Hey Steve,
It's been a while since we talked. First up, I just wanted to say thanks again for my MacBook and my iPhone. They have completely revolutionized how I travel, which is well documented here and here and here.
There are travelers out there who firmly believe that gadget-free is the only way to go globetrotting, but don't worry. The Gadget Guru is always trying to win hearts and minds to the ways technology can enhance a travel experience.
Which leads me to my reason for writing. Do you have a moment to chat? Steve, Steve, Steve. I had Wednesday, January 27th marked on my iPhone calendar as Tablet Day! No one was more excited than me about TABLET DAY!!!
First there was the letdown of the name. The iPad?!
Whatever. A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. I can get over it. But I wonder, Steve, did you really have travelers in mind when you made the iPad? Because we feel a little overlooked. Sure, the gamers are happy! And news and book publishers are dancing in the aisles, but Steve, the iPad is lacking some very basic features that travelers are going to need on the road.
No USB: Without a USB port, I can't plug in my digital camera or my Flip video camera. Okay, fine, I told myself. I'll use the built in camera to make do, though the quality of the pictures will be far less. What's that you say, Steve? YOU FORGOT TO PUT A CAMERA ON IT? Egad man! Taking pictures is what travelers do! We need to remember every inch of this escape because we only get two weeks off a year. Two weeks, Steve. That'll keep you up at night.
Nickel and Diming: What's that you say? I can upload content to my iPad if I buy the camera connection kit? But I already have to buy a case and (gasp!) a wall plug. This begs the question, are you nickel and diming me, Steve? You're not even giving me a wall plug?!
Multitasking: Steve, I'm a busy lady. That's how I got hooked on your products in the first place, but I will only be able to run one app at a time on this thing. You mean, I can't write an email and futz around with my iPhoto app? Say it ain't so.
(Hangs head in frustration.)
Listen, don't take this too hard. I am super proud of you for listing the Environmental Status Report front and center--and working so hard to give this baby a tiny footprint. And you know me. I'm an early adopter. I'm sure I'll get one anyway.
But I really think with just a few tweaks you'd have a laptop slayer on your hands and a whole generation of wide-eyed wanderers toting your iPad all over the world.
Your pal,
Alison
Comments
Jan 31, 2010
These complaints seem pretty typical of a newly released product. Hopefully Steve is listening and makes some changes.
Jan 31, 2010
I completely agree. I had such high hopes for this device--and truth be told, I thought I wanted one as I was watching it being unveiled. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized it wouldn't really give me the type of portability I was hoping for---in fact, it would just add yet another device I'd have to cram into my carry-on bag.
The lack of a USB, the inability to multitask, and the fact that it runs on a modified version of the iPhone OS instead of OS X says there's A LOT of room for improvement and I'll hold onto my $500 until the second or third gen iPad is released.
Feb 03, 2010
I totally agree. I think the iPad is going to have to go through several updates before it goes mainstream.
Kudos to you guys for traveling with your macs. I'm a big apple fan but whenever I travel I leave that stuff at home. Way too risky. I just use my $300 netbook.
Feb 04, 2010
I think i-pad is going to go places as it is very good in its functionality. Hope it creates some waves in the market just how the i-phone did..