So, Apple announced the iPad yesterday and world is talking about it. Of course, only a handful of people have actually handled it and none of those have lived with it for more than 40 minutes. Already, judgment has been passed on whether it was indeed a tablet created by Moses or an utter failure. Very few people are taking the middle road.
Here are the things that aren’t getting much play that I think are worthy of discussion.
First, this is the first Apple machine of the modern era that uses a processor manufactured by Apple. This is significant because there is a cost savings in not having to pay Intel, AMD or IBM for their chip. This is also significant because Apple can design the chip for a specific purpose, rather than working with the chip specifications put on it by Intel and having to work with those restrictions. Anecdotally, this machines screams. Everything about the iPad is fast, fast, fast. It’s exactly what I would expect from a machine whose processor has been specifically designed to do what the software needs it to do.
Second, the inclusion of the keyboard accessory is a MAJOR concession by Apple. Remember, Steve Jobs took 3 or 4 precious sentences from his iPhone launch keynote to talk about the perils of styluses (styli?) and to extol the virtues of the virtual keyboard. Even when the newest iPhone OS was released, the one that made it possible to design hardware attachments, they never launched this dock-attached keyboard. Apple became the company that said, “You either use your finger to operate a touch-based device, or you can stick you finger”….well, they never said where, but it was implied. The inclusion of a keyboard is a signal that Apple wants to combat any argument that you can’t create massive amounts of content on this device. That, coupled with the introduction of Pages-Touch.
Third, there is a reason for the extra delay in releasing the 3G version and it has nothing to do with manufacturing issues. I believe the real reason why 3G versions are an extra 30 days out is so that Apple can continue to negotiate with Verizon for coverage. The sticking point has to be an annual contract, but I predict that you’ll see a Verizon-based iPad for slightly more per-month cost than AT&T, mostly because they can get it. I admit, I’d be the first to move to the less congested and better implemented data network that Verizon has to offer.
Finally, there are a number of questions yet to be answered and I think the answer to these will form the basis for whether this is the ultimate machine for lawyers, or just another in the long line of toys we buy ourselves.
1) What the specifications on the video out part of the dock accessory? Apple hinted that we can get the video out, but will can it power a 480p or 720p resolution? Will it be available for every application, just the iWork suite plus photos/iTunes movies, something in between? If it can support a “presentation” mode, then this machine is a tremendous presentation device. You might not create all of your content on here, but it will be simple to edit a keynote you made on your Big-Daddy Computer on the iPad and then connect it to a projector for the presentation.
2) How will the lack of Flash and/or the advent towards HTML 5 affect this device? One of the limiting factors for this, as a video viewing device, is the number of sites that rely on Flash to watch video. The fact that Adobe and Apple can’t play nice on this issue means that a lot of people are going to get frustrated trying to watch video that’s on the Web. The one saving grace is that the biggest video site is YouTube and this, apparently, lets you watch YouTube content in HD.
3) One of the biggest deals announced was the lack of contract for 3G service. Of course, this will only be significant if AT&T decides not to bang you for an activation fee every time. But, I can totally see myself buying the 3G version and then only paying for 3G service on the months that I travel. Whether it’s with Verizon or with AT&T, the ability to pay for “a la carte” usage is HUGE. The question is, will lawyers pay the $130 premium for that ability and will lawyers see that for the advantage that it is.
4) Will the iPad cannibalize Apple’s iPhone sales? As it is, iPhone users are paying $40/month for a data plan on a device for which the data usage has to be inferior than what the iPad offers. Can we agree that the iPad is going to be better at websurfing, email, and just about everything for which you need connectivity? If so, I wonder at the attrition rate for iPhone users gravitating towards the iPad and a separate cell phone. We already see this species of user in all of the iPod Touch users. And, as many have pointed out, the ability to connect an iPad with a MiFi or some other cellular hotspot is yet another way that the iPhone loses relevance. Am I along on this?
I’d love to hear what you think. What are your answers to my questions above?
Oh, by the way, I am totally getting one…
Posted by Victor J. Medina
MacLovin’ JD
It’s interesting that so many people are praising or damning the iPad, even though they haven’t lived with one for a day, a week, or even a few hours.
When I watched the live-blogging of the introduction, I was a little underwhelmed at first. I was really hoping for a true tablet Mac that I could use to replace my MacBook Pro. But once I saw the iWork apps, I realized this device has potential. I wonder if we will be able to transfer Pages files to a laptop or desktop via WiFi…
As some folks on MILO have mentioned, the iPad could replace the legal pad in the courtroom, and I think it could replace the paper file. Find the right page in your PDF, hand the iPad to the judge, and let him or her scroll through the relevant pages.
Right now I’m leaning toward getting one. I may have to make that two so my wife doesn’t hate me.
Nice write up Victor – just a few comments:
1) The iPad supports input from BOTH the keyboard/dock attachment AND from the Apple Bluetooth wireless keyboard. If you already have a wireless keyboard for your iMac or Mac Mini, you can just pack it up and take it with you at no additional cost.
2) You’re right that the release delay is not about manufacturing issues. But it’s not about Verizon negotiations either. It’s about regulatory approval. The iPad 3G hadn’t yet been submitted for FCC approval at the announcement (because those regulatory approval requests are public records, and it would have blown the surprise of the announcement). There are major differences between GSM and CDMA/EV-DO devices, not the least of which is that GSM uses SIM cards and CDMA/EV-DO do not. The lack of SIM support by Verizon means putting an iPad on Verizon would either require a completely different model for data billing – either a subsidized iPad with an ongoing contract (so that it could be pre-programmed) or a new software interface to register a SSN each time you buy data. Have you ever watched a Verizon or Sprint rep provision a new phone? It’s rather a PITA. Either way, I’m not holding my breath on a Verizon deal.
3) No info yet on video out resolution, but the iPad’s native resolution is 1024 x 768, so when/if a dock connector –> DVI or component cable is available, it ought to be able to handle 720p.
4) According to an engineer who worked on the iPad project, the biggest thing that worked against Flash is that it is incredibly power hungry. Coupled with an institutional emphasis at Apple on HTML5/H.264, Flash didn’t make the cut. Rumors continue that Flash in some form (I’ve seen it called Flash Lite) may be part of the next iPhone/iPod Touch OS update. iPad runs the same core OS, so if it makes it onto the iPhone/iPod Touch, it should make the iPad too.
And I’ve just been corrected on my video comment. Don’t know how I missed it. On the iPad specs page (http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/) it says that video output over dock connector – VGA tops out at 576p and dock connector – composite cable tops out at 576i.
Thanks for the information and correction my misstatement.
I’m really encouraged to hear that a bluetooth Apple keyboard will work. They are a great size. If you can charge/prop up the iPad on something while you’re typing – it’s probably the best solution as my information is that you can’t break down the keyboard/dock combo for travel.
It will be interesting to see what the component cable out w/ projector looks like.
Thanks again!
Victor
Good post Victor.
As you know I posted what I thought of the iPad for lawyers on my blog : http://www.jasonplant.co.uk/
Not sure I will get one myself, I’ve yet to buy an Apple product (yes, pick yourself up off the floor now!!) and this isn’t the device to convince me. But I look forward to seeing what iPad 2.0 has to offer!
Victor-
First, I’m totally getting one too.
Second, the development of the iWork apps is huge. I look forward to seeing what other types of content creation apps are developed. Will Adobe have a iPad version of Acrobat. Would Microsoft develop an Office suite for the device? If the rumors of common storage on the device that all your applications can access (like DropBox!), content creation and editing becomes a real possibility.
I’ve started writing specifically about how lawyers might use the iPad by lawyers over at http://tabletlegal.com/. Can’t wait to actually get my hands on one!
Josh