What’s right with the iPad
I have read a lot of reviews about the iPad this week, many of them negative. While I wish it had some of the features that are sure to be included in future versions, I think many of the comments are very short-sided.
The problem is that it’s impossible for anyone to live up to all the hype and rumors that surround Apple devices. The iPod and iPhone are prime examples. When released, both of these game-changing devices were heavily criticized as too limited, too expensive, lacking features, etc. Those critics have been silenced. Partially because of features being added and sales figures, but mainly because the potential of the devices (that they should have seen the day they were released) have been realized.
Just like those devices, the iPad is setting the way for a new, more natural way for us to interact with personal computers. The gestures of our hands will soon replace the mouse, track pad and cursor. Icons and images will serve as a primary way to find information rather than file structures.
It is also going to change the print media business. Books and magazines will more closely resemble websites than static pdf’s on screens. Apple has the distribution model and brilliant design to actually create these changes.
This beautifully implemented device is the first step toward what’s next. Apple is ahead a few years of the game, again. Some just can’t see it yet.
01/29/2010 at 6:46 pm
I agree. I won’t buy an iPad in it’s current state, but in a few years when it has USB, card readers, camera, multitasking, and especially Mac OSX, I’ll for-sure want one.
01/29/2010 at 11:21 pm
I say this as someone who adores Apple and has no doubt that they’re ahead of the game. And I also realize this makes me sound old and less cool.
I’m not excited about a new “thing” that keeps me connected to the world at all times. I know it’s probably the direction we’re going with the hand motions and everything, but right now are we really lacking portable devices that ensure we’re a click or a touch away from anything we want?
Again, I understand it’s most likely ahead of it’s time and we’ll look back on how we used to use computers and laugh. But it’s just hard for me to feel excited about another thing that’s for sale that allows me to use the web or e-mail or look at the photos I don’t take.
02/19/2010 at 8:27 am
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