Do You Believe in Magic?

It's become apparent that the iPad isn't really meant to be a device of creation, but rather of consumption. Where would the Pad fit in your life? Does it fill a necessary niche, or will it just turn into an extra gadget to haul around?

Steve Jobs believes in magic. He said it about twenty five times during the unveiling of the Apple iPad yesterday. Jonathan Ive emphasized it again in the promo video. And Apple’s home page advertises the tablet as “a magical and revolutionary device.”

The blogosphere was less enchanted, believing it to be not much more than a giant iPod Touch. “No multitasking!” “No camera!” “Too expensive!”

I feel like it’s a bit early to draw any real conclusions — especially before even trying the thing — so I’ll reserve judgment for later. My initial reaction was just wondering where exactly does this Pad fit? It doesn’t replace your iPhone, since it doesn’t make calls. You can’t quite ditch your iPod since the Pad doesn’t fit in your pocket. And you can’t do much work on it, as it’s not a “real” computer.

After the initial frenzy, it has become apparent that the iPad isn’t really meant to be a device of creation, but rather of consumption. For when it comes to keeping up with blogs, downloading e-Books, reading news (it’s the perfect digital platform for newspapers and magazines), or watching video the iPad is better than a smart phone and more convenient than a netbook. I can see it best used for traveling or business meetings (I bet it’ll show up on many a secretary’s desk).

Time will tell whether or not the iPad changes the industry or creates a new category, but for now it seems to fix much of the fundamental problems of a typical netbook. Personally, I could see replacing my MacBook with a desktop (much better to do work on) and iPad when on the go (much better portability).

Where would the Pad fit in your life? Does it fill a necessary niche, or will it just turn into an extra device for you to haul around?

Back to Blog
Posted by: Alvin Diec on January 28th, 2010

5 Comments

"I still can't figure out what value this thing brings. it's either way too big of an iPod or a weak computer. and though I thought it would rival the Kindle, it doesn't seem to do that either. the Kindle's big advantage is the no-glare screen.

I don't get it, but like you said, none of us have yet to play with it either..."
- Craig Johnson
"Look at how Steve Jobs presented the thing. It's a living room device. Imagine coming home from work. You're done with completing "tasks" on a computer. All you want is to sit around on your couch and have a great experience surfing the internet, maybe casually listening to music, looking at pictures, etc. You don't really need a camera. It's a luxury tool. They're competing for the netbook department. Not the computer. Which, I might add, they also do very well.

Great article on why it will be a success: http://www.9to5mac.com/node/13498"
- Branden Lower
"My wife Alvin. Yes my wife will use this device. Quickly check an email in the morning to see if she needs go down to our home office, read a book while traveling on the subway, finish an email right before bed, watch a movie on the plane, read a book while waiting for the dentist, on and on. My wife is a perfect fit for the device Alvin.

The IPad paves the way for the future. Creates creation. Creates thinking in a different way - what is possible? Will I be able to throw my TV on the wall in a few years and just tell it what to do because of where this device will lead us?

What everyone should be saying is "why is the Kindle still not back lit?" This is frustrating for me and lazy on their part. Amazon makes millions with no improvements to their devise except size? I have to carry a reading light in order to light the thing? Talk about an extra thing to carry!

Is it too expensive? Now we have a devise that is about the same price as the rest of e-readers, is back lit, color and ingenious. No glare screen is an easy fix and will be added if needed. Now I can check email! I can surf the web! For the same price as a regular ereader? It is about possibilities. Why are people harping on Apple for making an amazing device - they raised the bar - and are making other companies responsible for the their technology. Thank goodness. I am beyond excited for the IPad and have reason to be"
- Ray Jarrell
"Well I'm just not sure if it's going to create a need or satisfy one that I have yet to discover that I have. I agree with the casual internet approach.

But I thought the Kindle didn't have a backlight because of the effect on your eyes. You wouldn't be able to read it for an extended period of time just like your computer screen. But i could be totally off base on that one."
- J.C.
"Well, I've read a number of pro/con statements and even though its not out to market yet I don't see it as much competition for the Ereader market despite it's benefits. People like the ereader for what an ereader does, its simple and primarily allows the user to read books etc... The IPad is Apple's push into the marketplace doing what its always done, forging it's own path to dominate the market of IPadlikes. Unfortunately it's like the continuation of an old idea rather than the making of a new one and not really even a better idea just a bigger one, oh well thats what new generations are for. I guess the hard of seeing folks and seniors will jump all over this "yea give me a IPad in fact give me two, one fer each eye"."
- Franklin

Leave A Comment