Update on the Apple iPad

I have had a couple days to evaluate  the iPad, and I have a few more thoughts on the subject. First, it is a big iPod Touch for all intensive purposes. I praised the device for its design and still think that it is very elegant. However, there are some flaws, perhaps planned that I want to address. Apple is making this device highly proprietary to its own software and hardware.

There are no USB ports on the device. Therefore, hooking up your own USB keyboard will not be happening. There is not an HDMI port for playing HD video on a TV. While this device is supposed to combine the best features of a netbook and e-reader, it seems to lack in both areas.

As an e-reader, it is pricey, very pricey if you get anything other than the most basic version that does not come equipped with 3G. Add this to the fact that 3G internet access will cost you $30/month from ATT. As a netbook, the lack of a physical keyboard and the ability to run multiple applications simultaneously is a major drawback.

This device is pretty, but at the same time it is lacking some major features that would really make it worth the high price tag. Apple is touting this as an inexpensive device, but when you look at the features and what this device is capable of versus other devices, the inadequacies seem to become apparent. For 829USD, the price of the top of the line iPad, you could feasibly purchase an e-reader, an iPod and a netbook. Almost at least…You may say that that defeats the purpose of an all-in-one device, but personally I do not think that this iteration or generation of the iPad reaches that goal.

Cheers.