Random post one: the technology.
So I finally broke down and bought an iPad. Nothing fancy. Its the 16GB wireless version. Yes, I was considering waiting for the next version and yes, hmmm'd and hawed all the way to the Apple store but, in the end, I'm glad I finally shelled out the cash.
I've been working with the iPad for a few days now and I've already unlocked some of its potential, and have slowly been discovering more.
There are a few things about this device that I really love. The first is the keyboard. I don't give a shit what people say, software keyboards are awesome. Time and time again I hear about the "lack of a physical keyboard on the iDevices".
Why, may I ask, do need a hardware keyboard on a mobile device? They're clunky. They add to the size and weight of the device. More moving parts translates into more shit to break. The soft keys on the iOS devices are amazing. They're there when I need them, and gone when I don't and after a couple of minutes of poking around, I've found that I can type just as fast as can on my Apple wireless keyboard.
The second thing I love is that when you're working on the iPad; reading, writing, whatever, the device just seems to "disappear". I know I've seen a few reviewers comment on this and never could see what they were getting at. Without all the peripherals needed to work on a PC or laptop, you kind of just forget that you're working on a computing device. The feeling is quite striking.
The interesting thing is that there is still a large number of naysayers who scream that the iPad is for media consumption only. Time and time again you hear how there is no way to "create" on the iPad. Its for media consumption only.
I have a hunch that most of these people either hate everything Apple or just don't have a creative bone in their body (or both).
I've found a nice, simple text editor (which I'm using to write this), and a painting app that supports layers (which I've already began a couple of drawings - and I cant remember the last time I picked up a pencil or paintbrush to draw something).
I've also discovered a multitrack DAW application that I plan to purchase just as soon as I pick up the iPad camera kit (the USB attachment allows you to plug in a variety of microphones and audio devices). If I can manage to leave the MaBook Pro at home and bring the iPad to jam... that would be a huge deal. I have a small USB recording unit. The difference between lugging a 1.5 pound device rather than a 17" Mac?
Speaking of the iPad camera kit and USB recording units, There is another sore spot for the naysayers: lack of expansion ports.
To this I say: "We need to stop with all the cables and make everything wireless. And I mean *everything*."
I don't know about you but I loose my shit every time I have to untangle the ridiculous mess of cords under my desk and behind my computers.
I'd love to see cameras with full wireless sync via Bluetooth. Monitors that don't require cables. Fully wireless webcams and microphones. It's already started with printers and other peripherals so who knows where this can go.
Until then, we'll have to make due with the camera kit.
Make ALL peripherals Bluetooth, turn the iPad's screen bezel into a solar battery charger and you will have the perfect device.
Not even a week in and I've already glimpsed the potential of this little device. If you just open your mind a little and use your imagination, you can see where this format could go. Right now we'll have to settle for nearly perfect and you know what? The iPad is is the only device on the market that even comes close.
Up next: family, trips, thoughts on past crap.
I've been working with the iPad for a few days now and I've already unlocked some of its potential, and have slowly been discovering more.
There are a few things about this device that I really love. The first is the keyboard. I don't give a shit what people say, software keyboards are awesome. Time and time again I hear about the "lack of a physical keyboard on the iDevices".
Why, may I ask, do need a hardware keyboard on a mobile device? They're clunky. They add to the size and weight of the device. More moving parts translates into more shit to break. The soft keys on the iOS devices are amazing. They're there when I need them, and gone when I don't and after a couple of minutes of poking around, I've found that I can type just as fast as can on my Apple wireless keyboard.
The second thing I love is that when you're working on the iPad; reading, writing, whatever, the device just seems to "disappear". I know I've seen a few reviewers comment on this and never could see what they were getting at. Without all the peripherals needed to work on a PC or laptop, you kind of just forget that you're working on a computing device. The feeling is quite striking.
The interesting thing is that there is still a large number of naysayers who scream that the iPad is for media consumption only. Time and time again you hear how there is no way to "create" on the iPad. Its for media consumption only.
I have a hunch that most of these people either hate everything Apple or just don't have a creative bone in their body (or both).
I've found a nice, simple text editor (which I'm using to write this), and a painting app that supports layers (which I've already began a couple of drawings - and I cant remember the last time I picked up a pencil or paintbrush to draw something).
I've also discovered a multitrack DAW application that I plan to purchase just as soon as I pick up the iPad camera kit (the USB attachment allows you to plug in a variety of microphones and audio devices). If I can manage to leave the MaBook Pro at home and bring the iPad to jam... that would be a huge deal. I have a small USB recording unit. The difference between lugging a 1.5 pound device rather than a 17" Mac?
Speaking of the iPad camera kit and USB recording units, There is another sore spot for the naysayers: lack of expansion ports.
To this I say: "We need to stop with all the cables and make everything wireless. And I mean *everything*."
I don't know about you but I loose my shit every time I have to untangle the ridiculous mess of cords under my desk and behind my computers.
I'd love to see cameras with full wireless sync via Bluetooth. Monitors that don't require cables. Fully wireless webcams and microphones. It's already started with printers and other peripherals so who knows where this can go.
Until then, we'll have to make due with the camera kit.
Make ALL peripherals Bluetooth, turn the iPad's screen bezel into a solar battery charger and you will have the perfect device.
Not even a week in and I've already glimpsed the potential of this little device. If you just open your mind a little and use your imagination, you can see where this format could go. Right now we'll have to settle for nearly perfect and you know what? The iPad is is the only device on the market that even comes close.
Up next: family, trips, thoughts on past crap.