My Thoughts on the iPad

Being in the technology field, I often get asked about the latest and greatest devices to hit the market.  The newest item to be shown by the media is Apple's iPad.  If you have not yet seen it, the iPad is basically an over-sized version of the iPod touch.  Or, a large iPhone that cannot make calls.  The price starts at $500 and goes up to $830 for the top model.  The iPad goes on sale Saturday at 9:00 AM.

While I have yet to see an iPad, I have followed the pre-launch details very closely.  I am looking forward to trying it at some point, but I would like to offer my predictions and opinions prior to launch.  First off, it will be successful.  Apple has the advantage of a very loyal group of fans and a fantastically successful marketing group.  If they launched a coffee maker, people would line up to buy it.  Expect people to notice them, stars to hold them and stores to sell out of them.  Secondly, it is something new.  While touch screens and even tablet computers have been around for years, this is the first attempt that any company is working to market a device this size solely for the purpose of consumer entertainment.  Because of this, it will recive much attention and analysis.  Lastly, there will be waves of competitors and this will be the first of many options for touchable tablet computers.

Re-Kindling My Love of Reading

At first glance, the Amazon Kindle seems interesting, but a bit expensive for a single purpose device.  It does not play video, it does not do much with music, it does not check email, but what it does do is remind you of the joys of picking up a good book.


I used to be an avid reader, but in the few years prior to getting my Kindle, I probably averaged only 3 to 4 books a year.  Last month, I have had my Kindle for a year.  In that time period, I have read 37 books.  My wife received a Kindle for Christmas.  Since Christmas, she has read 8 books.  I know several other people that have gotten Kindles and it is the same story over and over again.