The iPad: Is it really the best way to experience the Web?

On April 3rd, 2010, Apple came out with their newest gadget called an iPad. This new device has really intrigued me because it has multiple function capability. You can literally surf the web and view whole web pages. I also like the fact the iPad has what they call "ibooks". I was impressed by what "ibooks" offers. On Apple's website this is what it says about the product,

Unlike a paper book — or ebooks on other devices — you can change iBooks on iPad to suit the way you read. Turn iPad to portrait to view a single page. Or view two pages at once by rotating to landscape. Change the text size. Even change the font. Touch and hold any word to look it up in the built-in dictionary or Wikipedia, or to search for it throughout the book and on the web. Use the Bookmarking feature to highlight text and refer to it later. iBooks works with VoiceOver, the screen reader in iPad, so it can read you the contents of any page. Even with all these extras, reading is so natural on iPad, the technology seems to disappear.




I think the best endorsement for the iPad comes from my older brother, Phil Windley, who has his PHD in computer science. He is a computer wiz who knows a lot about computers and all electronic gadgets. He is also the author of this book called, "Digital Identity" that has very high (4 and 5 star) customer reviews on Amazon.com.
The page I understood the most in this book was the page where he dedicated the book to our parents.


"To my parents, Rolla and Ranae Windley for giving me the freedom to explore"



This is a highly technical book, but for all of you computer geeks out there, you will probably really like it.

I went to Phil's on the day the iPad came out. I was not surprised to see that there was one at his house already. I was only able to look over my nephew's and niece's shoulders as they played with it. At Phil's website, "Windley'sTechnometria:Organizations Get the IT they Deserve," he blogged about his initial thoughts on the iPad.


"First, as many have already said, the screen is gorgeous and the form factor incredible. The first thing many comment on when they first hold it is: this is beautiful. The device was a little smaller than I expected (maybe an inch each direction), but after holding it and using it, I think it’s a good size. I expect larger one’s will be available in later versions—like anything else."

Do you remember how I said I only got to look at it and not hold it? Well here is the reason why.


"My kids loved playing with it. They were on it for hours. I bought the Scrabble game and my daughter and I played that Saturday night. It was an enjoyable time since we sat next to each other on the couch and passed the iPad back and forth—I actually liked it better than sitting across a board from her. I see the iPad as a gaming device that’s completely different from what we normally expect from computer gaming because of it’s form factor. The iPad makes the game go quicker than normal because it takes the accounting work out of it."

One other thing Phil said that stood out about the iPad is this...


"Speaking of being on it for hours, the battery life is phenomenal. We used it all day and spent only 50% of the battery. I expect I can get several days out of it in typical use. That’s good because having yet another device to dock and charge is a pain. "

You really should go read the whole article he wrote about the iPad. He gave the pros and cons about the iPad. I have always trusted Phil's judgment and that is why I am sharing his thoughts with you. You can go to his website here.

One last thing, the iPad runs for around $499.00. I think you will get a whole lot of use out of one device: Safari, e-mail, photos, videos, YouTube, iPod, iTunes, App Store, iBooks, maps, notes, calendar, listing of contacts and Spotlight Search. I have a birthday coming up soon, so if anyone would like to buy one for me you go ahead and do it!

If you would like to learn more about the iPad directly from Apple please go here. So tell me, what do you think about the new iPad? I would love to hear your thoughts.