My iPad is usually beside me in the car.
(Credit: Brooke Crothers)
Posted on 12/31/2010 4:34:28 PM PST by Swordmaker
I'll avoid the dicey proposition of naming what I think is the best product of the year. But I can say with certainty that Apple's iPad was the most disruptive.
Beyond the iPad's well-chronicled popularity, impressive shipment numbers, and reported theft of Netbook market share, the disruption for me was very personal: it played havoc with my own computing habits and with people around me who bought the iPad.
As I've written before, initially, I could do little more than paw at the screen in a vain effort to figure out how I was actually going to use the device. But that changed fairly quickly. Within a few weeks, I found myself taking it everywhere (I have the 3G version) and using it instead of my laptop at airports, on planes, and in the car. Not to mention using it at home when relaxing on the sofa.
So, here's why it's disruptive: I always thought that my MacBook Air was the ultimate portable computer and I would never need anything else. Wrong. It turns out that a laptop--because of its relative weight and keyboard-centric clamshell design--is not always the ultimate machine when traveling or when there is a need to some quick home computing. The iPad showed me that there is a better form factor and interface (touch) for a surprising number of tasks.
And that seemingly trivial feature known as instant-on (and almost-instant 3G connections) combined with its 1.5-pound weight makes all the difference in the world.
In short, when I go from using my laptop most of the time to only about half of the time, that's disruptive. Moreover, I think, it's safe to say that I'm not alone.
Finally, I'm anticipating the next iPad (thinner, lighter, dual-core processor?) like I would previously anticipate a new laptop. And can't wait to see what first-tier companies like Motorola and RIM have to offer.
May 2011 be the year of the tablet.
Same here. I like lounging on my couch while surfing the Net. Or taking my iPad out onto the deck to listen to streamed music while checking email. Or taking it to my hobby workshop in my back yard and referencing PDF documents while working with tools.
I want the camera feature. One thing I use my MacBook for, is to scan barcodes for inventory purposes. Sometimes I have to lift the MacBook at an awkward angle to scan large items. Not that I'll be able to get an app to duplicate what my current software does (Delicious Library). But this one scanning feature is an idea of what may be possible with future iPad versions.
Excellent points. I don’t own any of these devices (even if I own this and that company’s stock.) The shift has been coming and has been disturbing. On Win 7, I can no longer easily find my files in directories, as everything is organized for a complete idiot in libraries, and some abstract units to shield one from having to know, oh, horror, the directory structure. I download a file attached to an e-mail, where did it go? Linux is becoming more and more attractive. Or Solaris, which, unfortunately, is no longer free.
I have a mac air book as my primary computer.. but I am starting to consider an I Pad..for all the reasons you mentioned
LOL
You do realize that Dr. Ed made his determination without ever having TOUCHED or USED an iPad, don't you? Talk about ignorance. He is unqualified to have an opinion!
You sound like you are comfortable on UNIX operating systems. You will probably like a Mac. I was on Linux for 10 years. I also dual booted Windows with Solaris for x386. The Mac gives me a lot more that I ever had on any of those other operating systems.
On Win 7, I can no longer easily find my files in directories, as everything is organized for a complete idiot in libraries, and some abstract units to shield one from having to know, oh, horror, the directory structure. I download a file attached to an e-mail, where did it go?
Yes, I have been there, and it's very frustrating. But with the Mac you are only one click away from the full path name. And if you want to see the full path name all the time in the Finder, you can set that up with 2 clicks. I like that feature and have it on all the time. So all I have to do is look at the bottom of the Finder window, and I know exactly where my file is in the directory structure of the filesystem.
The Finder also has a column view that I use all the time. Each column is a directory, so you can use that view as well to know exactly where you are in the filesystem. I also use that all the time.
Of course if you like working at the command line, you can always use a terminal window as well. You have access to all the familiar commands on Linux or Solaris in the bash shell.
As for downloads, everything gets download to one directory--namely the Downloads directory. There is a link to that on the Dock at the bottom of the Desktop, so you always have immediate access to all downloaded files. No more searching to figure out where a downloaded file went.
What part of designed and engineered in the USA do you fail to understand? The software that runs it was also created here in the USA. All of that makes it an American innovation. It's only manufactured to those American design specs in China.
I love my iPad.
If there is one thing I would like , it is a way to adjust the display sensitivity.
I have heavy fingers and the slightest touch on the screen does something.
Part of the problem was solved Christmas.
My wife bought me a neat iPad case w/ a built in Bluetooth keyboard.
Using it now. Got it at Brookstone.
When traveling or attending meetings, I no longer even take my laptop unless I know I will need some heavy duty computing power.
If you are on the fence, get the iPad right away. It is not a replacement for your computer. It is an altogether new device that will make your life a bit easier an more interesting. The battery lasts about 14 hours(continuous use). You never have to turn it off. It's light and small. Apps are cheap and plentiful. There are no virus problems.
I have over 600 books loaded along with lots of good games and an office app that automatically syncs with Google Docs.
If you have an iPhone, the apps work cross platform.
If you con afford one, go ahead and buy it. You won't regret it. I have 2 Windows boxes, one Linux box, and one Win/Linux box at home. I don't own a Mac. I use the iPad as much or more than any of the others. It's a handy entertainment, news and light work device.
Check out the app, Printer Pro to print on the iPad.
Thanks, I will check it out. I'm on an iPhone and iPod touch, but it will probably work the same.
I just bought a brand new HP wireless printer, and AirPrint is nowhere to be found in the IPad.
AirPrint is definitely included in the latest version of iOS. Did you update to the latest version of iOS? Here is the list on Apple's website of HP printers with AirPrint enabled.
You can easily test it. Go to an email or a webpage. Tap on the arrow on the bottom menu bar. Then tap on Print. That will take you to the Printer Options page so you can search for the printer.
Good info. Thanks.
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