Ever since the announcement, everyone has been split down the line over the iPad. Let me stop right here first.
This name, iPad, is the absolute worst name on the face of the Earth. Apple, let Fujitsu have that joke of a name and just be simple like all of the other successful products you have. Call it the Apple Tablet, the MacTablet, iTablet, ANYTHING but iPad. Please!!!
Ok, back to my point. A co-worker and I have been disagreeing over the purpose, functionality, and role of the iPad since day one. I will try my best to share my point of view (since he aint here to put his two cents in HA! Just kidding homie!)
Laptop Replacement?
My coworker is disappointed that you would likely not sync your iPhone to this device. I see this device as something you would sync with your home machine. This isn’t a replacement or a host for your music. Rather, I would even go as far as to say I would actually prefer this device to stream music rather than housing my collection. The iPhone’s size lends itself to a much more mobile player. If I am holding my iPad, it will likely be while on the sofa, in bed, riding passenger on a car, or at a meeting. Plus, this device will probably be on all the time, much like my iPhone. My laptop is only on when I need it. Think of how many steps it takes and minutes you wait for your laptop to boot up. That latency is becoming a thing of the past, however, the iPad’s ability to act more like an iPhone or iPod touch provides super quick access to the web, an app, or your email.
Personally, I would love to see a great note / handwriting app developed for the iPad as soon as possible. this device would provide so many possibilities in my work environment alone. Let’s say I am in a meeting discussing an upcoming network deployment project. If the iPad supports video out via the 30 pin connection and an adapter, I could likely hook into our projector and write out the topology plans right there on the spot, make adjustments and corrections, then turn around and email them right to the rest of the team. No more taking pictures of a whiteboard before the next meeting. This is just the start too. Wait until the actual product is out in the wild and watch the development scene explode.
Tethering?
My opposing coworker also feels that you should be able to tether to your iPhone for data connectivity. Right off the bat, I would guarantee that will never happen. First off, at&t is providing a relatively cheap data-only plan for the 3G+WiFi version of the iPad. No I personally will not buy that version. I have an iPhone for instant gratification and data connectivity while on the go. Secondly, if I am walking down the street, and suddenly have the urge to browse the web or enter a note or task on my todo list, I would never think to pull out my iPad and start typing away. Again, the iPhone is the iPad’s perfect mate.
Again, with the foreseeable use of the iPad, it’s more likely to be used in either a home setting, or a business workplace, both are typically laden with WiFi networks. However, your bases are still covered if you absolutely need network connectivity while out and about, they have a 3G version too. Constant connectivity will always cost something. Kinda gotta get used to that.
Removable Media?
Piggy-backing off the “sync” issue, I have another close friend who was astonished that there was no camera or removable storage connectivity included in the iPad’s design. Again, this comes down to functionality and size. First, size. How idiotic would you look holding up a device that size and taking a picture in public? “Hold still, wait, there it is, oh wait, I can’t hold it with one hand and press the camera icon…” Silly really. Second, functionality. I believe that Apple is not intending to have the iPad to replace your laptop or desktop. Take a photo with your iPhone, email or MMS it to your friends and family. Why add yet another step to that process?
One of the best counters my friend had was “I have a super high-end digital camera. I just took a slew of photos at a local concert and want to use the iPad’s gorgeous display to review, edit, or transport them to my Dropbox account. How do I do that without camera connectivity or removable media?” I somewhat agree, but more importantly, can fallback on Apple again… they are stating the camera connectivity kit will handle this. My friend wasn’t too keen on purchasing that kit, not sure why though. I mean, if you’re a photographer, chances are you are so concerned about quality to the point of purchasing a simple adapter to get that hi-res pic on the viewing table as soon as possible.
So where now?
No one can say what will be or won’t be until the actual device is on sale and in the publics hands. We still haven’t heard an ounce of details on iPhone/iPad OS 3.2 (I hope they go with iOS as a general name by the way). Further still, we have the possibility of 4.0 launching this summer with a refreshed iPhone handset as well. Apple is wise, they aren’t going to show their cards yet. It is very likely that the iPad’s real potential is in the handling of software and gestures. The device is almost just a size adjustment. I foresee the true powers and edge of the iPad and iPhone product line increasing dramatically in 2010. Beware, last week was only a glimpse into the future.
Posted by mochasync 
