I have been reading so much mixed and, even bad, media & opinions on the Apple iPad.
It is quite clear that a LOT of people feel that it is just a very large iPod and well essentially it is, however it is also a whole lot more!
For example, one of the key things that I use my iPhone for, apart from music and the phone, is managing my Linux server while out and about using an SSH terminal session. As great as this is – it is also frustrating working on such a small screen.
Now, being able to use a SSH and terminal app on the iPad is magic!
I have also seen remote windows desktop apps for the iPod and iPhone. How much better would those be on an iPad?
Another great feature would be web development or, perhaps I should actually say, web site maintenance. Imagine being able to interact with your code something like the way you interact with a web page on the iPad. I am not suggesting that this will, or even could, replace developing on a desktop, because it won’t, but the possibility of being able to do what you need in an awesome way without being at your desk is really cool!
Now all we need is a developer to build these sorts of apps for the iPad. Personally I am hoping for someone like the Coda team to do it.
The iPhone (and iPod touch) are revolutionary because of the App Store. With the iPad being able to use all the same apps, as well as new apps being developed specifically for it, the iPad is more desirable than people might realise at this point.
And then there is the Book store. This WILL begin to change the way people read books, not everyone but many many many people will begin to buy and read books on their iPad. I see books becoming a thing we tell our kids or grandkids about. Something like VHS. We all know many people are reluctant to use eBooks but this will change. Think about it, Apple has just made it easier to buy books: there is no such thing as “Sold Out”, “Not in Stock” and so on. This is of course great for writers too!
As you can see I am quite excited about the iPad. Perhaps people need look at it a little differently. It’s not meant to replace a laptop or desktop and it’s not supposed to replace your iPod or iPhone, it is, just as Apple have said, somewhere in the middle and a brilliant gadget.
In My Opinion, this is the must have gadget for 2010.