Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Proud of Whooo? {Wordless Wednesday} w/LINKY
My sister and Mom gave these flowers to my kids after their dance recital with this adorable note...
Check out our Canadian Online Shopping Directory and Multi-Testing Mommy's Current Giveaways
Google Nexus 7 {REVIEW}
Before I start my review of the Google Nexus 7, I have to confess that I am fully immersed in the iOS (that's Apple iPhone and iPad) ecosystem. I'm also an electrical engineer by trade, with a lot of programming under my belt.
So... yeah. This isn't going to be your typical Multi-testing Mommy review. Sorry about that.
The Google Nexus 7 is an Android tablet running Jellybean. Mine shipped with 4.1.1, but was clamoring for an update as soon as it could access the internet, after which it was 4.2.2, which is the latest version as of this writing. The key specs and features are as follows:
We had a previous tablet running Android 4.0.3 (yes, even Apple boys have Android toys), so when I logged in to Google Services on the Nexus 7 it immediately offered to download all the apps I had previously gotten on my other tablet, which was a nice surprise compared to the experience I've had using iTunes backups to setup new devices. And it didn't end there: the next morning when I brought it into work, one of my colleagues (another iOS user) immediately snatched up the Nexus 7, and following occured:
Me: So since you have it, can you add the office WiFi in Settings?
Colleague: OK. (pause) I don't need to. It's already there.
Me: Really? I didn't do that.
Colleague: Huh. Must have come across with the Google stuff last night.
Both of us: Cool. (Also, a little scary. Be careful with sensitive information out there, folks. The cloud is always listening - and taking copious notes.)
The Nexus 7 fits comfortably in the palm of my hand, unlike other 7" tablets which are just slightly too wide for me to palm easily. The back is plastic, but has a rubbery feel to it as well. The amount of extra grip this provides is neglible, however. There are just two buttons: a volume rocker, and a multifunction button that handles sleep, power-off, airplane mode, and mute. It's a bit heavier than other 7" tablets, but not overly so, and unless you're doing a comparison one after the other, you wouldn't notice the difference.
As for ports, there's only one: a micro USB connection that provides both sync and charge capability. I have to say, having a non-proprietary (cough - Apple - cough) interface was a welcome change, as was the ability to just plug my Nexus 7 into my Windows 7 laptop and immediately be able to drag and drop files to it. (This is something even our other Android tablet was incapable of.) If you're a media hound, you'll likely get a lot of use out of this feature because the only storage available in the on-board storage; there are no microSD or other peripheral ports here.
The touchscreen is quick and responsive, and swiping between screens and applications is seamless. The Jellybean OS really shines on the Nexus 7, and I can say that I appreciate the buttonless, three icon (back, home, list) system of Android. The Google Play store may not be able to boast the same number of available applications as other vendors, but what's there is plentiful and, with the exception of the most particular and/or unique needs, will be more than sufficient for the majority of users.
One note that I have to make is with regards to fragmentation on Android devices. Because Apple operates a closed ecosystem (in other words, they make the OS and the devices themselves), they can ensure a consistent user experience across all devices. Android, with its open-source nature and multi-vendor support, sacrifices consistency for choice. One such example that I encountered was with Adobe Flash. (I know; Adobe has officially discontinued support for Flash on Android, but coming from iOS, that feature was the one thing I was most curious about, even if it is supposedly being phased out in favour of HTML5.) The other Android device (a Toshiba Excite) came with a stock browser with native Flash support. The Nexus 7, with Chrome as its default browser, does not support Flash out of the box, and even after trying several browsers from the Play store, I was unable to get a similar experience. I'm not saying this makes or breaks the OS or the device, but it speaks to a greater concern.
Overall, I enjoyed using the Nexus 7. I do not think it will replace either of my other devices, but only because my other tablet has a 9.7" display which fits both my (somewhat large) hands comfortably side by side in landscape mode. The Nexus 7 makes a good browsing and media consumption device, and handles mobile games admirably.
THE PROS & CONS You can get the Google Nexus 7 Tablet by ASUS, Android 4.2, 32GB at Staples.ca.
This review was written by my hubby!
He says he is "A husband, a father, and an engineer. In that order."
Check out our Canadian Online Shopping Directory and Multi-Testing Mommy's Current Giveaways
So... yeah. This isn't going to be your typical Multi-testing Mommy review. Sorry about that.
- 7" IPS Capacitive LED (1280 x 800)
- 32 GB Flash Memory (storage)
- 1 GB RAM
- 1.2 MP front facing camera with autofocus
- NVIDIA Tegra 3 Processor running at 1.3GHz
- 802.11b/g/n integrated WiFi
- Integrated Bluetooth (2.1)
- Built-in Speaker, Integrated Microphone, Headphone Jack
- GPS Navigation
- Up To 9.5 Hours Battery Life
- Height: 1 cm
- Depth: 12 cm
- Width: 19.8 cm
- Weight: 340 g
Me: So since you have it, can you add the office WiFi in Settings?
Colleague: OK. (pause) I don't need to. It's already there.
Me: Really? I didn't do that.
Colleague: Huh. Must have come across with the Google stuff last night.
Both of us: Cool. (Also, a little scary. Be careful with sensitive information out there, folks. The cloud is always listening - and taking copious notes.)
The Nexus 7 fits comfortably in the palm of my hand, unlike other 7" tablets which are just slightly too wide for me to palm easily. The back is plastic, but has a rubbery feel to it as well. The amount of extra grip this provides is neglible, however. There are just two buttons: a volume rocker, and a multifunction button that handles sleep, power-off, airplane mode, and mute. It's a bit heavier than other 7" tablets, but not overly so, and unless you're doing a comparison one after the other, you wouldn't notice the difference.
The touchscreen is quick and responsive, and swiping between screens and applications is seamless. The Jellybean OS really shines on the Nexus 7, and I can say that I appreciate the buttonless, three icon (back, home, list) system of Android. The Google Play store may not be able to boast the same number of available applications as other vendors, but what's there is plentiful and, with the exception of the most particular and/or unique needs, will be more than sufficient for the majority of users.
Pros
- micro usb for charge and sync
- perfect dimensions in portrait for single hand use
- sync of apps and settings (including known WiFi networks) automatically from Google Cloud
- drag and drop from Windows
- widgets for some items were useful
Cons
- slow response when rotating
- no expandable storage
- no rear camera (but taking photos with a tablet makes you look absurd, so maybe this is a Pro?)
This review was written by my hubby!
He says he is "A husband, a father, and an engineer. In that order."
Monday, June 17, 2013
You Could Win a Salton VITA PRO Low Speed Juicer Tonight at #CdnMomsCook Twitter Party!
You could win a A Salton VITA PRO Low Speed Juicer tonight at #CdnMomsCook Twitter Party!
You won't want to miss out!
You must RSVP to be eligible to win!
Friday, June 14, 2013
Join Us to Celebrate #CdnMomsCook with a Twitter Party!
Stacey from Did You Know Canada and I are celebrating our Blogaversary over at Canadian Moms Cook with a Twitter Party!
We have some amazing prizes lined up! Check them out:
A Tasty Turkey Prize Pack - valued at $50
An Adult Essential Prize Pack - valued at $50
Two cookbooks from DK Canada
A Today I Ate a Rainbow Kit
A "The Healthy Shopper" Prize Pack and Coupon booklet
A Xylitol Canada Prize Pack
$50 in coupons from Maple Leaf Foods
A SodaStream Machine
AND a....
Grand Prize that we will be announcing on Monday from Salton!
Date: Monday June 17th, 2013
Time: 9pmEST
RSVP: You must RSVP by filling out the Rafflecopter Form if you would like to qualify to win a prize.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Giveaway Linky (#Low Entry and Regular) for #Canadians June 12th
This week here at Multi-Testing Mommy, we have some great giveaways to share with you:
Pine-Sol Prize Pack - CAN - 6/28
Urban Parker Pen for Father's Day CAN 6/28
Kohler Moxie™ Showerhead ARV $230 7/2 CAN, excluding Quebec
Note: For Low Entry Linky, scroll down
Pine-Sol Prize Pack - CAN - 6/28
Urban Parker Pen for Father's Day CAN 6/28
Kohler Moxie™ Showerhead ARV $230 7/2 CAN, excluding Quebec
To List Your Giveaways, They Must...
Straw Weaving for Kids - Artsy Play Wednesday {LINKY}
Capri + 3
Multi-Testing Mommy
Shannon’s View From Here
Baby Giveaways Galore
Welcome to Artsy Play Wednesday, a weekly post featuring activities, crafts, recipes and more wonderful ideas to share with your children! Each week, we will have a Featured Activity for you to check out along with an opportunity for you to link up your child friendly activities or to check out ideas for you to do with your children!
I look forward to seeing you again next week!
Feel free to check out the details for Straw Weaving for Kids
If you are linking up today, we would love it if you could copy the following code below onto your linked up post (it is a button for you to use showing that you linked up at Artsy Play Wednesday):
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
How to Clean Up a Liquid Spill on a Laptop
Disclaimer: The following is provided for information purposes only. Use at your own risk. There are NO guarantees that this will work, nor can we make promises that rice won’t get stuck in any of your computer's parts. Multi-Testing Mommy does not assume any responsibility or hold any liability of any outcomes of trying any of following tips. If in doubt, please consult a professional.
- Do not spill liquid on your laptop.
- If you are particularly clumsy, do not bring liquids within five feet of your laptop. (If you are in the late third trimester and your center of gravity is severely compromised by your progeny extending from your midsection - make that ten feet.)
- OK, so you have ignored the first two steps and have liquid on your laptop. Do. Not. Panic.
- Unplug your laptop from the wall and remove the battery ASAP. (If you have a Macbook Air, uhm, well, it serves you right for choosing such a poorly supportable design. Just bring it to your local Apple Genius and offer your wallet and/or firstborn and hope.)
The "Thrill, Fill, Spill" Method for Planting a Container or Urn {#GARDENING}
My Mom is an amazing gardener! She uses her inspiring creativity so well in her garden. This year, she has taught me about the Thrill, Spill and Fill Method for planting in containers and urns.
In this image, the large hosta is the thrill with the tall flower. After the flower is done the hosta will grow up to 21 inches tall.
Thrill
In this image, the large hosta is the thrill with the tall flower. After the flower is done the hosta will grow up to 21 inches tall.
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