Please my geeky brethren, calm down.
Apple has finally, after 34 years, actually delivered on its promise of a computer “for the rest of us”.
It’s just not for “us”.
And sure, that stings a little. I know you’re hyperventilating about lack of Flash support, no ports, no file system access, no camera, no multitasking. IT DOESN’T RUN PHOTOSHOP!!!!
To which my mother replies “what the hell is multitasking? and stop using all caps – it’s rude.”
Let’s not begrudge an easy to use, fast, reliable computer for people who don’t earn their living sitting in front of one. There is a huge segment of the population that just wants to listen to their music, surf the web, read a book and check their email. Maybe watch a movie or play a game.
No, really.
They want a computer that “just works”.
Yes, yes, yes, I’ve heard your mutterings about netbooks (cheaper, full featured, “real” OS, does everything the iPad does and more)
But if I may be so bold, you have completely missed the point. I forgive you for glossing over “easy to use”, the term has been reduced to almost meaningless by decades of misuse. I don’t mean “easy to use” in the current marketing sense of the phrase, I’m going totally old school on this and using the phrase as originally intended. As in power it up, start using it and never, ever, read a manual.
Not just easy to use, intuitive and obvious to use.
We saw it first with the iPhone, you simply hand it to someone and in moments, without a word of instruction they press the one available button on the face of the phone and it reacts by immediately lighting up and showing a button with an arrow and the simple instruction “slide to unlock”. Then you are dropped into an interface that is clear, playful, responsive, forgiving and intuitive.
And you say “it’s just a big iPod Touch” like that’s a bad thing.
I think the biggest problem with the tablet is that it requires a computer. It needs to be able to stand alone.
I can’t wait to get my hands on one. I do however think that the lack of flash support is a huge mistake. It leaves much most engaging content on the internet completely unavailable. But with many of the Apple apps re-optimized for this device I am not going judge it until I try it.
Very well said. You’re so right. Us “turbo geeks/users” missed the point. I can tell you that my holiday shopping for 2010 is already done. You’re welcome Mom.
The Boomers are going to love this. No more large type books for the myopic.
This device is not for me (yet), but I can see possible uses in the future.
Look out kindle, the crosshairs are on your head.