Neutron :: Bomb

I stopped into the local Apple store today to mess around with an iPad. I would like to buy one, and when I bring it up with my wife she says "you dont need another toy". And she has a point, its like a new toy. And I say this because I have truly found it hard to justify why I need one other than that I want to play with the device. I have an iPhone, a Macbook Pro and my work laptop, not to mention access to our family iMac.

So, why do I need an iPad? I dont, I simply want one. But it will be hard to argue my point, even though I think this device is a first step in the next evolution of computing.

Later this evening, my friend posted me this "Johnny, i want one because it is shinny, new and from apple. But I can't make out why else. There is no USB port, no camera, phone, etc. Movies and such will look better on my MacBook - or at least just as good. I guess for the books it might be cool, a little lighter, but I just can't think of when I would use it. Thoughts?"

My reply:

hmm. I get the part about it being shiny and agree, I like my gadgets as shiny as the next guy. but would argue you dont need USB ports. USB port necessity infers you want to plug things into it, and I ask, what do you want to plug into it? And what Im really saying is, its not meant to have no stinkin things plugged into it.

Seriously, this device is a first generation attempt. It is shouting out 'no more wires people'. If you want to print, print wirelessly. If you want to transfer pics and movies, do it without wires (think bluetooth from your iPhone and such). What else do you need to plug in?

And its also shouting out 'touch me all over, my purpose in life is to be used as an exclusively touchable device for some serious computing'

Furthermore, its not meant to be a phone, but I love the idea of my friend walking around chicago with that thing up against his ear talking loudly into it. Or, taking pictures with it. haha. Its not meant for either.

I could, however, actually use it for my job: corporate email, word docs, excel, powerpoint -- all work on this device and all can be created and edited. In case you dont know me, a majority of my day is filled with building, editing and talking about power points documents.

Bottom line: simply think of this as the first step towards computing without a keyboard or mouse. Its not perfect, but its damn cool and its truly a great first attempt. And remember, peeps thought the iPhone would bomb.

And I will stand by this answer to anyone asking.