This article says pretty much what I think about Apple's latest contraption. In case the thought of reading one more article about the iPad is one too many let me just summarise some points: The fact that it's going to run the same OS as an iPhone means that, just like an iPhone, you won't be able to install any software on it without it first being pre-approved by an Apple store and then paid for via that same store. That's a first for something that will look and feel a lot more like a computer than a mobile phone. With the iPad, gone are any messy notions about "Files" and "Folders" and "Menus" that confuse many people over a certain age..you just click on what you want to do. You'll be able to use it to browse the web, send email, listen to music and watch video. And for a lot of people that's all computers are used for. So having your computer software limited to what you can get from an Apple store won't bother a lot of people. As the article says "Its an attempt to get people used to this closed type of system by means of a more computer looking device." So I think this might just sell lots and lots, will be used by kids (in school and out) and older people who hate fiddling with windows. And in the process, the idea of having a computer that you have full control of, that you can organise, that you can install software without corporate permission first, will become less and less popular. You wouldn't be able to install software to read books or watch video or read newspapers unless it's the official software from the official store that will make sure you pay what they demand. "General purpose computing is too complicated for most people anyway, and the iPad’s descendants along with similar competing products from other companies will offer an enticing alternative. So I see the death of the traditional, open personal computer as a likely occurrence." That might be a bit much, but you could certainly argue that's the way Apple would like things.

Showing herself around Sydney for the weekend, I knew the first thing that she'd want to see was the brand spanking new Apple store in the city centre (*cough ..excuse.. cough*). It's the second largest one in the world apparently, and the timing of its opening its handy enough seeing as I've only just bought a computer in the last couple of months. The place was absolutely jammers, but without being able to fiddle with a new iPhone the novelty wore off in about 2 minutes. Also made a visit to the worlds biggest Imax cinema at Darling Harbour. Hoping to see lots of 3D action from a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon, "Grand Canyon: River at Risk" turned out to be pretty underwhelming. The exciting 3D bits were kept to a minimum and anytime one of the actors (documentary participants?) opened their mouths the rest of the movie was ruined. There were about 4 different pointless narrators who couldn't say anything compelling. Not that I disagreed with the eco message, but I'd much rather watch some BBC quality documentary about climate change than listen to one where some guy goes on about his trip with his daughter before she goes off to college, all to the sound of jangly music in the background. Having said all that, the screen was really huge :)