When it sold three million iPads in just one weekend, Apple probably did not expect the backlash that is now gathering strength worldwide over its use of “LTE” and “4G” in its marketing efforts.

Just today, an Australian consumer watchdog brought Apple to court, pressurising it to change its marketing of “4G” speeds on some of its new iPad models. For Apple, the worry is that consumer groups in other countries are also taking Australia’s case seriously and may consider action of their own.

…

Not everyone checks up the specs on the new Apple iPad before buying the shiny toy, but for those who do, they will find an interesting entry in a section called Wireless and Cellular.

Not only is there mention of the touted “4G” or LTE (Long Term Evolution) speed upgrade, which supports the 700MHz and 2,100MHz frequencies, but the iPad can also log on to older networks running UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSPA in four other frequencies. And get this, the new iPad also supports GSM networks in the good old 800, 900, 1,800 and 1,900MHz frequencies as well.

Confused already? That, by the way, is just for the AT&T model in the United States. Also listed on the Apple website is a Verizon model, which supports LTE all the same, but “falls back” on a different older network called CDMA EV-DO, along with the rest of the other cellphone network technologies, if LTE is not available.

Nobody but geeks used to care about the alphabet soup here, but as more LTE devices hit the market this year, as the iPad did this weekend, this fragmentation of wireless network technologies is becoming a huge problem for device makers and users alike.

LTE was meant to unify these disparate technologies evolved over the years, but with 38 different frequencies expected to be rolled out around the world, the new technology is adding to the problem instead.
…

You’ve heard all the praises and maybe even queued up on launch day to get your hands on the newest iPad. Everyone knows why you should get the iPad; virtually every tech blogger and pundit out there is raving over Apple’s newest gizmo.

But if you’re still sitting on the fence, here are five reasons why you should not get the new iPad.

…

After months and months of salivating over rumours and leaks, Apple fans now have a new product to fawn over as the Cupertino-based company unveiled the latest version of its iPad early this morning (local time) in San Francisco. It’s not called the iPad 3, nor is it known as the iPad HD. It’s simply called “the new iPad”, a name which I’m sure the late Steve Jobs would disapprove.

If you cut through all the hyperbole surrounding the new iPad’s launch — stripping away words like “ground-breaking”, “reinventing”, and “revolutionary” — the only real difference between the new iPad and the iPad 2 is an upgraded GPU, a higher resolution display, and LTE connectivity. If you take photography on a tablet seriously, then you might be interested in the new camera.

…

As tributes pour in for one of the information world’s acknowledged geniuses, we thought it would only be right that we too remembered Steve Jobs for the way he changed computing for so many people.

His death this morning (Singapore time), when he was just 56, marked more than 20 years of endeavour to bring computing to the masses in a fun, accessible and imaginative way.

Not all his decisions and products went well with users, and not everything he touched turned to gold, but there is no doubt the former Apple CEO and founder of a company that created the iMac, iPhone and iPad had a profound influence in the way everyone used their digital gadgets today.

Here are four ways Steve has changed our computing lifestyles. …

Hong Kong’s getting the real deal this weekend, and it comes in the form of huge Apple Store right smack in Central. And the curtains have literally come off. MIC Gadget has the scoop on that and has photos of … people taking photos of the store. Plus photos of the store.

At 20,000 sq feet spread across two floors, in one of the most expensive malls in Hong Kong – it sure sounds like a lot of money until you think about the US$7 billion in profits that the company raked in in a quarter.

Anyway, what CAN the average Apple fanboy/girl do at an Apple Store.

He/She could of course buy and learn how to use an Apple product. Get tech support from the beer-less Genius Bar. Sit in their many workshops to learn how to use their apps. And of course chat up fellow Apple fanboys/girls – where else would they rather be?

Oh but wait, can this be? Apple has JOBS in Hong Kong! No, not Steve himself, but salary-paying jobs. I can already hear the Magic Mice clicks and the frantic Magic Trackpad taps. They still have positions open – which leaves me wondering … have they already sucked up all the Geniuses in this Special Administrative Region?

No promises, but Techgoondu’s Hong Kong correspondent might just brave the Applemania this weekend to bring you some snaps of the madness.

You didn’t really expect Apple to sit idly by while Android tablets stole the show, did you?

Apple yesterday sent out a wave of invites to an event held on March 2, when they are expected to unveil the followup to the iPad to the masses. The image on the invite makes it pretty clear that it’ll be about an iPad, and the caption proudly proclaims: “Come see what 2011 will be the year of.” …

The tablet wars are heating up, and for those of you holding up for a decent iPad competitor, such as the Motorola Xoom, you now have one more item to consider.

Although rumours have been swirling for months, Hewlett Packard (HP) today officially revealed their take on the tablet: the TouchPad. The company also added two smartphones to its lineup: the Veer and the Pre 3. Until we get a hands-on with the actual devices, here’s a brief overview of what was announced. …

We already know how great the large-screen smartphone or tablet computer is as a remote controller to play music or movies from your PC server. Now, there’s also an iOS app that lets you control your Xerox machine and send documents to print – directly from your handheld device.

…

After staying quiet for a good while, the Singapore firm yesterday surprised many techies by pulling two Android-based tablet computers out of the hat with prices starting from a mere S$359.

That’s for the ZiiO tablet sporting a 7-inch screen and 8GB memory, and running Android 2.1. A 10-inch model with the same 8GB built in goes for S$429. Both are going on sale at the Creative online store from end-December and at other retailers a month later. …