The iPad Phenomena

By Marc,

So the iPad phenomena is a giant rolling ball of technology.

What is it and how will it help us. Essentially its a stripped down computer, think laptop, in behind a screen, think laptops screen.

The screen has a touch sensitive layer, and all typing and mouse like gestures are done with fingers on the touch sensitive screen, the industry label for this device is a tablet.

"its a computer Jim, but not as we know it", yes it is a computer, however so is your modern fridge. The tablet in most senses runs a cut down version of a standard computer system. Most tablets require you to down load apps, to do anything other than web browse or collect email, which we are used to doing anyway. The essence of Apple again is found throughout the iPad2, so if you have any Apple computer, (or iPhone) then there will be no learning curve when you pick up this device

Apple has chosen to protect its system and the end users, and only allow apps, that have been downloaded from their iTunes Store, other manufactures suggest this is crippling the iPad, a suggestion not measured in unit sales. Other manufactures have opened their tablets to many apps available anywhere on the internet, and as a result have spawned a new product for Nortons and other virus detection software, Nortons reported recently that "Nortons Mobile" is their fastest selling product for Android and Windows mobile devices, however it does not work with the iPad or iPhone, and frankly is not required, while Apple keeps a good control on the quality of apps available for their mobile devices.

So is this tablet of any use to us, phew is the guide dog any use to a blind person, there will be the knockers and they will say nope, recently I holidayed in Taupo and we both took our laptops with us for facebook and web and email, (funny how facebook was before email and web browsing). The bag that carried the two laptops was essentially very heavy, however had we had two ipads, the weight difference would have been pleasantly refreshing.

I am now the proud owner of an iPad2 and its is great for the time I am away from the house and when in a part of the house where I have left my computer behind. It is smaller lighter, easier to us than my laptop, has my Skytv app, so I can see whats on tv and search in advance and book shows in advance, no more paying for TV guides. I have the Accuweather so I can plan days ahead, I have flight Board, so I can check on flight times etc. I can also watch boats around the world and were they have been. Of course I can check my email, browse the web, I have a New Zealand herald app so the news is easy to digest now :)

Do we need an iPad? To all the knockers there IS an app for spreadsheets and word documents!

Should I buy an iPad? I answer this as yes if you have a computer already and are looking to be mobile, as these units are simply better than the laptop at web.

The Apple mobile devices have even coined a new phrase .. " I have an app for that"