Estimated reading time: 4 minute(s)
Well it is finally here. The long-awaited, oft-rumored Apple tablet. It’s called the iPad. (iPad? Is that really the best name for it?)
Though Apple calls this new gizmo “magical,” I must admit, I’m still not impressed.
I’ve never been one calling for the tablet. I just don’t get it. I don’t need such a device. Granted, it looks amazing, and seems like it’s a lot of fun… but I don’t need it. Why was/is there such a demand for this?
Some basics:
- 9.7″ display, Multi-touch interface
- 10-hour battery life
- Mac OS and iPhone OS combined, runs iWork suite, iPhoto, Mail, iCal, iTunes, etc
- Runs all applications from the App Store (for iPhone/iPod Touch)
- iBook app (and store) for reading ebooks (akin to Amazon Kindle)
- Wi-Fi and 3G models, from $499 to $829.
- Unlimited data from AT&T for $29.99/mo. (Or other plans, incl. free Wi-Fi access at AT&T hotspots.)
- DOES NOT have phone, camera, multi-tasking (using multiple apps at once)
So, one thing I will give them is the price. I think that’s lower than most people expected, and a tad lower than I did. A ton of functionality (including some accessories) and the great multi-touch interface, only better.
But I still don’t get it.
Check out the video demo at Apple’s site. (Maybe that will help me understand?)
The device will be available in 60 days (and 90 days for the 3G models).
I will at least be planning to test drive one at our local Apple store… 🙂
Didn’t know about the lack of multi-tasking. Major downer.
Here are my brief and rambling thoughts …
It won’t be anyone’s primary device/computer.
But it’s the PERFECT thing for me, and what I’ve been dreaming of, for evenings on the couch while the wife watches TV. Or flipping through a book before bedtime.
I think the market is for people who need a high-powered toy at a reasonable price for media and light work at home.
A secondary computer/device.
Me.
Yeah, I’m still really impressed by the price. (Some might laugh at that, but this is a very cool device, and that’s a much lower price than I or anyone else anticipated.)
It’s on our 11-year-old son’s radar … gonna have to deliver a lot of papers to pick up one of those! 🙂