Some thoughts on the iPad

Posted by Jonathan Clarke - 02 February 2010

Last Thursday (NZT) saw the unveiling of the Apple iPad. Since then the reaction to the iPad has been mixed. The iPad broadly met my expections but it's not the revolution the iPhone was when it was launched. I do believe however that the iPad will be successful in carving out a substantial niche for itself.

A common criticism is that the iPad is just an over-sized iPod touch. I think this criticism is unfair and particularly shallow given that every application that ships with the iPad has been completely re-worked to take advantage of the larger display. This change can not be under-rated. As with the iPhone, the true wow of the iPad is not with the hardware but with the software -- it's the purpose-built multi touch OS and software that will differentiate the iPad from it's competitors such as the hp Slate by providing a very slick user experience.

What are my concerns about the iPad? The lack of a camera is disappointing, but no doubt something that will be addressed in a future version. I would also like to see the iPhone OS the iPad is based on move in a direction where it isn't so dependent on being tethered (or synced) with a PC or Mac. I see the iPad as a computer, one that should be able to operate on it's own. Some form of local file storage (home folder) will be required to store documents, etc that users create on the iPad - we will have to wait and see what Apple plans to support in this area.

For many the iPad will be all the computer they need -- it will be wonderful for internet browsing, email, music, and photos -- these activities probably sum up what most people use their computers for.

The iPad will be an interesting product to watch. More at http://www.apple.com/ipad