iPad « saggitarian dollar

iPad

28Jan10

We have heard much about it, seen much of the “leaked” advertisements on YouTube and all sorts of speculations flooding the net in recent weeks about the much talked-about Apple’s latest “creation”.

Names like the iSlate and iTablet were the topic of discussion for many Apple fans, and I have got so many people coming asking me about it at Machines (this is where I work till 1/31). Apple has put the rumors to rest on wednesday morning in San Francisco by announcing the iPad. However, what is the purpose of the device and will it be a hit or a miss?

Here’s some features of this much talked about device and my views on them.

Halfway between the iPhone and MacBook

The starting of the keynote already emphasises that the new ‘creation’ is a little of both. Sounded too good but what is the rationale of buying an iPad if you already have both of the other?

Home screen

At first look it was a disappointment. Yes, it is an iPhone on steroids but does it has to be the same darn thing? Small icons just doesn’t look great on a large screen like that.

The internet is in your hands

Since it runs on an OS similar to the iPhone, and browsing with Safari on my iPhone have been the most pleasant experience than other smartphones like the Blackberry Storm, I am convinced its 9.7in screen will make browsing a breeze.

However, I was told that multitasking is not possible on the iPad like other netbooks Apple claimed to replace.

Mails, Contacts, Calendar, video and iPod

Another non impressive point Apple has repeatedly focused on. Somebody who buys the iPad would normally own other Apple products such as the iPhone or a Mac, because the iPad works like an iPhone and iPod which requires syncing with a computer. Viewing contacts on a larger screen just isn’t a wow factor.

iWork

Steve Jobs wanted to fit iWork into iPhones for the longest time ever but never did because the screen size didn’t make sense. Now there are plans to make iWork work on the iPad but come on… serious work on a virtual touch screen keyboard?

But no worries folks ‘cause Apple has also designed a series of accessories which of course includes the keyboard.

A major Amazon Kindle rival

Similar to the Kindle, iPad users can download e-books from the AppStore; only better because it has a brilliant color multi touch screen that supports also movies in HD format. News and magazines on the Kindle DX? why bother when you can get everything with the gorgeous Safari?

But for the real book reader, the Kindle should outshine the iPad because of the unparalleled battery life and the paper like display on the Kindle – You don’t wanna stare at more screens to read a book.

However, any of those circumstances might not even be applicable in Malaysia and many parts of the world as the iTunes Store and Kindle is yet to be available here.

Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity

Here we go again. Another exclusivity for mobile operators like AT&T, Maxis in Malaysia and SingTel in Singapore for the first 2-3 years? (3G enabled models)

Note* These are based on my observations on Apple’s website and my predictions may be wrong cause as like many, it is yet a hands on experience on the device itself.