iPad Live, the podcast that did the Kessel run in less than ten parsecs jumps into hyperspace again tonight with special guest Jim Dalrymple of The Loop. Be there, or the Wookie wins.

Time: 9pm ET, 6pm PT, 2am GMT.

Place: http://www.tipb.com/live

If you have any questions or topics you’d like us to discuss, just leave them in the comments then come be part of the show!

(And yes, you can watch from iPhone via Ustream Viewer app (here’s how) — just search for “mobilenations” and iPad (we recommend Duet Browser.)

Missed a compelling piece of iPad news, a great app review, or a killer how-to? We’re not collecting absolutely everything in iPad here — you can hit up TiPb.com/iPad for that! — but we’re carefully picking what we think is the best of the last 7 days and presenting it here. For you.

And hey! — these double as show notes for our iPad Live! podcast tonight at 9pm Eastern. So join us and follow along!

Meta

• 2011 Holiday Guides: iPad and iPhone gifts for travelers
• Vote now for iOS feature of the year
• Vote now for iOS device of the year
• Win the iOS device of your dreams in the TiPb holiday giveaway! [Week 2]

News

• Understanding Apple's endgame
• BlackBerry, Android users want an iPad
• Kindle Fire usability tests show challenges of 7-inch form factor
• Why does iOS seem more fluid than Android?
• No wonder it takes so long to get Android released
• Google predicts developers will think of Android over iOS in six months
• Less than openy
• HP open sources webOS

Apps

• Publishers can't fix iPad magazine app frustration
• Google releases Currents, a user-friendly news reader
• Revamped Google Images brings carousel style results to iPad
• TiPb Picks of the Week for December 10, 2011

Accessories

• Giveaway: TAB Rests make using your tablet or e-reader more comfortable – Enter to win 1 of 10!
• Review and giveaway: Qmadix Dual Mobile Charging Kit for iPhone and iPad

iOS 5 is one of the biggest software updates Apple has ever released for their mobile operating system, with changes almost too many to enumerate (we’ve tried!).

Siri is the first step in taking the digital assistant out of sci-fi and into reality. iMessage bypasses the exorbitant carrier text charges and brings iOS users, all over the world, one step closer to BBM-like instant messaging. Notification Center finally brings iOS alerts out of the dark ages. Newsstand put most of our newspapers and magazines all in one place. PC-free along with Wi-Fi sync cuts the cord to iTunes and takes us to the iCloud, where all our data gets stored and pushed and backed up. Reminders brings task management to iOS. The camera app is now fast to access and faster to take shots with.

While there will always be features we wish for next time, from message previews to fast text response to themes to a whole lot more, this year, these are your choices.

• iOS 5 and iCloud walkthrough

Vote up top and tell us why you voted they way you did in the comments! These are your awards, so get to it!

The iPhone 4S has been on the market for two months now so it’s time for us — your TiPb and Mobile Nations editors, writers, and podcasters — to take a second look at it. Has it lived up to our expectations? Has our appreciation for the iPhone 4S grown deeper with time, or is the honeymoon over and the initial sheen long since worn off? Apple typically only releases one new iPhone a year, so how it holds up over time — especially when competing devices seem to drop daily by the dozen — is an especially important consideration.

If you’re still the considering the iPhone 4S, if you’re still on the fence, check out the material below and then read on for our re-review, 2 months later.

• iPhone 4S review
• iPhone 4S buyers guide
• iPhone 4S forum
• Top 10 iPhone 4S tips and tricks
• Top 10 iPhone 4S apps
• iPhone 4S accessories at the TiPb store
• iPhone 4S accessories at Amazon.com

Seth Clifford

It’s been two months since the iPhone 4S launched, and after using it consistently for that time, a few thoughts have materialized for me. Some of the more straightforward ones revolve around the quantifiable changes in the device and software itself. It’s faster, more responsive, the camera shutter is vastly improved – things of that nature. But the thing I didn’t realize until I actually lived with the device was how transformative something like Siri could be.

We all know other phones have (and had) voice controls long before the iPhone did, and it needs no repeating. But the defining factor lies in the experience Siri brings to the everyday use of the device. It possesses a personality, and an instant rapport with the user that no other phone can lay claim to, and its usefulness quickly went from a novelty “let’s see what she says when I say this” to indispensability. More importantly, this is only the beginning. As we see development grow, and services added, Siri will become even more useful and rewarding. Even now, I sometimes forget that it’s there, and rediscover little ways to make my day and my interactions with the device easier and more pleasurable.

And if that isn’t Apple’s mission in sheer user terms, I don’t know what is.

Alli Flowers

Unlike most of the others, I have not had my 4S since launch day. I decided to wait until I was eligible for an upgrade and save the money to use on accessories.

When the 4S was announced, I could not find a compelling reason to upgrade. Siri holds no particular interest to me, and at some point you are not going to notice a difference in speed if games are not your life.

I finally decided to do the upgrade based on the camera improvements. The move from 5 to 8 megapixels is not huge. (I’ve long maintained that unless you are enlarging or doing photo editing most people don’t need more than 3 megapixels.) However, the improvements in the lens and the addition of the 5 element design sounded too good to pass up. I use my iPhone camera for everything, and I really wanted to be able to stop carrying a camera unless I was attending a truly special event where I would need additional lenses. (You know, like going to see the Saints wallop the Jaguars.)

I’m very happy with the camera improvements. I have discovered that when I’m at home, I like being able to dictate my text messages – and they’re frequently correct, requiring little editing. As for speed, I don’t notice a difference coming from my iPhone 4 based on my frequently used applications. And Siri? I’m waiting for the novelty to wear off. If I want to make a calendar change or add a reminder, I don’t want to compete with people asking Siri what color her underwear are.

Ally Kazmucha

After using my iPhone 4S for some time now, I can honestly say I’m happy with my purchase. While the upgrade was probably more justifiable for 3GS or 3G users, I had some reservations about it really being a worthy upgrade from the iPhone 4. At the end of the day there aren’t a ton of feature changes and next to no design changes. The two features that really blow me away on a daily basis that make the upgrade worth it to me are Siri and the camera.

Siri has kept me a LOT more organized. I hate adding calendar events and reminders by hand. I love being able to tell Siri to remind me to do something at a certain time. I’ve also become a lot more efficient with utilizing my calendar. I don’t forget to schedule things anymore or to move them around. I just tell Siri to do it. Not to mention she keeps me pretty entertained during down time.

The photos that the iPhone 4S take are nothing short of amazing, considering we are talking about a camera phone here. Will the camera replace a DSLR for many people? No. But I don’t feel the need to take a second camera to family events or other functions anymore. I feel safe relying on my iPhone 4S to get the job done well. The camera is not only much better than the iPhone 4 camera but it responds quicker. The phone as a whole responds quicker than my iPhone 4 ever did. Everything from rebooting to opening and closing apps is quicker.

I was skeptical at first but I have to say I’m happy with my purchase.

Chris Oldroyd

Agh, I really don’t want to sound like a hater but I am going to tell it how it is. Two months after buying the iPhone 4S all I feel is disappointed. Siri doesn’t work very well at all for me in the UK. I would say on average it works less than 50% of the time for me and about 10% for my wife. With those sort of results, Siri is unusable for me.

The camera is the only part of the iPhone 4S that has been worth the upgrade. It takes great pictures and pretty good HD video too. The processor speed bump is nice too but I could happily live without it.

To sum it up, I sold my iPhone 4 before the iPhone 4S was announced. Because of that I had no choice but to upgrade. If I hadn’t sold it, I would still be more than happy with an iPhone 4. In my opinion the iPhones 4S is a great upgrade for those with a 3GS or earlier iPhone, but just not worth it for those already with an iPhone 4!

Leanna Lofte

Has it really only been 2 months since the release of the iPhone 4S? I feel like I’ve had this phone forever, and that’s a good thing. Its like a best friend – I can’t imagine life without it.

When all we had was rumors of Siri, I thought it was lame and couldn’t imaging myself using it. Now, it’s something I rely on. I use Siri to set my coffee timer in the morning and to remind me to all sorts of things at certain times or specific places. I use Siri to write emails and send text messages during my commute, and I use Siri to make phone calls. When bored, I even use Siri as entertainment. The cool part? This is only the beginning of Siri.

Then there’s the photography of the iPhone 4S. I never in a million years thought I’d be getting photos this good from a cell phone.

I just wish Steve had lived long enough to see how much people have grown to love this phone – the most amazing iPhone, yet.

Matt Miller

It has been a couple of years since I owned an iPhone, but when the iPhone 4S was released I was looking for a new phone on Verizon and also felt it was appropriate to use the purchase as a symbolic gesture of thanks to Steve Jobs for his innovation with Apple products. I have been using it with my unlimited data plan every day since then and other than the rather disappointing battery life I am extremely pleased with the latest iPhone. Much of my pleasure comes from the outstanding camera, helpful Siri assistant, and amazing developers that create apps for just about everything you can think of.

Before the iPhone 4S was announced I swore I wasn’t going to buy a new iPhone unless the display was larger. Honestly though, I don’t feel too cramped by the 3.5 inch size and find the pocketability more than makes up for the display size. I love that Flipboard is now on the iPhone, along with cool new Evernote apps, Spotify, WordsByPost, Starbucks card, Jawbone UP, YouVersion Bible, Facebook, Twitter, and so many other apps and services that enhance my life. I don’t see this iPhone 4S going anywhere soon and imagine my next Verizon phone will be a newer version of the iPhone.

Mickey Papillon

As The self proclaimed Cell Phone Junkie, I find myself regularly purchasing and reviewing phones from various manufacturers running every OS out there. Though, when it comes to my day in and day out personal device, I’ve been consistently using the iPhone since 3G model in the winter of 2008. With each iteration of the device, I’ve either lined up at the Apple store to pick one up on launch day, or with the 4 and 4S, ordered them so I had them the day they came out. The 4S was a difficult choice for me, as I was very happy with my 4, but wanted that extras the 4S had to offer. Fortunately, i had a line upgrade available, so I was able to choose the 16GB Black version with only $200 out of pocket. Further, I sold my 4 to a family member for $300, making the decision a no brainer.

Two months later, I’m happy to report that the 4S is the best iPhone I’ve ever used. With the upgraded camera (used constantly for taking shots of my now 10 week old son), to the antenna enhancements (no more network pause button!), to the iPad 2 like speed, to the phenomenal iOS5 interface. The device has it all, and I couldn’t be happier. Sure, I’l still find myself picking up the latest devices on the other platforms, but when it comes down to it, I know the integrated ecosystem Apple has built, along with the simple and reliable nature of the iOS will keep me coming back.

Chris Vitek

Two months ago I opened my wonderful little box of white goodness, the iPhone 4S (first time I have gotten one in white). After two months of playing..er…using it, I have to say I am generally pleased with the new features (both iPhone features and iOS 5 features).

I like the new message system, although it took me a while to tweak the notifications to my preferences (I remember for a while that I would get inundated with messages every time I unlocked the phone). Siri has been surprisingly useful, both for hands free calling and texting, but I also find that I have been using it much more than I have ever used any reminder app. I never minded the fact that it was the same form factor – since I got a white one, it is like a new design me for me.

I got the 64GB version (which was a nice boost) and I have been pleased with the nice little boost in storage capacity (previously I was always very close to using my full 32GB). I don’t have multiple phone models sitting around, so I can’t really compare it to any new released from Android and Blackberry, but I have compared it to my wife’s iPhone 4. While I don’t notice a HUGE bump in speed or processing, there is a noticeable difference that makes everything more snappy and responsive. Overall, the phone has been a nice upgrade to the iPhone 4, even really the only new feature is Siri.

Rene Ritchie

Two months in and the iPhone 4S remains a no-brainer upgrade from a feature phone, older smartphone, iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS, but one that requires some careful consideration for iPhone 4 owners.

Here’s mine.

The iPhone 4 was one of the best pieces of industrial design ever to grace consumer electronics and it still looks every bit as good on the iPhone 4S, even these many months later. But it’s what’s different that matters to me most.

Where my iPhone 4 would often lose signal at my mother’s house, the iPhone 4S has never faltered. The new, intelligently switching antenna array is rock solid. Where the iPhone 4 would flow smoothly for the most part, the iPhone 4S positively flies. The Apple A5 chipset is a monster. When the iPhone 4 would take good pictures for a phone, the iPhone 4S camera takes good pictures period. The glass behind that 8mp, 1080p camera is fantastic.

And then there’s Siri. I use it every day. It makes creating reminders — which is a chore in the app itself — ridiculously easy. It makes writing everything from texts to decent sized emails easy to do even while driving, cooking, or otherwise in a situation difficult or impossible to type. It’s not perfect, it’s still in beta, but it makes a hundred small tasks which previously caused friction almost delightful to get done.

Two months later and I consider the iPhone 4S, for me, an incredibly worthwhile upgrade.

And you?

Well TiPb Nation, you’ve read what we’ve had to say, now we want to read your opinions. If you’ve had an iPhone 4S since launch, or just since last week, how’s it holding up for you? What did you upgrade from and how worthwhile was the upgrade? What has amazed you and what has let you down? Give us your review, 2 month later!

RadioShack is cutting the price of its iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S deals starting today with a limited time sale. The deal only applies to AT&T iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S sales and even includes some old inventory iPhone 4 models with 16GB and 32GB storage.

If you fancy picking up a deal, you will be looking at a $29.00 saving off every iPhone 4S model as long as you take out a new or upgrade two year plan. That equates to $169.99 for the 16GB model, $269.99 for the 32GB model and $369.99 for the 64GB model.

If you are interested in the iPhone 4, RadioShack will be offering the 8GB and 16GB at the same cost of $69.99 whilst the 32GB will cost just $169.99. Apparently multiple RadioShack locations have plenty of units in stock. If you are looking to save a few dollars and need a new iPhone, today could be a good day to do it.

Source: BGR

 

Have a loved one on your holiday shopping list who’s going to take their iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad on a special trip? Not sure exactly what to gift them? Not a problem, TiPb has you covered! From the traveler off to fun in the sun, to the family going home for the holidays, to the couple going out on the town, here are some of our favorite device, accessory, and app picks for the business user in your life!

Don't need anything for a travel? Check out the recommendations anyway, something great might still catch your eye. If not, no worries, check out one of our other 2011 holiday gift guides!

Dream hardware for dream getaways

The perfect gift can make for the perfect trip. traveling can be stressful enough, but if your traveler has the right stuff, it can make not only the destination that much more enjoyable, but the journey as well.

iOS devices

An iPad to plan and book their excursions from the couch, and iPhone to manage their lists and flights on the go, iPod touches to keep the kids busy in the backseat, an Apple TV to hook up at the cabin, an iPod nano to rock out on the slopes. No matter where you’re going or what you’re going to do, there’s an iOS device that can make it more fun and more enjoyable for your traveler.

Not sure which one you should get? Not a problem! Start here:

• iOS device gift guide

Chargers

While there are more places to charge up and top off than ever, from coffee shops to airports, the truth is your traveler will be busy, stressed, and the last thing they need is to run out of power when they need it most. Whether it’s the kids in the carseats or spouses on the plane, every trip is better with a spare charger.

• Qmadix Dual Mobile Charging Kit for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch lets you charge two iOS devices — even the power-hungry iPad! — at the same time. If you’re going on a long family trip, or even an extended drive for the holidays, this can make all the difference between peacefully playing children and happily tapping significant others, and the agony and pain of bored passengers with dead devices turning their angry gazes in your direction.
• mophie juicepack offers the lighter, more colorful “air” model or the heftier but more powerful “plus” model. The air will recharge your iPhone to roughly 70%, the plus to almost full. Whether your business user values light weight portability or big battery power, the mophie juice pack is a must-have for anyone who is away from a wall outlet for long periods of time.
• Keychain Charge and Sync Cable for iPod & iPhone is perfect for those who need to travel ultralight but still want a backup to keep themselves charged when they get there. Let’s face it, away from home is the last place you want to be caught without a cable.

Cases

No matter where they’re going or what they’re doing there’s no such things as too much protection for their iPhone or iPad.

• Overboard for iPhone or iPad are waterproof cases perfect for everything from the beach to the slopes to the white waters to the hot tubs. Whether they’ll need to keep their devices safe from snow, sand, or suds, give them one of these.
• Otterbox for iPhone or iPad is for those who need superior protection, be it light but still sturdy or total armor. To survive a hike or to survive the kids, Otterbox is the way to go.
• iPhone wallet cases are a great idea for travelers who want to travel light. They let you keep your iPhone safe and take a few bills or credit cards along for the ride. There are also a wide variety of looks, from old fashioned to modern, guys to girls.

Extras

• Headsets will be worth their weight in gold if you’re traveler wants their music with them on the slopes or on the beach, or if the kids will be gaming on the plane or in the back seats.
• Car kits if you’re traveler’s are hitting the road, there’s nothing better than a good car mount and a great speakerphone.
• SCOTTEVEST has pockets and more pockets for all their documents, gear, electronics, and accessories. It’s like having an extra travel bag that keeps them warm at the same time!

Terrific apps for travelers

While wrapping paper is nice, nothing is faster to buy or easier to ship than software. Whether you load it up for them on their brand new device, or send it half way across the world, it’ll always get there on time and ready to use.

• How to gift iPhone and iPad apps

Travel games: Uno

Uno is the classic Italian card game all dressed up for the iPhone. You can play on your own, with your family — which is especially great on your TV via AirPlay! — or online against players of similar skill level. It’s everything you love about the original, all packaged up for your iPhone.

• $0.99 – App Store link

Also check out:

• Catan is a great version of a great strategy game. $4.99 – App Store link
• Words with Friends isn’t Scrabble but it is an all out, all online spelling war. $0.99 – App Store link
• Carcassone is a beautiful rendition of the medieval strategy game. $9.99 – App Store link
• Poker by Zynga let’s you get your Texus Hold’em on your iPhone. Free – App Store link

Location apps: NAVIGON

If your traveler is taking the long road to their holiday getaway, give them full fledged turn-by-turn driving directions on their iPhone so you can keep your eyes where they belong — on the road. NAVIGON provides on-board maps which means it keeps working in areas where there’s no data coverage. You can buy regional, country, or continents at a time, and there are also options for live traffic updates, parking directions, and enhanced panoramic views of the surroundings.

• Varies – App Store link

Also check out:

• Foursquare lets you “check in” to locations, keep track of your and your friends’ locations, and earn points for being there. Free – App Store link
• Yelp provides restaurant, gas station, bar, and pretty much any type of business location and recommendations. Free – App Store link
• Find my iPhone is Apple’s way for iCloud to help you locate, lock, and even wipe a missing or stolen iPhone. Free – App Store link
• Waze is a free, crowd-sourced, and highly social travel and nav app. Free – App Store link

Photo apps: Instagram

Instagram is the current king of iPhone photography apps, and it took the crown through a brilliant combination of easy-to-apply filters and super simple social sharing. The latest version not only adds even more filters, but all tilt-shift effects. Whether your traveler wants to quickly share great looking snap shots to Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr, Foursquare, or Posterous, Instagram has them covered. In style.

• Free – App Store link

Also check out:

• Photogene2 is a photography powerhouse, with full featured editing, sharing, and much more. $1.99 – App Store link
• Camera+ is jam packed with features and filters to make their photos shine. $0.99 – App Store link
• Hipstamatic to bring that terrific toy camera look to their shots. [$0.99 - App Store link]
• Flickr for iPhone lets them store and share all the shots you take. [Free - App Store link]

Your picks?

You’re a part of Team TiPb too! Have any accessories you think business users would love to get for the holidays? Make sure to let us know what your picks are as well!