My $0.02 On The iPad

Just some thoughts on Apple's soon to be released tablet. Many critics out there don't like the device because it lacks features like video conferencing and third party multitasking. There has been so much fuzz about it, as a NUI developer, I'll also shed my opinion on the subject.

Right now I don't feel the need to own an iPad. Pretty much the same that I don't feel the need to have a Microsoft Surface Table in my living room. With a computer, smart phone and laptop within reach, I don't see the point of adding another device to my collection.

I do see potential in these kind of evolutionary devices though. I really like the 'emphasis' and 'opportunities' they bring to me as a developer/ designer.

The iPad is the first true tablet computer I know of that has a complete finger / gesture based user interface. Just like the iPhone was the first successful smart phone with a true finger and gesture based User interface.

No need to worry about managing files, virus scanners or other standard computer operations. The iPad is completely task based making it a different computing experience we techies are used to.

Another thing that makes me excited about this device are the movies I watch. When I take a look at yesterdays Sci-Fi movies (Serenity, Start Trek to name a few).. I keep seeing people walking around with iPad like devices. Arthur C Clare wrote about a Newspad device years ago. Hell, even Microsoft's 2020 concept movies show multi touch tablet devices that have a stunning resemblance with Apple's tablet.

So whats up with that? Apparently people, like myself, were expecting a video conferencing, sketch book, note taking internet device ... not a device that puts emphasis on a consistent task driven, touch based UI...

Some people even suggest the iPad isn't targeted at us nerds at all, being the reason the device lacks some 'most wanted' features.

Instead, it's believed Apple sees the iPad as a complete new way of computing. Especially for people without any technical knowledge (your grandparents for example).

I see the iPad as a new opportunity to create task focussed applications. I wouldn't be able to sum the possibilities such a device presents for example healthcare automation.

So, if the device will be a success or a failure, no one can predict that. I do believe the iPad brings the future a little closed, and you gotta give it credit for that...