Written: January 28th 2010
I find it really interesting to see how many forward thinking techies are disapointed at the new Apple iPad. Stephen Fry suggests this is because they haven't tried it yet and one play with it will instantly transform their opinion but I don't think that's the issue.
Look at all the criticism and it has a lot in common. For the most part, that I've seen, the problem is that it is too big to replace the iPod touch, too restricted to replace a real Mac, won't let me do X or Y, etc. All of which, in my opinion, completely misses the point.
What I love about the iPad is that this is a genuine consumer device. It is a lifestyle device. This is what all those science fiction devices were about. If you know what CSS is, this isn't for you.
The fact that this is coming in with iBook is no coincidence as its method of use is exactly like a book, newspaper or magazine.
In my mind is a family; A real family in their sitting room, and they are all there. No one is sitting alone in a cramped back bedroom checking e-mail, shouting down the stairs every-so-often to ask what date such-and-such is happening or whether we are still speaking to cousin Millie after the you-know-what. They are all sitting watching TV.
From time to time someone asks "what else has he been in?" and the iPad is picked up from its position leaning against the side of the sofa, a quick search is done, a list found, perhaps the iPad is passed to the person who asked or the Pad Hog just reads out the list (why is it that men always have to have the iPad).
A presenter mentions some news event and "that reminds me, John e-mailed some photos of his new place"...and so on.
This device is a game changer. It is the fire and forget, ubiqutous computing, device for the masses that we've always imagined.
The fact that it is basic is exactly the point and plays a part in why this will succeed where Microsoft et. al. failed. People don't want small computers; computers are difficult and complicated and go wrong and give you confusing messages; they want information to be on hand like an encyclopedia in the book case in the corner or the TV guide lying on the nested tables.
This is everything that techies don't care for. It is easy, friendly, basic, and does its job. No sk1llz required. It doesn't need tweaking, it isn't supposed to have POWER, it isn't sexy, hell, it probably won't be cool, but it will do its job and change the world.
What I love about the iPad is that it is mean't to be anonymous, not cool.