Technology, the iPad and Me

So, as you can see by my first post before this edit, I am not the technological geek for which my friends perceive me. I am known to be carrying two gadgets with me constantly. My mobile phone, which changes with the seasons depending on whether it breaks, I break it or I lose it; and my iPod touch. I spend so much time on both toys it's silly. Friends ask me why I just don't combine the two and get an iPhone. There is one main reason - cost. I spend 1/5th the cost on my cell than people do on their iPhone. I have an unlimited plan to text for free on my cell and rarely use my phone to dial out. I never call long distance. So why would I pay more?

My iPod acts as a netbook really. Wifi spots and my home wifi allow me to use it like a laptop. I have an application to work on templates and word documents so I can do my paperwork from virtually anywhere. I Facebook, Twitter, surf the web, email, order online even from my iPod. Sure it's creating a lazy human but it is also allowing me to destress away from the office, working in the comfort of my chosen surrounding, while avoiding an enourmous mobile bill and lugging around a bulky laptop.

Setting up this incredible little technological wonder was, at first, a bit foreign to me. I couldn't get the wifi modem to pair with my iPod but with a ltitle help from my Internet supplier online, I received simple instructions to make my device compatible with my wireless modem. Fortunately I kept those instructions because my little mini computer decided to reject my modem pairing. Perhaps they had a little tiff and wanted to have a break for a while. To no avail I searched my desk for those instructions and in no time - BAM - a truce was created and I was cruising on line again!

All of this inconvenience made me think about the upcoming chaos with the iPad, soon to be sold in Canada. This new piece of technology being introduced to the public seems to me to be a larger version of the iPhone or iPod touch. From watching the previews and all the reviews, it seems to be my iPod but 6 times the size! So, of course, I thought 'wow'. This could be a neat new toy on which I could do all of my projects and leisure activities. Then as I pondered the wonders of Apple's new invention, I began to imagine its use in my world. The reason I like my iPod is it's size and it's one-hand use (coffee or beer or wine or food or umbrella or etc... in the other). I think that using it without a stand would be difficult because the physical process of using the touch screen on an iPod or iPhone is either with two thumbs or fingers. With the iPad you would need to set the tablet down and type on it like a laptop. I think this makes the iPad less efficient for quick access to type, especilly if there is no flat surface on which to lay the iPad down. What would I do with my coffee?

The size of the iPad seems great if you want to read books, newspapers, etc on the touch screen. Unforunately, the inconvenience of it not fitting in your pocket or small purse, creates the need for a bigger carry bag or case ( or pocket). The ease in which I can transport my iPod seems to outweigh the extra accesories needed to protect an iPad, requiring a bigger touch screen protecting film, an outer protective shell and a carry case, nevermind the need for a portable flat surface such as an attaching stand or 'easel' of some sort.

Yes, I may have becomeca bit of a Mac snob, but I don't think I will be requiring an iPad soon. The final disadvantage in the mix for me is the frusration with my iPod - no flash player ability. The iPad also has this disadvantage which renders it simply a large iPod touch in my eyes. I can guarantee a future shift in my feelings when I actually get my little ungeeky paws on an iPad. For some reason the feel of Apple toys are addictive. Whether I like it, love it or am indifferent, will only be answered at a later date.