A “magical" device. That's what Apple chief executive Steve Jobs called the new iPad. Execs from the company said it so often that I began to imagine pixie-dust falling from the ceiling of the Yerba Buena Art Center, landing gently on our throbbing skulls and slowly but surely lulling us into the belief that Jobs and co had, in fact, introduced something otherworldly.
Even hours later, I'm having trouble sorting out my feelings. I saw the demos, heard the words and even had some hands-on time with the iPad. It is gorgeous. Imagine a MacBook display ripped off its laptop hinge or a much, much bigger iPhone or iPod touch and you get the general idea. The latter is the most appropriate description, and it instantly makes the iPad not magical, but instead quite practical.
Steve Jobs' assertion that the existing 75 million iPhone and iPod touch customers already know how to use this device runs counter to the idea of magical. Magic is something we don't understand and can scarcely believe. Like Jobs said, we know this product.
When I tried it out, I spent zero time figuring out how to use it. The iPad works exactly like an iPhone, for heaven's sake. Nothing enchanted about that.
I tried to look at the iPad in the context of all the questions I received on Twitter, as well as the general confusion I still see swirling around this tablet. It's not a replacement for the iPhone or iPod Touch, nor will it supplant your go-to laptop. Steve Jobs wants it to sit in the middle. I can see that. The device feels like middleware.
It's really not for phone calls, has no physical keyboard (you can buy one as an accessory) or a mouse; once you handle the iPad, you quickly realize that it's way too big for any pocket. (Note to Apple: the back could use some sort of indentation so it rests more comfortably in my hand). The iPad's size alone ensures that this won't enjoy iPhone-like ubiquity. At about 9 inches and 1.5 pounds, you'll take it out when you're on the couch, riding the train and probably on the airplane.
Even hours later, I'm having trouble sorting out my feelings. I saw the demos, heard the words and even had some hands-on time with the iPad. It is gorgeous. Imagine a MacBook display ripped off its laptop hinge or a much, much bigger iPhone or iPod touch and you get the general idea. The latter is the most appropriate description, and it instantly makes the iPad not magical, but instead quite practical.
Steve Jobs' assertion that the existing 75 million iPhone and iPod touch customers already know how to use this device runs counter to the idea of magical. Magic is something we don't understand and can scarcely believe. Like Jobs said, we know this product.
When I tried it out, I spent zero time figuring out how to use it. The iPad works exactly like an iPhone, for heaven's sake. Nothing enchanted about that.
I tried to look at the iPad in the context of all the questions I received on Twitter, as well as the general confusion I still see swirling around this tablet. It's not a replacement for the iPhone or iPod Touch, nor will it supplant your go-to laptop. Steve Jobs wants it to sit in the middle. I can see that. The device feels like middleware.
It's really not for phone calls, has no physical keyboard (you can buy one as an accessory) or a mouse; once you handle the iPad, you quickly realize that it's way too big for any pocket. (Note to Apple: the back could use some sort of indentation so it rests more comfortably in my hand). The iPad's size alone ensures that this won't enjoy iPhone-like ubiquity. At about 9 inches and 1.5 pounds, you'll take it out when you're on the couch, riding the train and probably on the airplane.
