Maybe I am thick or something, but I cannot get excited about the launch of the iPad. People are talking about it like it is the next fantastic thing, and maybe it is. If it helps get some money to Apple so that they can continue on the path that they are on now, I am all for it. But for the product itself, what's the point??
I see four issues about the iPad that I cannot get around:
1) Let's face it, it is an oversized iPod touch. I like the idea of iBooks, and I think this could potentially be really useful as a device for reading - especially for scientists like me, provided Apple accepts PDFs into the device at some point. But, What about the glare of the screen? It is quite obvious from the presentation by Steve Jobs that this screen is reflecting quite a bit. So really, it is a step backwards compared to eInk solutions when it comes to reading books. Ok, I see that the screen is now usable for games, but by not focusing on one end user group, I think maybe the effort put into making it a reading device is all a waste. Books in iTunes is a really good idea though..
2) Watching movies? Well, for me, protable devices for watching movies are only an option when you are travelling and don't want to unpack your computer on each leg of the trip. Also in places like a bus, I have really seen the benefits of my PSP. Quick, easy and does not need a table. However, for my PSP, I need some form of stabilizer so that I can hold it up in a stable way for a long time in front of my face. Looking down at something in my lap is not an option, unless you are planning to make a substantial financial contribution to your physical therapist. With the iPad, I fail to see how it could be a conventient device in a small space - I can only see it being used in a sofa at home, but why not connect your laptop to your TV then instead? Maybe it is usful for not very social people who wants to watch "their" movie rather than watching something together with someone else.. but for me I cannot see the use. I actually like the iPhone/iPod Touch solution better.
3) How do you protect that big screen on your travels? A laptop you fold and this gives the screen the protection that it needs, but an iPad you would have to have a hard case for. So, how thin is it then? Hard case and everything.. Maybe a laptop is more convenient, and less expensive in the long run...
4) Writing on a flat surface is a fun way of writing emails? Are you kidding me? I see lots of people with crooked backs leaning over their desks and typing, missing every other key because of the lack of space, and having a not so lovelly time, just because you have to rest the iPad on something in order to write two-handed. Silly idea really, and a not very ergonomically sound one.
Sorry Apple, but this might be the least briliant thing you have produced in a long time. Please prove me wrong, but I cannot see the upsides of this device. Sure, it looks cool, it behaves nicelly, but how and for what do you use it? For me, it is not very obvious.
I see four issues about the iPad that I cannot get around:
1) Let's face it, it is an oversized iPod touch. I like the idea of iBooks, and I think this could potentially be really useful as a device for reading - especially for scientists like me, provided Apple accepts PDFs into the device at some point. But, What about the glare of the screen? It is quite obvious from the presentation by Steve Jobs that this screen is reflecting quite a bit. So really, it is a step backwards compared to eInk solutions when it comes to reading books. Ok, I see that the screen is now usable for games, but by not focusing on one end user group, I think maybe the effort put into making it a reading device is all a waste. Books in iTunes is a really good idea though..
2) Watching movies? Well, for me, protable devices for watching movies are only an option when you are travelling and don't want to unpack your computer on each leg of the trip. Also in places like a bus, I have really seen the benefits of my PSP. Quick, easy and does not need a table. However, for my PSP, I need some form of stabilizer so that I can hold it up in a stable way for a long time in front of my face. Looking down at something in my lap is not an option, unless you are planning to make a substantial financial contribution to your physical therapist. With the iPad, I fail to see how it could be a conventient device in a small space - I can only see it being used in a sofa at home, but why not connect your laptop to your TV then instead? Maybe it is usful for not very social people who wants to watch "their" movie rather than watching something together with someone else.. but for me I cannot see the use. I actually like the iPhone/iPod Touch solution better.
3) How do you protect that big screen on your travels? A laptop you fold and this gives the screen the protection that it needs, but an iPad you would have to have a hard case for. So, how thin is it then? Hard case and everything.. Maybe a laptop is more convenient, and less expensive in the long run...
4) Writing on a flat surface is a fun way of writing emails? Are you kidding me? I see lots of people with crooked backs leaning over their desks and typing, missing every other key because of the lack of space, and having a not so lovelly time, just because you have to rest the iPad on something in order to write two-handed. Silly idea really, and a not very ergonomically sound one.
Sorry Apple, but this might be the least briliant thing you have produced in a long time. Please prove me wrong, but I cannot see the upsides of this device. Sure, it looks cool, it behaves nicelly, but how and for what do you use it? For me, it is not very obvious.
Inga kommentarer:
Skicka en kommentar