I'm surprised at how good the critter seems. My main concern is that
it doesn't have a camera, so skype would be somewhat disabled. But
that seems to be the only serious lack, and will likely be there for
future versions.
Amazingly, the iPhone/Touch apps work with the iPad, in 2x mode. So
it starts out with a LOT of apps. The NYTimes app looks great! MLB
(baseball for folks not in the know) built an interactive view of real-
time games.
Games are touch enabled, and use the positional controls as well. The
art program, Brushes, is really cool .. very Santa Fe. The stunt of a
new SDK, that integrates both iPhone and iPad. EASports has already
converted many of their apps to the iPad.
And it works with a bluetooth keyboard, thereby being a "laptop" when
needed. That was my greatest concern. I can't believe I've watched
the keynote -- 1.5 hrs!
It is NOT just a laptop. The apps really are different. Homage made
to Kindle, then iBooks shown which is really killer. The iTunes is
now adding books to their media world.
Boy was I skeptical. But I've gotten in line, and will buy one asap!
And its the same cost as the large Kindle DX. If it gets the battery
life it claims (10 hrs) .. even 5 would be great for me. I sure hope
it can use Java for NetLogo! We'll see.
Sure there's a lot to sneer at, but this is really yet another apple
game changer.
-- Owen
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