No, it's not a typo: Apple's newest creation is the iPad. Although it sounds like a super-technologically advanced menstrual device to me, Mac's iPad (say that three times fast...) somehow made it through God-only-knows-how-many levels of executive command without anyone pausing to question the moniker. Guess there aren't a lot of women standing around at Apple headquarters.
First reactions to Steve Jobs' new creation are hitting the interweb — it's been called "an iPhone for Yao Ming," (due to it's awkwardly large size — approx 9.7 inches by 7.5 inches) and the less-than-stellar name choice hasn't been lost on Internet commentators.
Billed as a new breed of device melding the smartphone and the traditional laptop, the iPad is bigger than the iPhone, but not as handy as my MacBook. For one, I simply can't see how you'd carry it around. It's far too large to be tossed in a bag like a smartphone or PDA, but still too vulnerable and exposed to lug around in a traditional computer case. Have mercy on that poor touchscreen; at least my laptop clams up.
It seems a bit too much like the iPod Touch, another device I've never understood the allure of. The iPad can't make calls, but it has all the audio, visual and Internet browsing capabilities of a laptop computer. But don't plan on storing your life on it like your laptop; it comes with at most 64 gigs.
It strikes me, mainly, as a glorified Kindle. And I'm sure the makers of the markets' various bookreaders are quivering in fear. Apple is launching a new iBook store (in partnership with several major publishers) in tandem with the device, and The New York Times has already partnered for exclusive content.
Sure, it's nifty, but I don't really understand the advantage.
Worst thing about it? It's all through AT&T. That alone ensures I won't be buying one.
The iPad:
