Previewing the Apple iPad
After the Apple iPad was revealed today, I followed some of the chatter online about the new device. Some of the criticisms revolved around the size. Some thought it would be too big to carry around.
Pictures, even with people holding it, often don’t give you an accurate impression of what something is really like. And dimensions give you an idea but are often molded by what you want it to be or think it to be rather than what is.
So, I wanted to see it for myself. Of course, since it’s not going to be available for another 60 days, and I don’t know of any demo units nearby (if they are even available to the Apple stores), I decided to make one.
Yes, I made an iPad. Sort of…
This mock iPad was created to size. It measures 9.56″ x 7.47″ x 0.5″, which are the dimensions of the iPad according to Apple’s website. Don’t know about weight. I would guess mine is very close. It feels like it could be 1.5 pounds, but I haven’t weighed it. Any at rate, I was more concerned about size.
While not something you could put in your pocket, it is also something that is not too big to carry around. It’s certainly smaller than a MacBook Pro and probably most notebooks.
It is smaller than a standard sheet of 8.5″ x 11″ paper. If you want something close in comparison that you might have around the house, take a look at an 8×10 photo. It’s going to be slightly smaller than that.
I’d guess it to be about the size of a textbook, though thinner. I don’t have any textbooks handy, but I do have some various books, and the iPad would certainly be in the range of a “normal” book size. Of course, it’s larger than a typical paperback book. But, it’s about the same size as a typical hardcover or a manual.
So, really, it’s not a size that would be unusual to carry if you’re used to carrying around a book or two. Plus, with it’s thinner size, it could easily fit in a briefcase or totebag.
It’ll probably be a good tool for students and businesspeople.
Here’s how it compares in size to the original Newton MessagePad:
As you can see, it’s quite a bit larger than the Newton MessagePad. But, it is smaller than the Newton eMate 300, which was a later Newton model designed for schools. Though it’s important to note that the eMate had a built-in keyboard whereas the iPad does not, though it does have an onscreen keyboard and will have an external keyboard available for use with a docking station.
The iPad is not going to be a replacement for a laptop but, for many people, I think it will be a useful alternative. There are times you want to take something portable with you but even a notebook computer can be rather bulky to carry around. If you need a computer on the road with you for video, design or other specialized work, then an iPad is certainly not going to be able to replace that. On the other hand, if you just need something portable that can do basic tasks, then the iPad has you covered. Apple will also have a version of iWork available for iPad which will be compatible with the Macintosh versions. The components of iWork are Pages (a word processor), Numbers (a spreadsheet) and Keynote (a presentation package), each available separately for the iPad at $9.99 each.
This would be great for writers, as you could take something relatively small with you on the go. Then, you can sync up with your Mac when you get home. And, since the iPad is fully Internet capable, you can browse the web as well. I’m guessing you can probably post to your blog as well.
For comparison, here is my mock iPad pictured with an MSI Wind notebook:
As you can see, the iPad is larger in one direction and shorter in the other direction as compared to the MSI Wind notebook. However, the iPad is thinner and (I’m guessing) lighter.
So, the iPad is going to be comparing to carrying a small notebook such as the MSI Wind, and possibly easier and lighter to carry around.
It’s also very Star Trek-like in that it is a lot like the PADDs they used in The Next Generation and subsequent series.
Anyway, it will be interesting to see once these start getting into people’s hands…
Why are men so concerned with size?
You know I love All Things Apple. I am just a little disappointed in the name the iPad. For some reason that reminds me of Feminine Hygiene Products. I think the iTablet would have been a MUCH better name!
Anyway, I almost DIED when I saw the photo of the Newton MessagePad! Talk about a blast from the past!