The iPad...
The iPad. It's just a Giant iPhone was my initial thought. During the last two months I have been debating whether or not to get the iPad. Last Saturday I happened to be at the Apple store for the iPad launch day. I was there to get Allison a new Mac Book Pro because the old one died last week in Chicago. (Side story, we were speaking in Chicago and there was 30 minutes left on our talk. I heard a slight grinding noise coming from the laptop. That is NEVER a good sound coming a laptop. The laptop locked up and died.) So, there I was standing in the store on launch day. I wandered over to the table and picked up the demo iPad. It was just amazing so, of course I bought one.The iPad is a hybrid machine. Meaning, it's a cross between a laptop and a iPhone. Yes, it is running the iPhone operating system but the size of the device makes it so much more than just an iPhone. I often say trying to browse and work on the iPhone is like having my elbows tied to my sides. It's just cramped. I know it's a phone but you know what I mean. There just isn't a lot of room. Browsing the web, scrolling through emails and twitter is SO much more enjoyable on the iPad. I even prefer browsing on it over the macbook. The absence of flash support has not really affected me yet. The only flash based site that I miss is HULU. However, I read yesterday that HULU will be launching an iPad app soon. This is welcome news. In the meantime, I have the ABC player and NETFLIX app as well. With your $8.99 NETFLIX account you can stream movies from their site. It has a very decent array of old an new movies. It also has complete seasons of popular tv shows like LOST and 24.
Last night I was on the couch and watching a video podcast about the iPad. Allison asked me what is the difference between watching it on the iPad and watching it on the macbook. After some careful thinking I said, "It's easier." and isn't that the reason we do most things? Convenience and ease of use are MAJOR factors for whether or not I will use a device or application. If the GUI (graphic user interface) continues to get in my way of using the device it is doing the opposite of what it's supposed to do. When Steve Jobs unveiled the iPad he didn't have the setting on stage look like a corporate environment, he had a couch. Jobs is selling you a personal entertainment device pure and simple. I believe it's primary job is media consumption. I love media consumption!
Here a couple of screen grabs from my iPad. I bought the 32 gig version foregoing the 3G add on. I have the Verizon MiFi card to create a hotspot for up to 5 devices so I thought it redundant to have it in the iPad as well. Over time I will be able to tell if this really is practical.
This is what the screen looks like. It really is just like the iPhone, only comically giant.
For Photographers the best use of the iPad is the amazing clear and easy way to show your portfolio. The LED screen is brilliantly clear. I have never seen my images look better. The multi touch screen lets you quickly zoom and pan across the image. This is a pic from NewYork ComiCon 2009... yes I am a geek. This shows the full frame mode. When you tap the image again it has a small thumbnail row on the bottom you can quickly scrub through.
Sticking with the geek theme, the first podcast I listened to on the iPad was Secret Identity Podcast. Hosted by my gaming buddy Brian Le Tendre and my pal Matt Herring. It's a great podcast about pop culture from a comic book slant.
Here is what the NETFLIX app looks like. Instant play is fast and convenient. The video is not as HI-res as ones I have download in iTunes but they still look great.
This is a screen shot of the ABC app. I used it the other night to watch the pilot for V and Jamie Olivers Food Revolution. The app has the tendency to crash when you are trying to launch a show but once you have it streaming it was very stable. I assume other networks will follow suit shortly with their own viewers. Of course you can also watch our episode of EMHE if you're so inclined. : )
I will be testing out other apps over the next couple of days and post some reviews.
Mayor Jeff
Great! I think it's key that you mentioned that its primary function is for media consumption. Call a spade a spade! The first-hand screen shots are helpful too, for those of us still deciding! It's REAL sparkly, innit??
Mr. Mayor,
I have a couple of questions about the ipad..
1. How is the battery life?
2. Does it have built in speakers? If so, are they adequate or is it earbud dependent?
I'm interested in this device for showing video clips to potential customers. It just seems more convenient than carrying around an entire laptop setup, and there is a wow factor I think.
Mr Wade,
I have watched several movies on it without having to use the earbuds. I imagine on a plane or loud room you would need them, but for what you are talking about the built in speaker is great. The battery life is good. I think Apple says 10 hours but I haven't put that to the test. I used it for several hours at home for 2 nights and it was just down to 50%.
The wow factor is good.
My husband got one– he travels a lot, so it's perfect for reading books, watching video podcasts, and reading the New York Times. He uses Bose noise-canceling headphones on the plane.
I had a short time to play with it and I love how photographs look. It's kind of hard to hear the speakers in a car.
We were commenting that it takes a long time to charge.
BTW, he needed a "man bag" for it and found a great one at the Fossil outlet.
Amy, I want those Bose headphones.
Post a link to the "man bag" he bought. I still like my green Incase messenger bag. I did however, see an awesome Indiana Jones looking bag the other day. Almost bought it.
I noticed about the slow charge as well. I think it is related to the extended battery life.
Thanks. I'll have to swing by and get a demo.
Don't forget to get me a project lined up for the summer. See you soon amigo.