The iPad has arrived to much attention, hype, & otherwise. Those of us outside the US will have to wait a little longer for the device, but I’m good with that (& maybe some minor bugs ironed out before we get our hands on one).
Apple have done it again and managed to raise a good amount of media coverage with the introduction of this new device. I’ve been reading so much about the iPad, I thought I’d add my own reflections to the mix. The reviews have been mixed as to whether the device is useful, how it might be used, the market position of Apple controlling apps & content, and if it meets with market/industry expectations. I suppose much of this is useful in helping inform someone thinking about purchasing the device, and arguing whether it might be useful in education or business use. What I find a little distracting in all the wordplay is that people seem to either love it or hate it. If you don’t want one or aren’t interested, that’s OK – you might even design your own alternative device. If you want one, it doesn’t help to fawn at the feet of the manufacturer – we need to keep them on their toes and provide feedback on shortcomings.
I see the iPad as a device designed to do a number of things, but generally see it to be a platform for consuming content. It’s a lot about the functionality and interface (see James Clay’s post) and it doesn’t pretend to be something it isn’t. I think that it will prove to be well designed and provide a great experience when using it. It will be much better to use that the iPod Touch and provide extra functionality. From an education perspective, I recognise that the iPad could provide some leverage in providing a platform for study, game-play, accessing content, and limited interaction.
I think there remains the question the ability of the device to support collaboration & content creation.In the end time will tell, and who knows – there might even ‘be an app for that’. But whatever they’ll cost, and whenever they become available, I’m sure I’ll be there to iBuy an iPad.