I picked up an iPad on Saturday, and I wanted to give some of my initial reactions after a few days of using the device. Of course, I’m writing this post from the iPad. Take that all you people who say that it’s not a creation device!
- So far, I really haven’t had many situations where not having Flash has been a significant issue. Maybe I’ve been sticking to sites that I know have video converted to HTML5, but seriously – YouTube, Vimeo, NY Times, ESPN are all optimized for iPad. And i really expect this will only get better.
- Typing is both easier and harder than I expected. Easier in that when in landscape mode, you really can pretty much type as though you were using a real keyboard. You don’t have to slow down, the iPad response time is really spot on. But it’s hard because it’s tough to get the iPad in a good position to type. Apple has the stand up case, but I refuse to use a case.
- Yes, iPhone apps work. No, they don’t look all that great. Very pixelated. iPad apps are where it’s at.
- Some people though the iPad would be the savior for traditional media. But it’s clear from the NY Times and WSJ apps – as well as the fact that magazine publishers are charging for apps AND for each individual issue with no annual subscription – that traditional media just doesn’t get it yet. They will, because eventually one company will come out with an app that changes the game, and everyone else will follow suit. But it’s not there yet.
- The eBook readers are very cool. As in, I bought the iPad thinking the iBook and Kindle apps were nice-to-haves, but now I would consider then must-haves. Primarily I’ve been using the Kindle app, simply because there is just a much larger selection of books for the Kindle app. Apple really needs to work on getting more books into their application.
- I still have not downloaded any of the iWork apps. I’d like to get Pages, because I’ve heard of people writing their blog posts on Pages and then copying over to WordPress. I’d like to give Pages a try on my MacBook too, because I’ve heard good things from many people.
- The battery life is very impressive. I’m on day two since charging, and with normal use I still have 32% battery left. Also, it really stays very cool – in contrast, about 10 minutes on my MacBook gets that thing up to fried egg temperatures.
- 250 MB of data really isn’t much. At my usage rate, I’m further ahead to get the unlimited data plan. But I’m glad I have the 3G. I can’t imagine not having always-on connectivity with this thing.
- Eventually, this thing is going to have to get a camera. I mean, why the heck not?
- How is there not a Facebook app for this thing? SERIOUSLY?!
- At first, I thought this could be a primary computer for many people who don’t need a full computer to create stuff. Now I’m not entirely sure of that notion. Not that it can’t be done, but i still need more time to come to a conclusion.
