After the media hysteria over the past few months the iPad has finally been unveiled by Apple CEO Steve Jobs. It appears to be innovative, attractive and user friendly and will certainly have a major impact in the computing and consumer world.
Will I buy one? NO. I don´t NEED one. In the same way as I don´t need an iPhone, Blackberry, Android, iPod, Kindle or many other consumer electronic items. Of course the iPad will sell in its millions, but I imagine the majority of those who buy one will not progress much beyond using it as a fancy games platform or music/video player. These are things that can already be done with most mobile phones at a fraction of the price.
This is not intended as a criticism of the iPad itself, or of any other technology. More as a criticism of the ballyhoo and "buy now" mania that seems to be generated by these products.
I use computers and related technologies every day. Life would be difficult without them. However, I refuse to be part of the "must have it now" idiocy that seems to have gripped a large part of this planet.
My personal choice, my opinions, for what they are worth. Please, may we have a little more sanity and a little less hysteria. These are, after all, consumer items, not the answer to Life, the Universe and Everything. (thanks Douglas Adams, HHGTTG).
If anyone is interested in an informed blog on the iPad have a look at:
http://www.stephenfry.com/2010/01/28/ipad-about/ - he knows a lot more about it than I do.
Be well, Bren.
PS. iPad, Blackberry, and others mentioned are registered trademarks of their respective copyright owners.