Now that iPadapalooza has come and gone…

I like the iPad.

I shouldn’t, I know. Based on my technical proficiency and computer knowledge, I should hate it along with many other tech-minded people. The iPad represents the complete opposite of what I should be swooning over.

But I still like it.

I just have a few minor nits that I hope will be worked out. And soon, because they’re the things keeping me from recommending the iPad to family and friends. And from buying one, myself.

1: Photos

Right now the iPad, like the iPhone and iPod Touch, requires syncing with another computer hosting your data. While I understand the initial requirement for this (the iPad being essentially a super-sized iPod Touch), my hope is that a future hardware revision, and perhaps even future firmware updates, can break those chains, and let the iPad function on it’s own. Let me be able to use it as the sole computer, should I choose to. Getting photos onto it could be taken care of with the SD card adapter (though I’d rather see that built into revB hardware, along with at least 1 USB port).

Then once the photos are on the iPad the Photos app needs some work. I at least want the ability to organize my pictures into albums, rather than one massive stream. Again with the necessity of another computer syncing a photo library (for instance, through iPhoto), the only way to build albums on the iPad (and again like the iPhone and iPod Touch) is to sync them from an iPhoto library, or a folder (when syncing from a Windows computer). I want to be able to do that directly on the device, no computer required. Let me tag them, and rate them, add titles and captions, etc. Some light iPhoto level editing would be greatly appreciated too, it’s not like other apps haven’t already proven it’s possible on the iPhone.

Also, this is kind of a cross-request for iPhone and iPad, but hey iPhone API team? How about letting 3rd party photo apps have access to the EXIF & GPS data so we can actually do on iPhone/iPad edits without stripping all that info out (making later organization a mess with edits not even having at least their capture time/date preserved).

2: Printing

Printing can be done wirelessly with new(ish) printers, some WiFi, some bluetooth. Let’s get that enabled on the iPad. For older printers… well hopefully revB will have that USB port I mentioned earlier.

3: Back-ups

Time Machine would be ideal for back-ups, even for wireless backups to Time Capsule/AirDisk/NAS. But if revB has a USB port, we could also plug a drive directly to it for backups.

4: Webcam

It seems an odd omission. A forward facing camera would make the iPad an ideal video chat/Skype device. I’ve heard the arguments against it, and I just don’t agree with them. The argument that “holding it will make your arms tired” is debunked by the existence of docks to prop it up, or even just a simple DIY stand to hold it up. The other argument is that if it sits at an upward facing angle, then you have to look down to face the camera, and you’ll get the unflattering double chin, and Apple probably doesn’t want people to see themselves that way. I really can’t get behind that one. All Apple laptops come with an iSight built in, and even the biggest MacBook Pro’s 17″ screen, when sitting in your lap, or on a table, will need to be tilted back and you looking down to face the camera. And just like with any laptop, the iPad could be propped on a higher level, to make it more in line with your face so you’re not having to look down on it.

And further, where the hell is iChat? People have been asking that since the iPhone was first released. Even on the iPhone that seemed, and still does, an odd omission. C’mon, do us a solid, Apple.

Moreso than the iPhone, the iPad (in future revisions) needs to break it’s dependence on iTunes on another computer for organization/syncing. The iPad ideally should be able to function on it’s own, even if no other computer exists in the household. And if a future hardware revision adds a USB port, let me plug in my iPhone or iPod Touch, and sync music, photos, videos, and apps between both devices directly. No computer required. Let me plug in flash drives, and external hard drives for added dynamic storage space.

The apparent reliance on another computer for syncing is really the only thing keeping me from getting one for my grandfather. All he needs is photos, internet, and occasional printing. For years, about every 6 months he was having to take his computer in because of a virus infestation, despite my efforts to educate him on things like not opening attachments from “friends.” I eventually figured that if all he needed was those basics, then an easy Linux distribution like Ubuntu would be ideal. And it was for almost 2 years until the Ubuntu 9.10 update borked his sound for some reason. Living ~4 hours away, I was looking into drop dead simple remote desktop solutions so that I could easily walk him through getting one set up, and that way I could work on his computer any time he needed. But before I found one, he decided to take it back to the local computer guy, and naturally Windows XP is now back on it, and his next virus infestation is imminent.

I would buy him an iPad in a heartbeat if it didn’t need a computer to tether to. Though I’m still considering it, and just blocking his computer from accessing the internet, and only using the iPad for his day to day surfing/email/etc.

Goddamn my gadget lust

Last Tuesday Apple announced the refresh of their iPod line. To be expected, certainly. And what I completely expected, but apparently some did not, was the announcement of the iPod Touch. Or as I put it: “the iPhone, minus the ‘Phone’”.

I called that the moment the iPhone was announced back in January, but people thought that would be crazy. They’d never do that for an iPod! Just doesn’t make sense to have internet browsing, or gps/maps, or email, or blah blah blah on a music player!

And now, it’s happened. Though sans the Google Maps app for some odd reason (but you can still access the mobile version by going to their mobile website, in case they never get around to adding the native app). And granted, I fully expected the camera to make it as well, so needless to say just a slight disappointment.

I was moments away from placing my pre-order as I watched the keynote. $299 – $399 is far more reasonable for near-iPhone capability. So of course, imagine my utter dumbfoundedness (yes, it’s a word. Trust me) as I continued watching the keynote, and Steve Jobs announces a $200 drop in price on the iPhone. Bringing it to $399.

Aw SHIT! Now I’m torn.

And I’ve not been able to make a decision all week. Do I want the iPhone and be chained to an exorbitant data plan for the next 2 years? Or do I say “to hell with it!” and get the iPod Touch, keep my EX-Z75 for the quickie pics, and be content?

Honestly, I don’t know that the iPhone would even be in the running right now, if it weren’t for my current phone. It routinely doesn’t ring when someone calls. Sometimes messages take a week or more to show up. Leading, of course, to many “dude, why didn’t you call me back?!” moments. Of course, it’s been dropped a few times more than I care to admit. And I think it even got a bath once at some point in the 4 years that I’ve had it. But still, it’s a piece of shit. And I’m in need of a new one something fierce.

So it’s been either iPhone + 2 years of servitude, or iPod Touch + Moto RAZR V3xx (+2 year contract renewal, but at least I’m not forced into using a data plan). Fracking sweet ass phone/iPod/video player/mobile internet device … or fracking sweet ass iPod/video player/mobile internet device and an ok but completely unexciting phone.

And then today, to add more agonizing fuel to my A.D.D. riddled raging inferno of internal dialog, someone posted steps on how to unlock the iPhone. Great news for people not with AT&T, or people (like me) who are with AT&T, but don’t want to be forced into servitude for the privilege of using a $600$400 phone.

Unless I’m misunderstanding something, I can go to an Apple Store, buy an iPhone, unlock it, and then be using it on my current plan.

If that’s the case, I think I just settled my own debate.

I … think I’m in love …

Whatever it is, I’ve got this strong desire to hold her, be with her, play with her. Push all the right buttons, ya know? She’s so sexy, and sleek … like a cat.

She caught my eye a little over a year ago, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her since. I even go to her website every now and then, just to see what’s new in her world. She’s so pretty, and strong, and easy to get along with. Everything just seems right with her… ya know?

I’ve kept this a secret for too long. It’s time everyone knows about us.

And I wanted to announce it here first…

We’re getting married!

I know! It’s crazy isn’t it?! Who would’ve thought, ME?! I couldn’t help it… she just swept me off my feet. She’s very disarming… she’s just so friendly, and makes you feel comfortable, safe, secure… like you can do anything. And she does it all with a smile.

Now, we haven’t set an exact date, but we’re pretty sure it’s going to be sometime this coming spring. The sooner the better, I say! But she want’s to make sure everything is perfect… you know how they are about these things. Ah well, what can ya do?

My name is Jay, and I’ve been seduced by the dark side…