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.