One of the most interesting of those devices is the Apple iPad. Apple released the iPad in April 2010, selling millions in its first 80 days. The company describes the iPad as, “The best way to experience the web, e-mails, photo and video,” which is what it is designed for.
The iPad is not a giant iPod, Apple’s hit device for playing music digitally, though it shares many features of the iPod, including the ability to use wifi internet access, and a reactive touch screen.
The iPad is a completely functioning tablet computer. It weighs 1½ pounds and is ½-inch thick. It feels solid, without being heavy. It is not designed for photo, video, or audio editing.
Its screen is almost 10 inches from corner to corner, and is backlit to be vivid and bright. It costs between $500 and $830, depending on how much hard drive space you want, and if you want a 3G network connection.“It’s still a computer,” said Dean Keipert, of Fenton, chief operating officer of a web development company in Fenton. “It has all the same elements as a regular computer. It’s just smaller.”
The iPad has a hard drive, motherboard, and everything else a computer needs to function, except without any moving parts like fans, or an actual hard disc drive.
Tablet computers, like the iPad, have no separate monitor, keyboard or mouse.
“To me it’s just like carrying around a laptop, without having to carry a laptop computer,” said David Lossing, mayor of the city of Linden. He is also the director of government relations for the University of Michigan-Flint and back in school for a post master’s degree. This triple role requires a lot of electronic communication.
In his role as mayor, Lossing uses the tablet computer to read and store agendas.
As director of government relations, he spends a lot of time in Lansing, monitoring congress. He uses the iPad to keep the U of M-Flint administrators up on what decisions are being made that could affect the school.
Lossing’s iPad has 10 hours of battery time, which he finds is more than enough for an entire day of classes. He also downloads research journal articles he needs for class. During class, Lossing props his device up with the portfolio he keeps the iPad in, and types on an external keyboard, to make it easier. The iPad does have a touch-screen keyboard, but Lossing prefers the real keyboard for longer documents.
“I find it really functional,” he said. “It’s a great device.”
Lossing can also group his applications (apps) into various folders for professional and entertainment use. His entertainment folder has his Netflix, and even streaming TV stations. “If I’m traveling someplace and have to stay overnight, I can watch a movie on the go, basically,” he said.
Lossing also uses his iPad as an electronic book reader. He has Nook, and Kindle applications, and already has three textbooks loaded onto his iPad. “It allows you to do some serious multi-tasking,” he said.
Keipert uses his iPad for small business meetings, and has not ditched any of his other technology, but he does use his Apple laptop less.
Lossing sees potential in schools using iPads instead of physical books, opening up a completely new discussion on technology in the classroom. Holly Area Schools has already purchased 75 iPads for students there.
Lossing’s favorite app for his iPad is “Skywalk.” Once activated, the GPS in the device will give a real-world view of the heavens. In the western sky, the planets Saturn and Venus come alive on the screen, along with constellations Virgo and Libra. If the iPad is held parallel with the ground, the view of the heaven can be seen, from the other side of the world.
“It’s just amazing,” Lossing said.
