So, I patiently waited for my iPad 3G to arrive. All of its accessories were here a month in advance, waiting to connect, wrap and power this powerful and game changing new device. However, I’m not sure it’s changing the game for me. Here’s why…
- The iPad has a giant screen for a handheld, but its also a giant device and its heavy. I can’t use it one handed like my iPhone and I can’t hold it and type with two hands. So, for a peck here and there its great, but I find myself reaching for my iPhone or my laptop to get the job done.
- The iPad is a touchscreen which means you can’t touch it unless you mean to interact with it. This makes it hard to hold and its always dirty.
- Reading a book on my Kindle is a breeze and true pleasure, while the iPad is heavy, awkward to hold and just too much in my hands to enjoy the pages in front of me.
- The iPad is a mobile device or is it a computer replacement? Someone needs to choose as sometimes apps are better than sites and other times sites are better, but sometimes, sites are forced/redirected to mobile.site.com which defeats the purpose in my opinion. Facebook does not need an app on the iPad. Twitter does, but should you wish to visit the site, you end up on the mobile version.
I guess if this is the only device I ever used or owned, I’d like it, sort of. I haven’t enabled the 3G feature yet, so I haven’t experienced it out in the wild. Perhaps it will be better in time, but for now, I don’t need it…and no, you can’t have it.
My recommendations:
- Make it lighter, smoother on the edges, lose the metal finish (warm it up) and even rubberize its surround
- Consider a hybrid sized in-between iPad and iPhone for a larger “one-handed” device
- Take a position on what apps are necessary and what are better served as a web page
P.S. If you need help with any of these devices, my company Make It Work is just a phonecall (877)-625-3489 or click away.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I have to say that I like because of it’s cool factor (it’s pretty awesome). But I agree in the sense that I certainly wouldn’t use it to replace my macbook pro or for work on the road.
I own an iPhone, MBP, Kindle and an iPad. I use them in that order, with the iPad far behind.
It’s a helluva more fun to use the iPad, though. Cooler games, cooler interface and fantastic battery life. If this is the FIRST version, I’m excited.
Thoughtful and reflective. Thank you. I’ve been using the iPad since day one and I too thought it was heavy and bulky, but then realized I was comparing it to my iPhone. I think it’s neither a computer replacement nor a mobile device (like a phone).
My first week or two I continued to grab my iPhone because I could type much faster on the phone, but that too is changing as time moves forward.
Maybe give the Atomic Web app a spin; you can define what “browser” you are using. Right now I have the Zagg Invisible Shield (not sure if I’ll keep it) that keeps the screen clean – no fingerprints.
Keep at it before giving it up.
Might I suggest an exercise involving a little weightlifting. If you think the weight of this thing is a problem, then you’ve got some problems. It amazes me the triviality of much of the iPad criticism.
Good point but try using it to read a book, type an email or tweet with a newborn on your chest.
E:
I’ve had my iPad since day one and have found it to be an awesome compliment to my Droid (dedicated Verizon customer) and NetBook. I read two books out an the deck of the cruise ship we were on, watched two movies on the flight back to SoCal from Ft. Lauderdale and prefer it now when I’m at home to do all web browsing.
I was hesitant to buy Version One but it has been fantastic. Also, I have a Verizon MiFi card so I had no reason to purchase the 3G and pay for another broadband connection.
Kindle is way better to read books.
iPad is just a nice toy to chill on the couch. Id rather use a laptop to check my email, fb, work.
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