Everybody's Doing it

But, Ill do it different, of-course...

I'm talking about the iPad. That new "revolutionary device by Apple. Let me start by saying that I have long been both a proponent, and detractor of tablets.  owned a couple back wn HP came out with the tc-1100.   I loved so much,  forced it on some of the executives in my company.  tght at the time the tablet form factor and implimentation was the next alternative to Laptops. The tc-1100 was a tablet first that could, with the addition of the removable keyboard, act like a laptop. It was small and light enough that I would actually carry it around (like I should a laptop). it was a snap to bring up to taker a quick note, it had all the interfaces that I needed (card reader, USB ports) and, it looked professional. 

Then the industry ignored my memo, and started making laptops that acted a little like tablets. In the process they lost some of the more important features; portability, and quickdraw functionality. 

So, fast forward 5 years and a less than stellar market acceptance of tablets. (because they are not tablets anymore). The world waits for Apple to unveil a revolutionary new product called the iPad. (that's Applespeak for tablet) Granted, Apple generally has a better implementation of most the iPhone truly is a better smartphone, and the iPod truly is the best media player. But, the iPad? great marketing run up, but I am not so sure it is the new portable appliance that I loved 6 years ago. For one, Apple erred against the consumer a little to much on this one. No USB ports? come on, I want a device that doesn't require me to carry accessories for. No card reader? No reason for me to take it with me on many of the trips that the tablet goes on. And I am not even going to go into that non standard sim card thing.  

Now, I love my Pod touch, and I believe that the implementing the same interface on the iPad was a good move to a certain extent. The fact that the iPad will share apps with the iPhone, is great, but i want more!. If I could get by with the iPhone, I wouldn't carry a netbook or a tablet. That is what I am after, and what i try to get my customers to buy into. One device, one thrill. Less hassle, less money, less problems, more productivity. I think the iPad misses that mark for me. Regardless of how sexy she is, if she can't haul firewood, she wont work for me. 

There, I said it! The unemployed apple fanboys can whine all they want, but the fact is, in todays leaner, meaner world functionality is king. When I first saw it, I almost placed an order but when I read into it, I quickly realized that I already have an iPod and don't need a bigger one. 

Keep trying Steve, in the meantime, I will go re-install windows on my tc-1100 (for the third time) and her and I will continue to travel the world together...