Tech Blog

[#1]

When a fresh new gadget comes out, unless you are a rabid fan boy incapable of self control you should live by the motto "wait a week."

This rule doesnt necessarily apply for gaming (Rock Band, God of War etc) when waiting the week may ruin the surprise of discovering game screts on your own.

The "wait a week" motto applies mostly to the consumer / business gadgetry from a company like Apple.  We've now churned through various versions of iMacs, iPods and iPhones. And while the next generation gadget is more powerful than the last, the device you're currently rocking isn't necessarily obsolete. 

I chose to skip the iPhone 3GS after buying the iPhone 3G the year previous. (And I did not buy it on opening day - I waited a week to see the reviews and research on what best plan to get)  Now with rumours of an iPhone HD surfacing this summer, I just might be ready for a fresh phone.

When it comes to the iPad launch today in the US, having a 3 week delay in Canadian launch will be a good thing.  We won't just be waiting a week, we'll be forced to wait 3 weeks.  These next 3 weeks will bring a thorough testing of the iPad.  The full range of apps and accessories for it will be explored and the web will drown in lineup cheers, raves, reviews and unboxing videos.

Is the iPad ready to replace your laptop?  Is it truly a unique device that's creating a new genre of gadget?  Will you actually read books and magazines on it? Can you afford the subscriptions?  Do you need a 3G version or a WiFi one?

Do you need one or do you just want one?

These 3 weeks will be a great cooling off period for Canadian gadget heads that resisted the urge to cross the border to buy today.  We will be afforded a period of sober second thought to determine if it's something worthy of all the drooling.

Originally I didnt want an iPad.  Then I started to waver, just a little bit.  I thought it would make a great replacement for my wife's aging desktop computer.  It would be a way for her to ease in to the Apple world while having a slim portable device to check email and update Facebook (her only basic uses for the web).

Now I have to wait.  And it's a good thing.

catch the buzz ... pass it on.

[#2]

Yep, you mentioned it briefly.  Everybody who was rabidly foaming at the mouth for one of these has already crossed the border for it.  No need to wait.

[#3]

Some things already gleaned from Twitter today:

tough to read the screen outside

must have a computer to tether it to iTunes

iPad will only charge through USB when connected to a Mac -not when it's connected to PC

[#4]

I agree with you Buzz... I think this is one case where it will be good to wait and read the reviews.  Is it something you really want and it's good?  Or is it something you want simply because everyone else wants one?

This three week wait actually just may be a very good thing.  Personally, I'll be happy once this hoopla is all over and we can get back to everything else that's going on in the tech world. 

I just hope all those people hopping the border don't have any warranty problems... will Apple warrant items bought in the US in Canada?  And apparently the people who bought one could end up paying an extra pretty penny on the way home - I already read one person on Twitter saying they paid an extra $130 in customs duty and taxes when crossing back into Canada.  And I know some people are saying to hide the iPad, but if you do that, you could actually land yourself in jail, so I don't know that'd be worth it.

[#5]

Ouch..... http://www.pcworld.com/article/193388

OK, I'm feeling better now.

[#6]

I saw that... funny but sad.

[#7]

Thos on the fence might want to read Jeff Jarvis' thoughts on the philosophy that iPad brings.

http://www.buzzmachine.com/2010/04/04/ipad-danger-app-v-web-consumer-v-creator/

[#8]

Now this is a great post... And I think it starts hitting on some of the fears I have with the iPad (and indirectly, Apple).  What will it do to for internet freedom?

Fact of the matter is we don't yet know, but the potential implications are huge.  Will it have a positive impact?  Or will we actually move back in time?

Perhaps this is also why I like the idea of a Windows 7-based tablet.  It gives the freedom of a tablet, but doesn't focus so extensively on the app experience.  And anyone can create for Windows 7 whereas the iPad has to go through the App Store and what you can install is based on what someone else tells you that you can install.

Thanks for posting that Buzz!  I actually think this might help explain my intrepidation! 

[#9]

I found this little tip if you find wifi connection weak.... lift the iPad off the table.  The antenna is hidden behind the logo.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/193434/ipad_fail_users_experiencing_issues.html

I hope no other customer goes through this much frustration...

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/790403--ipad-meet-baseball-bat