Apple iPad

Apple’s revolutionary tablet device is now on the market, or at least it is for those lucky enough to live across the Atlantic. Does the iPad live up to the hype, or is it another would-be revolution wrapped in slick design?

Amazingly, Apple seem to have hit it big again with the iPad. The iPod, iPhone, and most recent Macbook line have been amazing successes for the Bay Area technology company, giving them a significant boost in market share and a reputation for ‘premium’ technology products. While the iPad certainly doesn’t offer anything new in terms of processing power, its innovative interface and user-friendly control options make it a must-have for technology fans and Apple evangelists.

Pre-release sales of the iPad have certainly been impressive, despite the occasional criticism from high-tech crowds and technology reporters. While the device does fall short in some respects – the lack of Flash support being one of them – the overall experience is enough to make it one of Apple’s greatest recent successes.

iPhone users will be instantly familiar with the iPad’s control system and operating interface. The icons are arranged in a grid-like desktop pattern, allowing users to quickly and easily access the built-in Safari web browser, mail application, or any number of downloaded third-party applications.

While Apple’s iPhone OS is usable and fitting for the device, the operating system’s limitations are quite obvious. Tech-savvy users may grow bored of the device’s relatively limited performance and control options, and could become frustrated with Apple’s obsession for ‘simple’ design. There’s little room to customize the iPad – even slight changes to layout and display are difficult to achieve.

However, market research suggests that the iPad’s focus isn’t on tech-savvy users, but on people looking for a ‘third place’ to compute. As a replacement for the PC or laptop, the iPad obviously falls short. However, as an all-purpose device for reading eBooks, managing emails, and enjoying portable entertainment, the iPad is the best (and currently, the only) device of its type on the market today.

The lack of a tactile keyboard caused disdain and worry in the technology community, but it appears to have been for nothing. Typing on the iPad is a breeze, and managing email and documents is simple due to the device’s large display. Our only complaint is the way numbers are managed – rather than adding them to the standard on-screen keyboard, Apple has used the iPhone’s extra number and symbol button.

If you’re lucky enough to pick up an iPad internationally, you may have some annoyances in line once you return to the UK. Apple have currently locked the device to AT&T, an American cell provider that’s certainly not renowned for generous international data usage plans. However, Apple are planning a UK release shortly, likely once the 3G enabled devices are released across the pond.

While the iPad isn’t a device that will make everyone happy, it is one of the most impressive pieces of technology we’ve seen recently. Despite some minor shortcomings, this piece of design and technology could soon follow in the footsteps of the iPod and iPhone – appearing in the hand, briefcase, or backpack of almost everyone.

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