The iPad is a fickle creature. It’s been bullied, tormented and taunted ever since it came out to play, which was only a few hours ago. It’s hard to imagine that this would have been the reaction to the fabled Apple tablet computer. Rather than review the device, which I’ll save until I have one, I’ll review the generally negative reactions people have been giving to it.
The majority of all the complaints with the iPad stem from the iPhone OS which it runs on. In 2007, what we saw today would have been revolutionary, fresh and new. By virtue of the fact that we’ve seen the fundamental interface before, people are instantly disappointed. I think it’s worth putting the iPad in perspective not as an Apple product, but as an entry into the new tablet category. So far, the serious tablet contenders we’ve seen have been running Android OS and Windows 7. Looking at these platforms, both have their inherent flaws. Android apps won’t run perfectly on every device due to it’s open code nature. The variety of screen sizes means that some will be incompatible, or just look odd. Windows 7 tablets bring all of the baggage you have on your regular computer. Security needs, maintenance etc. Additionally, Windows was never designed to be fully touch based. You would find yourself needing a stylus eventually.
Next to Android and Windows, the iPhone OS on the iPad starts looking much better. Sure, it may not be saving kittens from trees or rescuing puppies from burning buildings, but it’s far better than the competition. iPad Mail, or Outlook on a Windows PC tablet? iPad music player, or the desktop iTunes software?
I’m starting to look at the iPad as I looked at the iPhone at first. There are problems with it that are purely software based and could so easily be fixed. Multitasking: software. That huge, empty, begging-to-be-filled lock screen: software. Flash Player: software. Let’s not forget that we still have WWDC coming up in the middle of the year, with iPhone OS 4.0 bound to make an appearance. While I do admit that the lack of any camera was a massive disappointment, we all know exactly why Apple didn’t put one it: iPad 2.
Comparing the iPad to the iPhone once again, the iPad starts its life with one major advantage; a well developed SDK and base of developers ready to write the next great app. I have no doubt that all the familiar apps will make there way onto the app store in a new iPad flavor. Things, Tweetie, Facebook, countless news apps and games will all be rewritten for the iPad. It’s just a matter of patience. I’m confident that given time, the iPad will become as appealing as the iPhone.
The tablet computer category will slowly find its place as time goes on, possibly even replacing netbooks. While the iPad isn’t groundbreaking, it is a product we already know and realize will be a joy to use. At this point, I think Apple is doing what they do best and trying to define a category that is clearly a mess. Who knows, maybe Apple will eventually put the full OS X on future iPads. But for now, I know that I would rather put my money towards an iPad than a PC Slate running Windows 7, Norton Antivirus, iTunes, Internet Explorer and the Kindle Desktop Software.
