http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/chris-daughtry/photos/280407/47865

Having thoroughly convinced myself that owning an IPad was not going to add any value to my life, I woke up at about 30 minutes past midnight on the day of pre-order and placed my order anyway.  I guess logic was out the window, this was an all emotion buy!  Needless to say, I started to convince myself that I actually made the right decision.  I had visions of using the iPad at work to take notes in meetings, and to check email.  Leaving my laptop at home was also a very enticing option, so I pretty much convinced myself that this little gem would change my daily habit…

After now having had the iPad for a solid day, I am ready to make some observations about how I think this device will fit into my life.

1) The form factor:

Even at only 1.5 pounds, the iPad still feels fairly heavy to hold, and because it is so thin and slick, there is a magnified fear that it will slip out of your hands and tumble to the ground.  Personally there is little advantage to the device being so thin.  I would gladly shave the weight in half if it meant doubling the thickness.  Additionally, the glossy screen has a high reflection, and I would definitely have preferred a non glare finish.  that is likely just a personal preference, because none of my TV’s have the glossy finish either.

I am not sure if I will bring the device to work.  I certainly would want to invest in a leather sleeve if for no other reason than to have a firmer grasp on the iPad.  Typing in vertical mode barely works for me and I have fairly large hands.  while grasping the iPad, both thumbs can be used to type in vertical mode, but the center keys are a bit of a stretch even for my hands.  In horizontal mode, this is not even an option, and unless you have the iPad cradled in your lap, typing in horizontal mode will be a one finger peck affair.  With the device cradled in your lap, you can easily use the keyboard like you would any other, and it is fairly easy to do so. 

2) The Screen

Amazing.  Simply amazing!  Text is as clear as on my macbook if not clearer.  The colors are stunning, and the size is just right for reading.  I would not change a thing other than the glossy finish.  One of the first apps i installed was netflix, and I was watching movies from my instant queue in no time.  (food, Inc.).  The picture was very clear, and the motion was smooth.

3) Performance.  

Just about every review on this device praises its snappy response.  I was truly impressed with how fast pages were rendering, and apps were opening.  The ‘USA today’ app opened in a snap, and I had the days news in front of me.  The Wall street journal took a bit longer to get started, but once it loaded, the transitions between pages were snappy and seamless.  The text was impeccable, and there was no discernible lag anywhere.  As quickly as i scrolled, the text appeared.  The processor makes any comparisons to the ipod touch irrelevant.  

4) Usability

I have to admit I was initially a bit disappointed in the iPad.  I think primarily because it felt alot heavier than i had expected, and because typing in vertical mode while standing was not going to be as easy as I thought.  After using it for a couple of hours however, I started to really get attached to it.  Browsing is unreal, and the apps I have tried so far are all outstanding as well.  I love the calendar and the mail applications, and instantly set up all my email accounts.  Reading mail and sending mail is a joy on an iPad.  I think the couch is the natural habitat for this device.  No more laptops on the belly of this couch potato!  

I installed the NPR app, as well as Radio, USA Today, Bloomberg, Yahoo Entertainment, ABC, and a really cool weather app.  I removed all my old iphone apps because honestly they are disappointing in the context of their iPad brothers.  I am not sure if I will bring the ipad to work, but I know it has a permanent slot in my home.  I think the biggest life change for me is that rather than bringing my ipad to work, I may just leave my laptop there.  :)

I suddenly do not feel the need to have it around at home anymore!

5) Suggestions for improvement…

I would like to see the iPad at half its weight.  Make it so Apple!  The thin form factor can be sacrificed a little.  I also would like to see an expansion slot (fat chance right?) so I could move pictures over from my camera via sd card or usb.  Network printer support should be included as well (It might be, i have not tried to print anything yet, but I can see that I would want to).  I don’t think I will miss the camera on the iphone, but at the moment, I do miss the flash player.  I am hopeful that apple caves on flash and provides it for their customers. If nothing else, let customers install it themselves…

Cheers…

Tim