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« All Systems Are Go (Evo 4G) | Main | Apple Store Field Trip »
Monday
May312010

More iPad Thoughts

DateMonday, May 31, 2010 at 6:13AM

After spending the better part of an hour handling the Apple iPad yesterday got me to thinking about just what a tablet style computing device should be, and not be.  I have to agree with Leo Laporte who said the day the iPad was announced that this is a media consumption device, not a computer/netbook replacement device.  I'll go one further and say that any tablet style device is for media consumption/basic web use.  Read on after the break.

Most of my "heavy lifting" computer usage has always been handled by my primary desk top computer.  It's where most of my files are stored, either on an internal hard drive or via connected external drives.  If there is some files I might need to use when I take out the portable (my Macbook currently) then I transfer those files over via my home network.  Nine out of ten times those files will be video, music, or ebooks to "consume" when I'm on the road.  Web browsing, email, and other internet applications are already on board and I keep my book marks synced across all my platforms.  The one time out of ten that I need the portable computer for something more "heavy" it's usually when I'm at home and the desk top is busy doing something else like ripping a disk, burning a disk, or compiling a video.  In other words my portable computing needs do not require all the hardware and capabilities of a full fledged laptop computer such as my Macbook.

Since portable computers have come down in price over the past six years, at least on the Windows side of things, more and more people I know have come to use a laptop as their primary computer.  Unless you never take the laptop out of your home then this is simply a Bad Idea.  What if your laptop is lost or stolen when you are out and about?  Think about everything you just lost!  Based on my personal experiences as someone who used to fix computers on the side for folks I can tell you that the vast majority of you do not do regular back ups of your data.  This means you just lost possibly hundreds of family photos and who knows how many files that contain personal information, not to mention saved passwords in your browser!  The rule of thumb for back up is two local copies and an off site copy.  People may laugh at me for buying hard drives all the time but my stuff is backed up!  There are several online backup solutions for folks to take advantage of, my favorite is Carbonite.com which offers some very reasonably priced back up solutions.

This is where a device like the iPad comes into play.  It's designed to be regularly synced with your home computer.  Granted, it's tied tighter into the Apple/iTunes ecosystem tighter than Scrooges wallet but for the vast majority of people that should be fine.  Not everyone in the world is a power user who wants to tweak their hardware nine ways to sundown.

Using me as an example let me expand.

Most times when I want to take a portable device with me I'm looking to stave off boredom.  A month ago when my mother was in the hospital and then needed me at home with her the first week after she was released is a good case in point that I'll use.  The hospital offered a free wi-fi network for patients and family that I was able to use with the Macbook for updating friends and family via email and social networks.  I was able to view TV shows and movies, especially the first couple of days when Mom was unconscious and the only other option was staring at the walls.  I was able to catch up on reading ebooks as well.  Not once during that time did I need the Macbook for anything else.  Sure, my HTC Hero smartphone could do those same things but I didn't need to have the battery die out on me when I might need to make a phone call.  An iPad would have fit that bill nicely those few weeks.

Why the iPad over one of the forthcoming Android or Windows 7 powered tablets?  Simple!  When I need it that means I need it to work.  Say what you will about how Apple has "locked down" that platform but it also means it will work when you turn it on.  Do not even get me started on Windows right now as I'm not in a good mood as far as that subject is concerned (for a later posting).  And while I'm a big fan of Android I'm not quite there yet as far as a tablet goes.  There is still too much fractionation of the platform (Android versions 1.5, 1.6, 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2 at the moment are all on or about to come out on devices).  Maybe in another year or so that may change on the Android front and I'll reconsider.  I'll NEVER consider a Windows powered tablet.  Ever!

The reasons for choosing an iPad are simple.  I have had an investment in iTunes content that until now has been limited to either my desktop PC or Macbook with no portable options I was willing to consider before now.  With the iBooks, Kindle for iPad, Kobo for iPad applications I can finally have all my ebooks on one device.  This is probably the number one reason for getting an iPad.  Sure, I could pick up a Kindle or Nook ebook reader but for a bit more money I get even more capabilities.  And finally there is the "I'm a geek and it's a cool new device" factor that for me, at least, is rather important as well.

AuthorMike P. | Comment8 Comments |
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