I had no time this weekend to post my thoughts on the iPad. But since I had some time to review all informations I could make up my mind if I like the concept of the iPad or if I’d miss something.
Let’s start with the obvious – I posted a list what I’d like to see.
- iPhone OS: check
- Mutlitasking: no (?)
- flash: no
- bluetooth: no (?)
- handwriting: no
- synchronization: yes
everything that is marked with a ? is something I didn’t find enough informations to make sure it is correct.
Let’s be honest.
Multitasking
I want my IM open and surf the web. I am perfectly capable of doing two things. No multitasking sucks.
Switching applications like virtual desktops (spaces) would also be okay. I don’t have to see my IM window all the time. But closing my browser, starting my IM client, closing IM and starting the browser just sucks.
Flash
Some of you know that I use noScript as one of my favorite Firefox extensions. I don’t use flash. Never ever. I have it installed if I want to watch a movie on YouTube but that’s it.
Of course it is a argument for all those little trolls out there that don’t even know when they use Flash,… but thats everything. I just don’t care. But I’m interested why they don’t support flash or if they are working on it.
Handwriting
No paperless office? 
We’ll see who is first submitting a note taking application,…
please: don’t say Evernote. Don’t even think about it.
Synchronization
It should work fine with MobileMe. And since I switched to it again I don’t think I’ll have problems with it.
But I’m still looking forward to see if we’ll be able to integrate it in an existing OSX server powered network.
Accessories
I don’t know if I’ll like the leather bag, but I’ll buy the docking station with the keyboard.
I am used to use a keyboard to write without looking at it. This works because I have some kind of feedback when I press a key. This won’t work with the on screen keyboard.
Now here come the big news:
The iPad will be a complete system with this accessory. Just write mails, check Facebook and message some people, surf the web and do whatever you like to do to distract you from your work.
Why you should buy a iPad when you could just switch to another desktop? Easy answer: you don’t have to use one space for private distractions. And if you want to sit under a tree you just go there and take everything you need for your break with you.
While sitting at my desk I want a keyboard because it offers a lot more comfort (I think). That’s why this is a must have for me.
Btw. no a BlackBerry or PalmPre keyboard is not superior to a on screen keyboard on the iPhone – you cannot use it blind.
Will I buy it?
Yes. Because it works for me. Let me start with a little story.
I talked to a friend and told him that I am not using a groupware anymore because it didn’t fit in my workflow. He was some kind of shocked because some years ago I’d just have changed my workflow.
What changed? I grew up. Why should I change something that is perfectly fine only to use some hip stuff?
When I get up in the morning I do two things after showering. I drink my coffee and I eat breakfast. While drinking my coffee I check my mails, read some RSS Feeds and take a look at some sites like CuteOverload or Ensidia to see if there is something new and interesting.
This is why the tablet is great for me. It’s light. It just works. It’s easy to use with one hand. It has every feature I need.
I found myself sitting on my couch and using my iPhone to check if there is something new, to read some tweets and so on. Why did I use my iPhone? Because I just wanted to do this one thing. There was no need to boot my Laptop. So you say the iPad is just a big iPod touch? Fine. Works for me.
Project media center
I’m planing to use a MacMini with EyeTV, XBMC and some other stuff as media center to get rid of my two digital receivers (one to record shows, one for Sky), my old DVD player and the cable to my Laptop.
I think I’ll use the iPad as remote. Could be really cool if it works.
Work
The iPad cannot replace my notebook. At least not if no one is releasing a “handwriting note taking application”.
Will I use it for presentations? No.
I always have my Laptop with me because I just need some software that isn’t running on the iPad or OSX and VirtualBox won’t work on the iPad.
Should you buy it?
If it works for you yes.
If you need or want a Laptop don’t buy it. But also don’t buy one of this creepy netbooks. Get a MacBook Air.
Conclusion
Instead of writing one by myself I just copy two excerpts of blogs I have in my feed reader.
The first one is from Jeff Croft
This thing is going to sell. It’s going to sell well this year, but it’s going to sell like fucking hotcakes next year. Multi-touch, tablet-form-factor devices are the future of personal computing. I’m convinced of it. It’s not perfect, but it’s a darn good device for the price point, and it’s the start of something big.
This is just so true I could not write it better.
Second one is from Brent Spore
7. I WANT ONE!!
I won’t include his explanation to point seven since I’m sure that I’ll buy one.