The iPad and you

You've probably noticed a complete lack of iPad/iTablet/iSlate news around these parts. That's because we don't cover gadgets, nor do we cover hyperbolic crotch-grabbing fanboy speculation. But now that it's finally been announced (forever will it go down in history that we watched Steve Jobs sit in a leather chair and surf on his iPad), we can finally get down to business.

The iPad, whether you like it or not, has implications for everyone. The early-adopter, the developer, and even the conscientious surfer and app downloader -- whichever one you are, the iPad's going to make an impact on your life. Apple has successfully controlled technological fads for almost a decade -- you can be damn sure that the iPad won't be any different.

So here's the news that affects you. Not your friends, nor the hot girls you try to woo with your tablet -- not even your jealous co-workers -- just you.

1. All iPhone and iPod Touch apps will work on the iPad

Good news! The iPad will run the apps currently in the App Store -- all 140,000 of them. Well, most of them. Apps that use the camera or a dedicated GPS will be out. You can also sync the apps you've already bought for your iPhone or iPod Touch with your iPad. A lot of apps in the Store are also being -- or have already been -- re-worked to utilize the iPad's larger screen. I can only assume updated versions of the apps you already own will be free to download (but we'll see...)

2. There is a new iPad SDK that will make the most of the new device

Developers start your engines! With the iPad comes a new version of the iPhone SDK, version 3.2. The SDK includes an iPad simulator, sample code, interface guidelines -- just check the site if you need more info.

This new version of the SDK reveals some key features of the iPad that programmers need to be aware of, and cater for. Functionality-wise, it seems the iPad will readily connect to an external display (handy for slide shows and presentations), and there are also API calls for file sharing -- there's a directory on the iPad that will be mountable on your PC or Mac.

And, sadly, it seems the device still only runs one app at a time. No multitasking, gentlemen. Also, there's still no Flash. Damn you, Apple.

3. Dongles and adaptors and extensions and and and...

The iPad isn't going to be cheap, that's for sure. The only connectivity you get is one frickin' socket in the bottom -- and it isn't USB. No, it's some proprietary socket that you can convert into other things... like an SD card reader... or a USB port.

Apple aren't stupid. You might've let out a whoop of joy when you heard the iPad was 'only' $500, but you can be damn sure that they're going to take a second pass at your wallet if you want to do anything interesting with your iPad. I quite liked the idea of using the iPad for looking at photos on my big digital camera -- it sucks that Apple are going to milk my big, juicy tech-horny nipples for the privilege.

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All in all, the iPad looks like it's going to be a consumer dream, if you can afford it. I doubt it will single-handedly eliminate eBook readers like the Nook and Kindle, but it's definitely the beginning of the end for book-reading-only devices.

There's also no forward-facing camera, and thus no Skype or video conferencing (which for many would be a wet dream). I guess we'll have to wait until the iPad 3GS before we see the camera. Please, Apple, take my money -- take my hard-earnt money, and my soul while you're at it.

Tags: app store, apple, AppStore, developer, ipad, iphone, osupdates, sdk, software