The iPad, Apple’s tablet device based on the iPhone OS (as I and many others predicted) will be here in just 15 days. Have you pre-ordered? Are you going to? Am I?
Well, I haven’t pre-ordered… yet. I’m debating between the WiFI and the WiFi+3G models, and leaning toward 3G. But the presence of a new white MacBook in my world (yes, the cult finally has me) has impacted the urgency and cash-flow available for another mobile information device.
While much debate has also arisen in the tech world about the merits and failings of the iPad as Apple has designed it, check this article for a very interesting point of view on that debate: http://speirs.org/blog/2010/1/29/future-shock.html
As for my take, looking at what the iPad appears to be, I can sum up what I believe it is and isn’t like this: much like the first Macintosh, Apple is targeting the iPad as the 21st century information device (notice I didn’t say computer or netbook) “for the rest of us.” Something simple and easy that everyone can use for those things most people use actual computers for at home.
That means the iPad is NOT intended for the uber-geek computer user who wants and needs all the latest features like built-in physical keyboard, Flash compatibility, HD web-cameras on front AND back, super-multitasking OS, analog game controller, biometric access swipe, etc. The iPad is meant for the average consumer who wants a decent sized portable device to do a few things, each one at a time – browse the web, read and write simple emails, play games, manage photos, listen to a little music maybe, watch TV shows and other video from iTunes, and maybe even read some books. That’s all. Simple. Perfect for my parents and your grandparents. And it’s even good for those uber-geek computer types like me who just want a simple device to do those very things sitting at the couch or on that beach lounger.
srhawk.com 