The associations are based in Brazil, Europe, France, India, Italy, North America and Turkey.

The founding associations are:
• ABIMAQ – Brazilian Association of Industrial Machinery and Equipment
• AEM – Association of Equipment Manufacturers – USA/North America
• AXEMA – Association for Industrial Agricultural Equipment, France
• CEMA – European Agricultural Machinery Association
• FICCI – Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry
• TARMAKBIR – Turkish Association of Agricultural Machinery & Equipment Manufacturers
• UNACOMA – Italian Farm Machinery Manufacturers Association

Association leaders established the alliance in the shared belief that in today’s global agricultural economy, it is crucial that current issues and future challenges be viewed and worked upon from a global perspective.

The alliance will focus on three areas: industry-specific issues, information exchange and public policy issues. Possible areas of action include coordinating input to harmonization of standards and regulations, serving as an industry liaison with groups such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), using a combined voice on issues such as free trade, and developing a method to regularly exchange market and other industry data.

For more information, contact AEM, who is serving as acting Secretariat: info@aem.org, tel: 414-298-4174.

“SmartTrax tracks boost the productivity and pulling efficiency of our T9 Series tractors,” Sean said at the recent New Holland media event, where journalists had a chance to test drive one of these bad boys. “Producers using this track option will increase traction and reduce soil compaction and slippage, which translates into less surface damage and a smoother ride.”

Sean says there are two types of SmartTrax modules available – High Idler and Standard. The track modules can be used on the tractor for spring planting and then installed on the combine for fall harvest. The simple installation allows you to go from wheels to tracks in less than a day – and then back again.

The first of the SmartTrax equipped tractors are starting to arrive at dealerships and Doug Roquet with SS Equipment in the Pacific Northwest says they had the first T9 SmartTrax machine available to the public and have been getting great response from farmers in the region.

“The 4-track system provides greater ground contact than tires or 2-track systems. This results in the best overall tractor balance, better traction, reduced slippage and reduced compaction,” Doug says. “In addition, the SmartTrax system from New Holland is built with advantages over other 4-track machines with thicker belts, heavier duty idler & bogey wheels with 50% thicker rubber and larger bearings, much larger drive wheels providing contact with 11 to 13 drive lugs verses 2 to 3 lugs on competitive models, and long track life for use on multiple generations of tractors.”

Take a look at some video Doug shot recently on a farm in southeast Washington.

We already heard about this new mounted triple disc mower-conditioner when it debuted at the National Farm Machinery Show in February, but we got another look last week in more detail with the help of New Holland Hay and Forage Segment Marketing Manager Mike Cornman.

Mike says the MegaCutter was designed for the professional customer looking for more capacity and more productivity. “It will provide 30 foot width of cut at one time with a T7 or T8 series New Holland tractor equipped with a front three point hitch and PTO,” he said. “We have a good customer base with our self-propelled forage harvesters and this is the type of machine that those customers are looking at.”

New Holland is holding a “Ready to Roll” sales event happening right now through June 30. The event includes various incentives for all of New Holland’s hay and forage products. “In addition, there’s also a demonstration program that many of our dealers participate in,” Mike adds. “It’s an opportunity for new customers to try a mid-range tractor, round baler, or a disc mower conditioner on their farm as part of their buying decision.”

Listen to my interview with Mike here and watch a very short video clip with him below:
Mike Cornman Interview

New Holland Media Event album

You may not realize it, but New Holland is kind of a big deal in combines. “New Holland was the first company to launch a rotary combine in the market,” Combine Market Manager Nigel Mackenzie told us. “That was back in 1975 with the TR70. That combine was built and designed in Nebraska and the latest evolution, the CR models, are still built there.”

The CR Combine was actually voted “Machine of the Year” last year at Agritechnica. “A lot of new features introduced on the model year 12 machines, primarily driven by greater fuel efficiency and emissions regulations,” Nigel says. “It was really great to be recognized by a group of journalists in Agritechnica for what we’ve done.”

One of the coolest features that I experienced driving the combine was the IntelliView IV color touchscreen display that monitors all combine functions and allows you to see a wide variety of performance information at a glance from up to three camera inputs, with direct USB connectivity for data collection.

Nigel says New Holland has six rotary combine models and three conventional models – he tells us all about it in this interview – Nigel Mackenzie Interview

New Holland Media Event album

Watch me drive the combine – thinking of switching careers to become a custom harvester!!! Well, actually I did run over a cone – but it was my first time. Thanks to Lucas Sjostrom of Hoard’s Dairyman for shooting the video and photos for me.

Not that they ever left the game, they’ve just been flying a bit under the radar for awhile and now New Holland North American VP Abe Hughes says they really want to get out and show they industry what they’ve got. “We’ve been so successful at our turnaround and our rejuvenation these last two years that we thought it was high time that we invite the media over to hear our story and give you a little insight as to our future,” Abe said.

The media day started on Wednesday with a trip down memory lane to the original brick building in New Holland, Pennsylvania where the company was started in 1895 by Abram Zimmerman, a Mennonite blacksmith who invented the freeze proof engine. Not sure if we’re related, but I am not only married to a Zimmerman, my mother’s maiden name was Zimmerman, so you never know!

We traveled just a short distance down the road by Amish buggy to the modern New Holland North American headquarters, a nice transition from the past to the present. Abe gave us a good overview of the company history and where they are today, with a stable management team and strong earnings to show for it. “I’m happy to say that New Holland North America was part of the success of our earnings release today,” he said. “We made $1.11 a share, which is well above the period last year and also well above what the analysts were predicting. We’re definitely pulling our weight and there’s much more to come!”

And there’s also much more to come on the New Holland Mega Media Event, including some media equipment test drives! I’m excited!

Check out the photos in the New Holland Media Event album and listen to my interview with Abe below:
Abe Hughes Interview

MiC by Apogee is the most compact studio quality USB microphone available for iPad®, iPhone® and Mac. About the size of an iPhone, MiC makes it easy to capture your best take with incredible quality, anywhere your music takes you. Record any sound you can imagine, from vocals to vibraphones, acoustic to lap steel guitars, pianos to percussion and everything in between, and build a track right on your iPad with GarageBand. MiC is also the perfect companion to JAM, Apogee’s studio quality guitar input. Never before has the personal studio been so portable or so powerful. Join the recording revolution with MiC, JAM and GarageBand on iPad.

Here are some features:

PureDIGITAL connection for pristine sound quality
Studio quality cardioid condenser microphone
44.1/48 kHz, 24-bit analog-to-digital conversion
Studio quality microphone preamp with up to 40dB of gain
No configuration, just plug in and record
Control knob allows easy input level adjustment
Multicolor LED for status indication and input level monitoring
Designed for vocal and acoustic instrument recording
Also great for recording interviews, podcasts, voice overs, and audio for DSLR video
All metal construction
Extremely compact and portable
Works with GarageBand
Bus-powered by iPad, iPhone or Mac (no batteries or external power required)
Made in the U.S.A.

Please note that The iPhone Boom Mic only works with the free “Belkin LiveAction App”

You can find a lot of other cool stuff at Photojojo.

A lot has been said about the new display on the new iPad. Putting it side by side with my iPad 2 it is noticeably different just looking at the home screen and app icons. The colors are richer and looking at some photos I would say they are definitely sharper on the new iPad. It’s a beautiful screen. Of course, I thought the same on both the previous versions.

Here’s a screenshot from the new iPad with the AgWired App showing using the 2X display feature. Looks good and works fast. My new iPad is wifi only since I carry around two different hot spot making phones. I tried several different apps including Weather Channel, USA Today and others. They all seem to be working just a touch snappier.

The new iPad is noticeable thicker and just a tad heavier. However, it feels extremely solid just like the others and I don’t mind the difference. I have been using an Apple wireless keyboard with my other iPads and will do so with this one. It’s small enough to keep in a small bag I have when taking it to the coffee shop. When I go on an extended trip my iPad goes in my rolling mobile journalism kit.

I took a couple of quick photos with the new iPad and my iPhone 4S to compare side by side. The new iPad photo is significantly better than my old iPad but not quite as good as the iPhone 4S. Let’s call it a major improvement though. I don’t shoot a lot of photos with my iPad since my iPhone is kind of like permanently attached to me.

In conclusion, if you don’t have an iPad, then get it! If you can upgrade from your original ipad then do it! If you’ve got an iPad 2 I’d only upgrade if you just want to have the slightly better feature set.

Deere’s Barry Nelson said this is a major announcement that continues John Deere’s 175 years of innovation. “The past few years we have been spending millions and millions of dollars to develop new technology for the engines and the integrated technology we need in the vehicles to make everything work as a very productive package.”

John Deere Manager Worldwide Marketing Geoff Stigler gave an overview of how the technology was developed and why. “Engine technology is just one piece of the puzzle,” he said. “It’s really all about meeting customer expectations, delivering on the performance, durability, reliability and operating efficiency requirements.”

Geoff said the road to Final Tier 4 was a building block approach, starting with Tier 2 when the first electronic engines were implemented and moving through Interim Tier 4 which have been delivered for the past 18 months. “We have nearly 20,000 engines in the field right now that are Interim Tier 4 compliant,” he said. “We’ve been able to monitor those through our JD Link technology and have over 2 million customer hours on those engines already.”

Listen to or download the press conference here: John Deere Tier 4 Press Conference

Final Tier 4/Stage IV regulations for off-highway diesel engines begin as early as 2013 for engines 55 kW (74 hp) and below. Regulatory dates for engines 56 kW (75 hp) and above will be implemented in stages starting in 2014 and 2015, and require particulate matter (PM) levels established by Interim Tier 4/Stage III B regulations to be maintained while requiring an additional 80 percent reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) from previous regulations.

Consisting of an exhaust filter and SCR aftertreatment components that are optimized and fully integrated, the Integrated Emissions Control system will allow John Deere engines to utilize less diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) than alternative Interim Tier 4/Stage III B SCR technology solutions. Lower DEF consumption means DEF tank size can be smaller — minimizing the impact on vehicle applications, extending DEF filter service intervals and reducing operator involvement. Monitored and controlled by proprietary electronics within John Deere’s enhanced engine control unit (ECU), the Integrated Emissions Control system also provides outstanding fluid efficiency without sacrificing overall performance.

For more information on John Deere’s Final Tier 4/Stage IV engine technology, go to www.JohnDeere.com/tier4.

2012 Commodity Classic Photo Album

The new products list includes:

• New Holland Narrow Row Tractors Pack More Power in Orchards and Vineyards
• New Holland T6 Series Mid‐Range Tractors Feature ECOBlue™ Engine Technology
• High‐Clearance Tractor
• New Holland ‘Lean & Mean’ TS6 Series Tractors
• MegaCutter™ Triple Disc Mower‐Conditioners Cut 29’ 6” of Hay in a Single Pass
• ProRotor™ Rakes Promote Higher Quality Forage
• Boomer™ Compact Tractors
• Telehandlers Offer High Lifting Performance in Compact Package
• Enhanced Clean Energy Website

Listen to my interview with John to learn more about all the new products being introduced by New Holland: Interview with John Elliott

2012 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

• Daniel Del Vicario, Merrimack, NH
• Wounded Warriors In Action Foundation (WI), Apollo Beach, FL
• Joe Caffee, Geneva, IN
• Melissa Horejsi, Webster, MN
• Duncan Smith, Mtn. Grove, MO
• Standing Stone Brewing Co., Ashland, OR
• KR Equestrian, Schomberg, ON
• Tristen Crooks, Weyburn, SK

So you’re still wondering what to get your favorite farm podcaster? How about some happy holiday discounts from VeriCorder Technology. They’re offering 50% off apps until Dec. 31, 2011.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from VeriCorder Technology

The iM2 contains its own microphone preamp and analog-to-digital converter for low noise and great audio quality. Unlike mics that use the built-in iPhone preamp, the iM2 can handle up to 125dB sound levels to capture the loudest concerts and instruments without distortion.

Looks like the item is available for pre-order only right now. I think I’ll check this one out when it becomes available.

Thanks to Podcasting News for the heads up.

First up is the VeriCorder Mini Mic. This thing is small and in my test it provides a slightly better audio interview recording by picking up less room noise. I’ve included short test examples below from a test I did this morning at Coffee Zone.

Compact mobile microphones are designed to transform the latest smart phones and MP3 players into a portable sound recorder. Provides improved sound quality and range. Will work with any smart phone MP3 player having a 3.5 mm, four-pin jack, such as the iPhone, iPod Touch 2G, iPod 5G, Blackberry or Nokia. Ideal for recording interviews, lectures, voice memos and more.

Use with 1stVideo or VC Audio Pro recording and editing software for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad to create sophisticated audio & video projects. For use in moderate volume environments because of it’s high sensitivity levels. It is not recommended for recording loud music.This mic will also turn your iPod touch into a Skype™ phone. It’s as easy as 1 – 2 – 3. Insert Mic, make call and when call connects press speaker.

Next, I tested the VeriCorder Technology XLR Adapter Cable. This allows me to plug in the much sought after Golden ZimmComm Microphone! Of the three test examples you can hear below this is by far the best quality. The audio level was lower than the other test options that included using the built in microphone. However, that’s a simple fix since I edit all audio anyway.

Connect a professional XLR microphone to the headset jack of the iPhone or smart phone. Provides separate headphone output for monitoring the playback levels of the recording. Use with 1st Video, ShowCase or VC Audio Pro editing software Apps for iPhone.

The XLR Adapter includes a preamplifier circuit with 6.1dB gain that allows a low-impedance dynamic microphone to be used as a high quality audio source for recording on the iPhone. The preamplifier also includes RF noise suppression circuitry to enhance the quality of the recordings. The preamp is also compatible with self-powered condenser and wireless microphones. Note: This is NOT an official “Works With iPhone accessory” (iPhone and microphone not included).

My work flow for this is to record on the iPhone using the Voice Memo app, sync to iTunes and use iTunes to convert to an .MP3, then import to Adobe Soundbooth to edit. So here are a couple of test examples. See what you think.

iPhone built in microphone
Mini mic
XLR Adapter Cable

Switchable mic/line input
Phantom power
Gain control
1/8” headphone output
XLR mic input
High-impedence guitar input
Mic input powered by two AA batteries
Non-powered guitar input

The Javad GNSS system can be adapted to work with high-precision GPS devices including those already in the agriculture, surveying, construction and defense industries. (full release)

I’m not sure how forcing farmers and all kinds of people, especially those defending our country, to purchase new equipment that will have to be installed to keep their current GPS systems working is a real solution to what appears to be a very real problem. I’m all for more and better choices for broadband, especially in rural areas but not at the expense of GPS systems that perform very critical functions. This action seems to be an admission by Lightsquared that the concerns are real. Otherwise, why do this? I asked the Coalition to Save Our GPS for their response and got it right away.

“LightSquared has, as usual, oversimplified and greatly overstated the significance of the claims of a single vendor to have ‘solved’ the interference issue. There have been many vendor claims that have not proven out in rigorous tests and the demanding tests of marketplace acceptance. Moreover, this is not a one-size-fits-all situation and a few prototypes does not a solution make. The estimated 750,000 to 1 million high-precision GPS receivers now in use in the United States vary widely: there are hundreds of different high-precision devices used in performing thousands of different tasks. High-precision GPS supports a wide variety of uses, including agriculture, construction, aviation, surveying and many scientific and safety-of-life applications.

“In any case, this is not an issue that can be solved with a LightSquared press release. As the FCC and NTIA recently recognized, more testing is necessary to evaluate interference impacts under LightSquared’s latest technical proposals. We welcome the participation of Javad in those tests.”

Once recorded, play back your takes with EQ and the optional Level Align feature to avoid volume jumps. A stereo reverb effect is also built-in, as well as a speaker and chromatic tuner. Transfer recordings to computer using the USB 2.0 jack. Other features include overdub mode, variable speed playback, limiting and low cut filter, and much more – all with TASCAM’s simple-to-use interface. No other recorder makes home or live recording as simple as the TASCAM DR-40.

You can get it for $199.99 right now from BSW.

Tier 4A engines with the addition of five new CR Series Twin Rotor® combines and three new CX8000 Series Super Conventional combines equipped with ECOBlue™ Selective Catalytic Reduction engine technology.

Listen to their presentations in the video:

2011 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

I also spoke with Katie Dierker, Division Marketing Manager, John Deere Harvesting Works. Katie says that almost half of the combine has changed from old to new touching every functional area. That’s due to customer feedback for added productivity. She says they’ve also focused on the front end of the machine with new front end equipment that includes an updated line of 600 Series corn heads. Some major changes were made in the premium cabs to make it more a “home away from home” for producers that include more visibility and even a small refrigerator.

You can listen to my interview with Katie here: Interview with Katie Dierker

One of our field presenters was Allan Wiens, Solutions Specialist from Canada. Allan says they have a brand new 600FD HydraFlex™ Draper, which is available in 35- and 40-foot models.

You can listen to my interview with Allan here: Interview with Allan Wiens

Available for the 2012 harvest season, the S-Series Combines include five models: S550, S660, S670, S680 and S690, which is an all-new Class 9 machine. The S-Series Combines are ideal for producers and agricultural service providers who demand a combine that provides exceptional harvest power, grain-handling performance and field productivity.

2011 John Deere Product Launch Photo Album

The radio, which is easy to set up and use, teams up with the Machine Sync activation and GreenStar™ 3 2630 Display and StarFire Receiver to create the in-field network to share logistics information.
Machine Sync is a John Deere exclusive system that takes harvest automation to the next level and the first application that uses the Machine Communication Radio hardware.

We got a field demonstration of how Machine Sync work from John Deere’s Bob Dyer. This was a simulated corn harvest demonstration where the combine and tractor/grain cart were “in sync.” I asked Bob to describe how the system works and you can also see the demonstration in the video.

You can listen to my interview with Bob here: Interview with Bob Dyer

2011 John Deere Product Launch Photo Album

I visited with John immediately after the show. John says this is a “tremendously important introduction for us because it’s the culmination of a wide portfolio of products with integrated technology.” Connectivity was a key word during the presentation. John estimates that well over 6,000 people will participate in the product launch.

You can listen to my interview with John here: Interview with John Lagemann

John Deere today completed the public unveiling of its new ag equipment for 2012 as part of the largest, most significant product introduction in the company’s 174-year history. Significant improvements in power, comfort, and performance are the hallmarks of the new machines including the S-Series Combines with larger corn heads and platforms; high-horsepower 4WD and track 9R/9RT Tractors; 6R Series row-crop tractors and 5 Series utility and specialty tractors.

In addition to new John Deere combines, headers and tractors, the company recently introduced its new 7R Series Tractors for the row-crop market; its largest, most advanced self-propelled 4940 Sprayer with 1,200-gal. solution tank, 120-ft. booms, and advanced loading and application technologies; and revolutionary Triple-Mounted Mower-Conditioner that cuts a swath more than 28 feet wide.

We started our day out in the field with the new machines. I’ve recorded some video and other interviews from there that I’ll be posting over the coming days. But you can bet I got photos that are online!

2011 John Deere Product Launch Photo Album

So why do I think the iPhone is better? I think it’s much more user friendly. The camera is better. The size if perfect for my hand. The battery lasts much, much longer. There are more and better apps than you will find for Android. But one of the best things I’ve found is that when I tether my computer or iPad to it the connection seems to be rock solid and it’s not on my Thunderbolt. Maybe that’s a problem still with the Thunderbolt but I can’t use it tethered to my computer for more than about 15 minutes before it no longer provides an internet connection. Even when it is providing one it seems to blip in and out. For example, when I’m uploading photos using Flickr tethered to the Thunderbolt I will often get an error in mid upload. That never happens on the iPhone. I love the speed of 4G on the Thunderbolt when I can find it. However, I’ve had several instances of having a good 4G signal and all of the sudden it disappears and I’ve only got 3G. At that point I might as well be using my iPhone.

Apps seem to crash more on the Android. I use the Weather Channel app a lot. On the Android it will not show me maps. It just crashes with an error report. I’ve uninstalled it and started over with the same problem.

The Thunderbolt eats battery. Even if I don’t use it for a day it will be out of battery and that’s with all services like bluetooth, wifi, etc, turned off. It has to be charged constantly. And you can’t use it tethered with 4G unless it’s plugged in. I can sometimes go two days without charging the iPhone depending on use and I’d call myself a power user.

I like to text on my iPhone with one hand. The Thunderbolt is just too big for that. I’m sure there are other Android phones out there that would be slimmer. I just doubt they’d perform any better than the Thunderbolt when it comes to user friendliness. I like being able to put my apps into folder and not have a lot of screen space to scroll through to find what I want.

I thought this would be a good pre-AgChat Agvocacy 2.0 post since I’ll be on a panel talking about using mobile technology to enhance productivity. When it comes to using apps on these phones the ones I use most are for email, Twitter, weather, camera, music, texting, contacts, calendar and oh yeah, the phone. I also do quite a few of my on location interviews with the iPhone too. I’ve also started doing most of my video clips with the iPhone. Then I can just upload them straight to YouTube when I’ve got a good wifi connection. As a road warrior the iPhone seems to help make me more productive than the Thunderbolt. I hope this helps. Let me know if you’ve got questions.

This is a new way to handle and hold your favorite tablet. They’re made for both the iPad and iPad 2. I’ve just started using the Handstand which is made by Hub International. Some of my first impressions include that it’s very sturdy and light weight. The strap stretches to fit your hand and helps you keep a firm grip on your iPad. I’m thinking this would be a good for those of you who may be considering using your iPad for some field scouting or to carry around in the cab of your truck or combine.

HandStand allows you to keep your hand in a comfortable position while turning the iPad for best viewing. It becomes an extension of your body as well as your mind. Hold it effortlessly, spin it portrait or landscape, display the screen to others — work, watch or play effortlessly. You’ll do more with your iPad and get more value out of your investment.

Hub International was founded in 2010 and the Handstand is their first consumer product. Founder Jaime Smith is currently president of Ritter Chemical, national distributor of high quality agrochemicals.

What do you think? Want one? Let ‘em know on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.

Three modes: MTR (multi-track recorder), eBand, and Live Rec
Records directly to SD/SDHC memory card (up to 32 GB)
High-quality stereo condenser microphone built in for instant audio capture
64 V-Tracks and eight simultaneous playback tracks
eBand function for phrase training and play-along tracks
Huge library of built-in backing and rhythm patterns
World-class COSM® amps and effects onboard
Use as a USB audio interface with built-in effects
SONAR X1 LE software included

Find full specs here.

FEATURES
Five built-in mic capsules provide Mid-Side (MS) stereo, 90° X/Y stereo, 2-channel and 4-channel recording modes
Records in WAV up to 24-bit/96kHz and MP3 up to 320kbps
Newly designed user interface
Additional functions include Lo-cut Filter, Compressor/Limiter, Auto Gain, Pre-Rec, Auto-Rec, Tuner, Metronome, Variable Speed Playback, Key Control, A-B Repeat, File Dividing, Normalize, MP3 Post-Encode, Marker and Surround Mixer
Data recovery function protects against unexpected recording errors
Over 20 hours of operation using two standard AA batteries
Operates on battery, AC or USB bus power
1.8-inch backlit LCD display with 128 x 64 resolution
Analog-type Mic Gain wheel
Built-in reference speaker
High-speed USB 2.0 card reader function
1/8-inch Mic/Line Input and Phones/Line Output stereo phone jacks
Accommodates up to 32GB SDHC memory cards
Includes Steinberg WaveLab LE 7 editing software, 2GB SD memory card and two AA batteries
Optional accessory package (APH-2n) includes remote control with extension cable, windscreen, AC adapter (USB type), USB cable, adjustable tripod stand, padded-shell case and a mic clip adapter.

The 7R Series Tractors come with a wide array of new customer-driven features including the new IVT and Command Quad transmissions, options for larger tires, compact chassis, and greater engine horsepower ratings. These features give the 7R Tractors the versatility to handle the tillage, planting, haying, loader work and many other tough chores on the farm.

The 7R Tractors have 30 percent more fuel capacity and 23 percent greater hitch-lift capacity compared to their large-frame 7030 series predecessors. For rear-driven equipment, a new 3-speed economy PTO with power-assist PTO shifting is an available fuel-saving option. Inside the cab, John Deere has made major changes to enhance the operating experience.

The 7R models also can be equipped with ActiveCommand Steering, which utilizes breakthroughs in steering technology to deliver the ultimate in precise steering control, especially at transport speeds.

I just thought I’d take a moment to go geek on you. If you’re in the market for a good quality digital camera that fits in your pocket consider the Canon Powershot S95. They’re hard to get right now but if you can find one, you’ll like it. I used it for this photo while stopped at a red light this morning. What I’m liking about this camera includes the fact that I can manually adjust things like shutter speed, exposure and ISO. It also has low light settings and a better lens than you’ll find in most small point and shoots. Of course you can go fully automatic too. It also shoots video and saves as .mov files which are much more user friendly than the .avi files of my previous one.

Some of you are probably thinking, “Chuck usually has a big Nikon hanging off of him.” That’s true. But this one fits in my pocket and I plan to use it as much as I can. Between it and my iPhone I always have a camera on me. It’s hard to get a photo of something if you don’t have a camera, if you know what I mean.

But this is about the new Otterbox case for the iPad 2. All you iPad 2 cowboys now have a case rugged enough to just pop your iPad into your saddle bag!

The tablet that started a mobile technology revolution has gotten an upgrade – the Apple® iPad® 2 is faster, lighter and smarter than its older brother. OtterBox®, the company that revolutionized technology protection, is following suit; introducing the OtterBox Defender Series® case for iPad 2.
“For a device as versatile as the iPad 2, maximizing protection without sacrificing portability is key,” said OtterBox Founder and CEO Curt Richardson. “From its light-weight design to the integrated viewing stand, the level of protection and functionality of our newest Defender Series is impressive.”