Ever since Steve Jobs launched Apple iPad last night, the tech world has been falling over itself (including me) to comment on this new piece of technology.
Now I have to admit that I’m an Apple convert – two years ago I was one of the typical Apple naysayers who swore by Windows. What changed? Well I had the fortune to be able to use one of the all-in-one iMacs just after they were first launched. I was forced into using it, I’ll admit, but after a couple of hours of fumbling and cursing, I began to like it. Before I knew it, I’d bought one, soon followed by a second.
Next came the iPhone, typical of Apple’s products, with its fantastic intuitive touch screen interface, bright screen, and huge range of apps. I was impressed, but felt that a bigger screen would be handy. But of course you don’t want your phone to be any bigger than the iPhone currently is.
The Apple iPad - showing e-mail app
But back to the iPad. Many websites are already going on at length about its size, weight, lack of multitasking ability, lack of camera/video and lack of a physical keyboard. But, for goodness sake, it’s still a giant leap forward. When you compare it to Windows-based similar offerings, it’s a Microsoft smasher!
I think you have to look at the other upsides too:
1. Apple claims up to 10 hours battery life. How many Laptops/Netbooks do you know offering that?
2. I’d rather carry one of these into a client presentation session than a Windows (or Linux) laptop or netbook.
3. No physical keyboard or mouse means less clutter to carry around with you.
4. A clear and bright screen – if it’s anything like that on the iMac or iPhone, it’ll be fantastic
5. It’s not made by Microsoft.
And those are just a few. I think there are many more advantages and disadvantages, but I think I’ll reserve final judgement until I actually get my hands on one.
