It is extremely important for mobile devices and applications to be attractive and function correctly, an unattractive mobile device or application will not be used or widely used by people as it may make it harder to use, not aesthetically pleasing or a fad that has run its course. Function is also just as important as its attractiveness since a poorly functioning mobile device or application will not serve the purpose that it was advertised or designed to do.
2. Who designed the iPad? Was it an individual or team? In your opinion, do people use this device because it looks good or because it functions well? Or does it do both?
The iPad was designed and developed by a small team of people, lead by senior vice president of Industrial Design, Jonathan Ive[1], who work for Apple by designing and developing new products, new features and new models for existing products. The iPad's design to look attractive and give functions to as many people, occupation and corporation as possible, in other words the iPad has almost unlimited uses.
3. How has the iPad changed the way some businesses function? Can you find examples of where businesses have implemented the iPad into their day-to-day activities?
The iPad has changed the way some businesses operate by needing less staff, as less money is spent on wages, making businesses more efficient. Global Mundo Tapas at the Rydges Hotel in Sydney is using iPads to show menus, photos of each dish, how they want their meat cooked, allow customers to order their meals and drinks and what wine goes with each dish[2]. Jetstar is planning to add modified iPads as in-flight entertainment units on its aircraft[3].
4. Overall, what other major flaws of this type of technology? Can you think of anyways in the future that this hardware will be improved to the point where it will compete with desktop and laptop computers?
The touch screen can be damaged beyond repair if it is scratched or dropped, it lacks a card reader and USB ports which most if not all laptops and desktops have, no multi-tasking abilities and lacks Adobe Flash, making it impossible to use sites which largly use Flash[4].
5. How do you think the iPad could help your day-to-day workflow? Are the answers straightforward? Is it more a case of combining this technology with others that already exist?
iPad is like any other technology, it will not replace desktops and laptops but allows the user the combine all the technologies into one powerful tool.
6. Consider the following–has the iPad shaped the way we do business? Or has business and technology shaped the way Apple developed the iPad?
Both, business wanted something different to a laptop and Apple wanted to do something different to making laptops, desktops, iPods and iPhones.
7. Is the iPad and tablets in general a passing fad? Or do you think this type of technology is here to stay long-term?
Some are fads and some will be lasting fads, depending on its features, size, weight, how it could be used or implemented in a work place.
8. Conduct a discussion with the whole class and determine based on the general consensus the pros and cons of tablet-based technology.
The portability of the iPad due to its size and weight, compared to a laptop and desktop computer, far more powerful then a smart phone, but the iPad can't make phone calls like a smart phone can. The iPad also lacks USB and a card reader, making it impossible for people to use the iPad to tansfer files from USB devices and memory cards (e.g. SD, XD). The other downside is multi tasking and performance is limited but the upside is that the iPad battery power is far more longer lasting then a laptop.
9. Many people say that the iPad is an unnecessary piece of hardware caught in limbo between a laptop and mobile phone. Do you think this consensus is accurate. Do you think that your answer could be different in five years time?
No, I think the consensus is mixed. The iPad has a lot of potential to become an every day item used for a number of tasks in multi able ways. In the next five years it would be improved so much that it could compete against the laptop and netbook but the desktop computer will still serve its purpose.
Sources:
- Dalrymple, Jim (2010), Steve Jobs, Jony Ive named smartest in tech, 9 July, cnet News, viewed 16 May 2011, http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-20010099-37.html
- De Lollis, Barbara (2010), iPad replaces menu in hotel restaurant, 7 June, USA Today, viewed 16 May 2011, http://travel.usatoday.com/hotels/post/2010/06/ipad-replaces-menu-in-hotel-restaurant/95656/1
- Hopewell, Luke (2011), Jetstar's iPad plans leak, 9 March, ZDNet, viewed 16 May 2011, http://www.zdnet.com.au/jetstar-s-ipad-plans-leak-339311007.htm
- Apple's iPad hit with criticism, 30 January, BigPond News (2010), viewed 16 May 2011, http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Business/2010/01/30/Apples_iPad_hit_with_criticism_423060.html
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