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The iPad: An Inside-the-Park Home Run
January 27th, 2010 at 6:46 PM - Columns and Opinions by Ted Landau
The iPad (as we now know it is called) is tantamount to Apple hitting an inside-the-park home run. Even with all of the rumors swirling about these past months, the device ultimately managed to live up to the hype — and even exceed it in a few places. I am certain Apple has a success on their hands. They will sell a ton of iPads (you heard it here first!). That’s what makes it a home run. But while Apple lit up the scoreboard with the iPad (which is what counts most), they didn’t manage the ultimate spectacle of hitting the ball beyond the upper decks. Here’s why:
Why it’s a home run
Sorting through all of the iPad’s features and specs, here are the ones that most sold me on the device:
• Price. This was the biggest surprise of the day. The cost of an iPad starts at $499. The Kindle DX sells for $489. For only $10 more, you can get an iPad — which does…about a zillion more things than the Kindle. Even given that the Kindle’s E-Ink technology may be superior for reading and battery life, it’s time for Amazon to rethink their Kindle strategy. The iPad is going to be serious competition. Deadly serious.
I also believe it was smart for Apple to make 3G an option (it cost $130 extra). Many people survive quite nicely with a MacBook that has no 3G option. They can do so just as well with the iPad. And for those willing to pay for the privilege of 3G (including its additional monthly fee), they can. Choice is good.
• iWork and the Keyboard. In a previous column, I expressed my hope that the iPad might replace my MacBook. In order to do so, it would need to have at least two capabilities not presently available in the iPhone. First, it needed to be able to run applications such as the iWork suite, so I could use it to write articles or create Keynote presentations. Second, it needed an external keyboard, so I could type more efficiently that I can with a virtual keyboard. Apple delivered on both counts (exactly along the lines I described in my article). Kudos. [Update: To be fair, I believed that the iPad would not have the muscle to be a true Keynote document creator; I was happily wrong.]
I still have concerns about editing (I don’t want to have to “shake to Undo”). But I assume this will be worked out.
• External connections. I was glad to see that Apple is offering a Camera Connection Kit. With this, you can load photos from a camera directly to the iPad, yet another key feature makes it possible to replace a MacBook with an iPad. Again, I predicted that this feature was coming — at it did.
Similarly, although details are still a bit vague, Apple promises that the iPad will work with “external projectors” — meaning I can use it to deliver presentations at conferences and meetings.
• iBooks. The new iBooks app and the iBookstore turn the iPad into a full-fledged eBook reader. Combined with updated newspaper and magazine apps, redesigned to take advantage of the special features of the iPad interface (such as embedded video and jumping to story continuations), it offers almost everything I had hoped to see.
I was a bit surprised that magazines and newspapers were not included in the iBookstore, where they might charge for a subscription. Many had predicted something like this — and that it would mark the beginning of a rejuvenation for print publications. But it was not to be.
• Everything else. As for the rest, the iPad showed off the typical Apple polish. It looks sleek, runs fast, and works even better than the iPhone as a game machine, iPod, Web browser and email client. My overall positive impression could dim a bit after I finally get an iPad in my hands and discover limitations not apparent from the demos; but I doubt it.
Why it didn’t make it out of the ballpark
Despite all of this, there are a few missing pieces that prevent me from having unqualified enthusiasm for the iPad. In some cases, the pieces may yet be found (as there are details yet to be revealed). But the outlook is not encouraging.
One general comment: Steve Jobs described the iPad as a new product category, in between the iPhone and the MacBook. True enough. But it is also true that, if you already own a MacBook and an iPhone, there is not a compelling reason to get an iPad — unless you intend it to replace one of these other two devices. That is, I don’t see going on a trip with all three in my backpack. For me, as I’ve already indicated, I view the iPad as a potential replacement for a MacBook that serves as a secondary computer. And here is where it runs into trouble.
• File transfer limitations. It appears that the major (and in some cases the only) way to directly transfer data to and from an iPad will be — just as with an iPhone — via syncing to your Mac or PC. Sure, you can use email to send an attachment (if you have an Internet connection), but if you simply want to get a Pages document from your iPad to a friend’s iPad (or vice versa), there should be a simple direct way to do so. With two MacBooks, you can do the transfer over Wi-Fi, using file sharing to mount one computer as an external drive on the other Mac. Or you ca use a USB flash drive as an intermediary. Neither of these options appear to be available for the iPad.
Or what about if I am traveling with an iPad and iPhone and I want to transfer an assortment of documents from one device to the other? How do I do this — without any MacBook for syncing? I’m not sure this is even possible. Perhaps Apple expects people to use MobileMe as a cloud-based solution. We’ll see.
[Note: I have begun to look over what’s new in iPhone OS 3.2 SDK. It offers some positive signs. In particular, applications will be able to “share” documents they create using a new file-sharing support feature. All documents to be shared are placed in a Shared Directory, which will mount on the desktop when the device is connected to a computer. This works independently of iTunes syncing. While this doesn’t address all the file transfer and viewing issues, it’s a start.]
• File viewing limitations. There appears to be no direct way to see the full contents of the iPad’s hard drive. Again, the same is true for the iPhone. If I want to view a list of all of my Pages documents, I expect I will be able to do so from within the Pages app. But what if I more generally want to see all my documents? Or what if I want to create a folder that contains a custom set of my documents, such as a collection of files of different types, all related to an article I am working on. There seems no way to do this with the iPad (although the Shared folder may be a partial solution). Indeed, there still seems no folder hierarchy of any kind supported in the iPad’s Home screens.
Speaking of file viewing, I’m still waiting to see the extent to which the iPad will work with projection systems. Will it just add Keynote presentations to the small list of what is permitted with the current iPhone OS? Or will it truly allow mirroring of the iPad’s display, as you can do with any Mac? I suspect, unfortunately, the former is the case.
• Bluetooth limitations. Despite my joy at seeing a Dock-connected keyboard for the iPad, I’d like to see more keyboard options — such as a Bluetooth wireless keyboard, maybe even one that can be folded so as to make it more portable. The iPad does support Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, so this seems possible. But will Apple truly allow third-parties to play ball here? I’m not sure. [Update: As pointed out in reader comments below, Apple’s Web site states that the iPad will work with the Apple Wireless Keyboard. Whether or not this implies support for third-party keyboards remains uncertain, at least to me.]
• Printing? Will you be able to directly connect your iPad to a printer? As I detailed in this article, your options for doing this from an iPhone are very limited. I see no sign that the iPad will be different. But the demand for printing from an iPad will be greater than with the iPhone. For example, given that the iPad can run Pages, the time will surely come when you will want to print out documents you’ve created — without needing to sync to your Mac to do so.
• Multitasking? What if I am working in Pages and what to add some Web URLs? Will I need to quit Pages, launch Safari, copy a URL, quit Safari, relaunch Pages, and paste the URL? And do this again for each additional URL I want? It sure looks like it. For the iPad to truly be an effective iWork environment, the iPad needs to allow multiple apps to be open at the same time. This may still be coming in iPhone OS 4.0 (not yet announced and possibly included when the iPad finally ships). But as of now, there is no mention of this feature.
• No camera. This first generation iPad has no camera (which means no videoconferencing). This doesn’t concern me too much, as I am certain it will be added to a future version. But it’s worth noting that it’s missing for now.
• The big picture. Almost all of the above limitations are really different aspects of the same thing: the closed nature of the iPhone OS. When I think about replacing my MacBook with an iPad, this fact leaves me more than a bit nervous. Do I really want to give up my MacBook for a device that allows me to add applications only via Apple’s App Store? Do I really want a MacBook alternative that offers no way to directly access, copy and move my documents? Ultimately, do I really want a replacement device that Apple appears to have more control over than I do?
Maybe. It is a pretty impressive device after all. And that’s why I plan to buy one. But I still hope Apple will begin to open up the iPad and iPhone OS in the months ahead. That’s when I will truly be able to yell “it’s outta here.”
In addition to his role here at The Mac Observer, Ted Landau is a Senior Contributor for Macworld, the author of several Mac and iPhone help books, and the founder of MacFixIt. You can .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Ted Landau or post your polite comments below.
64 Observer Comments
Like you said, the closed nature is the key point (though I had handwriting recognition for note taking on my wish list).
Example: I am a computer science student. I use my MacBook to write programs all the time (while in class or between classes). Apple has historically rejected any app from the AppStore that includes translating code into something that runs, like scripting inside an app/game/etc., which could allow one app to run apps purchased outside of the AppStore. So, Apple’s closed world would probably prevent using something like Eclipse + bundled Java compiler and JVM on the iPad, even though it would be a good, workable solution.
On the plus side, I can set a background on my home screen that makes this look like the tablets in the StarTrek TV series. That’s just cool.
Vote with your wallets! This may determine the future of computing!
“I’d like to see more keyboard options — such as a Bluetooth wireless keyboard”
It clearly says in the online documenation that this possible.
Ted - I think the wireless Apple keyboard is an option. If I’ve interpreted the Apple small print correctly.
That being the case I can’t see why a Bluetooth camera isn’t also a possibility. Maybe not ultra convenient, but better than nothing if it will connect. If my Bluetooth headset doesn’t connect I’ll be disappointed.
Pretty spot-on Ted!!
The camera really SHOULD be on this puppy, we have incredible video cam on the nano and not the Pad??? Makes zero sense.
That screen is perfect for video conferencing or even quick-n-dirty video editing!
This Pad can’t be all things to all people. Remember when the iPod came out? The idea of an Apple MP3 player didn’t seem like such a big deal what with all the other players that already existed but then Apple took the MP3 player to another level entirely- a new paradigm of the iTunes store and the App store; those additions made the Pod a game changer big time.
This iPad could be an even bigger seachange. Once the print media realizes that it’s just too damn expensive to kill trees anymore, and realize how cool the interactive magazines could be (see the Sports Illustrated demo), I could see the entire publishing world pivot and join the ‘new’ world. The e-reader aspect ALONE is enough to make this device a world-changer once the content providers smell the wi-fi so to speak.
@webjprgm I’m also a cs student and have the same dilemma. Unfortunately, because of the new cpu architecture (i assume…) I doubt we’ll be seeing eclipse on it for this reason alone anytime soon. Even jailbroken.
When I look at my list of apps on my MacBook, I would miss a few things in replacing it with an iPad: the Adobe apps, programming software, and until it’s jailbroken, additional video codecs/torrent software. But most importantly, iLife. iPhoto is somewhat taken care of, but iMovie, garageband, iWeb are apps I will certainly miss. It’s that freedom that you get on a computer that I think this thing lacks, but I’m optimistic that 3rd parties and eventually apple will step in to take care of the problem. I hope iWork for iPad supports some kind of math equation entry… I think there’s a lot of work to be done on the whole to allow the platform to stay closed but *not as closed* as the iPhone. I would love to take notes in class on this thing, but I don’t see myself bringing a bluetooth keyboard to class (lol…), and when traveling I think an Airport Utility for iPhone (or a frikken web interface for the airports…) is sorely lacking. I’m afraid that Apple may be treating the iPad a little too much like the iPhone, and I don’t think that’s a good thing.
Yes, Bluetooth keyboard connectivity is enabled: (copied from Apple’s website)
Accessories
There are lots of great accessories that have been specifically designed for iPad. The Keyboard Dock, for instance, is a dock with a full-size keyboard. There’s also a standalone Dock. And because iPad has built-in Bluetooth 2.1, it’ll work with an Apple Wireless Keyboard, too. There’s also a Camera Connection Kit that lets you import photos from a camera or SD card. There’s even an iPad Case that not only protects it, it also allows you to use iPad in various positions, to make it easy to type, look at photos, or watch movies. And through a range of accessories, iPad can output to TVs, projectors and displays.
From the article:
“I was glad to see that Apple is offering a Camera Connection Kit. With this, you can load photos from a camera directly to the iPad”
... the same way certain automakers tried to call an analog line-in jack their “MP3 player compatibility”.
No built-in camera is a glaring omission. While I appreciate the connection kit, it’s not the real thing.
Man, a lot of people are griping “it won’t run this, it won’t run that”...that’s why they have these things called laptops, kids.
What would you need or even want to run from Adobe on any pad??? You going to whip those bezier curves into shape on a 9.8” touch screen? This Pad is NOT a computer. You don’t wish your pliers could hammer nails do you??
This thing will change the world (potentially) of media and publishing delivery systems and it will do other cool things (the Apps made explicitly for this platform) but running compromised big-boy apps like Dreamweaver or InDesign is just not cool, buy a laptop or desktop. It’s more a New Media Device, not a Kindle, not a computer per se. Man, I can’t wait to see how this plays out in 3 years.
For my purposes, if I can move documents from Mac to iPad to iPhone through the cloud (iDisk?) then I think I will be happy. I need local storage on the iPad for a few documents I am immediately working on in case of no internet connection, bu the cloud is OK for me to keep the majority.
The lack of camera is too bad, but I think it was omitted in order to meet the price target. The camera would allow videoconferencing which makes sense for this device.
Overall, I am quite pleased with this product. I see it as a way to move from iPhone and MacBookPro to iPhone, iPad and iMac. The iPad will take care of my day to day portability needs as I travel around to meet with customers. Since with my current job I am back home almost every night, I do not need the power of the MacBookPro on the road.
The keyboard will be a big help. I tend to feel that the docked keyboard would be easier for me since it automatically supports the iPad, whereas with a BT keyboard I am not sure how I would view it while typing.
The networks, both Wi-Fi and 3G are not ready for live video conference on mass scale, hence the lack of camera. Face it, five years from now maybe, but none of the networks in the US are ready for this. Much less people doing video chats from their car. We think we have problems now with cell phone users causing accidents?
This thing should come with a major warning: DO NOT USE IN A MOVING VEHICLE IF YOU ARE SEATED IN THE FRONT SEAT. Even a shotgunner holding one would be a huge distraction for a driver.
DO NOT USE IN A MOVING VEHICLE IF YOU ARE SEATED IN THE FRONT SEAT.
Agreed!
CudaBoy makes a strong point.
If you really want a touch-screen laptop - sorry there isn’t one from Apple today.
Maybe the MacBook Air will come down in price now. I guess Ted will be happy at the thought of a more reasonable price/performance ratio.
Perhaps many of the gripers were hoping for a touch-screen “Air” with a bluetooth keyboard option
The problem now is the huge price difference. 3x at the entry point. It sure makes the Air look expensive.
The networks, both Wi-Fi and 3G are not ready for live video conference on mass scale, hence the lack of camera. Face it, five years from now maybe,
Huh? With 4G rolling out you may be surprised how soon Apple slaps a cam in the Pad.
Besides, as the Pad is a media device, live chat is only one of many reasons I want a camera not the least of which is- I want a CAMERA, both still and video. By the comments on this page alone I can predict a.) Apple will sell a gazillion of these pads and b.) Apple will sell even MORE when a camera is built in (or an ext. micro snake cam is hatched lol) in the next iPad version.
whereas with a BT keyboard I am not sure how I would view it while typing.
I think the idea is that you use the accessory case as a stand when using a BT keyboard.
The camera looks at face value like a glaring omission, but as I sit here in front of my Macbook Pro, I can’t help but think of a fundamental usability problem.
The iSight on the laptop is perfectly positioned and fairly still in my lap - even as I type.
It would be pretty hard to keep the iPad still in my hand, let alone position the pad so a camera would point consistently at my face. I would not be surprised if there are some camera-bearing prototypes in Apple’s labs, and there may be some interesting stories about how they function when actually deployed.
Hey I was just watching the Keynote and Steve Jobs said “...so thats a little bit of an over view of the iPod hardware…” I think he ment iPad. I can’t blame him thought, you try to make it a “surprise” but we all know what it was, so the keynote/presentation wasn’t as exciting as they usually are.
Hey I was just watching the Keynote and Steve Jobs said “...so thats a little bit of an over view of the iPod hardware…”
I “pahd” is Boston for iPad. d:)
yeh, well, there wasn’t a lot of distinction b/t the words,...if he even said it
I don’t think that people will really understand the iPad until they actually hold it in their hands and use it. Its fundamental difference is that it is controlled by touching it with your fingers which is completely natural. That may not seem like a big deal at first blush but I think it really is. Yes, of course, the iPhone already does that but its small scale makes it a much different device.
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Fairly accurate assessment. I see the lack of a camera as the big thing. The iPad just screams Skype Me, Video ConferenceMe, Video Chat Me, but without a camera this is a non starter. At this point the only Apple device you can do those things with is a MacBook or iMac. This is IMO a big strike and a huge oversight on Apple’s part. I posted elsewhere the three groups that would have bought them in droves…if it had a camera:
Seniors that want to Skype with their kids on something not too complex to use
Business types that want to make video conference and Sales calls.
Young adults that want to video chat with their friends.
These are huge markets. I know I would have bought two of them; one for my elderly mother and another for my aunt just so they could call me any time. But not without a camera. Right now I’m going to be keeping my credit card right where it is.