Something About Respect… - Before this, here is a disclaimer: With multiple methods of reaching me, it is fair to say that I am biased when I say that prompt communications is a way to show respect towards someone.  I generally take less than 24 hours to respond.  Why do I bring this up?  It is because I have some “friends” who, despite multiple attempts to reach them, do not have the courtesy of returning my calls and messages.  I can accept that a person is busy, but I cannot accept that a person is “busy.”  I have had enough of people who do not return my communications, yet they have enough time to be on Facebook.

Respect is a fundamental element of friendships, and some people are about to lose a friend.  This is their last warning.

The Apple iPad - Up to and including the day of its debut, the Apple iPad received quite a bit of coverage.  The only two words I can conjure up are:

EPIC FAIL

Let’s start with some of its features (or lack thereof):

• No multitasking
• No Flash
• No built-in connectivity options (e.g. USB, memory card reader, HDMI out, etc.)
• 4:3 screen (seriously?  Whoever designed this display clearly did not take into consideration how books are generally laid out)
• Glossy screen = unable to read in broad daylight (the iPad’s chief competitor, by the way, performs excellently in that arena)
• Only one place to get apps (legitimately), and Apple tends to lock out competitors who are able to expand the platform’s potential

People say that this will revolutionize the eBook industry, but I believe that until an eBook is just as versatile as a physical book, that will not be true.  In particular, I present you with two equally-priced versions of a book – choose one:

• iPad version – Locked to your iPad with DRM (Digital RESTRICTIONS Management), which means you cannot lend it to a friend or sell it when you are finished.
• Hardback version – No DRM, which means you can lend your book to a friend or sell it when you are finished

I have a passion for technology, but I, and anybody sensible with their money, would most likely take the latter.  The premium of consolidating a book collection is simply too steep, both financially and with respect to freedom.

I got news for you: I got to play around with a tablet computer about five and a half years ago, and even it is capable of doing more than what this iPad can.

Clearly, there are alternatives that are not only superior to the iPad technically, but truly provide more computing power and more versatility.  Besides making things look pretty, I do not see how Apple is an innovator.