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Thoughts on the iPad

January 31, 2010 | New Releases

Now that we have had a few days to contemplate all of the iPad news and announcements, we just can’t wait to get our hands on one. Sure, we are Apple people and you would expect us to feel that way, but we just cannot begin to express our excitement about this product.

At a quick glance on Wednesday, it appeared that the iPad was a somewhat underwhelming device. Sure, we all wish it had a video camera in it, and we are convinced that version 2 will indeed have a camera. Having said that, allow us to explain why we are counting the days until the iPad arrives.

The iPhone has sold over 40 million units since its release. Why? Because, as you all know, it is so much more than a phone. It’s really a handheld computer that happens to make phone calls, and a very powerful computer at that. The critical difference here is that the iPhone is not just a handheld computer, but it’s a computer that requires absolutely no knowledge of traditional Windows or Mac operating systems. Anyone from age 4 to age 90 can figure out how to use an iPhone in about thirty seconds. No mouse or keyboard required.

If we really think about it, we have been interacting with computers in the same way for almost thirty years now. As much as the hardware and software have advanced, our interaction with both remains the same. It has been clear for years that computing needs a new form of interaction, with many anticipating the next phase is voice interaction. But the smart folks at Apple had another trick up their sleeves. It’s called “Multi-Touch”.

So while we don’t really think much about it, what makes the iPhone so hugely appealing is that all we need to use it is our finger. No menus. No trying to figure out why the menu bar does not relate to the application we think we are currently using.

But as much as I love having my iPhone in my pocket at all times, I find the screen too small to do any meaningful work. Enter the iPad.

If we take a quick look back at recent history, the computing industry is littered with failed tablet-like devices. Why? Because every single one of them depends on using existing computer operating systems, not an entirely new OS developed solely for use without a mouse or keyboard.

The iPad changes everything. What do you use your computer for? Reading email, surfing the web, storing and viewing photos, etc? Sure. A few other things too? Yep. Well the iPad will give you all that and more. And it will give it to you in an all-new way.

While we have yet to get our hands on one, we have a few friends who were lucky enough to be at the introduction on Wednesday. We spoke to a some of them and every single one says that once you hold the iPad in your hands, and start surfing the web, or reading email, it becomes instantly apparent to them that this is indeed the future of computing.

We truly believe that the iPad will become the way we read the newspaper and magazines. The fifty pounds of text books that our poor kids hump around in backpacks every day will be replaced with a 1.5 pound iPad. Imagine sitting at the breakfast table and reading the morning paper, in all its glory, using just a finger to navigate.

We anticipate that content providers will create stunning new applications for the iPad and that it’s only a matter of time before print goes away entirely.

We also expect that the developer community will create mind-bending applications for this new device. There are over 140,000 applications for the iPhone and it’s tiny little screen. Can you imagine using genealogy software on an iPhone? Not a chance. On an iPad? You bet!

One of our favorite software developers, The OmniGroup, is so excited about the iPad that they took the unusual step of announcing Friday that they would immediately get to work creating iPad versions of five applications. They will be quickly joined by many, many others.

While we have much more to say, let us leave you with this one concept. We all spend countless hours surfing the web. And while you heard Steve Jobs say on several occasions on Wednesday that the iPad is a more intimate way to surf the web, our friends who actually held on in their hands cannot stop carrying on about how different, and better, the web surfing experience is when you are holding the entire internet in your hands.

We are firmly convinced that in the long haul, the iPad will become an even more important device than the iPhone. In short, it’s a game changer. Now if only we didn’t have to wait 60 days to get one…

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10 Responses to “Thoughts on the iPad”

February 5, 2010 at 3:17 am

Gary Dorsey says:

The Ipad sure looks great. I would love to hold one. My concern is over how it will change and the cost will change. I got buried with the first Iphone. I love my Iphone but did not like paying the first overpriced amount for less of a phone than later came out. I know things get better with time. Just hesitant to jump in and buy a Ipad on the first go around.
February 5, 2010 at 11:36 am

PeachMac says:

I would argue that this is true of all technology products, and many other types of products. I can guarantee you that anything you buy today with a chip in it will be somewhat obsolete in six months, and well-dated in a year. That’s the nature of the beast.

Long ago I decided not to worry about this. I just decided to accept the fact that some of the things I bought were going to be obsolete much sooner than I wanted to believe, and others would last a bit longer.

Gordon Moore, one of the founders of Intel, stated 40 years ago that processors would double in power every two years. But he was wrong. Processors double in power every 18 months. With this pace of development over such a long period, there is no doubt that we will always want the latest and greatest thing.

Cars are the same. Every year someone builds a car that is way better than the year before. I always lust after the new models.

Will there be an iPad 2.0 and an iPad 3.0? Sure. Will they be more advanced? Sure. But that cycle is going to continue forever. So my theory is to buy the thing the day it comes out and not worry about the future. So, maybe I skip iPad 2.0 and wait for iPad 3.0?
March 8, 2010 at 8:23 am

Brian says:

Apple learned a costly brand lesson with it’s screwup on the iPhone and has been pretty careful not to do it again. I’d be more concerned about product changeover once the first iPad version has been out for awhile. That’s when they will put out a new version for cheaper. The higher price for the first version is the price we pay for being the early adopters of new technology, and is offset by the fun of forging ahead in the technology universe. I can’t wait to get an iPad.
March 19, 2010 at 7:46 pm

Gene says:

I have ordered a 64GB wifi and 3G iPad and I am anxiously awaiting its arrival. The iPad makes more sense for me when I travel, since I do not need a laptop to do the things I want to do when traveling. Unless you need the power of a laptop, the iPad is great for many people

I am especially looking forward to iWork on the iPad. By the way, the iPad will now make my Kindle obsolete.
March 19, 2010 at 7:47 pm

PeachMac says:

I sure hope you ordered them from us Gene.
March 19, 2010 at 10:56 pm

Cody says:

I preordered my 16gb iPad from the Peachmac in Macon! I’m really excited, but I’m also confused. The associates told me that it would indeed be ready on the April 3rd launch, however when I signed up for the device I was told of a 200 dollar deposit. When will the deposits begin?
March 20, 2010 at 10:13 am

PeachMac says:

Cody, we will not be taking the deposits. We have decided to make this as easy as possible on our customers. We have a list of customers in chronological order, and will fill orders in the same fashion.
March 20, 2010 at 8:18 pm

Dave says:

Any idea when you will be getting the GSM version in-stock at the Augusta PeachMac?
March 21, 2010 at 11:57 am

PeachMac says:

Only what Apple has stated publicly, that the 3G version of the iPad should be available in late April. Obviously, if we get any more substantial information, we will be glad to share it.
March 31, 2010 at 11:05 am

Cody A. says:

I know you guys have been inundated with questions, but I have just a few more…

A) Does the Macon location take American Express.

B) Will the local store contact those who enrolled for the iPad and will they have first rights to the product.

Sorry for all this… I’ve been a nervous wreck considering I wanted one of these for a long, long time.

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Thoughts on the iPad

10 Responses to “Thoughts on the iPad”

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