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Sunday, January 31, 2010
Vol. 2 No. 6
There are already thousands of reviews since Apple's founder Steve Jobs, debuted the product this past Wednesday. I'll try not to rehash too much that has already been said about the product and stick to my impressions of the Apple iPad.
In case you've been living under a rock for the last week, here is the official Apple iPad video. You will need QuickTime to view this video.
To start with, it is a great looking piece of design. Using the product will come natural to over 22 million iPhone users. Honestly, it looks like a very, very big iPhone. The user interface, from just viewing the Apple video and reading countless reviews, looks to be extremely fast and responsive.
To start with, it is a great looking piece of design. Using the product will come natural to over 22 million iPhone users. Honestly, it looks like a very, very big iPhone. The user interface, from just viewing the Apple video and reading countless reviews, looks to be extremely fast and responsive.
Is it perfect? Absolutely...not. Don't get me wrong, there are a great deal of positives that I can see in this device. And, I'll try and be a balanced as possible in my review. So let's start with what is wrong with this device.
The Cons:
No Flash Player support
This web browser video plug-in extremely pervasive reaching almost 99% of Internet-enabled desktops and laptops. This definitely limits the "ultimate browsing experience."
This web browser video plug-in extremely pervasive reaching almost 99% of Internet-enabled desktops and laptops. This definitely limits the "ultimate browsing experience."
No Multi-tasking
Can't run other apps in the background. I can do it with a hardware-handicapped netbook. What gives? Only way "it fills the gap between an iPhone and a laptop" is what Steve Jobs told the crowd of reporters at January 27th's announcement.
No Camera
I don't think a 5 megapixel camera is required on a device of this size, but web camera is a must. This would definitely step up the device interaction capability.
No Phone
While it would be pretty comical to see someone with the iPad affixed to the side of their head, I'm talking Skype. But since there is no camera support, video telephony is not an option. Sorry grandma.
No SD Card Reader
Speaking of camera support, the absence of a card reader to allow us photogs to capture images shot with our dSLR camera, and then quickly display them on the stunning back-lit LED, is a huge oversight. Come on Apple, SD slots have been on laptops for a couple of years now.
Dongle Access Only
No card reader, no built-in USB and no HDMI. VGA is okay, but HDMI would have been a better option. Other than the headphone jack the 30-pin Apple connector is the only road in our out.
HD Support
While video on the iPad seems like a dream come true, there is no HDMI-out for sharing on a large flat screen.
No Cell Carrier SubsidyAT&T is not offering any subsidy on the data plans required for 3G service.
The Pros:
WOW factor
What can you say? Apple does have a knack for design coupled with functionality. The form factor is awesome weighing in at just 1.5 pounds and just a half-inch thick. It has sex appeal.
What can you say? Apple does have a knack for design coupled with functionality. The form factor is awesome weighing in at just 1.5 pounds and just a half-inch thick. It has sex appeal.
InterfaceMulti-touch is natural to use and the learning curve is pretty shallow. Touch, swipe and gesture. That's pretty much all you need to learn.
Apps
The ones you already own will work as well as the other 140,000 in iTunes. Apple already released the Software Developer's Kit (SDK) so expect some crafty programmers to leverage the platform.
Expanded Content
Not only will iTunes and the App Store keep you in music movies, TV shows, and games to business apps, the new iBookstore will and provide access to classics, textbooks and bestselling books.
Battery Life
The lithium-polymer battery offers a 10-hour life between feedings. Charging is accomplished via the power adapter or USB to a computer.
LED-Backlit IPS Display
The display is the centerpiece. Sporting a 9.7" 1024 by 768 pixel screen at 132 pixels per inch (ppi), the In Plane Switching technology makes it remarkably crisp and vivid when sharing with others.
Bluetooth 2.1
A cordless Bluetooth-enabled keyboard can be paired making text entry easier when the virtual keyboard isn't enough.
No Contract Data Plan
Still dependent on AT&T's 3G service (for now), they offer unlimited data at $30/month or 250Mb at $15/month, both without a contract.
Will I be buying the iPad?
Eventually, but not until multi-tasking is added. Apple says they left it out to limit occasional crashes that lock up the device. I own a PC, I can deal with a few reboots every now and then.
Eventually, but not until multi-tasking is added. Apple says they left it out to limit occasional crashes that lock up the device. I own a PC, I can deal with a few reboots every now and then.
Apple did announce a dongle which addresses camera support for the iPad. A Camera Connection Kit allows direct USB camera hook-up or photo import using the SD Card Reader. A Keyboard Dock and iPad Case round out the optional accessories available when the unit hits the retail market in March.
As a photographer, I can see myself justifying an iPad purchase in the not-too-distant future. What better way to display my portfolio to a potential client?
The price is pretty reasonable starting at $499 for the 16Gb Wi-Fi only model and going to $829 for the 64Gb Wi-Fi + 3G unit.
I also think the iPad will put a serious hurting on the Kindle and other readers. While not the biggest book reader, I do ingest a serious number of magazines every month. Color-driven magazines don't work well on the monochrome liquid ink readers.
The price is pretty reasonable starting at $499 for the 16Gb Wi-Fi only model and going to $829 for the 64Gb Wi-Fi + 3G unit.
I also think the iPad will put a serious hurting on the Kindle and other readers. While not the biggest book reader, I do ingest a serious number of magazines every month. Color-driven magazines don't work well on the monochrome liquid ink readers.
Once the multi-tasking and Flash support issues are addressed, I'll probably be dropping some cash on the next-generation version. Until then, it will be plenty of visits to the Apple Store to hold and gaze upon the iPad.
You know you want to touch it.
-30-
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1 comments:
Great review and helpful. Ok, I'll get it when they add the multi-tasking apps:)
Thanks,
M
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