This is a question that I had often wondered about – but never for too long since I could never get my hands on one (even after Jussi had acquired his). Until now that is, as Pranil had mentioned, we got one each at the end of last week.

First things first: What is an iPad?
For those of you who’ve managed to escape the hype (well done to you, i’m quite impressed), the iPad is Apple’s thin tablet computer. A few people have asked me, “is it just a big iPhone?” or “isn’t it just a laptop without a keyboard?”.
While it has strong similarities to both, I believe it is neither. My take on the iPad, is that it’s an object for doing things in an accessible, but focused manner.
Accessible by

• How portable it is (lightest model only 0.68kg).
• 1 finger swipe to unlock the device for use.
• No wires getting in the way during use.
• The Apple website boasts battery life lasts ‘up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music’. My first stint with the iPad lasted 3 days without requiring a charge. However, I wouldn’t recommend draining the battery for the sake of it, as recharging all that life back takes longer than you would think.
• How quickly the apps (applications/programs) on the iPad load, run, and switch to other apps.

I mention doing things in a focussed manner because of how the iPad and it’s apps work. It’s a little bit different to your usual computer in the fact that when you use an app, it occupies the entire screen. Compare this to a desktop PC when you often have 10+ various windows open all over the show. Now, the thing that has stood out most for me, is how quickly & easy it is to switch between apps – a couple of taps on the touch screen is all that is required, for you to be using another app of you choosing. The majority of the apps I’ve used so far remember the exact state they were in when you last used them, so switching between apps becomes seamless.

You maybe thinking, ‘this is all very well and good Fabian, but is the iPad useful?’. In short, I would have to answer yes. But obviously the degree of usefulness is based on who you you are.

• The casual web browser. If your looking for a computer for browsing the net, then I think you should give the iPad serious consideration. The iPad comes bundled with Mobile Safari. It has bookmarking, ability to have multiple websites open at the same time. A few of the most popular websites/services have their own iPad app for making viewing their data even easier. Eg: Facebook, NZ Herald (currently iPad App of the week), most international newspapers have their own app etc.
  However, I don’t think the investment would be worthwhile if you already have a laptop and all you want to do is browse the web.
• The mobile professional that needs quick access to viewing & submitting data. The iPad’s mobility and user interface means that you could throw away the clipboard & pen. With a customised app you could input data straight into your app, and retrieve any reporting you need in real-time. Some quick examples of professions that I believe could make use of an iPad; Personal trainer (record client workouts, view their progress), surveyor, inspector (anyone that records a checklist), sales rep (live access to product database, showcase product range), sports coaches/statisticians, customer service reps (mobile help kiosk) etc.
• The traveller. You’ve already heard me harp on about portability, but that’s only half of the pie here. Travelling can be boring, this is where the iPads entertainment value comes in. Music, photos, e-books, audiobooks, movies, games. Need I say more? All of which don’t require an internet connection to enjoy. The Google maps app will also come in handy when you refuse to ask for directions.
• The serious book reader. The iPad comes bundled with iBooks which is a great app for reading e-books. You don’t even need an external light source for reading. iBooks also has an online store associated with it where you can instantly buy from a countless selection of books (there are also a lot of free books available).

Entertainment. The iPad can replace your iPod (but is too big to fit in your pocket whilst running). It can play movies (but not dvds). The games are great for the casual gamer (hardcore-ers please stick to your modded PC). I believe the entertainment area of the iPad is rather a bonus. I’m not sure if people will fork out the cash for that sole reason.

One thing I did find awkward, is the lack of a camera. This will probably be saved for a ‘new model’ rollout in the near future.

I myself, haven’t found the iPad as the missing puzzle piece of my life, mainly due to the fact I already have a Macbook. But then again, once we start churning out our own iPad apps, I believe my personal demand for it will have easily multiplied out of proportion.

So yes, I do think the iPad is useful, and not the gimmick I feared it could be.

So last Friday Fabian and I got our hands on a couple of iPad 3g’s. The last 5 days have been spent getting used to how it all works, and also seeing if it can reduce how often I pull out my laptop. The short answer to this: YES!

I can’t imagine how much time I’ve spent browsing through the app store and on the web trying to find the ‘best ipad apps’ to download. Just this morning I was training a client on using their site, and instead of a notebook, the Whitenote app worked great. And then there was iDesk to breakdown the current site structure. All this accompanied by a significant amount of “ohh’s” and “ahh’s”.

Last week Jussi also found this great video on “Two of Mankinds Greatest Inventions”. Now where did that velcro go….