I Iz Applez Fanboy

For those hiding under a rock, Apple announced it’s latest piece of tech to “change (and likely save) the world” (scare quotes mine). The iPad, a larger version of the iPhone or iPod Touch, with a tablet computer feel, was announced by Steve Jobs today.

I was very excited for this announcement. Still am for that matter. The iPad is, I suspect, likely to be a major game changer for a lot of folks looking at a cheap laptop or netbook. And, there’s a while lot to like about the device:

• 10 inch screen (though actually it’s a bit less)
• works in portrait or landscape modes
• uses the iPhone OS, so it will be very intuitive
• 10 hour battery life with 1 month (!!!) standby capability (according to Apple. Take all manufacturer estimates of battery life with a grain or two of salt)

Additionally, Apple made some very good decisions along with the hardware design:

• They’ll be releasing real productivity apps at reasonable prices – $9.99 each for iWork chunks.
• No lock in with a single cellular network, although they’re continuing to partner with AT&T for available 3G service.
•Making a dockable external keyboard available.

All of which makes it an excellent choice for more than just a media consumer appliance; it can readily be used as a business too as well.

But, they didn’t do everything right. It has a few flaws too:

• No built in 3G capability. You’ll have to fork over more for that – about $150 more if memory serves correctly. The base model, regardless of SSHD (i.e., flash memory) size, will only have wifi networking capability.
• No camera. At all – front or rear facing.
• No contract option for cheaper cell network data coverage. I know, I listed this as a plus; sue me, it goes both ways. You can sign up with any data carrier for their (ripoff) rates, or not sign a contract with ATT for “unlimited” data at $30 a month with no minimum service term. I’d almost like to see someone offer a subsidized price for one even with a minimum data plan contract. That add-on charge for Apple to include a 3G radio is a little outragious.

That said. Yeah, I still want one.

Proud Daddy Report

It was a very good trip down to below-mentioned All Virginia Elementary Chorus. Tessa and 119 of her fellow 5th grade musicians did a wonderful job. I couldn’t be prouder.

I’m not usually one for tears, but my eyes were welling through the entire concert.

Side note….Now that I’m converting my Acer Aspire One to Ubuntu linux, anyone have an idea how to get it (and Firefox) to hit the intercept when you try to login to free wifi at someplace like Panera? I could get the network recognized, but the browser didn’t want to play games with the new proxy.

One other thing….Any WordPress junkies out there reading this? Not counting on it, of course, but….how come I keep getting that oddball spacing in the middle of my posts?