iPad: it's meant for the future

January 30, 2010 / Filed under: iPad, Apple, Products

My initial post about the Apple iPad was pure gut reaction. I needed some time to let it all sink in, read reviews from industry pundits, and fully reflect on the big picture.

What's happening here? Has Apple introduced something profound, but initially hard to grasp? Or am I just not getting it?

I'm not your average Apple-naysayer, either. I love Apple's computers, devices, philosophy, etc - and I've owned Macs, iPhones, iPods - you name it. So to compare me with typical critics and doubters (like those who criticized the iPhone) is really not fair because it's not that I don't understand what Apple is doing - I just don't see how this particular product has any appeal.

I get the incredible new way to interact with software, using finger gestures - even more advanced than the iPhone. I think interacting with our personal computers in this manner will be the future for sure. I also get that Apple has created their own CPU, which is being used for the iPad. The more control Apple has over every aspect of the product, the better - for them.

So I get that the software is amazing, and the device state-of-the-art.

What I'm not getting is why anyone would want or need a device like this today. For all practical purposes, it serves no additional purpose.

And this is why I believe the iPad is probably not meant for today. It's meant for the future. It's a futuristic device that is ahead of it's time, but it's time will come soon, and fast. And then we'll all forget about this initial backlash against it.

I know this - I can feel it. Apple's got something special here - it's just a matter of time before it truly hits home with everyone.

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