Tech Blog

[#1]

Apple decided to phase the release of the iPad so that US merchants were able to sell the units (in the US) much earlier than merchants in ROW (Rest Of World) nations could, due to manufacturing process concerns.

Which is cool, because Asian factories can only churn out so many iPads per day. And managing the release ensures that Apple can manage the PR and media blitz (hype) surrounding the ROW releases.

It also means that many first-looks and reviews have already been written which should make a buying decision in Canada that much easier.

Which brings us to this Friday, and the ROW launch of the iPad; are you interested? I am. I have a new Apple store opening a few blocks from me, and Apple has kindly decided to synchronize this shops first day of business with the Canadian launch of the iPad. So yeah, I’ll check it out, simply to see the hype excitement of the Apple fanbois

But I’ll also use this as an opportunity to get my first hands-on of the iPad, and perhaps if you’ve got an Apple dealer near by you should take advantage of this opportunity too.

Yes I have a iPod Touch, and as some pundits have already said, the iPad is nothing more than a large version of the Touch. Regardless, I’m still looking forward to checking it out.

Specifically I’m looking at the iPad as a device to consume media on. I’ll be judging it on how well it can be an eReader, a video player, and a game device.

And I’ll be looking at how others are interacting with the device -- perhaps others have found new and innovative apps that really make the iPad stand out.

Regardless, this Friday will be an interesting Apple event, and I’m looking forward to experiencing the experience.

How ‘bout you? Do you care about the iPad now that the reviews are in, or are you deciding to wait a bit until the hardware and software has matured a bit because, as Tris Hussey puts it, the best is yet to come? Your thoughts, as always, are welcome in the comments.

[#2]

You know, I'm personally quite surprised at how this iPad has taken off.  I never really would have thought that Apple could move a quarter million of these things a week.

But I've come to a conclusion -- Apple didn't build it the iPad for geeks (i.e. me, you and those that generally frequent blogs like this).  In fact, there is next to no appeal for most.  Its under powered, expensive and inflexible.  But, my a-ha moment hit me when explaining the iPad to my dad.  His question: "Will I need a laptop anymore?"  I couldn't come up with an answer other than "No."  Truth be told, he won't given what he uses his computer for.  I suspect there are a whole lot of people like Dad out there.  And that's a whole lot of product moving.

[#3]

Hi Craig, interesting observation!

Apple has, for a long time, been making computing technology more accessible or 'appliance-like'. The original iMac was positioned squarely at the entry-level computer user, not the techie. I'm thinking the iPad falls into that same niche.

It'll be interesting to look back at this in a year or so and see what we think.

[#4]

What I would like to know is where I will be able to purchase one other than online. There are no apple stores in my vicinity, I have heard rumours that (competitor) will carry them.. any ideas?

[#5]

Hi Matthew Carleton,

Your local Future Shop should carry them in-store - though given its popularity, it might be sold out at this point.

JB