

Posted by | 05/17/2010 | 3 Comments More
Palm App Catalog Bites the Dust

Palm App Catalog Bites the Dust

Got a Palm Pixi or Pre through Verizon Wireless? You might want to hold off downloading any new apps for a while as it appears a bug has caused many Pixi and Pre users to lose access to their applications. I noticed the problem this morning as I was trying to install Evernote on my [...]

Posted by | 05/15/2010 | 5 Comments More
A Tour Through Silicon Valley

A Tour Through Silicon Valley

My wife and I have been fortunate to visit my brother-in-law in Mountain View, California, this week. Part of the agreement my wife and I made while out this way was that we each had one full day to plan whatever events we wanted. I was not surprised when my wife decided that that we [...]

Posted by | 04/01/2010 | 3 Comments More
Notion Ink Adam vs. iPad Comparison, Video

Notion Ink Adam vs. iPad Comparison, Video

Thinking the iPad looks pretty sweet? The folks at Technoholik have given us another reason to think twice.  An interesting side-by-side comparison of the two devices highlights a few major differences such as the camera, battery life, and video-out options. Still no word on an official price, but expect this puppy to sell like hotcakes [...]

Posted by | 02/28/2010 | 6 Comments More
Tablet PC 2.0: How Important is the Pen?

Tablet PC 2.0: How Important is the Pen?

The heart and soul of GottaBeMobile has been Tablet PCs; we’ve documented and provided news about the latest and greatest tablets to hit the market for several years. Our readers are perhaps the most savvy tablet experts around. That being said, what are your thoughts about purchasing any of the upcoming Tablet 2.0 devices that [...]

Posted by | 02/15/2010 | 26 Comments More
TrendyDigital Keeps iPad, Kindle Waterproof and Trendy

TrendyDigital Keeps iPad, Kindle Waterproof and Trendy

Thinking about using that new iPad at the beach this summer? The folks at TrendyDigital have a few iPad and eBook accessories they’re hoping you’ll find useful. Among them is their new waterproof case that has been specifically designed for the iPad, Kindle, or Nook. A reasonable $19.99 can get your very own water-resistant pouch [...]

Posted by | 02/14/2010 | 1 Comment More
Bulletproof BlackBerry Saves Life

Bulletproof BlackBerry Saves Life

You’ve heard the legend of Lt. Dixon’s bulletproof gold coin, but what about the lady who lived to see another day thanks to her bulletproof BlackBerry?  A Dayton, Ohio, woman is lucky to be alive thanks to her lifesaving smartphone.  According to police, the BlackBerry was in the right place at the right time when [...]

Posted by | 02/11/2010 | 2 Comments More
Motorola Retracts Android 2.1 Update Details for Droid

Motorola Retracts Android 2.1 Update Details for Droid

Now you see it, now you don’t!  Motorola has pulled the information they posted regarding their upcoming OTA Android 2.1 update for the Droid.  According to their official forums, the press release with full details was premature. The original details page simply says, “There is a release coming, check back soon.”  Maybe Motorola actually read [...]

Posted by | 02/10/2010 | 0 Comments More
Netbook or iPad? The Pros and Cons

Netbook or iPad? The Pros and Cons

I was a big fan of netbooks when they first came out.  They’re cheap, provide plenty of functionality, and make great traveling companions.  Despite the booming popularity of netbooks, I believe that the iPad will create a new market for tablet-styled devices.  Whether you’re an Apple fan or not, the iPad’s perceived ease of use, [...]

Posted by | 02/09/2010 | 8 Comments More
Skooba Debuts iPad Bags, R.A.P.S!

Skooba Debuts iPad Bags, R.A.P.S!

Skooba has taken the dive into all things iPad with their new line of custom messenger bags, sleeves, and R.A.P.S!  The three specialized pouches feature a $14.95 R.A.P.S! (pictured right), the $19.95 Neo Sleeve, and a $49.95 Netbook/iPad Messenger.  The three Skooba offerings look like familiar netbook satchels, but do seem to be designed with [...]

Posted by | 02/01/2010 | 3 Comments More
Take the enTourage eDGe for a Spin

Take the enTourage eDGe for a Spin

You’ve seen our coverage of the forthcoming enTourage eDGe which includes Sumocat’s impressions, but you want to know a little bit more.  It’s called gadget obsession, and you’ve likely got it if you frequent GottaBeMobile.  Good thing the folks at enTourage have come to our rescue and provided a neat little demo of what the [...]

Posted by | 01/29/2010 | 3 Comments More
The iPad: An Opportunity to Change Education

The iPad: An Opportunity to Change Education

Around 1450, a man named Johannes Gutenberg created a device that has had an immeasurable impact upon all people.  His machine, the printing press, made it possible for text to be distributed much faster than the scribing process.  Fast forward to 2010, the year that Steve Jobs and Apple Computer introduce the iPad.  The iPad, [...]

Posted by | 01/28/2010 | 25 Comments More
Beat the System with Google Voice

Beat the System with Google Voice

Am I the only person in America who thinks wireless carrier’s plans are purposely difficult to understand and too costly?  Data plan caps, tethering, ETFs and a lot of other lingo often prevent folks from considering phones with data plans.  I wasn’t surprised during a recent visit to Best Buy when I examined wireless carrier’s [...]

Posted by | 01/22/2010 | 5 Comments More
OLPC Gets Tossed in Demonstration

OLPC Gets Tossed in Demonstration

Not sure what it is, but seeing electronics smashed, dropped, and blown up is just plain cool.  Case in point is the OLPC XO laptop featured in this video from OLPCNews.com.  The OLPC buzz has been slow lately and the organization appears to be weakening from within, but the little laptop shows that it can [...]

Posted by | 01/21/2010 | 2 Comments More
10 Free Apps Make Sure Droid Still Does

10 Free Apps Make Sure Droid Still Does

I’ve been rocking my Motorola Droid since the first day it was available to the public.  Although it is still a little rough around the edges, the Droid is a different animal from the iPhone and offers an equal amount of impressive and useful features.  This list of ten free apps includes a variety of [...]

Posted by | 01/02/2010 | 0 Comments More
The Smartbook is Coming

The Smartbook is Coming

Let’s face it, the smartbook will become the inevitable next step in the evolution of our two favorite mobile gadgets: the smartphone and the netbook.  As our demand for mobile Internet content continues to grow, smartphones become more powerful, and mainstream consumer adoption of smartphones expand, the smartbook stands at the threshold. What exactly will [...]

Posted by | 12/28/2009 | 2 Comments More
Still Time to Hack 2009 Thanks to Lifehacker

Still Time to Hack 2009 Thanks to Lifehacker

Want to know 2009′s best tips, tricks, and hacks?  Look no further than Lifehacker’s popular Best of 2009 series.  Lifehacker, the popular site that helps you make life better in nearly every conceivable area, has published their best of 2009 tips and tricks.  Spend a few hours (literally) researching the year’s best DIY projects, most [...]

Posted by | 12/24/2009 | 0 Comments More
What $100 Can’t Get You

What $100 Can’t Get You

The goal of the original One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) was to create a $100 computer that could be given to impoverished school children.  Around the same time as the OLPC, Asus was working on their own budget-friendly consumer laptop, the Eee PC 701 Netbook.  Two years have passed since the netbook craze began.  Netbooks [...]

Posted by | 12/22/2009 | 0 Comments More
Nexus One News and Weather Widget Available for Droid

Nexus One News and Weather Widget Available for Droid

The recent news of Google’s own smartphone, the Nexus One, has generated a lot of discussion and blurry screenshots.  Despite the quality of these low light glimpses into Google’s phone, there are many clear gems coming to us in the future Android 2.1 OS.  The Google News and Weather application presents top headlines and forecasts [...]

Posted by | 12/19/2009 | 0 Comments More
Grading My 2009 Predictions

Grading My 2009 Predictions

Taking a look at Warner’s scores for his 2009 predictions prompted me to review and grade my own thoughts regarding what I thought would happen throughout this past year.  Read below to examine what I thought 2009 would hold in the tech world.  Here were my predictions and what actually happened.  Check below to see [...]

Posted by | 12/15/2009 | 0 Comments More
Verizon Abandoning the Droid Attack?

Verizon Abandoning the Droid Attack?

Many news sites and blogs are hailing the Motorola Droid’s marketing campaign as a substantial success.  It has been estimated that over 250,000 Droid’s were sold in the first week of its launch in early November.  NFL games and family sitcoms have been interrupted by commercials showing stealth bombers launching Droids, the Droid’s grit and [...]

Posted by | 11/25/2009 | 7 Comments More
Motorola Droid: Do You Feel The Need to Kill?

Motorola Droid: Do You Feel The Need to Kill?

To kill or not to kill?  That is the question Motorola Droid owners are asking themselves lately.  I have been using and enjoying my Motorola Droid since it was released a few weeks ago.  While I am happy with the phone, it is a little rough around the edges and reminds me of when the [...]

Posted by | 11/21/2009 | 3 Comments More
Motorola Droid Screen Scratch Test: No Protection Needed?

Motorola Droid Screen Scratch Test: No Protection Needed?

Few things bring me joy like watching gadgets get blow up, smashed, destroyed, or scratched.  One southern gentleman has been brave enough to subject his Motorola Droid to the famous “sharp key scratch test.”  As the video shows, a sharp key is thrust over an unprotected Droid’s screen numerous times with no visible damage.  The [...]

Posted by | 11/11/2009 | 2 Comments More
BlackBerry Gets Attacked by Droids: First Impressions

BlackBerry Gets Attacked by Droids: First Impressions

I managed to snag a Motorola Droid from my local Verizon store in Huber Heights, Ohio, after work yesterday.  To my surprise there was no line and the store was fairly empty.  A few customers were checking out the Droid, but the crowd was thin.  I asked the Verizon employee assisting me how the day [...]

Posted by | 11/07/2009 | 6 Comments More
Forget CrunchPad, Meet InkPad

Forget CrunchPad, Meet InkPad

My daily routine is centered around a paper tablet.  I keep track of my to-do items, record important notes, and write down new ideas.  I love having the ability to write things down as they enter my mind and simply flipping back a few pages to remember what I did the day before.  My reliance [...]

Posted by | 10/17/2009 | 30 Comments More
How Many Computers Have You Owned?

How Many Computers Have You Owned?

I’ve owned many computers throughout my life, perhaps more than I’d like to admit.  I sat down the other day in an attempt to create the most complete list of computers that I’ve owned since I delved into the tech world.  It all started with a Mac SE that my father would bring home from [...]

Posted by | 10/03/2009 | 16 Comments More
Moblin v2 Impressions: This Has Potential

Moblin v2 Impressions: This Has Potential

I have been using Moblin version 2 on my Dell Mini 10v netbook exclusively for the past couple days.  The linux variant is specifically tailored for a netbook’s smaller screen size, longer battery life, and Intel Atom Processor.  While the overall OS is smooth and offers much, I must offer a few suggestions.

Posted by | 09/29/2009 | 0 Comments More
Alternative Netbook Operating Systems

Alternative Netbook Operating Systems

Rather than sticking with Microsoft Windows XP or the updated Windows 7, there are a variety of reasons for checking out alternative operating systems for your netbook.  The benefits of using a few of the following operating systems include being a part of a community of users, regular updates, and running an OS that is [...]

Posted by | 09/22/2009 | 7 Comments More
High Resolution Netbooks Do Exist!

High Resolution Netbooks Do Exist!

If you’re like me, you’ve been frustrated a time or two by the limited screen resolution of your favorite netbook.   A 10.1-inch screen was a vast improvement over the original 7-inch Eee PC, but my eyes can still feel like they’re jailed at 1024×600; A claustrophobic feeling often takes over when I’m netbook surfing. [...]

Posted by | 09/05/2009 | 2 Comments More
Why I’ll Pass on the Apple Tablet

Why I’ll Pass on the Apple Tablet

You may have read how I believe the upcoming Apple Tablet or CrunchPad would be an excellent tool for K-12 students. While I do believe these tablet devices could have a significant positive impact on the realm of education, I don’t plan on purchasing one for my personal use. Here’s why: What can it do [...]

Posted by | 09/05/2009 | 24 Comments More