iPad Research

1.       In your opinion how important is it for mobile applications and devices to both look good and function properly? Comment on both the attractiveness of the software and the hardware.

It is equally important for mobile devices and apps to look good and function properly. If the device or app doesn’t look good then no one will buy it, because mobile devices are just as much a fashion accessory as they are functional tools. Having said that if the device looks good, but isn’t easy to use and able to perform functionally as well as its competitors then sales will also suffer in the long term.

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?

Jonathan "Jony" Ive, CBE, Senior Vice President of Industrial Design at Apple Inc. is the principal designer of the iPad. I’m sure he had help from the rest of the Apple Design Team, but doesn’t mind taking full credit for its design.

In my opinion people use it because it is new technology. The combination of a touch screen interface and core animation makes it seem like something from the future.  So it’s a combination of how it looks and how it works that gives the user a feeling that they are living or working in a future world. Even the name iPad is a play on the ‘PADD’ a futuristic handheld computer from star trek.

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?

I think the 10 hour battery life is a big plus for business use. Combined with the ultra-portable design you can walk around all day freely with your iPad and conduct business with all your data and apps literally at your finger tips.

I found this example of how the iPad is being used in business on Wikipedia:

 “During the 2010 Major League Baseball free agent season, the agent for the player Carl Crawford was sending iPads to prospective teams interested in Mr. Crawford. These iPads were pre-loaded with video clips highlighting his player, and how it would benefit their team to have him.”

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?

Here is a list of flaws and possible future improvements to the iPad:

·         Phone

·         4G

·         Multi-tasking

·         Faster processor

·         USB

·         Card reader

·         Flash support

·         Keyboard input

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?

I can see the iPad being useful for presentations and meeting with clients. In combination with a fully functional desktop or laptop computer where more processing power and multitasking is required it could be a useful portable information 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?

I think the iPad is changing the way business can be conducted, but I am not sure that everyone will take to this new technology

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?

It’s hard to say whether the iPad will last I think it depends on what other companies develop over the next few years. The iPad will only be popular while it is seen as a new, futuristic technology. Iif Apple fails to continue to improve the technology then another device which offers something newer and more ground breaking can easily take over.

8.       Conduct a discussion with the whole class and determine based on the general consensus the pros and cons of tablet-based technology.

Pros:

·         Battery Life

·         Portable

·         Easy to use

·         Looks good

·         Light weight

Cons:

·         Compatibility

·         Performance

·         Multi-tasking

·         Fragile

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?

I don’t think that it is unnecessary. I believe it is a digital Clipboard/Visual Diary/Portfolio not a standalone computer. It provides a level of convenience which is expected in today’s society. The iPad/Tablet design is unique in the way in which it allows the user to present information in an interactive and direct.

The technological advancements over the next 5 years will determine the fate of the iPad. If Apple can continue to improve the design to meet the need of the consumer then it will continue to be successful, but if another device enters the market which captures the consumers imagination it could fall by the wayside.