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Tech Sanity Check
Jason Hiner
TechRepublic Staff
Jason Hiner

Jason Hiner is the Editor in Chief of TechRepublic. He is an award-winning journalist who writes about the products, people, and ideas that are revolutionizing business with technology. He previously worked as an IT leader in the health care industry.
You can also find him on Twitter, Google+, and at JasonHiner.com.
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First take on Windows 8: Two things wrong and one thing right
Microsoft provided its first public demo of Windows 8 this week. The UI looked flashy, but Microsoft is still trying to marry tablets and desktops, and it could ruin the standard version of...
Posted by Jason Hiner | June 3, 2011, 7:21 AM PDT | Latest comment by msssltd
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Schmidt calls tech a 4-way race: Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook
Google chairman Eric Schmidt sees four big platforms dominating the current technology era. See why Microsoft isn't on the list and what Schmidt thinks about the destiny of IT.
Posted by Jason Hiner | June 1, 2011, 2:51 PM PDT | Latest comment by jfreedle2@...
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If you want to innovate like Da Vinci, education is overrated
Leonardo da Vinci is arguably the greatest innovator of all time. Da Vinci's example helps justify Peter Thiel's radical 20 Under 20 fellowship for college dropouts. See why, and the big caveat.
Posted by Jason Hiner | May 31, 2011, 12:43 PM PDT | Latest comment by mike five
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Poll: Is cloud computing or mobile having a bigger impact in 2011?
The two hottest topics in technology in 2011 are mobile and the cloud. We'd like to get a real world perspective on which one is the bigger innovation driver. Answer the poll and join the discussion.
Posted by Jason Hiner | May 26, 2011, 2:35 PM PDT | Latest comment by davidharrelson
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How to kill innovation, in five easy steps
Innovation is the life blood of most organizations in the 21st century, but most of them regularly do things to snuff out innovation wherever it rears its head. Here are five of the main culprits.
Posted by Jason Hiner | May 24, 2011, 11:06 AM PDT | Latest comment by mikehussy36
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I discovered a third use for the iPad
Jason Hiner previously said that the iPad was only good for two things. Now, he's found a third. See what it is and why it's one of the things winning over a lot of business users to tablets.
Posted by Jason Hiner | May 17, 2011, 10:15 PM PDT | Latest comment by jev.case-24297005939114168965253281161338
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While IT pros scoff, Google Chromebooks will likely seduce businesses
Google's Chromebook for Business program could entice a lot of organizations to consider ditching Windows for Chrome OS. Learn why and see how it could save big money.
Posted by Jason Hiner | May 12, 2011, 10:11 AM PDT | Latest comment by AG4IT
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Google finally moves to standardize Android updates
Spotty OS updates have been one of Android's sore spots. Google wants to fix it with a new Android consortium. Get the details and the latest updates on the Android ecosystem from Google I/O 2011.
Posted by Jason Hiner | May 10, 2011, 2:30 PM PDT | Latest comment by Lazarus439
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Microsoft buys Skype for $8.5 billion, so now what?
Microsoft has purchased Skype in an $8.5 billion deal that will close later this year. See why we shouldn't worry about the free service going away and what Microsoft is likely to do with Skype.
Posted by Jason Hiner | May 10, 2011, 8:52 AM PDT | Latest comment by Richard-H
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BlackBerry PlayBook review: The perfect tablet for two kinds of people
The BlackBerry PlayBook may be outgunned when it comes to competing with the iPad for general consumers, but there are still two types of users who will love this scrappy little 7-inch tablet.
Posted by Jason Hiner | May 9, 2011, 3:11 PM PDT | Latest comment by andalusy
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Poll: What's keeping you tied to your BlackBerry?
While Android and iPhone are hogging most of the smartphones headlines, BlackBerry still has its loyal adherents. If you're a BlackBerry user, what's the number one factor keeping on BlackBerry?
Posted by Jason Hiner | May 5, 2011, 2:51 PM PDT | Latest comment by seaneff
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Leaderboard: The 10 hottest tablets of 2011
Because tablets are the hot new thing, there is suddenly a deluge of choices and more coming. See which tablets are worth your attention.
Posted by Jason Hiner | May 4, 2011, 6:31 AM PDT | Latest comment by BaconSmoothie4-2
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Can Adobe, Microsoft, and Facebook deals help revive BlackBerry?
The opening keynote of BlackBerry World 2011 focused on three key partnerships in lieu of any big announcements about smartphones or tablets.
Posted by Jason Hiner | May 3, 2011, 10:13 PM PDT | Latest comment by PineappleBob
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BlackBerry BES welcomes iPhone, iPad, and Android into the fold
CIOs love BlackBerry Enterprise Server for the security and manageability that it brings to BlackBerry devices. RIM has announced plans to allow BES to manage iOS and Android devices as well.
Posted by Jason Hiner | May 2, 2011, 3:10 PM PDT | Latest comment by q@...
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Facebook and Twitter: Treat them like your kids
Just as parents need to treat their various kids differently, but fairly, so do professionals need to deal with Twitter and Facebook using a separate but equal approach. Here are some suggestions.
Posted by Jason Hiner | April 29, 2011, 12:00 AM PDT | Latest comment by CharlieSpencer_Palmetto
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Poll: Apple or Google -- which do you trust more with your data?
Apple recently joined Google in taking liberties with user data. There are reasons to both trust and distrust both of them. So which do you trust more? Take the poll.
Posted by Jason Hiner | April 28, 2011, 3:24 PM PDT | Latest comment by nowagil
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Behind the curtain at Google: Social, China, AI, and ambition
Steven Levy has a new book on Google based on two years of unprecedented access to the company. After catching up with Levy, here are highlights of the book's most important issues.
Posted by Jason Hiner | April 27, 2011, 7:00 AM PDT | Latest comment by mattohare@...
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Sony Tablet S2 revives the idea of dual-screen productivity
With all of the Android tablets starting to look alike, Sony is taking a different spin. In fact, Sony's S2 could revive some of the cool concepts introduced by the Microsoft Courier and OLPC XO-2.
Posted by Jason Hiner | April 26, 2011, 1:16 PM PDT | Latest comment by kerem34
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Poll: Is youth or experience more valuable for working in IT?
One of the hottest debates in the TechRepublic forums lately has been the issue of whether youth is an essential asset for a career in IT today. See both sides of the story and vote in our poll.
Posted by Jason Hiner | April 21, 2011, 2:53 PM PDT | Latest comment by GBPTech
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Apple iPad 2 review: Why it's still winning with business users
While lots of companies want a piece of the multitouch tablet market, iPad competitors have been unable to match Apple. Even business users prefer the iPad 2. Learn why.
Posted by Jason Hiner | April 20, 2011, 6:04 AM PDT | Latest comment by Richard-H
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15 Android widgets that will make iPhone users jealous
One of the biggest advantages of Android over iPhone is widgets. Here are 15 of the best widgets available for Android, updated for 2012.
Posted by Jason Hiner | February 16, 2012, 3:00 PM PST | Latest comment by anshdeep
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Poll: Can new BlackBerry Q10 win back converts and retain loyalists?
The BlackBerry Q10 wants to win back Android and iPhone converts and re-energize the faithful. Does it appeal to you? Take our poll.
Posted by Jason Hiner | May 13, 2013, 1:35 PM PDT | Latest comment by PurpleSkys
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How to use 'Pin Tab' to organize your work in Google Chrome
Google Chrome's "Pin Tab" feature is an often-overlooked option that can help power users organize their work in the browser and manage tab creep.
Posted by Jason Hiner | February 20, 2013, 12:43 PM PST | Latest comment by giscoobe
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Google Now: The future of big data and Android's game-changer
While Google Now raises plenty of privacy hackles, it's also a stunningly useful example of the power of big data and a major advantage for Android.
Posted by Jason Hiner | February 14, 2013, 12:41 PM PST | Latest comment by johojo
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How to hack the $250 Nook Color into a full Android tablet
The Nook Color is a $250 e-reader powered by Android. Learn how to hack it into a powerful and fully functional Android tablet.
Posted by Jason Hiner | February 3, 2011, 7:30 PM PST | Latest comment by Di27
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The 20 best and most useful iPhone apps
Take advantage of the top benefits that mobile computing has to offer with this list of 20 highly useful iPhone apps.
Posted by Jason Hiner | December 5, 2011, 10:39 AM PST | Latest comment by ithinkimcute
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The 20 most useful Android smartphone apps of 2011
Jason Hiner provides his list of the top 20 tried-and-true Android smartphone apps that are worth your time to download.
Posted by Jason Hiner | November 25, 2011, 7:20 AM PST | Latest comment by Murtini Nguyen
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The future of IT will be reduced to three kinds of jobs
The IT profession and the IT job market are in the midst of seismic changes that are going to shift the focus to three types of jobs.
Posted by Jason Hiner | July 22, 2011, 10:04 PM PDT | Latest comment by gabimbola@...
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Sanity check: The 10 best technology podcasts
With podcasts you can essentially create a personal talk radio channel that only includes your favorite programs. You can even create a lineup completely dedicated to technology to help you keep...
Posted by Jason Hiner | February 24, 2008, 10:51 PM PST | Latest comment by matt.storms@...
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Cisco's CCIE is no longer the biggest cash cow of IT certification
Cisco's legendary CCIE is no longer the most valuable certification for IT professionals, according to TechRepublic's 2008 IT Skills and Salary Report. See what certification has replaced it and...
Posted by Jason Hiner | March 7, 2008, 12:17 PM PST | Latest comment by draalin
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Top 25 Android apps: The best of the best
Android now has over 70,000 apps to choose from. TechRepublic's Jason Hiner shows you 25 of the best ones to download.
Posted by Jason Hiner | July 28, 2010, 12:00 AM PDT | Latest comment by alinawaz83@...
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Best practices in Cloud and SaaS: A special feature
Cloud computing in general and Software as a Service in particular have developed into an irresistible force. These resources can help you do it right.
Posted by Jason Hiner | March 21, 2013, 1:49 PM PDT
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The iPad's most useful apps, updated for 2012
While the iPad has its limitations, it's really good at a few basic functions. These 22 apps play to the iPad's strengths.
Posted by Jason Hiner | March 14, 2012, 12:13 PM PDT | Latest comment by madtteam28
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25 must-have iPhone apps for productive geeks
Get the inside track on iPhone apps that can improve your productivity, and a few that can provide a little geek fun.
Posted by Jason Hiner | July 22, 2010, 10:12 AM PDT | Latest comment by CharlieDonahue
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Ubuntu's two big advantages over Windows and Mac
There are two very important areas where Ubuntu Linux has significant advantages over both Windows 7 and Mac OS X. See what they are and join the discussion.
Posted by Jason Hiner | July 26, 2010, 1:00 AM PDT | Latest comment by JuliaX111
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Dump Gmail for Outlook.com? Four reasons you might
Microsoft's Gmail competitor has finally arrived. You might be surprised to learn that it brings some useful innovations to webmail. Here are the big four.
Posted by Jason Hiner | August 2, 2012, 12:43 PM PDT | Latest comment by JCitizen
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Sanity check: What's the difference between CIO and CTO?
The CIO and CTO job roles are frequently confused, but there are clear distinctions between the two positions in most large enterprises. The two require different skill sets and are focused on...
Posted by Jason Hiner | June 22, 2008, 10:46 PM PDT | Latest comment by gilmoremember
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What's the best laptop for running Ubuntu Linux?
I want to find the best laptop to run Ubuntu Linux in a business setting. Check out my requirements and then post your best recommendation.
Posted by Jason Hiner | February 17, 2010, 10:52 AM PST | Latest comment by CharlieSpencer_Palmetto
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Apple cloud vs. Google cloud: The philosophical differences
Google and Apple are taking fundamentally different approaches to cloud computing. It's important to understand the differences. Here's a quick summary.
Posted by Jason Hiner | June 8, 2011, 6:00 AM PDT | Latest comment by allshare
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2013's hot topic: The Internet of Things (and our new way of covering it)
We've got special coverage of The Internet of Things, one of the hottest topics in IT for 2013. And when we say 'special,' we mean we're trying something new.
Posted by Jason Hiner | January 11, 2013, 6:17 AM PST | Latest comment by jasonhiner

































