Apple has released their tablet computer and it is called the iPad. OK the name isn't that great but the machine is. This is the perfect device for people who want a netbook or laptop that actually wouldn't use one. For example, this would be the perfect device for my wife, It is an oversize iPod that she can hook a keyboard up to via the keyboard accessory. My biggest 2 issues are with issue with it is the lack of a usb port or card reader, (which I imagine will come out later as an accessory) and the lack of the Full Mac OS. To use this computer, fully, you still need a computer to sync it to itunes. Now if you could hook up an external hard drive, and have a card reader with the full OS functionality then I think people would be going gaga over it. Regardless this is still a huge leap forward.I was expecting 3 things from this announcement.
- It would start the pricing at $799.00 USD
- It would be a little slow or "under powered"
- There would be little to no software for it
Apple really surprised everyone with what they came out with. The iPad is the next logical extension of the hardware and at $499, it's a deal. Let's face it the regular Mac OS would be difficult to use without a full keyboard and mouse, the iPhone OS is much simpler to use and by adapting the software to work better with the iPhone OS then the target market will have an easier time using the iPad. Speaking of which who is the target market for this? Well you can say e-book readers, but I think where the iPad will shine is in Sales, Education, and most importantly general computing. Who will use this? Students, Moms, Non-Tech Savy People. Why? Because it is the easiest OS you can use. It does one thing at a time and won't allow you to do more then one thing at any given time.
What about the big techies that want one? Well it will make a great video device, handy for following online tutorials, reading websites, blogs, and ebooks. I must say it is a really good size as well; I can't wait to see one in person. My wife doesn't know if she would use it but for everything she does on her laptop, the iPad fits the bill better then her laptop. My sister goes to college this coming up school year, this would fit the bill perfectly for a mobile device for school. She can record notes, use google docs or iwork, and there are lots of apps that will open and save word files, and more. Having used XP tablets (Which cost a lot more) and end up feeling quite slow, I have I hopes for performance on the iPad.
For those people that thought Steve Jobs can change the laws of physics, he is only human and for their first tablet computer, Apple's is once again a cut above the rest. I'm not saying by any means that it's perfect, I'm just saying that what's out there right now it is the best there is. They made it cheaper then what most had thought (Starting at $499). It has a fast 1Ghz processor (still needs to be proven to me) and loads of apps thanks to the Apps Store.
Improvements I would make to the iPad.
Add 1 or 2 standard USB Ports
80GB SSD
SD Card Reader
FULL OS SUPPORT!
I would expect apple to have a $499 or $599 product line or the possible replacement of the MacBook line. These mobile devices are becoming cheaper, faster, easier to use and are much more popular then regular personal computers. Very soon you will have a home server to store all your data (songs, movies, documents) and everyone will have a "iPad" or tablet for accessing, and syncing it all.
Trevor
