Like everyone who watched the unveiling of Apple’s new IPad yesterday, we have to throw in our two cents. Were we disappointed? Kind of, but give some credit, it had a lot to live up to. I don’t want to repeat all of the issues that everyone else is talking about so I will focus on a Pro and a Con that relate to the auto/ design industry. Lets start with the negative.
CON : Deisgn Language
Apple took a very safe move by not progressing the styling/ interface of this device. As they so obviously pointed out, it is familiar to everyone who has used an IPhone. The touch, interface is all an easy and familiar transition. My question is……since they are now on top of the industry and no one seems to be able to beat them, is it too much of a risk to keep pushing and possibly do something that is not received well?
Hmmm, it is starting to sound like they are turning into the auto industry. Small, minute tweaks that consumers are “comfortable” with. Yes, how dare I compare the beloved and progressive Apple to the prehistoric slow moving auto industry. I hope I am wrong. Because if Apple stops innovating who is going to push forward? I am sure I am just over reacting, since it is just one product. The IPad is being way over-analysed before it has had a chance to prove its worth. This is a product that could mature very well once the apps get developed for it. This leads me to the positive for design.
PRO : Digital Sketchbook
The apps for the IPad will create the real need for this device. As a designer I am looking at this product as a digital sketchbook. Apple showed the Brushes app with all of its layers and brushes. I am hoping Autodesk will follow with their Sketchbook app. I love this app on my IPhone and the sensitivity is pretty darn good for my finger. So could the IPad become the poor man’s Cintique? There are pens you could buy for use on the IPhone, although I have not tried one to see how well they work. Would a $499 price be acceptable for a portable sketching device? I bet we see a new affordable Cintique at a portable size on the market in six months. Apple could really capitalize on the creative consumers with this product.
Those are my thoughts on the “magical” product. Am I going to get one? So far I would say no, but as Will Ferrel once said “Once it touches your lips (fingers) it taste (feels) so good!”
well this is a cool and new gadget from apple. I really want to get my hands on this gadget and put it in my car.. but i don’t think it’s affordable.
This is exactly what I’m hoping to see for iPad – a replacement for Cintique. Who wants to pay over $1,000 for something that just helps you draw??? iPad can do that and then some for half the price!
Someone needs to make an app that will simply connect iPad to a computer’s monitor via one simple usb cable (or better yet, via bluetooth in future versions! – completely cordless, yes!), then it doesn’t matter what application your running, the iPad can be the touchscreen where you use a pen with some sensitivity on it and there ya go! Goodbye Cintique and your crazy price tag and cables and all that! hello iPad
(let’s hope Cintique starts taking notice that there is a competitor in their midst and decide to make something better at a lower price)