Thursday January 28, 2010

  First of all as “magical” and “revolutionary” as the iPad is, it is 1st generation technology.  With Apple that means it will get better quickly.   Here are my thoughts on the new product.

The Name:  Yes the word pod was out there before Apple added the “i” and made it a household word.  But pad on the other hand is used for so many things and is hard to add a new definition.  Did the naming folks at Apple not do any research with people or online?  People automatically started making feminine hygiene jokes about it.  While the name is direct, simple (two syllables) and close to the iPod it is lacking.  I personally think iSlate would have been a better choice.

The Hardware:  The size and astetic design are good but it is lacking in several ways.  First, I know they were trying to keep the ports down to a minimum, but having to use an adapter for USB or one for SD is clunky.  I look at it and I think large iPod Touch.  It lacks a camera (or even better 2).   It needs work on the hardware side that I hope will be addressed.

The Storage:  I know it is part of the hardware but this is my MAJOR issue with the device.  Stop and think about it.  If you are going to have books, iWork documents, photos, movies, music, games, contacts, calendar, and more on there the hard drive size is a FAIL.  You have to choose what you want to take with you and if you don’t have what you need too bad.  If I’m going to get a device like this I want my whole iTunes library on it (which is WAY more that 64 gigs and is the reason I have not upgraded to an iPod Touch).  I would also want to take my iBooks library.  Why in a device that is double the size of an iPod Touch do you not have room for more storage?  This is particularly true if for the models that do not have G4 wireless built in.

The Software:  First I must say the iBooks feature looks great.  I’ve never handled the Kindle or the iPad but the iPad looks better and more book like.  Second the Calendar and other redesigned software look rich and solid.  Porting iWork over must have been a task and it looks good.  But I use OpenOffice on my Mac and it does just fine.  Games look cool and it will open the door for more.  The major issue is it is running the iPhone OS and therefore you cannot multitask.  No listening to music while you are reading your book.  It suffers.

Wireless:  I’m glad it has WiFi and Bluetooth built in.  I’m not too happy that you have to pay an extra $130 for G4 wireless.  I am glad that it is unlocked.  But WHY AT&T?  I know you don’t have to sign a contract but come on.  Hopefully Apple will wise up and allow you to use wireless on any carrier.  But I still think if I have Verizon with a data plan (BlackBerry plan)  I should not have to pay full price for a data plan on the iPad.

Bottom Line:  I think the product has the potential to grow into iPod like use.  But it will take major work on Apple’s end.  My advice for most folks wait until generation 2 or 3.