We got hold of the iPad approx 3 days after launch (via apple, via ebay, via Sanfrancisco, via UPS) (If you can beat that send me an email and claim my crown!!!)

Who cares? What will it mean for Digital Marketing?

If the web has untethered us from the broadcast and publishing schedules of tv channels and newspapers, then mobile computing  frees us from the desk and the pc. Remember while there are 2 billion tvs in the world there are 5 billion mobile phone contracts. As a means to access and consume media, mobile devices are leading the party.

The iPad averaged .03% all web traffic for the first ten days after launch.

Think about it. That’s 03% of ALL web traffic, for a NEW device that only just launched. These numbers match the March numbers for all BlackBerry devices. See Usage Trends Here. Mobile is a crucial and integral part of Digital marketing and features as a key lecture in our Digital Marketing Diploma Course (Shamefaced Plug!)

Review

Firstly,  Ignore all the tech websites, they're coming at the iPad from the point of view of the tech obsessed geek mob. i.e. "I cant open it up with a screw driver and connect it to my ford capri or my zx81 emulator so its no good". I'm looking at this tool purely from the point of usability. i.e. does it allow me to do what I need to do.

1. What apple does best.

Apple has conquered the most important aspect of any technology and that's the user interface. What do I mean by that? Simply the way in which you interact with the technology and get things done. They have mastered this repeatedly whether it was with the mouse or with the iphone. It's something that Nokia after a gazillion phones and years as the market leader still don't get. How people interact with the device is what makes it or breaks it.

2. Instantly on!

The iPad based on the iphone operating system is an always on, lightening fast computer. I didn't realise how much the boot up process on a pc or laptop puts me off doing things till I had the iPad for a week. Its instantly on and online and instantly working with no delay booting up either the machine or the applications. 1 button press and the apps open instantly.

3. Speed & Battery.

This thigs is a flyer, it cruises at lightening speeds through anything i've done so far. They have their own processor in there and it's designed with their hardware and software in mind and all I can say is it works and it works fast. I used it to carry our all of my work and home activities over 3 days on 1 charge. (They say it will do 10 hours on continuous use)

4. Form.

Its slim, light, easy to hold, gloriously built and designed and typing on the touch screen for me is just as fast as on a keyboard. The iPad's screen is glorious,  using a touch interface is easy and intuitive.

5. Can I work on this thing?

I work in the web industry, I would class myself as a professional user of web technologies. When it comes to work, the iPad does everything I need and does it brilliantly. I have yet to hit a point where i say oh I wish i could do x.

Lets step back a second and understand something vital here. Most of the computing power and functionality on pcs is never used. I use Xcel and probably use about 5% of its functionality, same goes for word and powerpoint. These software tools have become bloated and huge and frankly I don't need most of what they provide.

I would say  I use email and the internet the most. (our business is run on cloud based apps so its all accessible to me through the browser.)

I use spreadhseets once a week, 1 sheet, and some figures over a month or a class etc.

I use powerpoint for my presentations to deliver lectures. You simply won't believe the touch based version of the Apple iWorksuite have a look at the videos....Apple Videos

It runs, Email, Calendar and Contacts like a dream (fully integrated with Google Apps which we use)

The iPad allows me to do carry out all of the work activities I normally need and then some. With 150,000 apps in the store, several thousand dedicated iPad apps, the functionality and features are extended into whatever area I want.

6. Can I Play?

I used the iPad for web surfing, email, social media, listening to music (ipod), watching movies, listening to podcasts, alarm clock, and about 7 other apps I use constantly.

7. Connection

I've used it mostly in wifi spots or at home on the wireless network and no problems with connection. (I didn't get the 3g version, I just don't want an extra contract.) 

8. Finally?

Apple doesnt allow the technology get in the way. It allows the user to do what the user wants in an easy and intuitive way.

8. Wanna touch it?

Catch me on one of our scheduled digital marketing courses and I may let you play with it 
 

Ian Dodson