Apple iPad
Last Friday, Apple began accepting pre-orders for the iPad, due to launch April 3, for $499 a pop (or $629 with 3G).
Since its announcement, I have tracked the reactions of my friends, colleagues and family for the device. The result? A mish-mash of eagerness and disappointment. My colleagues with kids are excited to get their sons and daughters this device for interactive play. They claim that this device will help them deal with the annoying “Are we there yet?” questions during long family trips. (Good point.) My tech friends are ready and pumped to test out this “non-Kindle” touchscreen device. (Fine.) My dad, being a tech geek at heart, wants to see it compare to other devices of its kind but would never pay money for it. My mom wants to get it to watch movies and dramas wherever she goes. And, I, of course, am just confused about why people are so gung-ho about this product.
I could be very biased because I recently bought an iPhone and I have to admit that paired with AT&T service… I’m not too thrilled about the device anymore. (Yes, I’ve got some cool apps, but I can live without all that.) The iPad just reminds me of a giant iPhone but with no cell service. Shuddddder. And, if you want to have 3G service, you’re going to have to stick with AT&T. Shudddddddddddddddddddddder.
Leaving my bias aside, I started to wonder about the iPad. When the iPad first came to the public eye, everyone started comparing it to Kindle, the hand-held electronic e-book device. However, Apple spokespeople continually reminded the public that the iPad is more than just another Kindle. The iPad, they claim, is an all-purpose device for everything, including accessing the internet, playing apps, movies, music, etc… So, it’s basically just a giant iTouch? Hold on a minute…
No offense to all the people falling head-over-heels for the iPad… but why pay half a grand for a device that is probably no different from the devices you already own? Okay, maybe, it’s worth it to have a flat, light, touch screen iPad for a monitor… or a portable laptop (without an actual keyboard)… yet, is it worth it? Do you want carry that thing everywhere with you just so you can play on the internet or read a book or watch a movie? I don’t know man…
Lenovo IdeaPad U1
Lenovo created a hybrid laptop with a detachable screen called the IdeaPad U1. Although completely different from the iPad, this Lenovo device is an actual laptop! That’s pretty cool to click out your monitor, which turns into a touchscreen device, take it with you on the subway, etc. and then click it back in at home and be able to use it as a laptop for work or leisure…
So, if the iPad isn’t a laptop… then what the hell is it good for?
Maybe I am being unfair to the iPad because of my non-techie background, so please let me know how you feel about this device.
#1: Scramble 2 – Within 2-3 minutes, link together letters to create as many words as you can possibly think of. At the top of the screen, it tells you how many words are available in the set you’re playing. I recommend playing the sets that have 1000+ words. You’ll definitely get a higher score! Highly addictive.
#2: Unblock Me – Get the red block through the exit by moving the surrounding blocks strategically out of the way. The Classic mode allows you to take as much time as necessary to beat the level, while Challenge mode challenges you to beat the level with the least amount of moves. Highly addictive.
#3: Yelp – GPS tracker pinpoints your exact location and can tell you exactly what restaurants, bars, or stores are around you. AND, when you touch “Monocle” and point to a certain direction, screen will show you the restaurants, banks, etc. in front of you. Highly useful.
#4: Finger Physics Free – Tests your finger dexterity as well as your basic understanding of physics by building structures using various shapes, weights, magnetism, etc. or guiding an egg into the basket by taking away structures. Very addictive and quite fun for the brain.
#5: Traffic Rush – Direct traffic by moving the cars coming from all directions safely past the intersection. Depending on how fast you move your finger across the screen, the car either speeds past or stops. Mindless but very addictive.
#6: Paper Toss – Flick the crumpled paper into the waste basket while there is a fan blowing at different speeds. The goal is to make as many consecutive scores as possible. Addictive.
#7: Toobz-Free – Build pipes from a particular starting point to all around the patches of grass. The goal is to 1) connect as many pipes together and cover as much space as possible and 2) last as long as possible when the pipe is filled with water. Addictive.
#8: Chess Free – No need to expound here. It’s chess for free. Always good to use your brain once a while.
#9: Google Mobile – All the Google sites you need are just one touch away. Through this app, the portal opens to Google Reader, Google Talk, etc. Best part of this app is that you can do search by voice. Useful.
#10: Facebook / Twitterific – Who doesn’t have Facebook or Twitter these days? With these apps, it’s simple to update, upload, and upgrade your social network. Useful.
Doodle Jump ($0.99) – Guide the Doodler on an upwards journey bouncing on green bricks, burning bricks, and moving bricks while dodging black holes and monsters. Extremely addictive.
Pocket God ($0.99) – Dominate over an island of pygmies. You can flick them into volcanoes, feed them to sharks, blow them up by heating them with a magnifying glass, etc. Highly addictive.
Red Laser ($1.99) – Scan any merchandise with a barcode and find prices online. Great for comparing goods you are about to buy in a store that could be 10x cheaper online. Very useful.
