So you want an iPad, eh?
IT DIDN’T TAKE long before everyone was talking about Apple’s new iPad. So far, it has broken its way full force into the blogosphere, gained an approval rating of 42 per cent on Twitter by number of positive comments (yes, apparently there are at least a few social media analysts who find it prudent to treat the device as though it were a political leader), spawned a series of YouTube responses (and flame wars), and even made an appearance at the Grammys. That’s certainly a lot of hype, even by Apple’s standards.
So now the requisite obvious question: will this new tablet computer truly live up to expectations? Well, no (nothing every really does), but just to be fair, I’ll give Apple CEO Steve Jobs the benefit of the doubt and try to see the iPad the way he did during his keynote presentation at an Apple press conference in San Francisco on Jan. 27.
Firstly, as with most new iThings, the device is certainly pleasing to look at. Apple obviously struck a chord with all—or most—of us with the sleek and simple design of the iPhone, so it’s not surprising that they’ve carried this plan through to the iPad. Essentially, this means that the tablet is already ahead of the competition as far as aesthetics are concerned. The next major advancement Apple wants us to be aware of is iBooks. As an application designed specifically for the iPad, it uses the new iBookstore to download ebooks which are quite readable on the 9.7 inch screen.
The rest of the iPad’s so-called advantages are simply functions already seen on iPods and iPhones but which do admittedly seem refreshingly new on a larger screen—typing would certainly be easier than on an iPhone, and web surfing more efficient (no more constantly zooming in and out on your iPhone while trying to read a lengthy article for those who absolutely can’t stand it). By looking superficially at the product’s major features, we see what the iPad’s designers want us to: a stylish reinvention of your regular old run-of-the-mill tablet PC, complete with that little accented touch that only Apple’s creative genius can give. However, when we delve deeper into the uses of the tablet, we see quite a bit more (or less) about what the iPad can actually do for us.
The first iPad complaint I came across is in reference to the computer’s inability to function as a phone. Now, although I’m sure anyone would have welcomed such a feature, I think it’s quite obvious to most of us that a phone wouldn’t quite “fit” the iPad. After all, the device belongs exclusively to the tablet category, not to mention the fact that very few people would want such a large phone. So there’s the first piece of criticism out of the way—not a big deal, really.
Many potential consumers also seem disappointed with its lack of a camera. Since most laptops and mobile devices now come equipped with some form of a webcam, creating a revolutionary new computer that lacks one it does look like someone dropped the ball. In fact, if we look closer, we find that the iPad seems to be lacking quite a few things that modern mobile computers have had for a while, including HDMI Out and USB ports, Flash support (for watching streaming video on web browsers or playing online games), and widescreen functionality (the iPad’s display sports only a 4:3 aspect ratio, as opposed to most laptops which are 16:9, making for much better movie watching). Now we start to see the little tablet’s troubles emerge.
That’s still not the worst of it. In the end, the absolute deal-breaker for the iPad is the fact that it does not support multi-tasking. Only one Apple-sanctioned application from the App Store can be run at a time—no browsing the web and being on Windows Live Messenger simultaneously; no quickly checking your email before getting back to the non-widescreen movie; no listening to music while doing anything else; and so on. In fact, this terribly disappointing truth effectively removes the iPad from the “tablet PC” category that Apple is trying so desperately hard to shove it in and reveals this device for what it actually is: an oversized iPod Touch. So is any of the hype at all justified? Not in the least. The only thing I’m anticipating is an iPad commercial featuring John Hodgman and Justin Long:
“Hi, I’m a tablet PC.”
“... And I’m something of a mistake, frankly.”
Your a little off on what you think iPad is suppose to be.
It's not trying to make its way into an existing Tablet PC market, it is trying to create its own market that has the ability to bring different requirements together in one device.
For example, you mention the fact that it doesn't have a 16:9 display. However two of its main functional purposes are to 1)read books and 2) browse the web, both of which would be more difficult (require more scrolling) on a 16:9 display as opposed to a 4:3 display.
Also, the fact that it does not include Adobe Flash can be seen as a positive decision for the future of the internet. Flash is old technology. look to something like html5 for the next generation of websites. If nothing else, Apple not including flash puts fire under Adobe to develop new technology and fix the performance issues common to most flash supporting smart phones.
A final note, while the lack general multitasking is an issue that needs to be addressed(say OS4.0), the examples you gave have issues.
To start, MSN Windows Live Messenger does not exist for the iphone, you can however get an msn client, most of which support push notifications(ability to receive messages when in other programs such as safari)
Second, In keeping with the enhanced video experience you probably are going to want to pause a movie as you "quickly" check your email, as opposed to fumbling through a smaller window on that 4:3 display (which supports 16:9 movies with padding bars,similar to most t.v sets).
Thirdly, Listening to music on iPad, just the same as iPhone, can be done while using other apps so long as the app developer allows them. For example, right now i am listening to music as i write this on safari. if i want to see what song is playing or switch i can simply double click home button and go.
When an app needs audio (for instance a movie or Youtube) then obviously the audio will default to the app your accessing.
Something else i should mention, I am not looking to purchase a iPad nor do i really like them at all. I just want to point out that your opinions and objections seem uninformed.
Cheers!