Feb

Apple’s iPad – I’m Not Convinced!

After much speculation, Apple’s long-awaited entry into tablet computing finally arrived with the launch of the iPad. The most-awaited gadget of 2010, the iPad is the sleek and resourceful e-book reader, which can help you in staying updated. It is Apple’s attempt to blend all recent advancements in modern computing, an all-in-one package for connectivity, computing, gaming and any other task you might think of.

What is the purpose of this device? Will it succeed?

Similar in functionality to the iPod Touch and resembling a large iPhone, the iPad is not a phone at all. It does not have cellular or GPS connectivity. Its operating system is based on the iPhone OS3.2 and it will run only on software downloaded from the Apple’s App Store. Tap the App Store icon to browse a section featuring apps specially designed for iPad. No matter what you need, there’s bound to be an app for it. Yet there is so much missing. Read on.

With your iPad, you can experience the web, send mails, view photos, watch a film, listen to music and read e-books. The multi-touch screen makes navigation easy with the touch of a finger. This screen doubles up as a virtual keyboard. Ever tried typing on a virtual keyboard? Then you would know why Steve Jobs is said to have been making typos during the launch. The virtual keyboard is more of a liability. The 9.7-inch screen is too wide for thumb typing and yet awkward enough for usual typing. A physical keyboard can be docked in, but that would mean lugging around an extra piece.

Surfing the web? You would need both hands but who will hold the iPad up for you? As the promotional video suggests, you could rest it on your legs and sit back at a 45 degree angle and believe you me, you can not carry on like that for an extended period of time.

If you are into multi-tasking, which is the need of the hour, iPad is not the device for you. It neither has the facilities of a phone, nor iChat and the gadget is completely devoid of a camera of sorts. Portable it is, but not small enough to fit your pocket.

Then what exactly does an iPad do that my computer or television (or both of them linked together) cannot? Surfing the web with my laptop or some $200 worth netbook is so much easier. I do not even need to uncomfortably angle myself and end up with a backache. If I am keen on reading e-books, I would rather get myself an e-book reader, and there’s plenty of choice. Why would I have to pay $499 for a so-called super device? Be sure to check out our Good E-Reader Forum

Sovan Mandal (1732 Posts)

Sovan Mandal is the senior tablet and tech corespondent for goodereader.com. He brings a international approach to news that is not just applicable to the North American market, but also Asia, India, Europe and others. Sovy brings his own writing flavor to the website and is interested in Science Fiction, Technology and Writing. Any questions, send an email