When Apple unveiled the iPad last week, most everyone saw the device as an update to the tableta mobile computing form factor than has been around for nearly 20 years. The device is, in a sense, a more consumer-friendly version of the tablets we've been seeing for the past two decades, but the iPad will have a much more far-reaching impact on the market than its competitors.
With the iPad, Apple has introduced a completely new portable computing model. The device clearly works well in tablet mode. However, in that mode, the iPad is best for accessing and viewing content. And contrary to what Steve Jobs says about the virtual keyboard being great for text input, it doesn't seem likely that people will use it for too extended a period. But three pieces of technology tied to the device help the iPad deliver on its computing potential.
The first is BluetoothPhil Schiller, Apple's executive VP of marketing, told me that the iPad works with a Bluetooth keyboard. Second is the slick keyboard dock that lets users do real work on this device. Third is the introduction of iWork for the iPad. Apple clearly wanted to show people from the start that the iPad is a great productivity device. This is more than just a newfangled tabletit's a new approach to mobile computing.
With the iPad, Apple has introduced a completely new portable computing model. The device clearly works well in tablet mode. However, in that mode, the iPad is best for accessing and viewing content. And contrary to what Steve Jobs says about the virtual keyboard being great for text input, it doesn't seem likely that people will use it for too extended a period. But three pieces of technology tied to the device help the iPad deliver on its computing potential.
The first is BluetoothPhil Schiller, Apple's executive VP of marketing, told me that the iPad works with a Bluetooth keyboard. Second is the slick keyboard dock that lets users do real work on this device. Third is the introduction of iWork for the iPad. Apple clearly wanted to show people from the start that the iPad is a great productivity device. This is more than just a newfangled tabletit's a new approach to mobile computing.
