Apple has impossible expectations to meet with the iPad. In the run up to its launch, fans around the world predicted a super-saviour, near-messianic tablet that would not only save the publishing industry but forever change the way we use computers.
In many ways, the iPad is on the way to changing the ergonomics of computing, the same way Apple changed the way smartphones work in our hands.
But really, hype aside, how useful is the iPad as a companion for road warriors?
As part of the job at Yahoo!, I’m on the road about twice a month on average. I’ve been traveling with the iPad for the past few weeks with one question in mind — is it good enough to replace my office-issued Hewlett-Packard sub-notebook?
No. Here’s why:
1. Multi-tasking: No small matter — who likes having to close and open applications continuously? If you get an email with an invite to a meeting, you’ll have to close the mail app, open the calendar, check the schedule, close the calendar, open the mail app and reply. Computing may be tough sometimes, but multi-tasking is nothing short of sliced bread.
2. Keyboard: I’ve been annoyed that the iPhone doesn’t have a keyboard. I hate it even more that there isn’t one for the iPad. Sure, I know I can pair it up with a Bluetooth keyboard, but that’s just one more gadget to pack on a trip.
3. Charger: The iPad can only be charged through a wall charger — you can’t juice up on a regular USB port. That’s another thing to think about.
4. Business apps: Want to work on a 20-page Powerpoint deck on the iPad? Don’t even bother. Apple’s Keynote often shreds Powerpoint pressos.
5. The attention: A curse on early adopters! While it’s a great conversation piece, it means having to demo it for plenty of onlookers.
There are, of course, lots of great reasons to travel with an iPad. Just to balance the argument, here are three of the best ones:
1. Instant on: No-fire-up-and… wait, wait, wait on this. Hit the “on” button and you’re up instantly.
2. Battery life: You get up to ten hours on this.
3. Flights: It’s comfortable to use in the economy seat. No scrunched up body postures. Also, the iPad guarantees a quick pass through on airport security checks. This is one computer that you can safely keep in your bag during luggage x-rays.
Overall, the experience has been positive. But if I had to pick only one business computer for a trip, it would still be the laptop.
What’s been your experience with the “wonder tablet”? Do you plan to get your hands on one?
