東西 | dongxi

First Impressions
One of its most noticeable points (and one of its great detriment) is its weight. The iPad is not a light device, even at one and a half pounds. While laptops and netbooks easily outweigh the iPad, the former can easily be rested on any surface; the iPad, unless docked (requiring additional peripheral support and purchase) requires both hands. The design, while smooth in feel, makes for an uncomfortable experience. Typing (for me) forced me to use only thumbs while the rest of my fingers (and arms) kept it up. Within a few minutes of typing (and some light gaming), my hands and arms already started to feel sore. It’s hard to picture using the device for an extended period of time.

Web Surfing
Surfing the web was a breeze. Already comfortable with Safari on the iPhone, it was no trouble browsing with the iPad. Several websites seemed to already adapt to Apple, with sites such as CNET refreshing their video content under HTML5, which is viewable with the iPhone/iPad, as opposed to flash. Still, it wasn’t before long before hitting the flash issue; whether it be the New York Times video or Hulu. Of course, as the web continues to adapt before Apple, this issue is more likely to fade away in the coming months, as more sites transition over. I did hear from Jason Howell of CNET today that there currently is still no ability for HTML5 to stream live shows (which I often watch).

Gaming
Gaming was perhaps the most disappointing aspect of the iPad. I’ve become a pretty serious gamer on my iPod Touch, spending my fair share on games, including Madden 2010, Street Fighter IV, Command & Conquer: Red Alert, and GTA: Chinatown Wars. The iPad-specific games, such as Plants vs Zombies was incredible to look at. The crisp graphics and responsive screen made the game a pleasure to play. After holding up the iPad for a while, however, the weight did become an issue. Trying out the racing game felt a bit funny as well, gripping the iPad as a steering wheel, tilting left and right to guide my car. It was fun at first, but I can’t help but wonder if it’s any different than the Wii. I’m still excited for other games like Civilization and SimCity, which being slower paced, should be able to take full advantage of the device.

After trying the iPad-games, I went on to try iPhone games. The graphics obviously weren’t as crisp, though it was more noticeable on certain games over others. The biggest issue, however, came to games that used a virtual joystick. With the larger screen, the joystick became incredibly difficult to use, with button stretched out far (as opposed to the smaller iPhone) while trying to balance to device (not to fall). Games for the iPad will need to be rethought and recreated to be seriously considered. Most outrageous, however, are the prices for games and apps, which at this point, can be several times the price of the iPhone equivalent. Even if I did buy an iPad, I’d most certainly avoid purchasing any apps to make a point to publishers.

Final Thoughts
While I walked into the store with a very realistic expectation to fall in love with (and buy) the iPad, I found myself leaving with more reservation. Don’t mistake me, the iPad is an extremely beautiful device; it was extremely easy to use. I definitely want one, but I think I’ll hold on (the best I can), at least until the next iteration. To truly warrant $500+, there definitely needs to be more functionality (dictionary, highlighting, notes in iBooks), compatibility with MOST of the web (including flash/videos), cheaper apps, and sure, I’d still like a front facing camera for portable chat-rouletting.