What excites me about the iPad
I watched Gdgt’s live blogging of the iPad launch yesterday. I’m really pleased the tablet’s finally made it into reality, after reading rumours for years (might even spur me into adapt my apple tablet domain for the iPad).
As an Apple user for 2 years now, I’m looking forward to playing around with the iPad. From the launch blogging and photos, here are the things that were most interesting to me:
- It’s small: I can feasibly imagine carrying this around everyday. I use a Samsung NC10 netbook and don’t think twice about sticking it in my bag. The iPad could be even better as it’s thinner, and seems keenly priced.
- Large touchscreen: the iPhone interface works really well so I’m sure the iPad will too. I’d actually like to see some apps that allow you to use it as a mobile notebook, with character recognition for words and a blank jotter for doodles. I use notebooks heavily in meetings and would much prefer this information to be digital. This would need some sort of pen accessory, but it could work really well for artists too. I use Brushes on the iPhone and can see that working really well on an iPad. (Edit – just read Evernote’s blog post about the iPad – that’s a service perfect for this type of device).
- Apple processor: Steve said that they would be using a custom chip in the device. It’s really interesting to see how far through the production chain Apple are going.
Looking forward to first reviews from friends and contacts once they have one in their life.
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Unlike many people I think there really is a need for a tablet with this form factor. However this first incarnation of the iPad is a bit disappointing for me:
* No video camera. A front facing camera would make this an amazing videoconferencing gadget. Buy one for your grandparents and they can speak to *and see* the kiddies over Skype or iChat.
* No memory card slot. This would be perfect for viewing and editing photos out and about if it had a card reader.
* A little bit too small. I think A4 size would be the sweet spot of portability and functionality.
Ideally I would like to see it running a proper OS too. It’s still a neat gadget though and I’ll probably be buying a 2nd or 3rd gen one, as will everyone else. I’m also interested to see how they’ve redesigned iWork for a touch interface.