iPad - first impressions

For those who know me, it's no surprise - I'm a Mac lover.  Not enough to be a fanboy, but a true fan of Apple computer.  So I went to the Apple store the other night to take a look at the latest out of Cupertino.  And here are my thoughts -

First, I think that the iPad holds to key to revolutionizing the computing experience for millions worldwide.  A huge untapped potential - and the chance to fulfill what the first Apple Macintosh was supposed to be - a computer as easy to use as a toaster.  But it's probably a couple of apps and features away from that.

First, what I liked.  The display was easy to read, the whole iPad is certainly portable enough, and as an eBook reader, photo manager, internet device it makes the grade.  I think it fills the promises that have been made, and is very good start.

What's missing?  Well, many have commented, but here's my take.  1) No print function.  I want at least the ability to print to .pdf files.  I think that wireless printing out to be easy enough, but someone has to write an app.  2) Storage - how do I save my work?  There are online storage web sites, but there needs to be better integration.

Many have complained about the lack of USB - to me it's less of an issue.  Bluetooth provides basic connectivity, and if I need to print at home, I can do it wirelessly through my network connected printer.  Also, once I've set up my NAS (Network Accessible Storage) I could also save there.  The hardware change I'd like to see is a SD card slot.  Could solve the storage problem as well as another issue I've considered on the iPod - I'd like to store movies in SD cards and plug them in to view them - music and photos too.

As to the device itself - the onscreen keyboard wasn't to hard to use, though I'd likely want a wireless keyboard for any serious work.  It wasn't as intuitive as I'd like.  Couldn't figure how to open additional tabs in the browser - maybe I can't .  It was difficult to navigate the the browser for me at least.  I'm a multiple window guy - and couldn't figure out how to do it in the iPad version of Safari.

Also, it was hard to open links in the browser - all these things probably require some practice.  And I didn't spend a lot of time in the store really trying to get to know the device.  I'm told it doesn't work with a mouse, and I really don't care there, but I'd like the ability to use a stylus.

IMHO, at least, the iPad represents the first real "tablet" computer - and I can see a future where I could sit in my living room with my iPad, streaming video from my Apple TV, or surfing the net while watching my large plasma screen, doing a little mail, and maybe playing a game.

What should Apple provide in the next iPad:

- Front facing camera for video chat - or something on a swivel on the edge

- SD card slot

- OS upgrades for print and storage

What would really make the iPad for me?

- A couple of apps - "Notepad" - a tablet that I could take notes on, typing or stylus, and "Stickies" - an app that I could embed or overlay with eBooks to "mark up" my reading - again typing or stylus

- Support for multiple windows

At this time, I don't need USB or Flash.

And finally, here is my wishlist for Apple:

- GPS chipset and wireless access for the iPod touch, with the same wireless plan as the iPad gets - an iPhone without the phone (I'd buy this in a flash)

- A larger available screen - 12/13 inch - not so portable, but more real estate to use as a "tablet" computer - to create 3 versions (pocket, travel, portable)

The iPad has the potential to become the computer for "the rest of us" - for the person who wants internet access and email, occasional writing, spreadsheets, etc, some games, etc - but wants it to be intuitive and straight forward.

Everyone needs a voice

In this day and age, everyone needs a voice.  This is mine.  You may agree or disagree with me, that's OK.  That's how democracy works.  I don't care if you disagree, just be civil about it.  If you think that I misspoke, you can point it out, just be sure to document why you think I'm wrong, and please, use a reputable source.  Just because Rush says it doesn't make it so.

Who am I - 

An Evangelical Christian - but don't paint the label of social conservative on me, it just doesn't fit.  I think that the Gospel of Jesus Christ speaks loud and clear to the poor, tired and hungry, and to our responsibility for our brother.

A Progressive Democrat - there is quite a bit of Libertarian in me, but I'm not afraid of taxes and paying our way.  I don't want to leave a big steaming pile of crap for my kids (or anyone else's) to pay for.  Let our Foreign Policy follow our values.  Stand up for freedom wherever it may raise its lovely head.  And when our "friends" stand against freedom, well, maybe they're not really our friends.  Government should to protect the weak against the strong (the strong are powerful enough to take care of themselves).  Invest in our people - education, health, and welfare - to provide for our future.  Ask people to give back - it's a two way street.

I don't believe that government is the solution to every problem, but I've lived and worked in the private sector to know better than government can't do anything right, and that the private sector can waste as much as anyone.  The government can and should regulate for the benefit of all - money is not king, and greed is not good.  The bottom line is not the measure of the value of everything.

This is my first attempt at blogging.  I'll give it the attention that I can, but sometimes I may be a while between posts.  

That's it for now - I hope that what you read causes you to think.  Remember the Oracle at Delphi - "Know Thyself".  At least reflect on who you are, and I'll do the same for myself.