The Apple iPad was recently announced… and here are my preliminary thoughts on where it will fit in the overall landscape of devices.
Personally, I was looking forward to the announce. I was considering a MacBook Pro, but when I heard of the rumors of an upcoming tablet by Apple that would revolutionize the laptop and netbook industry, I was curious. Early photos showed what appeared to be a version of MacOS running on the tablet which raised my interest further.
But later that turned out to be only a rumor. The new tablet would run a version of the iPhone OS. Though it was also announced that a new version of iWorks would be available for the iPad, I felt slightly let down.
Now mind you, I think the price is still really attractive, and Apple will have no problems selling this media toy. So what will the mean to social media?
With its thin OS, the product is obviously relying on the Web as its platform. And though the iWorks productivity suite is available for the iPad, I see it more of a media tool for educational, recreational, and social purposes.
Though the primary purpose will be initially dominated by its eBook capabilities, I also see other media applications quickly jumping on board, and its compatibility with iPhone applications certainly does help. But the iPad is a different beast. It’s larger screen and more powerful chip will allow app developers more room for creativity.
Outside of gaming, the early front runners will be the social media incumbents like Facebook, and Twitter via apps like Tweetdeck and Seesmic who already have desktop applications that now have the potential play on a portable platform. Tweetdeck has the upper hand since it is already available via an iPhone app.
Old media will also want to get into the game, with more magazines, journals, and newspapers participating in via the iTunes Store.
Overall, though smartphones like the iPhone are convenient and ultra-portable, their size limiting. Laptops though powerful are more intended as a mobile office, and a bit overkill for social or educational purposes. I believe the iPad will have a place, and in fact will be the new preferred device for Social Media.
Now to convince my wife of this before my birthday :-)
Advertisement
Apple’s groovy innovation will rapidly evolve after the over-hype time during it’s unveiling. The A4 chip and Apple’s potential to fix some problems will help to make the product a monster in years to come.
Between me and my husband we’ve owned more MP3 players over the years than I can count, including Sansas, iRivers, iPods (classic & touch), the Ibiza Rhapsody, etc. But, the last few years I’ve settled down to one line of players. Why? Because I was happy to discover how well-designed and fun to use the underappreciated (and widely mocked) Zunes are. Have you tried the ipad? you can get one free at FreshGiftCard.com