I am not going to banter whether I think the iPad (Amazon link with reviews) is a winner or not. Too many sites are doing that now. I have been pondering this post for a few days and something in the 40 articles I read just tonight sparked the wording I wanted. The next stage of the Apple iFad movement is in full swing.
We, as in tech writers and early adopters, quickly jump to the tear-down of each part of the device and capabilities. The reader of these very articles we write are other tech journalists and early adopters. Not the consumers seeing this device being shown on morning shows and CNN all day. Or witnessing the lines at the stores.
No matter what we hate about the device, or what is missing, hand this to anyone on the street and they can work it. If you own an iPod or iPhone in the house, this is the stepping stone, not a MacBook. Simplicity and similarity make the iPad itself an easy decision.
Just as you are taught more difficult steps in math, writing skills and even your favorite hobby, Apple has taken that concept to the technology and created the Rosetta Stone of devices. Easy to use, multimedia capable, adapted games, no controllers and limited real need for accessories.
I watched a YouTube video tonight of a 2.5 year old handed an iPad. She had played with the parents iPhone for some time and understood the basics. Click the Home button to get to the screen with the fun stuff to do and slide your finger. She took off once handed the iPad. No input from the parents required.
I watched a video of a grandparent that hated computers (said verbally) and was handed the iPad. Seconds later they were reading and playing a game. Any device that traverses ages and demographics within days of launch was the right move by Apple; no matter if it has a camera or cheap enough applications.
This is only one of many portions of the iFad that Apple created. Think everyone will have a Facebook account soon that can get connected? I bet Apple continues to flourish by making devices people want, not what technologists say it should be.
