Apple just released their iPad today. Besides the fact that the name iPad sounds like some sort of digital feminine product (search Twitter for “iTampon”), the device itself appears to be no more than a large iPod Touch. According to Yahoo News:
“The iPad has a 9.7-inch touch screen, is a half-inch thick, weighs 1.5 pounds and comes with 16, 32 or 64 gigabytes of flash memory storage. It comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity built in. [Steve] Jobs said the device has a battery that lasts 10 hours and can sit for a month on standby without needing a charge.”
While these are admittedly some fairly impressive features, it has yet to be determined if the iPad can really do anything unique. It sounds like it just runs iPhone apps, some of which have been modified to accommodate a larger screen. It has a browser (but no flash support, just like the iPhone), and you can store files and pictures on the device (although few Web 2.0-friendly sharing options exist).
It does seem that the iPad will give Amazon’s Kindle a run for its money, however. With far more features, the iPad may become a new favorite as an e-reader. Not to mention, Apple has enlisted several large publishers who will soon begin releasing content for the iPad.
Overall, I’m still not entirely impressed. I was expecting a revolutionary tablet Mac, and Apple released a super-sized iPhone that doesn’t even make calls. I suppose only time will tell if I am being too critical or if this device will be a take off… with wings.
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