Tech Perspectives: The iPad
Courtesy of Apple
Tech Perspectives is a discussion between two TNGG writers on the latest news from the tech industry.
Matt Cadwallader: So the big announcement has come and the world has been introduced to the much-hyped Apple iPad. Although it looks like a cool device, truthfully I’m a bit underwhelmed by it. First of all, I’m not all that thrilled with the name, and I’m clearly not alone. As of this writing, “iTampon” is the top trending topic on Twitter. As for the device itself, it just looks like a bigger, more expensive iPod Touch. Granted I had high expectations going in to the announcement, so am I off base here?
Rob Cadwallader: The main software on the device is similar to that of the iPhone and the same goes for the hardware. But Apple has really taken advantage of the new form factor by adding new functionality and usability to the iPad’s main applications. For instance, the new photo app will feel more like moving photos on a table rather than on a computer screen. These adapted applications are a lot more capable than their iPhone counterparts. From a hardware perspective, I agree with you, the iPad is definitely more like a big iPod than a touchscreen laptop.
Matt: I think the expense is what really gets me. Everything about the presentation suggested this is a device meant for use on the couch – Steve Jobs showed it off sitting in a big comfy leather chair on stage – but who has $500-$800 lying around for what really amounts to a toy? They did show off a new suite of iWork programs (the Apple equivalent of Microsoft Office) but I can’t see a situation where I’d want to work with a spreadsheet without a physical keyboard.
The big question is, why is it necessary? I have a smartphone that can accomplish just about any mobile task I’d need, and I have a laptop that can do everything else. Where does the iPad fit?
Rob: The iPad does bring some things to the table that you haven’t considered. With its screen size and enormous battery life iPad is going to be perfect for E-Books. E-Book readers can be almost as expensive as the iPad, but they don’t come close to the level of functionality the iPad achieves. Beyond that the iPad is offering a mobile browsing experience on a ultra-portable device that can actually fit a whole webpage on it’s screen. This will be much appreciated by avid blog/online magazine readers.
Matt: Good point. I know there were many in the publishing and newspaper industries that were hailing this device as the savior of their livelihoods. Maybe that’s taking it a bit too far, but after seeing the device today I don’t doubt its potential. The New York Times application looked beautiful, and if I could afford the device itself, I’d certainly be willing to buy a subscription. Same goes for E-books. When Amazon released their iPhone Kindle app, I started to buy and read a lot more books. This kind of device holds a lot of promise in this regard.
I’m hoping that, like the iPhone in 2007, the iPad begins a new category of device that others will emulate and improve on. At CES I saw several Android tablets, but they were rather incomplete. If Google can draft off of Apple’s lead here and produce a premium tablet, we will probably see prices drop significantly. Remember, the original iPhone debuted at $599. Imagine that, not even three years ago!
Rob:Your point on Android brings up another problem with the iPad, there is no multitasking. If the iPad is going to be touted as a breakthrough web device then it should allow people to run multiple apps at the same time. Also, about the iPad’s pricing, the 3G connection that will be offered with the iPod will be $30/month for unlimited access without a contract. A price that low for data is rare, and it should help reduce the strain on iPad owners’ wallets.
The iPad isn’t perfect, but it is bringing some new ideas/functionality to the table. I don’t think that this is a “must-have” in the way that the iPhone was, but it could be a great device for many people.
Image: Courtesy of Apple
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by florciampoli: The NextGen speaks about adults new tech toy: The iPad http://www.thenextgreatgeneration.com/2010/01/27/tech-perspectives-ipad/...
This is one of those things that I wouldn't even consider buying right now, but maybe in a while IF you were able to multitask…and, I don't know, my laptop broke and I needed something new. Like one of you mentioned, I see this as basically a souped-up Kindle/e-reader, which I don't really see myself needing in the first place.
Great piece guys!
It is highly unlikely I would buy it. Something that doesn't allow me to multitask is not for me. I usually run at least 3 different programs and an Internet browser with 4-5 tabs and the iPad won't allow me to do this, so why would I buy it? It is pretty and shiny and our generation is supposedly attracted to new shiny toys, but the iPad is pretty much just that.
I love the dialog here. A little bit of good cop/ bad cop, but with some real, practical information. Great overview, both of you.