Why I would buy an iPad

The iPad is out!

Originally,  I thought the iPad was a retarded idea. Who needs a machine thats double the size of a iPhone?

I don't see myself as a consumer of applications but rather a creator. The only reason I want an iPhone is so I can do some development for it. I dabbled a little of it while writing code to control my AMAV project and found its nothing like C++. I love the fact it has an accelerometer, digital compass, GPS, camera, etc.

The screen is too small and theres nothing that really interests me other than an always on internet connection. Which is useless in Canada since the monthly quota is only 600 megs. I use the internet for everything, writing reports, doing spreadsheets, coding, compiling, designing, etc. i can only imagine how quickly I would eat up my quota.

Hence the advantage of the iPad. Its doesn't need to be always connected on the internet. Its comfortable being carry on tablet. Its a much better platform for video (how can anyone watch a video on an iPhone??) and the screen size better suited for surfing the net.

I like to read and I have a bunch of ebooks on my computer. I much prefer electronic formats since they're more versatile. Although, a good hard cover is hard to beat so thats why I still continue to buy hard covers. I hate text books so if I can get my hands on a electronic SEARCHABLE version, I'm all over it. The iPad fulfills this giant hole in my life. I used to use a Nokia N770and my tiny 2.5 inch Windows Mobile Dopod to read novels, notes and text books. It was novel at first but got tiresome waiting and scrolling PDFs.


I also like the Kindle and electronic paper readers but there are a few issues with them. They all have lag and have poor form factor. Plus, the iPad is in the same price range so why not just get something that works now and then get an epaper reader later? Once epaper can do what the iPad does, it will be more revolutionary than the iPhone.

I do have some apprehension toward the iPad since I have experience with Asus' netbooks. Apple likes to blast the netbook crowd but Asus has the netbook form factor down. They're also planning an Android/Windows7 tablet to fight the iPad. It won't be as nice looking as the iPad probably but there are a lot more advantages. All USB standard keyboards, mouse, web cams, etc will be supported. I can write code for it in C, C++, Java, etc. It won't lock you into the buy Apple mentality so you're wallet isn't burden with having to buy Apple approved accessories.

I won't be buying one any time soon so maybe my opinion will change when I see what comes out till then.