shownotes_20120322

iPad vs. Notebook
  Opening
    With the new iPad now out the device is seriously starting to transition from a content consumption device to something more and more people are using for creation
    Some of the credit can go to the improved specs, better camera, processors, graphics
    The bulk of credit need to go to the apps and services
      Productivity apps and utilities
      Video and Photo apps, etc.
      Dropbox, iCloud, iCloud Backup, iTunes in the Cloud, etc.
    The question is, is it enough to replace your notebook? Can someone get by with an iPad as their only computer?
    This came up because a listener posed this question to me and while I know it's been discussed in the media I hadn't given it too much thought until now.
  The answer that has more questions
    What kind of user are you?
    Answering that will take you a long way to understanding what device will best suit your needs.
    The funny thing is this is the question we should ALWAYS ask when making any kind of technology buying decision.
    What are ALL of the scenarios and use cases you can come up with and maybe even a few that you can't.
  Keyboard entry
    Virtual keyboard can work, but still falls short for me for heavy text entry
      New Dictation feature could help, but only in some situations
    Pairing a Bluetooth keyboard can help, but you lose some portability
      Incase Origami workstation + Apple Wireless Keyboard
    Keyboard cases can help with portability, but do add bulk and cost ($80 - $100)
    Also, lake of a mouse or trackpad becomes obvious in many situations
      The act of "switching planes" to use the touchscreen is very awkward
  Bang for the buck
    Limited storage on the iPad
      Helped by iCloud and things like Dropbox
      iMovie, iPhoto on iPad, but will eat up storage.
      iTunes match is an added $25/mo.
      Devices like Hyperdrive Cloud FTP, but again another $99.00
    Processor
      iPad is great for a majority of applications.
      Not sure it's the best choice for heavy video or audio encoding.
        Video longer than a few minutes
    Prices
      iPad: $499 (16GB), $599 (32GB), $699.00 (64GB)
      11" $999 (64GB), $1,199 (128 GB), 13" $1,299 (128), $1,599 (256 GB)
      13" MacBook Pro $1,199 (500 GB)
  Care and handling
    iPad is more droppable.
    In the hand more often. Notebook usually requires a lap or desk
    When not in use a notebook is typically in a special bag
    Easy to forget an iPad is in a bag and toss it
    iPad is "hot ticket" item.
  Usage
    Battery life on iPad is phenomenal.
    iPad excels at single focused tasks.
      Multitasking via fast application switching when needed.
    Instant on gets you to the task at hand more quickly
      Have this in a way with sleep mode on a notebook
    Focused apps mean a lot more shuffling
      Some tasks require jumping between multiple apps on the iPad
      Laptops can be more versatile in some instances.
      Photo editing and compositing is a good example.
        Photoshop may handle it all on a notebook.
    Casual use is a great use case for iPad
      Web surfing, email, messaging
      Research and light note taking
      Gaming
        Without a doubt the iPad is a phenomenal gaming platform
        Lots of options, also distractions.
    Media consumption
      Awesome
      Books, movies, tv, Netflix, etc.
      AirPlay, adds to the whole experience
      Textbooks, I think are still an experiment
        Large file sizes
        No secondary market, but they are relatively cheap.
        Still only 10 titles 60 days out
    Presentations
      Great for showing things of 1 on 1 or 1 to few
      AirPlay or iPad connectors work for mirroring to TV or projector
        Dongle's can be awkward
        Except for the HDMI one, don't allow for power.
    Photography
      New camera is really nice
      Camera connection kit is great
      Can import RAW files, but editing apps on iPad convert to JPEG
      Light editing and color correction, but color accuracy might be a problem.
    Media creation
      I think you can do it, but light applications for most types of media
      Music
        GarageBand is very cool on the iPad
        Some projects are being done, but all the same tools aren't there
      Movies
        iMovie for iPad
        Storage and processing power can be limitations
        Format support on import and export is also a limitation.
      Drawing, may be one exception.
        With a stylus, can be an amazing drawing platform. Pressure sensitivity options are just emerging
    Research and information access
      The iPad excels at this and is even better when the experience is enhanced with a dedicated app
  Conclusion
    Every iteration seems to blur the lines further
    I don't think we are to the point yet of the iPad serving as a full time laptop replacement
      It's a very good compliment though.
      There are some very specific use cases and areas where it may be possible
    It also has a lot to do with a learning curve and willingness to take on the challenge of changing your workflows and dealing with the limitation when you hit them
      It's those limitations though that often require workarounds, and maybe don't have "solutions" or tablet equivalents.
    The longer you depend on an iPad as a primary device though the more it can also become one.
      We have had 28 years with a mouse and keyboard and only 3 year with the iPad.
      It's come a very long way and it's only getting better