Ok – so now that I’ve had it in my hands (and not my daughters) for the past few days I have a few updates on things that are good/bad.
Design
Although it is sleek and sexy it is also a bit heavy – in comparison to my Kindle. I noticed this especially as I was holding it up to watch a movie. Granted I don’t have one of the apple covers that props it up, so that will help, but when you are laying in bed and on the verge of falling asleep it starts to weigh you down. The lack of a user facing camera is also a bit frustrating. I want to be able to video chat.
Software
Speaking of video chat – why isn’t iChat installed? I think a three way iChat on this devise would be AMAZING!! Being able to multi-task between applications would be another great feature – maybe by creating something like Spaces? Keynote is great fun, but I can’t figure out how to import my existing files and the lack of a USB is making things a bit of a challenge.
Usage
All of these little speed bumps aside – the experience of working with these applications on this devise is nothing short of sensual. I’ve fondled a few sexy computer devices in my day, but this one takes the cake.
Applications & Advertising
The first iPad specific ad unit I’ve been able to find is on the NYTimes app for Chase where I can sign up for a credit card. I do very much like the Editors Choice app for the NYTimes – it’s all the same writers I usually read anyway so it’s great content, just further curated. The Gilt Group app is amazing and I would argue a million times better than their site – it’s fast and it makes me want to do nothing but shop. I was a bit disappointed in the GQ app, as most of the ads just said click through to website – which for many of them lead to a flash based site that isn’t viewable on the iPad. The Burberry ad at least said “Watch the Video” and it was a seamless integration – well done. Cool Hunting has a great app that is fully sponsored by Cadillac – great integration (look for the Cadillac logo in the bottom navigation) and nice content sharing.
Overall I am still loving it – despite my few challenges. I’m sure I will love gen II even more.
PS – best feature I’ve found is a button on the Wake Screen that looks like a flower in a frame – it turns the iPad to slideshow mode for whatever pictures you preset it to and BOOM! digital photo frame!! Now that’s worth $600 🙂
Shenanize 