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.