Apple iPad, To buy or not to buy?

In one of my recent posts about the iPad being released I pointed out that I probably wouldn't get on the bandwagon just yet. Although I see a lot of potential in this device, I was able to demo one first hand and was clearly impressed. I can see it as a toy and entertainment purposes. I am not convinced that it can replace my trusty G5. I had a notion to really consider getting the iPad. I was ready to go visit Best Buy and see if that was what I wanted.

The more I thought about it the more I talked myself out of getting it, or even going to look at it more. I am still not convinced that I could find a practical use for it. Now a lot of you may disagree, but I find myself visiting Blogs and Forums that have embedded videos, that are primarily used by Flash 10. The iPad does not support flash, nor do I see it being supported any time soon, as Apple is in ventures to adopt HTML 5. Ironically the battle between Flash 10 and HTML 5, reminds me of the HD DVD vs Blueray a couple of years ago.

Anyway, I don't read that many books or magazines regularly, so that wasn't a consideration. I do play games but some of the games on the iPad, as well as iPhone and iPod touch will cost. I am cheap. I like playing free games. (Refer to our recent meeting about games in our members section.) Other features like Youtube and Netflix appealed to me, but I would prefer watching my favorite episodes on a bigger screen.

So in conclusion, the more I think about buying an iPad. The more im convinced I would not use it to its potential and would be a costly toy that would be set aside somewhere. So if I get it for my birthday or something it would be welcome. I just don't see myself making a point to buy one at this time. Tell me your thoughts on iPad, maybe you can sway me.

Until then happy computing

Apple Iphone 4 Prototype

Apple has been getting a lot of media exposure due to a prototype iphone 4 was discovered in a bar last week. Although it looked like an innocent mistake, I wouldn't think that if Apple really wanted it top secret they wouldn't give something so valuable to be used outside of a testing environment.

A lot of people are speculating that this was staged to hype up their product line, as it looked like it did the trick. Apple's stock has increased and they got some free publicity in the last few days.

Again, this could easily be an accident, and if so, it is too bad for the employee who left it there. Similar situations caused other apple employee's to lose their job when the ipad was being released, reports state that an engineer lost his job for just showing Steve Wozniak the ipad for just a few minutes. Trade secrets are the only thing that will give you an edge in this day and age.

So share what you think. Do you think Apple planned this at an employee expense or was this an actual mistake? Post your responses and share. Well hopefully I can get more active with my blogging.

Breaking the Silence

Just an update/explanation for the lack of blog posts since our last meeting.

First of all, I want to apologize to you for not keeping up on my obligations to getting posts on the Blog. I came down with a terrible case of Bronchitis that nearly moved into Pneumonia. I had been able to work,(because I have been stubborn) but after coming home I would just crash and not even attempt to use the computer. I am getting better, but still dealing with the cough.

Here are some posts that have been submitted to me from members about the upcoming iPad presentation we will have in our next meeting.

http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20100331/apple-ipad-review/

http://www.eetimes.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=224201248&cid=NL_eet

I hope to find more in the next few days, but maybe this can get you started on some interesting reading,

Until then Happy Computing

Who's getting an iPad

Apple is now taking orders for the long awaited Ipad. While I think the iPad is a great product and will definitely be a "must have" for most apple enthusiasts, I will probably wait on getting one of these for many reasons I wont share here. I can see the potential it will have as new applications are developed for it. Nothing, in my opinion, can replace my Mac computer.

So the question of the day, Who going to buy an Ipad? Share your comments on the blog or the forum. Looking forward to your comments.

Apple News 3/2

Apple is suing HTC for multi-touch patent infringement. Other suits filed against Google phone manufacturer. Find out more at here

--Source, boygeniusreport.com

Apple looking at adding HDMI connections to Mac Mini's by end of year. Read more here

--Source, macrumors.com

Apple iPad scheduled to ship March 26th. Read more here

--Source, appleinsider.com

Stay tuned for more news links

Well, It's Official

By now everyone should have received their username and passwords. I'm excited about interacting with all of you with the forum and hopefully can put some of my experience to practice.

Updates to the news section of the blog is set to start by Friday. I am working on reliable sources to reference, to avoid any false info or speculation. So that I am sharing news that's important to you feel free to comment or make suggestions on what you want to know about in Apple news.

Until then....think different.

Ooopps! I goofed.

Well, the first day of the launch of the website started out kinda rocky. For those of you who received and email about your account on Apple Squires, it was sent as a mistake. I did not disable the mail setting and your account info was not completely set up.

You will be getting an official announcement soon about your username and password as soon as we get everyone loaded into the database. This was never intended to cause frustration and accept my deepest apologies. This is a learning experience for me and lessons were learned on how things like this should be approached in the future.

So....please be patient as we get your info relayed to every member and hopefully we can move forward without any more major hiccups.

Launch is getting closer

We have made a lot of progress with the website and are very excited about the launch. The Blog will be getting some attention this week so we are ready to go live. We have developed the Support forum as well and very excited about the possibilites it can have in supporting users with Apple related issues.

We will be introducing our new website at our Saturday meeting, so you don't want to miss it.

Until then...think different

Apple Squires Website

It looks like our group website is coming along well. It is a work in progress and we are learning as we go. Building a website has its challenges and rewards. We hope to officially announce the new site within the next months.

We also have a channel on Youtube. We hope to have updates on there with clips of our meetings.

Feel free to comment on any articles.