All of the experts are weighing in on the new Apple iPad. It has just been released and how it will take over the world, Experts feel that it will make all other Laptop Computers obsolete and not worth the money you would spend on them. So what are the issues that people should be aware of. Why would you want to purchase an iPad and/or also have a regular computer?
The short answer really depends on what type of user you are of computers in general. We will try to break this down and let you decide for yourself, however recognize that it is early days yet and we have not had the opportunity to play with an iPad. We have been reading articles by various experts who have managed to get their hands on one of these new devices.
IPAD vs. Laptop Computers
Surfing the Internet, Social Networking sites, Email
Like the I-phone and the iPod Touch, the iPad should excel at this application. With touch screens and relative straightforward typing or input requirements, the iPad is ideal for this. With built in wireless WiFi capability, fast computing and surfing capability, we expect that users will be more than satisfied with the iPad.
Smaller and less weight to carry around, with the touch screen, it is ideal for carrying around with you to the coffee shop or to work or to a meeting were you can keep up with emails , read the mail or monitor podcast presentations from anywhere you can gain access to the internet via WiFi.
Convenience and ease of use is the major selling point of the iPad. Anyone can use it, in fact it is intuitive surfing of the net. Whether it is your grandmother or your uncle who has never had a computer, the iPad will be the device of choice. The larger screen makes the difference for those who find reading small print difficult.
There is a large market for this general application of computers.
Laptop Computers -Apps
Currently we have read that any app that works on the iPod Touch or the I-phone will work on the iPad. We doubt that Apple has had the opportunity to test every one of the 100,000+ apps that work on the smaller devices, however rest assured that within a month, they will be identified and updated.
Many developers are already working on new apps, with many available for the release of the iPad. Those of you that like the I-phone and the iPod Touch for the app’s will continue to enjoy the same app’s on the iPad.
Preparing Presentations, Writing Small Documents, and Spreadsheets
Yet to be verified by users in the general market place, the iPad can be used to generate presentations, documents and spreadsheets as well as many other application of this type. However the on screen keyboard and the lack of an external mouse may limit the number of hours that someone is willing to spend using this on screen key board.
Much has been made about ergonomic keyboards, mice, posture and screen angles for heavy users of computers. Small documents , etc should pose no problem, however we are concerned for those who spend long hours using a computer.
Developing Music, Podcasts, Videos etc
Even though the eventual product is an app (music, podcast or a video or a an app) to be used by iPad owners on their iPad , developers will likely use Macs or perhaps even PC’s to develop these app’s. These app’s will the thoroughly tested on an iPad, however we doubt that they will be created on an iPad. Simply because to the ergonomics mentioned earlier as well as the computing power and ability to support more intensive programs that will not run on the iPad.
The jury is still out on this of course. However it will be interesting to see how this area of iPad use evolves.
Complex Graphics, Documents and Spreadsheets
Developing App’s, Programming detailed complex programs and documents takes long hours and sometimes significant computer power, display and various interfaces. We seriously doubt that the iPad will fit into this category of computer use.
The ergonomics are bad. The screen size is small for most developers are used to several large screens. The lack of an external keyboard makes the iPad not the ideal computer for this type of application.
Conclusion
There is still life after iPad for traditional computers. However the growth potential may be limited. They are both going after the user whose primary application is surfing the internet. Also responding to emails and social networking sites.
Power users, developers may also have an iPad. However they will continue to use their main computers for all of the traditional workhorse activities.
Give your comments and opinions about our thoughts and opinions either in agreement or disagreement.
For more information about the iPad and smart phones, click here.
September 24th, 2012 on 10:03 pm
there is a place for both lap tops and ipads or iphones or ipods. Anyone who writes a lot will want a lap top. If you are just browsing the internet, an ipad is fine. personally i like the ipod because of its size. You can carry it anywhere . The iphone is the same as long as you just want short emails etc