nathan jara

Apple announced the release of its newest product this afternoon, the iPad. They (who’s “they,” you say? you know, the people who say things.) have been talking, chatting, blogging, writing and talking, chatting, blogging and writing some more about the mysterious iPad for months now. I’ve read bits and pieces about it along the way, but was never really ‘chomping at the bit’ to finally see the thing. Now that it’s been announced, I have to say that I’m still not ‘chomping at the bit.’ Before I go any further however, I must say, that the iPad, just like any other Apple product, is very sexy. And, it’s REALLY COOL.

I’d been a PC user for many years until about a year ago when I purchased my first MacBook Pro. Once I used it, I was hooked. I’m not sure if I’m a total MacHead, but I’ve definitely “made the switch” without any thought of going back. Since then I’ve also gotten an iPhone, which I love.

With a first look at the iPad, I don’t think it’s that great. It seems like it’s just a big iPhone, without the phone. I don’t think it would be very practical, especially for me. Since I already have a laptop and a mobile internet device, why would I need an iPad that does the same thing. I know that I don’t plan on forking out $500 or more on something that does the same things I can do now.

Regardless what I think, Apple knows what they’re doing. I think there definitely is a market out there for this device. Possibly for those that don’t have a newer laptop, aren’t connected with a mobile device and are looking for something to do email, surf the web, and watch movies on; the iPad would be perfect. Two features that I was really impressed with were the iCal and Contacts apps. They just look sweet. And the way you can interact with your photos? Totally cool. And because it’s a ‘touch’ device, the application interaction is very cutting edge.

About a month ago, I saw James Cameron’s new movie, AVATAR. The iPad reminds me of some of the computer interfaces that were used in the movie. (By the way, if you haven’t seen AVATAR, go, now. And don’t forget your 3D glasses.) The devices the characters used in the movie were all interacted with by touch and gestures, very similar to the iPad. I think it’s pretty amazing that, in 2010, we are seeing technology that is very close to what we see in the movies. I mean how many times have you gone to the movies and thought, whoa, how sweet would it be if we could do that! I think some of those things are getting closer to reality. The iPad is proof.

I still know I won’t be getting one, but…..

….it is really cool. :)