can I borrow an iPad please?
So we’ve all heard the iPad buzz. Yes, it looks like a giant iPod Touch, yes it is a beautiful piece of technology. However, it sort of reminds me of those digital LCD picture frames that became really hot a few years ago.
Functionally, it’s also much like the iPod Touch and iPhone. By default, it can use wifi, or for some extra blood money, it’ll access AT&Ts 3G network (for a monthly fee, of course). It can use the same apps as those devices, with a few productivity extras like iWork. The touch screen is the same, a beautiful, bright display with the best touch response on the market. This opinion post is not going to cover the features since there is already so much coverage of those.
Aside from its name, there are a few disturbing things about the iPad:
There is no Flash support. Flash is that video-like format that a good portion of websites use to deliver content. It’s like saying pictures won’t be supported, or links will not be clickable. This device is supposed to be the media solution of our lives, yet lacks a very popular format. Flash is an established web standard, let’s support it, mmmk?
The device comes with a dock and keyboard, but this is something you’ll leave home. If you’re going to lug this stuff around, you might as well have a laptop where it’s at least all connected and not 3 separate loose pieces clanging around in a bag. Aside from a quick text message or e-mail or photo tag, who really wants to type on a touch screen? Nobody I know.
USB port? Nope. No wifi network? You didn’t buy the 3G model? No desktop or laptop nearby? Forgot your cord? Sorry, you cannot transfer a damned thing. It’s a simple thing, and quite useful. It’s something I’d expect to be included.
Multi-tasking. If this device is to be taken seriously as a productivity device and not just a video viewer, it needs the ability to easily swap between tasks. Just like the other iDevices, only one app can run at a time, so good luck using Safari for some quick research and simultaneously writing it up in iWork. I realize that this is intended to keep the device speedy, but perhaps allowing 3-4 simultaneous apps? On such a snazzy device I’d expect to watch a video in one corner and IM in the opposite. Nope!
So to wrap up, the iPad is just a giant iPod Touch with a dock and keyboard accessory. If my opinion were counted, what device would I have requested? Well, I’m glad you asked.
My dream device is a modification on the existing Macbook Pro. Instead of the regular screen, replace it with the same screen found on the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. Allow the screen to swivel so it may be used like a regular laptop, or turn 180 degrees, then close, and now you have a tablet! This configuration exists with other manufacturers, including Lenovo. I think it’s the obvious and ideal solution: combine the best features of two star products.
I was talking to my co-workers about how I just don’t get this device and they rightly pointed out that I am young and not yet blind. I think maybe Apple is trying to appeal to the over 40 crowd with this?
April
February 5, 2010
That’s an interesting comment your co-workers made. I think there is some truth in this. My mom very recently got a Kindle and was very excited about being able to resize text to super large. It’s not something I’ve really ever worried about, I like reading Kindle books with the Kindle app for iPhone. It’s small, portable, and easy to hold in one hand–all things the Kindle really isn’t. Yes, it’s portable in that it weighs little, but it does not fit in a pocket and it’s a bit fragile to just throw loosely into a bag. Plus, I really don’t want to carry around ANOTHER device. Like most men, I don’t have a purse, so my pants pockets are about my limit for storage, so this is pretty limited.
On the flip side, my mom didn’t really seem to like the iPad. She thought it was too big and bulky and didn’t have much appeal to her, since she already has an iPhone and Kindle. I’m rather proud of her analysis of products as an informed user. :-)
mikey
February 5, 2010