Do I need an iPad?
Posted on torsdag, april 01, 2010 @ kl. 23.38 by david
I have been looking at Apple's new iPad, but I am not quite convinced it is something I need to invest in yet.
iPhone |
iPad |
MacBook Pro | ||
Fits in your pocket (everyday ultra mobile) | Fits in your bag/backpack (mobile) | Fits in your bag/backpack (mobile) | ||
| 8-10 hours of battery (avg) | 10 hours of battery | 3 hours of battery | ||
| 2 Megapixel camera | - | 2 megapixel camera | ||
| 8 GB storage | 16 GB - 64 GB storage | 160 GB storage | ||
| - | iWork '09 (Multi-Touch) | iWork '09 | ||
| EDGE/3G + WIFI | EDGE/3G or WIFI (no tethering) | WIFI (EDGE/3G - iPhone tethering) | ||
| Phone + SMS + MMS | - | - | ||
| Quick game / movie clips | Games / Full length HD Movies | Games / Full length HD Movies | ||
| Instant-on (no booting) | Instant-on (no booting) | - | ||
| - | - | Flash | ||
| limited multitasking | limited multitasking | full multitasking | ||
| Multi-Touch | Multi-Touch | - |
As you can see the only advantages over iPhone, since they run the same apps and software, are the larger screen and more storage for watching movies or playing games. Reading content online would definitely be better on an iPad over iPhone, but then again I have a MacBook Pro for that.
I can only find a single advantage over the MacBook Pro, which is the battery life. I could watch 2 full length movies or be out all day without having to find a plug.
iWork on iPad
The first thing that got my attention with the iPad was that it offers a totally new version of iWork. This gave me the illusion that Apple was thinking about business.
I create a lot of presentations. Mostly product presentations or for courses and speaking about Internet Marketing. But I do not travel so often that I need to create presentations while on the go. I have to admit though, Keynote on the iPad looks interesting, and could mean producing content even faster.
When I took a look at the recent Guided Tours, it looks like Keynote (iWork) on the iPad could be even easier to use than on my MacBook Pro.
Using Keynote on iPad, could be easier than on a Mac.
Features I liked:
- Use your own themes/templates (I hope this is available)
- Transitions, effects and animations look super easy to add in
- 1024x768 to projector, using Dock Connector to VGA adapter
- Multi-Touch: Hold + Drag-n-drop slides with one finger
- Multi-Touch: Hold + Drag + add multiple slides with other hand (see photo)
Moving multiple slides using both hands on iPad.
iWork and iPhoto libraries
One of my biggest problems with this iWork on the iPad is the tight integration with iPhoto.
Using media browser and the iPhoto library to add images in Keynote on iPad.
To add images into a business presentation, do I really need to have all my graphics and images mixed in with my personal photos?
Do I need to create a photo album with my logo and product images, then sync it with iPad so they are available?
Today I use Keynote and Pages, and add graphics and images from where ever I want. The menus here look a bit more restrictive.
Keynote for iPad really for business?
If they really want to sell me on the idea of Keynote on iPad as a business app, why do they show this presentation of vacation photos at some guys house?
Using the Dock to VGA (1024x768) to show your Keynote presentations from the iPad.
Pages and Numbers
From the Guided Tours, the Pages and Numbers apps look really easy to use as well. I dont see myself writing a book on the iPad, but editing or updating something could work out. But again, I dont travel enough to need to work while sitting on a plane in route to a big meeting.
Keyborad Dock for iPad
A major issue I see with using the iPad would be the viewing angle while typing.
Viewing angle while typing on a iPad could be awkward during long periods.
The solution to this problem, is obviously the Keyboard Dock.
But really, are you going to need to carry this keyboard around with you if you need to work?
If you ask me, an iPad with the Keyboard Dock is a clumbsy Laptop/Notebook.
Keyboard Dock for iPad, defeats the purpose in my opinion.
Send, Share, Export and Sync
One of the best features with iWork for the iPad, since it is not a huge storage device, has to be the ability to use iWork.com for sharing and collaborating. I do not use iWork.com yet, but have an account. I do not use DropBox either, but may have a use for them in the near future.
The send via Mail and the sync with you Mac/PC is not really all that cool.
The Export to iWork or PDF option is a bit limited, no MS Office support, but importing Word or PowerPoint is a good start.
Send via Mail, Share via iWork.com, Export to iWork or PDF options with iPad.
Apps for iPad
Since I work as a web designer, could I use the iPad at work?
iPad uses the same App Store as the iPhone/iPod, so I took a look to see what apps are available today.
- Source viewer - allows you to view the source code of any site
- FTP on the Go - connect, download, edit text files and upload them back to the server.
- Analytics/Analytics Pro - stats from Google Analytics
See more apps, 50 iPhone apps for web designers and developers
Conclusion: Who is iPad for?
This really appeals to me as a consumer product, with some possibillities for a work or school enviornment. Best feature over a notebook, netbook, mini PC has to be the instant-on, no booting for quick access. The recreation and gaming aspects are where this device shines.
Work
I can see it being used by travelling salesman, who are on the road and need to produce content or documents while on the road. Meeting notes will most likely be written by hand and re-typed due to the awkward keyboard/viewing angle and lack of a pen.
School
Since the awkward keyboard/viewing angle, and lack of pen will prevent students from taking notes on it, I dont really see it as the holy grail for students. The awesome calendar, email and other productivity apps can help make the iPad a nice tool, but the note taking aspect of typing or writing is not really there.
Home
Where this is probably most used is on the couch while entertaining friends or just reading a website or a good book. Since it is about 80% of a real notebook/laptop computer, I don't see myself trading in my MacBook Pro for an iPad at work, but could be an extra computer at home for relaxing or gaming.
If I do end up purchasing an iPad, it most likely will be version 2.
I did not purchase a netbook when they came out either. Personally I had no use for such a device. This iPad seems to be in that same category, a 5000 norwegian kroner computer for what? gaming? reading? facebook?
Until the iPad is a bit more productive for work, I don't see that I have a need for it.
Want one? Sure... if I have the extra money it would be cool, but I can wait until v2.
