Jan
Initial Thoughts on the iPad
Written by The iPhone MomAnother big Apple event has come and gone. To be honest I was more than a bit disappointed that there was no mention of a new iPhone OR that they’ll soon be available through service providers other than AT&T. But I’m going to keep my fingers crossed that maybe next time that wonderful news will come. Yesterday’s big reveal was the iPad. The device itself seems great but all I can think about is that unfortunate name. Was there no one on the naming committee that couldn’t see all the awful jokes that will come from iPad? No women? No men who know any women?
I haven’t done an extensive amount of research into what this device is capable of. To be honest I was a bit turned off by all the earlier hype and couldn’t really understand what the big deal about a tablet was. My thinking was if there’s no keyboard how useful can it be? Then I saw the photos and thought ok, it’s got that slick Apple look but there’s no way that will fit in my purse. I’m still not convinced the iPad is the greatest thing ever but I’m beginning to see it’s appeal. First of all, it can run apps. Apps that I already have. It’d be nice to play Settlers of Catan on an almost 10” screen. Or to watch movies in bed. Or surf the internet and answer email without having to fire up the laptop. I use my iPhone to do a lot of that and a bigger screen and faster experience would be an improvement. Plus it turns out a keyboard dock will be available. I also like the thought of my kids being able to use their educational apps on a screen this size. A storybook app becomes an entirely different experience when it’s the size of an actual book. So I’m not completely sold yet, nor have I forgotten the “ick” I feel about the name, but I’m beginning to see what some of the appeal might be all about. I do know for certain that I’m not going to show my kids any pictures of the iPad because I am really not ready to be bombarded with requests for a giant iPod Touch.
What about you?? What do you think about the new Apple iPad? Will you be lining up to grab one?
By Toni Rhodes on Jan 28, 2010
Personally, I think the iPad (yes, I hate the name)is just the beginning. We ARE going to be reading most of our books on e-readers in the future. I think the e-Pad is going to be a great platform for children’s picture books, both fiction and nonfiction. But I think the price of the iPad is going to have to come down before a lot of people buy them and let their kids use them on a regular basis.
By Alesha on Jan 28, 2010
I actually don’t mind the name. It’s short, descriptive and memorable, from a branding point of view perfect ; )
It is going to be great for viewing photos, checking email, twitter time, and reading the news.
I can’t wait to take one for a test drive. I won’t be waiting in line to get one and probably won’t buy until the price comes down.
By Penny on Jan 29, 2010
I was a little let down with iPad as well. The name obviously is lacking — but the inability to run concurrent apps, no flash support, no camera and no stylus were certainly bigger let downs.
While the beautiful colour display will be a boon for children’s books – I worry that it will not be as easy on adult eyes (that tend to engage in prolonged reading) as the current e-book readers (kindle, sony etc). I am hoping that this announcement will force the kindles of the world to lower their price — because for just 500 bucks for the ipad vs $489 for a Kindle DX — I think the iPad wins (even with the potential eyestrain). Now a $99 dedicated e-reader — I could maybe get behind that…
The device certainly still does have it’s place. I can see it replacing the portable DVD, netbook and gaming devices that we now take with us on long trips in the car.
So despite it’s shortcomings — I’m sure an iPad is in my families forseeable future — but we may wait for the next generation — when these little annoyances are worked out.
By The iPhone Mom on Jan 29, 2010
Great points by all! A camera would have been wonderful, an SD slot nice too. I’m sure we’ll probably wind up with one eventually but I think waiting for a few “generations” to pass and the price to come is my plan.
By The iPhone Mom on Jan 29, 2010
Price to come down.
By Richard Green on Feb 3, 2010
Oddly, Apple are in a battle with Fujitsu over the name (no women there either I suppose
. I think the iPad is a big iPhone, so that’s good, but I’m not sure what niche it is expecting to fit to. We either want a laptop or a pocket sized device. iPad is to heavy to casually carry, too delicate to throw around, too slippery and thin to hold properly – truly form over function, as Apple does so well, and lastly it represents Apple’s tendancy to lock us in to proprietry systems where we lose our freedoms. That all said, I hope it succeeds because this is the right direction for human interfacing.
By Beck on Feb 17, 2010
I love the iPad. Sure I am a kid, so I suppose it is a lot more exciting, but I think it is a great concept. I watched the short movie they created, and I love it. Just the fact that it has a touch screen turns me on. I also looked up accesories and you can get keyboards and holders and heaps of stuff. I think I will wait until the next generation to ask my parents though, I was let down when I got my iPod, and of course, weeks later out came the newer one. Hopefully they will also be able to bring the price down too
By Kristel Fried on Jun 9, 2010
I adore my Ipad. I got one as soon as possible and dont regret it at all. Its so easy to use and the technology is excellent. I use it most every day.
By Tara Olinghouse on Jun 9, 2010
Apple Computers doesnt just develop gismos; they engineer solutions that individuals can see fitting into their daily lives finally. As a university scholar with a hectic life, I beleive this being a very utilizable thing to own.