Permanent link to this article: http://lostandtired.com/2013/02/13/win-a-25-cafepress-gift-certificate/
Feb 12 2013
Welcome to the latest and greatest giveaway from Lost and Tired. I’m honored to work with Idolian, in conjunction with millerrupp.com to make this giveaway possible. I haven’t met any other company that was willing to step up and help provide the autismj community with this much needed technology. They deserve all the credit for this.
This particular giveaway is the first for the month of February. The giveaway is for the recently reviewed Idolian Mini Studio Dual Core, 8″ android tablet (See Mini Studio 8″ #Android Tablet Review). This android tablet is a direct competitor to the new iPad 
Mini. The Mini Studio by Idolian, stacks up spec for spec (with the exception of the camera) with the more expensive iPad Mini.
It also has all the massive advantages that go along with the android OS as well, the biggest being customization and choice.
First and foremost, the disclaimer:
Members of the Lost and Tired family are not eligible for this giveaway. This contest is for the continental US Residents ONLY. Sorry, I can’t afford international shipping.
This giveaway is for one (1) Mini Studio 8″ android tablet by Idolian. This contest will run from 02/12/2013 – 02/20/2013. You can enter by using the form below. If for any reason you need to contact me, you can do so by clicking here.
Good luck.
Permanent link to this article: http://lostandtired.com/2013/02/12/idoliantab-mini-studio-dual-core-8-android-tablet-giveaway-1/
Feb 10 2013
IdolPad Mini Studio android tablet review
Lost and Tired is proud to work with Idolian, in conjunction with millerrupp.com to not only review this tablet but give some away to my readers as well.
I wanted to make sure I told you to check out Idolian’s website because they have tons of great tech for a reasonable price.
The Mini Studio is an 8 inch tablet powered by android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) from Google. This particular model is designed to go head to head with Apple’s new iPad Mini.
While I don’t own an iPad to do a side by side comparison, I have used them, including the iPad Mini.
The Mini Studio stacks up quite well, in this technology nerd’s opinion.
Let’s talk price and get that out of the way first. The iPad mini begins at $329 for the 16GB wifi (only) model. The Mini Studio will only set you back $198 for the same 16GB wifi (only) model.
Take a look at the chart below and see for yourself how the specs stack up.
| Model Factory |
iPad MINI |
Studio 8 |
|
|
Price |
$329.00 |
$198.00 |
|
|
LCD |
Size |
7.9” |
8” |
|
Aspect |
4:3 |
4:3 |
|
|
Resolution |
IPS 1024×768 |
IPS 1024×768 |
|
|
Touching panel |
Multi touch capacitive |
Multi touch capacitive |
|
|
CPU |
Brand |
Apple A5 |
RK |
|
Frequency |
1.0GHz |
1.6GHZ |
|
|
Core Model |
Apple A5 |
A9 dual core |
|
|
Memory |
RAM |
1GB DDR3 |
1GB DDR3 |
|
iNand Flash |
16G |
16G |
|
|
System |
OS |
iOS 6 |
Android 4.1OS |
|
Language |
Multiple languages |
Multiple languages |
|
|
Web browser |
Google standard |
Google standard |
|
|
Flash Player |
Flash 11.1 |
Flash 11.1 |
|
|
Connectivity |
Wi-Fi |
802.11b/g/n |
802.11b/g/n |
|
Bluetooth |
support |
Support |
|
|
3G |
support 3G Dongle |
support 3G Dongle |
|
|
3G with VOICE |
NO |
NO |
|
|
GPS |
NO |
NO |
|
|
HD AV Wireless |
NO |
NO |
|
|
Dock Station |
NO |
NO |
|
|
Camera |
Front |
1.2M |
0.3M |
|
Rear |
5.0M |
2.0M |
|
|
Speaker |
Mono |
NO |
NO |
|
Stereo |
YES |
YES |
|
|
Mic |
YES |
YES |
|
|
Sensor |
Accelerometer |
Only G-sensor |
|
|
Ambient Light |
|||
|
Gyro |
|||
|
Elect. Compass |
|||
|
Vibration |
NO |
NO |
|
|
HD |
player |
1080P |
1080P |
|
video |
VGA |
VGA |
|
|
Connection |
USB |
– |
YES |
|
Lightning |
YES |
NO |
|
|
IPAD dock |
YES |
NO |
|
|
HDMI |
– |
YES |
|
|
SD Card |
– |
YES |
|
|
DC Jack |
– |
YES |
|
|
Ethernet |
– |
connected by adapter by USB port |
|
|
SIM card slot |
– |
NO |
|
|
Battery |
Type |
Li-ion Polymer |
Li-ion Polymer |
|
Capacity |
4490MAH |
4500MAH |
|
|
Power |
AC Adapter |
– |
5V,2A |
|
– |
|||
|
Accessories |
AC Adaptor |
YES |
YES |
|
Headphones |
NO |
NO |
|
|
User Manual |
YES |
YES |
|
|
USB Cable |
YES |
YES |
|
|
HDMI Cable |
NO |
NO |
|
|
Case |
NO |
NO |
|
|
Others |
NO |
NO |
|
|
Enclosure |
Rear Cabinet |
Aluminum Alloy |
Aluminum Alloy |
|
Certification |
FCC |
YES |
YES |
|
CE |
YES |
YES |
|
|
UL |
Only Ac-adapter with UL |
Only Ac-adapter with UL |
|
|
RoHS |
YES |
YES |
|
|
Others |
ErP, LVD, EMC, RTTE |
ErP, LVD, EMC, RTTE |
|
|
USB |
NO |
NO |
|
|
HDMI |
YES |
YES |
|
|
MPEG |
NO |
NO |
|
|
DivX |
NO |
NO |
|
|
Others |
NO |
NO |
|
|
Weight |
308G |
420G |
|
|
Dimension |
Product(mm) |
200*134.7*7.2 |
209x163x10,edge 4mm only |
I’ve been putting this Mini Studio through the ringer for the past couple of weeks, prior to posting my review. I have to say that I’m very, very impressed with not only the build quality but also the performance. Having spent far to much time, with far to many tablets in the past, I have quite a bit of experience in this department.
Having said that, I’m still extremely impressed with almost everything about this device.
This tablet has run everything I’ve thrown at it, from games to live wallpapers, music and movies. It runs like a champ and never seemed to really struggle with anything.
The UI is buttery smooth and a pleasure to use. I did however replace the it with Nova Launcher, as I’m partial to that but the ability to do so is just another example of the advantages the Mini Studio has over it’s competition, otherwise known as the iPad Mini. The android OS allows for, nay, encourages the user to customize it to their personal liking. Don’t like the launcher, download a new one. Don’t like the on screen keyboard, download a new one. You can pretty much find a replacement app for anything you could possibly need. They’re all located on the Google Play Store and many of which are free.
Over the past couple of weeks, I found this tablet to be very intuitive, responsive and easy to use.
My kids have been playing with it and it’s worked out very well for them.
I have even been able to use it for what I need as well and I’m extremely picky.
We have used this device to stream Netflix and watch ripped DVD’s from our personal collection. The Mini Studio handles these tasks and more with ease and efficiency. The boys have also played their educational games by Intellijoy as well as enjoys games like Angry Birds, Where’s My Water, Where’s My Perry and Sprinkle.
The resolution is 1024×768,and is on par with the iPad Mini and other android tablets of it’s size. The text and icons are crisp and very readable on this 8 inch IPS display.
I was really impressed with the external connections this tablet supports as well. As you can see below, you have a dedicated charging port, mini hdmi, microSD, micro USB, headphone jack and a reset button. All ports are clearly labeled and easily accessible.
As I mentioned before, the built quality is very good. The Mini Studio has a brushed aluminium back and smooth rounded edges. The speaker is located on the back and is sufficiently loud enough for most use.
There is also a nice volume rocker on the rear as well, towards the top right corner.
The back also houses the the rear facing, 2MP camera. This is the one area that the Mini Studio takes a back seat to the far superior 5MP of the iPad Mini. This trend continues to the front as well with the Mini Studios .3MP front facing camera also falls short of the iPad Mini’s 1.2MP front facing camera.
That’s not to say that the cameras on the Mini Studio are terrible because they’re not. It just would have been nice to see a bit higher quality in that department.
Having said that, they certainly get the job done and it’s really hard to argue that, especially at the sub-$200 price tag.
The overall feel of the device is very solid and I like that. It doesn’t feel like it’s going to break in your hands. There is also no creaking in the joints as well. I’ve experienced this creaking on many other devices and it make the device feel cheap and poorly made.
I have to say that I’m extremely impressed overall, with the Mini Studio by Idolian. I really have a hard time finding any faults, especially when you consider what your getting for the money. This is a solid device and while lacking a few things like ambient light sensors, it makes up for it in the performance and affordability departments.
I mentioned that I would be giving some of these away to my readers. Stay tuned for more information and details on the giveaways, coming soon. 
Permanent link to this article: http://lostandtired.com/2013/02/10/idoliantab-mini-studio-8-android-tablet-review/
Jan 30 2013
I’m super stoked to announce the winner of our The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim for XBOX 360 Giveaway.
I have the best readers in the world and ya’ll deserve this free stuff. My goal is to try and brighten the lives of as many people as possible.
Check this site frequently for new giveaways and to see who’s won already.
Now, the reason we’re all here today is to announce the winner of our The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim for XBOX 360 Giveaway.
Right now, our sister site, My Life Beyond Labels is currently hosting yet another IdolPad 9 giveaway. If you missed out on the previous giveaways, you still have another chance. You can find that giveaway by clicking here.
I will also be giving away several, more high end tablets in February.
Stay Tuned.
Permanent link to this article: http://lostandtired.com/2013/01/30/congrats-to-kate-ex-for-winning-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-for-xbox-360-giveaway/
Mar 22 2012
One of the most difficult parts of raising a child with #Autism is the sensory issues. With three boys on the spectrum, we have our share of challenges.
One that’s proves to be consistently challenging is Emmett’s fear or dislike of getting dirt on his shoes?
He’s made some progress lately, with the arrival of his puppy, Bella. However, he still struggles and will completely meltdown if he gets his shoes dirty.
A few days ago, I decided to try something. It was really simple and I didn’t hold out much hope for them working. Despite the odds, I tried it anyway. What I did was very simple and it seems to actually be helping.
I explained to Emmett that the dirt on his shoes was called fun dirt. I told him that the fun dirt goes for a ride on his shoes when he’s having a lot of fun. I know, it sounds pretty lame, right? But guess what? It’s working, at least for now.
If he starts to get upset, I just remind him about the fun dirt and he begins to relax.
His favorite part is what I showed him next. Before we walked into the house, I wiped my shoes off on the mat outside the front door. He soon realized that even the fun dirt can’t hide from the dirt mat. He likes the idea of being able to clean his shoes off and see that they are still okay.
Like I said, it’s working for the most part but that doesn’t mean it will work for you or that it will work for Emmett indefinitely.
Being a special needs parent requires one to be creative in order to find unique solutions to very unique problems.
I hope this helps some of your out there.
Posted from WordPress for Android so please forgive any typos as auto-correct and I don’t see eye to eye.
Permanent link to this article: http://lostandtired.com/2012/03/22/autism-fun-dirt/
Mar 21 2012
I came up with the idea of “Fit4Autism“ last year. It’s kind of a play on word’s. However, it’s way more then that. As special needs parents we need to be able to take care of our children for as long as possible. The unfortunate truth is that many of us dedicate so much time and energy to our children that we fail to take care of ourselves.
“Fit4Autism“ is a challenge I’ve issued to myself and now to you. That challenge is to start doing things to improve your overall health and fitness. Simple things like eating healthier and becoming more physically active. Parking farther away from the store (when possible) or simply walking. As a father to 3 special needs kids (all Autistic) I know how difficult it is to make the time to do this but honestly we can’t afford not to. Who will be their for our kids if we aren’t. We owe it to them as well as ourselves to be as happy and healthy as possible for as long as possible.
If you would like to join “Fit4Autism“ send and email to [email protected]
I’ll get an invite off to you right away. Everything is tracked via www.endomondo.com. My hope is that I get as many people to join as possible. There’s motivation and encouragement in numbers. Endomondo works no matter where you are in the world. The more we have the more attention we can get and the more Autism awareness we can spread. Anyone wanting to support the cause is welcomed to join. We owe our kids healthy parents and this is what I’m doing to make sure my kids have that. Join “Fit4Autism” today and improve your health while increasing Autism Awareness.
My Daily Workout
Permanent link to this article: http://lostandtired.com/2012/03/21/time-to-join-me-and-get-fit4autism/
Mar 21 2012
I thought I would share with you another moment from my perspective. I think it’s cool to be able to show you a moment from my life, through my eyes.
This is what I saw this morning as I dropped my boys off at school. For whatever reason, when I see Elliott walking into the building, he just seems so small. This is one of those images that I carry with me all the time.
**Thanks for reading**
-Lost and Tired
Please join our Community Autism Support Forum
Posted from WordPress for Android so please forgive any typos as auto-correct and I don’t see eye to eye.
Permanent link to this article: http://lostandtired.com/2012/03/21/from-my-perspective-03212012/
Rob Gorski is a husband and father of 3 boys on the Autism Spectrum. Gorski began his writing career in June of 2010 with his multiple award winning blog Lost and Tired: Confessions of an Autism Dad. Recently cited as the 3rd most influential Autism Blogger on the internet by Dr. Oz’s Sharecare website, where he is an expert on Autism.
His mission is to create dialogue, spread Autism Awareness, educate the public on how technology can benefit a special needs family and do so in ways that society can relate to and understand.
Gorski advocates for special needs families and those on the Autism Spectrum, both young and old.
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