Apple iPad, back to the drawing pad?

All week I’ve been itching to post my thoughts on the iPad but with capped internet, it’s been futile. The most simple tasks one takes for granted become unbearable at dial-up speed. So now I’m back in the real world I’m able to pay my bills, catch up with friends, write this post and put away the anger management book I was told to read during an incident on the first night we were capped.

Apple iPad

Right, so the iPad. Apple what have you been doing? Surely your R & D could spare a few hours to develop something that can do two things at once! After all I’m still astounded that your coveted iPhone can’t multitask and this is a tablet after all, not a pocket sized device.

Like most Apple products the aesthetics of the iPad are pretty good, but I don’t think it has come a long way from the iPhone – if only that it’s, well, bigger. With regards to the technical product itself, they seem to have truly hit the neglect button.

No Multitasking. No Camera. No High Definition. No USB. No Flash. No HDMI out…

Hang on, no USB? What happened here? Did somebody forget to schedule the meeting where USB was the agenda?

Anyway, rather than write yet another critical review, a simple Google search will find you several, I’d rather offer some constructive advice on better products to look out for if a tablet computer is what you seek.

Microsoft Courier – A little nostalgic, I see this one appealing to those who miss the feeling of pen to paper, but desire the most current technology. The middle binder allows you to ‘tuck’ items away and the two screens look to offer the user a true journal experience.

Microsoft Courier

HP Slate - Yes, it’s a real PC. USB has not been left out here and running on windows 7 I can see this being a big hit with non-mac users. More stats on this will be released soon but launching after Apple’s heavy campaign, I expect HP to get it pretty right.

HP Slate

Chrome Tablet - As an Android user, I’m excited about this one. Not only does Google rarely get it wrong, but like the Nexus One, they are starting well behind. The end result will have to be pretty schmick to compete with the Apple marketing army and with a Chrome operating system and lightning fast Snapdragon chip, the differentiators will be far more than just USB ports and HD viewing.

Google Chrome Tablet

Like the iPhone to the smartphone market, the iPad isn’t the only tablet to be released this year.

Stormed by Apple’s dominant marketing campaign, the world seems to have again forgotten that there are other better products out there. I’ll give Apple due credit on the marketing front, they just get it right. Mind you they had to in this case because the iPad certainly doesn’t sell itself.