Thoughts on the iPad

Today, Apple announced the new iPad (iPad!?), and the world took notice. At least for a few minutes. As expected, the hard-core Apple enthusiasts are excited, and everyone else is still unimpressed. I figured that I would take a few minutes to write up my own thoughts on this, and what I feel about the device.

First, if you need to know what I'm talking about, go to Apple's site for all the information: http://www.apple.com/ipad/

In short, I had a bell-curve reaction to it. It began with me not really caring much about the device (and half-expecting it to not even happen at all), becoming kind of excited when I started seeing the potential, to an equal drop in interest when I started thinking about what features I would personally love to see that they didn't include.

Let me disclaim first that I do love Apple. I'm just a little more realistic than some, and maybe a little more choosy on what I expect my technology to do in my hands. I think that the iPad comes very close to what I would want in a tablet-type device. But it just didn't quite hit the mark.

Here's a few things that I wish it had:

• The ability to use an optional pressure-sensitive stylus, otherwise, you'll be stuck with finger-painting applications and no handwriting recognition.
• Mobile tethering. C'mon, there are a lot of people with iPhones that pay enough to AT&T already. Why can't they just piggyback their current plan?
• A front-mounted camera. You know as well as I that future versions will have this.
• Native os X application support. It seems a little ridiculous to limit the applications to just those available on the iPhone and iPod Touch.
• USB support. The ability to plug in certain types of external devices (audio/video, headsets, external HD) would be peachy.
• Wireless inductive charging.
• The ability to run more than one application at a time. Seriously, Apple needs to figure this out.
• Flash/Silverlight support. For Hulu and Netflix.

Overall, it's definitely an interesting device. But considering what I can already do between my smart phone, an iPod Touch, and a MacBookPro… I'm yet to be sold.

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