Entries RSS · My computing context and what I think about the iPad
OK, time to write a few words about the iPad. In true spirit of fanboyishness I started (and finished) writing this post in bed on my iPod Touch. Let me start by saying that with reservations I want the iPad. Reservations include that like you, I haven’t actually used the device, and that it doesn’t include a front facing camera which is a real shame. Flash… Pah! I really don’t care. Anyone who experienced the professional look, feel and support you get even from a €0.79 game on the Touch or iPhone isn’t going back to freeware flash (read my Farmville review as an example).
I’m not trying to provoke you by being so dismissive of flash, even though I feel a lot of people really really hate how the iPad turned out. I am only writing out of my own current and past context and reserving final judgement until it’s in my hands.
My context is several. I was born into an age when there weren’t any personal computers. As a matter of fact, Apple had only just been conceived when I was born. I grew up without computers, until I got a toy Amiga at 13, and a very buggy 1st PC at 15. It ran DOS mostly and crashed a lot in Windows 3.1. I mention this because people in my generation suffer from a curse. We were forced to learn a zillion crappy commands as teens, which made our parents and family members consider us computer geniusses and not a week goes by when I don’t get at least 1 question about a bug in a computer. Last week, I spent maybe 5 hours trying to get a Wifi card to communicate with an Internet radio, I will have to set up skype VOIP at my parents’ house this year and who knows what else.
My no. 2 reason for getting an iPad? To give it to my parents and save me future headaches (knock on wood).
My no. 1 reason is different. Last December, my MacBook was lost on a train. I’m using an older MacBook from work at the moment and digging this iPod Touch a lot. In many ways I do more on the Touch now. It has its flaws of course, and no it has nothing to do with “openness” or flash. The screen is too small and there are times (less than you would think) where I need a physical keyboard.
So picture my context. I travel a fair amount, I think the MacBook is not always neccessary but the Touch/iPhone is not always enough. The Touch meets my casual gaming needs (serious games, that’s what consoles are built for), it kind of meets my wordprocessing needs (still typing on the Touch …). So why on earth, for that price, wouldn’t I want an iPad?
Truth be told, I was considering getting a sleek MacBook Pro to replace my lost MacBook. But for years, I’ve secretely lusted after a shiny iMac as well, never being able to justify having both a laptop and a desktop. The iPad is not a standalone PC. It needs to be synced with one (every week or so). But it also gives me a chance not not restrict computing to a small 13-15″ screen and buy a “real” computer so that makes sense to me.
In my UNIQUE context, the iPad makes sense. In my less unique context regarding my parents, it makes sense. 2010 is hopefully a year of less computing headaches and more of just getting things done.
the end
Vincent
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yeah amen. i really feel the same way you do. i guess i want something sleek, yet functional. Apple just does it, without messing around. I am a huge Apple fan!
Great article,the 3rd paragraph really got me in stitches.. brought back memories, and can you believe Nico was the one back when we were 13 that kept coming to my rescue (and yes to us he WAS a computer genius…).
IPad looks awesome, when you consider the price in combination with what it offers in terms of simplicity and function, makes it an even better deal. The only thing I wouldn’t hold my breath about is the part about “less headaches from our parents” that is inevitable.. but in regards to the IPad.. many users from our parents’ generation don’t really do well with touch screen.
(for those that don't know, Lou is someone I went to high school with. She's now a designer living in the US, and you can find her work at http://www.inkpress.net/).
Thanks Lou! I've actually been user testing my parents a bit, by letting them play around with my iPod Touch. The thing about it, compared to Windows or Macs, is that the goal is immediately apparent. My parents are interested in Mail and Browsing mainly, and my mother in pictures. Those icons are immediately "in your face" when turning on the device. A second advantage is actually the touchscreen. Instead of having to teach them how to use a mouse and right-/left-clicking (a big nightmare), it's just a matter of pointing your finger and clicking.
Other than that, there are no crashes, the wireless internet just works, and it (the Touch) really is an idiot-proof device, which is also why I personally love it.
Hi Lou (for those that don't know, Lou and I went to highschool together)! Thanks for commenting! Of course I remember those days.
I just wanted to say that I've been pitching this nonstop to my parents, including having them play around with the iPod Touch and see how they navigate. Even they get it! So I'm pretty confident that it will be ok. In any case, I'll buy one and test it out again and then we'll see.
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