It's Not Just Black and White

Just in case you missed it, Apple has announced the iPad. Two days after its major release, there have been a variety of reviews. I’ve heard everything ranging from “it is pointless” to “When can I get it?” I’m in the middle on this new product.

I’ve never really been a fan of tablet computers; I never really saw the point of a tablet verses a normal laptop. I do not own an iPhone and I do not own an iPod touch. I love my iPod Classic and my Mac Book Pro. The one thing that I’ve hated since Apple released the iPhone, is that I do not have access to use the applications in the iTunes store. The iPad makes it possible to get not only the apps from the iTunes store but get additional apps that are not in the iTunes store.

I’m a person who’s all about traveling and being out and about. I love taking my computer with me, but at times it’s a lot to pull out when you’re in an airport or hanging out with friends at a local coffee shop. While a mobile phone serves the purpose of the instant email check or a Google search, I’m not about to write a blog entry on a phone. Additionally, as Rae Hoffman mentioned in her article, Preparing for the Age of Mobile, not all websites are mobile friendly. The iPad takes the iPhone and gives me a larger mobile device that will allow me to update my blog, use the iTunes app store, and visit websites that are not necessarily mobile friendly. Finally, I will not have to be required to pay a monthly fee if I don’t want to.

What about flash?
One of the biggest complaints about the iPad is that Apple is still not offering flash support. I don’t see a need for flash support within the iPad. It is not meant to fully replace a computer. Yes, it would be nice to be able to visit every single website out there, but you’re always going to run into compatibility issues with at least one website, no matter what browser you’re using. Very few websites I visit on a daily basis are flash based. Those that are, I’ll check on a computer.

Will it replace my Amazon Kindle?
While Apple is pushing the iPad as a new eReader, I will not let it replace my Kindle. One of the biggest reasons I chose to get a Kindle over any of the other eReaders is because of the screen. It is not a computer screen. I spend all day in front of a computer screen; if I want to curl up with a book, I want something that will be easy on my eyes. The Kindle is easy to read off of and it’s attached to my Amazon account. The iBook won’t be as easy to read off of since it will still be a computer screen. The eBook portion of it will not have the books I’ve already bought from Amazon. If I’m that desperate to read my Kindle books on an iPad… I’ll download the Kindle application.

Don’t you want the camera?
I have a digital camera that takes great pictures and my phone takes pictures. Is there a reason to have yet another device that takes pictures? Many people are complaining about not being able to use it for video conferencing. If I were going to use a device for video conferencing, I’d rather get my laptop out and use that. The memory is better, the web cam would be a better quality, and there’s not as high of a chance of it overheating. It also allows me to use other applications while doing the video conference.

In my opinion, the iPad is a great product that Apple has put out. It may or may not be the most competitive in every market but I think they definitely have a market out there that will make the iPad successful. Mobile browsing, no monthly subscription, and a keyboard big enough to write from… all are great reasons to buy an iPad in my book.