WorldView Technology: Apple iPad

The iPad works if you want it for the right reasons.

Apple has always seemed to create the easiest technology to use, but major selling points for some people can be serious limitations for others.

Let’s take iTunes, for example. Having used the program for many years, I can say that it features the easiest interface, as far as media organization goes, that I have used. At the same time, any music I purchase on iTunes cannot be used in any media players except those from Apple, unless I change the format of the music files.

You can understand my lack of surprise from learning that Apple’s new iPad, set to release on Saturday, April 3^rd, 2010, is going to pleasantly astonish some and seriously disappoint others. A New York Times article said that mostly big technology fans and users will oppose the iPad while the casual user will embrace it.

Apple iPad with Stand and Keyboard

For those of you who want to learn about the iPad and what it has to offer, here is a list of its pros and cons according to 1stWorldView.com. Please note that we have not used the iPad, but have simply researched its details and reviews.

Each person’s reaction to the iPad will depend on his or her lifestyle. A curse for me on the iPad could be a blessing for you. Since, to us, the cons so seriously outweigh the pros, we will start with the cons.

CONS:
No Mouse	The iPad, as many people have already pointed out, is the large version of the iPod Touch. It uses the same operating system, uses the same Apps, and looks just like it, only bigger.One of the most appealing features of the iPad, to many people, is the touch screen functionality. To me, it is one of its faults.I am sure that it’s fun to run all of your apps with the touch of your finger on a significantly larger screen than the iPhone, but for how long? When the gimmicky fun of it all fades away once touch-screens are commonplace, will it really be more efficient than a mouse?That’s up to you to decide, but I find it difficult to believe. Think about typing something, anywhere, and have to place the cursor in-between two letters of a word; seems like it would be rather difficult. That is just one example of the many ways iPad will prove a missing mouse is just plain annoying.
No Keyboard	The absence of a physical keyboard and the implementation of a full-size, on-screen version, is unappealing.First of all, the keyboard on the screen obviously takes up room visually. This means that, any time you type, you will be looking at half of a screen. The other half, if the on-screen keyboard is even close to comfortable, will be completely covered by your hands. That seems like it would get more and more annoying with time.Secondly, the angles you can type from will be awkward at least. This point was made in one of the many, many blog posts bashing the iPad; you either lay it on the table so you can’t see the keyboard, or you stand it vertically and sacrifice any form of comfort.Yes, Apple plans to release an external keyboard that will connect to the iPad. It will cost around $70. How it will connect is still a mystery, bringing us to our next negative point about the iPad: no USB ports.
No USB Port	If one particular missing feature ensures that the iPad will never be categorized as a “computer,” it is the lack of a USB port.In 2010, we connect almost all of our technological devices to our computers through a USB connection. Cell phones, cameras, mp3 players, video cameras, video games, and even televisions connect to computers through a USB cable.I have tried to understand why Apple would not include USB ports on a device that is designed for the consumption of media, but have not been able to come up with a valid reason.
No Camera	Without a camera, users who would like to utilize the Skype app, or one of the many other applications utilizing web cams, will have some problems.With no USB port, your existing camera will probably not work with the iPad.
Can’t Multitask	One of the biggest downfalls of the iPad, in my opinion, is the lack of multitasking functionality.In other words, you can only use one application at a time. On a PC or Mac, we have gotten used to keeping a window open for email, a window for news, a window for stocks, a window for music, and so on.With the iPad, it’s one task at a time.
Can’t Play Flash Video	Many of the most popular websites that exist use the Flash player to show videos.The iPad does not play Flash videos of any kind. If you use the iPad to open a website with Flash video, those videos will be replaced by empty boxes.
Low Productivity	Many bloggers have pointed out that the Apple iPad is more of a consumption tool than a creation tool. Instead of being fully equipped to handle video and photo editing, the iPad is one of the most capable devices for watching and viewing those videos and photos.If you are planning to buy an iPad because you have been in the market for a lap top or pc, please reconsider. This brings us to our final Con.
Not a Computer, not a Phone	As this title suggests, the iPad falls somewhere in between a laptop and your common smart phone. While it has a large screen and computer-like aspects, the iPad seems like a glorified iPod Touch. It utilizes the same operating system as that technology, can only manage one app at a time, and has only an on-screen keyboard.
Apple iPad - The Perfect Size PROS:
Media Heaven	If you are a lover of music, movies, television, web browsing, art, reading, or sports, you will probably fall in love with the iPad.
No Mouse	Apparently, the iPad’s touch screen works quite well and provides accurate movements according to your touch. The quality and consistency of the touch screen is an ongoing compliment the iPad is receiving.
No Keyboard	Many people will cherish the iPad and it’s built-in keyboard. Instead of lugging around your own keyboard or dealing with a thick, heavy notebook, the iPad is all-inclusive.
Simplicity	The iPad has only one button under the screen. When you push this button to turn on the device, the main screen pops up with your apps immediately available, and that’s it.The iPad seems to be designed for the technologically challenged because it has essentially simplified the basic entertainment tools we use today and presented them all in one place.Many people will fall in love with how quickly and easily they can access and enjoy their media on the iPad.
Speed	The processor inside of the iPad has also received high regards. Its quickness allows the applications to open and close immediately and even the scrolling was noted as being significantly smoother than other technologies.This quickness will also improve the iPad’s overall functionality, considering its main components revolve around media of one kind or another.
Pricing Options	You can buy six different versions of the iPad, but the options aren’t very comprehensive. Your choices involve two things: space and network capability.First, you can choose from a 16GB, 32GB or 64GB version. Next, you simply choose whether you want AT&T 3G network access.All iPads will have Wi-Fi capability.
New Apps	The apps industry itself is growing rapidly and will continue to do so for many years. It is no surprise that many analysts have predicted Apple’s iPad to sell from 4 to 6 million units in its first calendar year on the shelves.In preparation for the launch of the iPad, thousands of apps have been created with it in mind. Many major companies and media outlets are ready and waiting for their new venue to get up and running.You will see new iPad apps from The New York Times, Vanity Fair, NPR, Conde Nast, Bloomberg, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and the Associated Press……and that’s just news.Our society should get ready for an onslaught of apps. From games to gardening, an app for what you love will be there for you to enjoy.
Battery Life	The battery of the iPad also received great marks for its power and length of its charge.According to one review, the iPad played continues video for over twelve hours without a problem.
No Contracts	The most unique aspect of the iPad, and one of its most appealing, is the simplicity and freedom with which you can sign up for the AT&T’s 3G data plan.Instead of forcing you to sign a contract, you pay for your 3G access as you go.Basically, you can sign up 250MB of data for $15 and use it until freely until it runs out. Once it runs out, you can simply sign up for another 250MB of data.The other option is a one-month unlimited plan for $30. At the end of the month, you can choose to pay for the next month or stop the service free of charge.This no-contract system, which is basically unheard of, is setting a new bar for simple payment options when it comes to data plans, phone plans, etc.

Eager Fans' First Touches

It seems like Apple has created this device so that they can sell each piece of it separately. But without a camera, keyboard, and mouse, iPad users will eventually become fed up with the frustrations and purchase these extra peripherals either way. Their technique of holding back the USB ports for the next version, or maybe the one after that, will definitely bring iPad users to purchase these overprices external pieces.

Honestly, should be we expect anything less from Apple? Their logo has become a fashion statement, and because of that, they can continue to price their products too high without losing customers.

Yes, Apple products, particularly their computers, are fast and have been known to keep your delicate information quite safe. Unfortunately, most professional hackers spend very little time on Apple computers and software simply because so few people use them. Therefore, Apple has a successful history in that area simply due to a lack of effort on the part of the underground tech world.

You either love Apple or hate it, but either way the iPad is appealing. It looks sleek, it looks simple, and it looks like it works.

This device is specifically designed for the media consumer. Again, if you are in the market for a computer, DO NOT buy an iPad as an alternative unless all you need a computer for is watching videos and listening to music. This device was made, and specifically limited, to be a media tool. If you are looking for more, the iPad and its $500+ price tag will not make you happy.

Shall we start discussing non-Apple devices that can run this growing collection of apps?