[DaemonSeid]

My thoughts on the iPad are these:

While it may not be the game changing device that the media hype was shoveling us, I do believe that if anything, this is what Apple intends to use to compete in both the netbook and e book market.

I also think that with the release of the SDK kits on the same day this was announced that by mid year we may see some changes and innovations that were missed or glossed over yesterday.

One of my chief concerns about this device still is the lack of being able to multitask and considering the processing power, it should be doable. We still have no idea if or when OS 4.0 will be released and what it will do to change the functionality.

But I think in response to those that say that this is an overgrown iPod touch. What were you expecting? Is it something that you want right now? Not really. But let's look at this. The base unit is coming out at the same price that the iPod touch did back in 2007.

Differences? iPad is of course larger than the Touch, has more functionality and one of the biggest things in my eyes that I see is the ability to increase the storage capacity. Yeah...you forgot there is an SD card reader right? It wouldn't take much to pop in a 4, 8, 16 or if you can find a good one, 32gb card into that port and call it a day.

As far as the web browsing is concerned. No, it's not the 'best way to browse'. If it's the same style as the iPhone, it's not going to be better as tabbed browsing on the Safari is way better than having to flip pages. Also we all saw that web pages with Flash apps will. not. work.

So things like Hulu and Fancast is out of the window for now.

But still when it comes right down to it, I am still looking at this device more as a portable media device with some rudimentary business suites (iWork) as opposed to a device that is heavy on software like photoshop. Games will probably work and look better on here (again due to the processing) and anyone that's already an owner of an iPhone or iPod Touch will know that music and movies will work right out of the box.


Another plus is at least all that money you put into iPhone apps can be migrated and also work. The minus of course is that apps still has to go through Apple's draconian approval process to get on.

On a bit of a sidebar: to those that asked, "What about taking this to the beach, or someplace outdoors?" Look, sometimes it's best to leave some tech at home and just enjoy outside for what it is. How many people do you see on the beach on their laptop? If you really want to read your fave book...TAKE YOUR BOOK!

Apple knew what they were doing when they released this and we all know Apple, this gets released and within 2 years, they will find ways to make this bigger and badder than the original.

This is aimed at people that already have multiple devices (iPhones and laptops) as I don't see this as a Swiss Army knife of devices, so I wouldn't be too ready to give up all the ready of my gear to soley rely on this. So for those looking for that device I would say wait another year or two when they 'improve' the functions of this device just like they did the iPhone and maybe then you would be satisfied, but for now, it's a product that has everyone curious to see what other tricks Apple has up its sleeve.

Do I see myself getting one? I honestly don't know. But I am weighing options.

- larger screen which is good for watching movies and takes some of the strain off of my eyes and it's touted at being able to handle HD?
Sure.

- iBooks; I would want to see this in action and also if they get more magazine and comic publishers on board that would be a compelling reason to get one.

- Long battery life is great and they have already proven that to me in the newer line of Macbooks and if I am utilizing more media on it, it would reduce some of the work that I am putting on my iPhone.

- Storage which as I said, is expandable by simply buying an SD card and loading up your media and calling it a day.

- Weight, obviously since I don't carry my laptop everywhere.

One question that I do have for AT&T is this. Since I already have a data plan, would I have to purchase a SEPARATE one for this device?

How AT&T decides to handle this will be a determining factor in how existing smartphone (iPhone mostly) users will go about deciding which one they will purchase. Not to mention that I (as well as a few million customers) still see AT&T as a sore spot in network coverage and it's bad enough we put up with it on our phone and no way in hell we will put up with added pricing for another device.

So to summarize, there are things to like and not to like about this device. It is indeed overhyped but somehow Apple finds ways to imrpove on their devices and they have done so time and again and if you needed proof, look at the original iPod. If you have read any of the various message boards, the lines have already been drawn as to who will get one on Day one vs those who would rather wait or not get one at all. It really depends on what you have a use for and if it's something that you want.