As I sit here typing this article on my first generation iteration of the new Apple iPad, I can’t help but think of all the negativity I’ve heard and read about the device. The iPad is actually a great tool, and it fills a void that many won’t recognize until they’ve actually owned and used one. I believe a lot of the bad vibes about the device are trickled down from the bad feelings they have about Steve Jobs and Apple’s marketing scheme as a whole.

First of all, it is an expensive unit, no doubt. Starting at $500 for the 16g model, it’s essentially a giant iPod touch. You could buy a laptop for that price nowadays, and that’s a main argument against purchasing an iPad. Well, the iPad is not meant to replace a computer, in fact, it needs one to sync with in order upload files anyway. iPads are for consumers who already own a laptop or desktop, so it’s essentially not competing with cheap laptops. That said, for $500 you will buy a junky cheap laptop; the iPad is a high grade, top notch quality device.

The iPad doesn’t do everything I want it to… no, it does not. Again, it’s not meant to replace a full computer. With predictions of cloud computing being predominant in the future, having a slate computer, such as the iPad is a logical step in that direction. I use the iPad for light duty work, such as writing these blog articles. I use it for multimedia such as movies, internet/YouTube and playing unique games. The intuitive internet browsing experience is unmatched by anything a normal PC can compete with. The iPod audio and iBooks app make it a fantastic device. The iPad is super portable with great battery life. I easily carry it from room to room, out onto the deck, or away for the weekend, without giving much thought to battery levels or transport burdens. Let me tell you this is far easier to travel with than my old laptop, with its surprisingly heavy shoulder bag, and measly battery life. For real work at home here, I still go for my desktop or laptop, but I’d say I now spend over 50% of my “computer time” on the iPad. I can thumb type very quickly when holding the device in portrait mode. The “novelty” does not appear to be wearing off. In fact, I’m considering getting rid of my laptop completely.

The predictions I’ve read, is that in the future, most people will only have a desktop, and a slate computer (and a smartphone). This means that laptops could be largely obsolete. As it stands now, the only purpose I see for a real “laptop” is if you need to constantly take it back and forth to school/work and home. Most laptops today seem to be desktop replacements anyway. They’re large and heavy and seem to just stay put in most homes. From a value standpoint, a desktop computer would be a better purchase, and you would get a much bigger screen to boot. With “cloud computing” coming, the future desktop PC will just be a small box with a minimum of power and storage. It will basically be a workstation, from which you could access all your files, which are stored online. Your virtual “desktop” will be identical, whether you use the computer at work, school or home. A current example of cloud computing is with webmail. Our email used to be downloaded directly to our personal computer, and that rendered it inaccessible from any other machine. Now, for most of us, our email is stored online through webmail clients such as Gmail or Hotmail, and can be identically accessed anywhere in the world. So I ask, why would we need “portable” laptops? The fact that most slate computers will be convertible into a “laptop” anyway, seals the case, IMO.

For some, having a smartphone, such as the iPhone, is the only portable device they need to go along with their normal computer. It’s much smaller and more portable than an iPad, and not all iPad’s have 3g wireless anyway. For me the screen size of a smart phone is much too small to be practically usable. I don’t really need to surf the web everywhere I go, and the contract costs are astronomical. A semi-smart phone with basic email access is all I am willing to pay for. To that end, I want the smallest and lightest phone I can fit in my pocket, even the iPhone is too big to always carry around, IMO. I don’t have a purse.

The large complaint about Apple’s methodology is that they release a device which is lacking in features and functionality. They market it up as a cutting edge dream machine, and get it out there before any competitors can release their competing products. Everyone and their dog goes out and pays a premium price for the units, and then complains that it can’t do this or that. Within a year, Apple releases the second generation, which addresses the shortcomings of the first release, and everyone scrambles to buy the product, again. They effectively create a market for their second release by releasing an “incomplete” first generation. An example of this is no webcam on this first iPad…but, they have the technology…?

The other big complaint is the closed system Apple operates under, to gain profit. In the US, iPhone users and 3GS iPad users are tied into AT&T, a company which many dislike. These devices are also tied into iTunes, and now iBooks, which makes it easy to buy from Apple and surprising annoying to use files from elsewhere. All apps need to be purchased through, and approved by Apple. It’s not inconceivable, however, that apple may sell the iPads, etc. At a loss, and then make their money on the apps, music, and contracts. That’s how the video game console market works.

Competition is coming, though. At my last check there are approximately 10 competing slates due for release within a year. These slates will have screen sizes ranging from 5″ to 12″ and are powered with a host of chips including Nvidia’s Tegra 2 and Intel’s Atom. The popular operating systems named are Google’s Android and Windows Embedded 7. If you’d like a slate that has more user functionality and control, it may be worth the wait. The iPad is more geared towards users that like everything seamlessly done for them, which has been Apple’s methodology. That said, there is some user control, such as having the ability to customize the background wallpaper with an image of your choice, and there are so many apps available that you are bound to find a ‘work around’ for other shortcomings. No, the iPad doesn’t do everything I want it to (like run flash websites), but it does enough, and it’s been one of my best purchases ever.

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