iPad: the future?

The iPad is the future. The future of what? That is the question isn't it?

I am beginning to use the new tablet-like device from Apple for more than just watching videos, surfing the web, and answering emails. In fact, I am typing this post up with the iPad. It hasn't been easy. The touch keyboard is going to to get some used to.

But more than the iPad, the whole new class of these slates or tablets will really change how we do things. But make no mistake, it's not going to replace my Macbook any time soon. But it will change us to be sure.

First, it will change how we consume media - music, videos, and written work (books, newspapers, magazines). Unlike the UMPC that Microsoft aspired to make popular a few years back, these crop of tablets have one thing that their fore bearers did not: longer battery life. If you read my blog here regularly (no, really, don't laugh), you know I think battery life is very important for mobile warriors. I watched six hours of video without having to worry about running out of juice.

Second, ubiquitous wireless Internet access. There are more wifi access now but more of these tablets will have 3G, and later WiMax & LTE, access. In three to four years, don't be surprised if s majority of these pads will be sold with wireless access.

Anyway, these are just a few quick observations that stemmed from the few hours I had to spend with the iPad. It's the future and while it's a bright future, it's fluid and yet to be defined.