Sweet Vernal Zephyr

My history with Apple...

• Grew up on a hand me down educational Apple for learning games.
• College opened my eyes to the production Mac for graphic design.
• Currently, we have 2 Macbooks in our home.
Hubby's is linked to the flat screen and I have one for my lap.
• iPod Touch came free with the newest laptop.
• iPod Shuffle was given to my by a coworker.
• I am regretting my decision to go Droid on my smart phone but have resisted the iPhone so far...

And now there is the iPad. New. Cool. Sexy. Sleek.

But why do I NEED one? Other than lust. And I do give into lust quite a bit, but humor me here.

Let's compare... iTouch... iPad... Macbook Air 11'

iTouch Base Model • Smallest: 2.3" x 4.4" • Lightest: 3.5 oz • Cheapest: $229 + Wifi + Bluetooth + 40hr Battery • Touchscreen • 8GB storage • N/A processor • File Transfer: iTunes sync • Software via iTunes apps • Single-task - No DVR - No USB - Camera, FaceTime Operating Requirements: • Computer to sync • Itunes & Internet Access __________________ + Small enough to hold in your hand for hours. + Small enough to fit in your pocket. + For consumption in bite size chunks. + Accessory to the home computer.		iPad Wifi Base Model • Smaller: 9.5" x 7.5" • Lighter: 1.5 lbs • Cheaper: $499 + Wifi + Bluetooth + 10hr Battery • Touchscreen • 16GB storage • 1GHz processor *Created by Apple • File transfer: iTunes sync • Software via iTunes apps • Single-task - No DVR - No USB - No Camera Operating Requirements: • Computer to sync • Itunes & Internet __________________ - Can't view Flash + Size is a travel convenience. + Accessory to a home computer. • Lower storage space means not a primary library for large collections of music, photos, or ebooks. • Also means large software can not be installed, ie. Adobe Creative Suite. + Primary usage web surfing. + For consuming data. + Luxurious for reading pdfs.		MacBook Air 11' • Bigger: 12" x 8.5" • Heavier: 2.3 lbs • More Expensive: $999 + Wifi + Bluetooth + 5hr Battery • Keyboard with trackpad • 64GB storage • 1.4Ghz processor • File transfer: USB • Software via OS • Multitasking - No DVR + 2 USB ports + Camera, FaceTime Operating Requirements: • Internet optional • Itunes optional __________________ + A home computer. • Large software packages can be utilized, ie. Adobe Creative Suite. • Large library storage: ebooks, photos, and music. + Primary usage typing and media editing. + For creating data.

The End of the iPad:

This overgrown Touch doesn't fit into any dark undiscovered niche in my digital world. Instead it is a pretty dress or an extra car. An indulgence, frivolous and shiny. Got $500+ to blow? Then go for the high, darlkink! But just know, a shinier better iPad will be coming soon. iPad2 is already in the rumor mills.


The weak justification:

My husband will potentially be working out of town for at least a year. Therefore, we will be internet dating Monday night through Wednesday night. His laptop is old and slow (and serves as our TV since we don't a digital signal where I live). Mine is mine and I'm not giving it up. So that leaves me lonely or buying him an iPad. *wink*

My preference is the iPad. What about you?!

Websites Researched for this article:
Apple Store - Basic Specs
New Mac Online - Comparison
The Small Wave - iPad Positive
Tech.Blorge - Comparision
PC World - Comparision
TC Geeks - iPad pros and cons
AE Open Forum - iPad pros and cons
Kikolani - iPad pros and cons link list
MacWorld - Entertaining iPad narrative, negative