A few months ago when the iPad was announced my initial thoughts were that it would be a great device for the majority of people who didn’t need a powerful computer to simply consume and share media. As well, I thought that if you had a notebook and an iPhone that you probably didn’t need an iPad.

However, after having used Uproot’s new iPad and checking out some of the great apps built for the device I’m starting to think that in fact it’s my MacBook that will be the device I won’t need very soon.

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Finally a respectable, more portable digital SLR. Check out Josh Rubin’s review of the Olympus EP-1 “Pen” DSLR on Cool Hunting.

When it comes to design, Britain always seems to be a step ahead. My first adult trip to London was in 2003. I remember being impressed at how seamlessly the Brits had integrated next-level technology and playful design into an old-world surrounding. Everything from The Tube’s Oyster Cards to the Swiss Re building to the upcoming 2012 Olympic games in London showcase Britain’s flair for creative technology and design.

I’m sure all of the above are captured in Design in Britain – Big Ideas (Small Island). Put together by the Design Museum, it details achievements in British design in categories such as Architecture, Identity, Fashion, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Furniture Design and Car Design (which apparently aren’t Industrial Design?).

Despite the odd categorization, I’m eager to crack open this book and learn more about how this country produces such great work and who’s behind it.

(via Dezeen)

Palm has introduced their second multi-touch phone, the Pixi.

I’m not sure if it’s the smaller form factor, smooth edges (unlike the Pre which cuts into your thumbs when typing), or the permanent keyboard, but I think I like it better than it’s predecessor.

The passing of Michael Jackson, possibly the greatest entertainer of all time, is a modern day tragedy. Never before has there been such an equally exalted and ridiculed figure in the media. Following his recent demise, Jackson remains a figure of unparalleled achievement but also mystery. His extremely private life left many filling in the blanks in his storybook life. Though occasionally he would try to use the media to address speculation made about him, one thing Michael didn’t leverage (or even have access to for the greater part of his life) was social media.

Watching parts of his memorial service on television I couldn’t help but wonder, if Michael was on Twitter would things be different? Would he have interacted with his fans and questioners in a direct way, instead of through a shroud of publicists, skewed interviews or misinformed third-parties speaking on his behalf? Would he have brought more attention and reaction to his numerous charities and causes, enabling more people to get the help they needed and at the same time painting him in a better light? Would he have quickly told his story when allegations of child molestation were made against him instead of leaving time for entertainment news to sensationalize every detail? Would Michael, the business man, use it as a vehicle to market upcoming performances, albums and appearances? Would he have ‘tweeted’ photos of him with his kids, displaying what could have been a very healthy father-child relationship? If Michael Jackson used Twitter, would it have been a way for us to see another Michael, one few fathomed existed: an ordinary guy with an extraordinary upbringing and career?

Of course, none of this matters now. It does however make me appreciate the changing landscape of media in a new way. The ability for all of us to have a voice is a powerful thing, so long as as someone listens. For Michael Jackson, we already know no one had more listeners.

Update: As of recently there is an official Michael Jackson Twitter account. It would be interesting if it became a place to remember him through posts of archived messages and media.

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon is cool. There I said it.

Through it’s nerdy cool image (take Questlove of The Roots, the show’s house band, tweeting during the show as an example) the show that replaced Late Night with Conan O’Brien has become the perfect nightcap for the fast-paced, ridiculously attentive, socially-connected 18-35 demographic. This is mainly because Fallon, who gets respect from both nerds and celebrities alike, creates a comfortable environment for guests and his audience to truly connect (usually through Twitter). Armed with a MacBook atop his desk and with guests ranging from technology blog editors to famous actors and singers, Fallon has managed to capture an audience that has, for the most, alluded the big networks.

Kudos to Jimmy Fallon. The show is entertaining, real and like Fallon himself, just the right amount of awkward without losing it’s cool.

This year’s 16 finalists for the Innovations in American Government Awards, given each year since 1986 by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance & Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, illustrate ways that cities, counties, states, and even federal agencies are reinventing services.

My opinion of governments role in service innovation is that of Fred Wilson’s, government needs to be a catalyst in structuring the problem clearly and then letting the market tackle the solutions.There are tonnes of creative technologists (*cough*, *cough*) waiting to feast on well-structured problems to things like Health Care, Finance and Education.