The iPad - a skeptic's view after 6 days
Let me start off this review by saying that I was a big skeptic of the iPad on the day it was announced and even wrote that it had no place in my life.
I sat and watched the momentum build in the following weeks and, simply put, caved in and decided to jump on the 'early adopter' train. I easily justified it as I currently am building a very exciting (my opinion) payment application and I felt it would be good to understand the potential of the new screen real estate. Yep, that's how I talked myself into it.
Last Saturday arrived and I found myself in the vicinity of the Stoneridge Mall where there was an Apple store. I parked the car and walked in - fully expecting to see a massive line. But, there were only about 5 people in line. Fifteen minutes later, I was back in my vehicle and driving home so I could it all set up.
So, its been 6 days. Am I still a skeptic? Am I ready to take it back because its not a laptop? Absolutely NOT!
I believe that Jason Calacanis has written one of the best reviews about the device itself - http://www.ipad-answers.com/ipad-reviews/my-48-point-ipad-review-after-72-hours So, I am going to focus on why it works for me and, ultimately, why I was so wrong.
To begin, the iPad is what you make of it and it has a lot of potential.
Here's where its made a difference in my household.
Reading - I cannot say enough good things about how I love the screen real estate when it comes to reading. I have used 3 book applications and have found my favorite to be the Kindle application. I've found myself reading regularly at the end of each day since I've bought it. I have wanted to read so many books, but frankly haven't wanted to buy the Kindle itself and I didn't want to buy the paper books (hate storing them afterwards). This is just the perfect marriage of functionality and readability for me. And, my wife is constantly using it to read when I'm not.
Personal Note: The iPad can cause internal household disputes :)
Interactivity - This one is a personal finding. But, there's just a difference having the iPad around in the Living room or outside vs. a laptop. Sure, its just perception, but if someone has a laptop it feels like they're not paying attention. This device is so unobtrusive that it just blends in and doesn't interfere in social situations, etc. Also, with my daughter, its a constant source of funny videos for her - a big plus here is that she's not tapping on a keyboard like she would if I sat her in front of the desktop or laptop. She's young so she likes to touch everything - the screen, keyboard, mouse - you name it. With the iPad, she is welcome to touch the screen and she really gets the functionality even at her young age.
The Ultimate Tool - This may not apply to a lot of people, so I'll just say that if I find the device to be very full featured if you set it up. Yesterday, I took my daughter to a class and while I was there, I was on the iPad remotely connecting to my home desktop. I was able to send emails, adjust documents and more - all from this remote location with Wi-Fi. In just a few days, I've set up remote hosting access (Rackspace), remote file access (Box.net), remote desktop & laptop access (Teamviewer) and a few other items that truly allow me to feel connected all through this little 9+ inch, flat device. I need this kind of regular interaction, so to me, its almost too good to be true.
Battery - This is a rehash of so many reviews, but it would be a disservice not to mention how incredible the battery is in the iPad. I've been on the same charge for 2 days with regular usage and I'm still at the 45% battery range. And, that's with Pandora playing on a fairly regular basis.
I am a big fan of the iPad. For me, its a game and life changer. But, that being said, I have told several people I know to hold off and not to jump in yet. Simply because I know that they are not avid computer users and I think the cost is prohibitive for just general, everyday use. I think Jason's article (http://www.ipad-answers.com/ipad-reviews/my-48-point-ipad-review-after-72-hours) really does a good job of outlining who should and should not buy this device.
So, it has been 6 days and I can say, without hesitation, that the iPad has already had a profound effect on how I work and live. That may seem like a dramatic statement, but its true.
I can only imagine what the next 6 days will bring . . .
