Washington DC Wedding Photographer. Destination Wedding Photographer. Armin DeFiesta. » Armin's Photo Blog

So much has been celebrated and criticized about Apple’s new iPad.  Since I do not have one nor have I even touched one, I can only base my opinions on what we’re all reading about it. This “first impression on paper” review will be based from my perspective as a photographer and consumer and what I find useful in the iPad.

SKEPTICISM

Many of the skeptics talk about what it does not have.  And yes, I can see where they’re coming from because there might be some things consumers will find they miss having. For example I am hoping the next iPad will have multitasking and a HDMI port, maybe a USB so I can attach a CF card reader to it.  I don’t think I’ll need much else since it’s a mobile device and lets me stay on-the-move with its small and slim profile.  After all, this is meant to be a mobile device.  Keyboard docks will be available for purchase of course if you really need to sit down somewhere with it and do some typing.

PERSONAL MOBILITY – YES!

For my photography business if I need to do any serious work/editing/typing I’ll save that for my laptop or desktop.  I would rarely do photo editing on a 10 inch screen, maybe just basic corrections but that’s it.  The iPad is just way too small for what I do as a photographer.  But that’s okay, I don’t think the iPad is meant to be a photo editing device!  And I don’t think the iPad itself is meant to replace the iPhone or laptop either, but to fill a gap that Apple believes exists… or we have yet to discover our need for it!  On the flip side, maybe consumers will buy into this new and “relaxed” way of browsing the web, checking email, reading books, watching videos, photos, etc.. I’d guess in about a year Apple will release version 2 of the iPad and it’ll have some or most of what customers want on it.  Based on what I know at this point I like the iPad a lot, it’s slick, cool and looks like fun.  But based on all the info so far it doesn’t do anything my Apple MacBook Pro or iPhone can’t do together when I’m “on-the-move” or just chilling out on the couch.  Come to think of it I sometimes do find myself relaxing on the couch with the laptop AND iPhone TOGETHER.  Perhaps the iPad could be a consolidated solution to that? I don’t know yet, I need to get one and find out =)  As a mobile device I find the iPad’s sleek and slim profile a benefit for travel which I do a lot – small enough to carry, big enough to be practical for my weary eyes lol.  It very well could end up as a niche product though.

As a wedding photographer I can see the iPad being a portfolio device for on-site client consultations. But I usually bring a sample album or two already anyway so brides can touch and feel the nice leather =).  As a photographer, I don’t envision myself doing extensive photo editing on the iPad, but I am very open to the idea in future devices if the interface is easy to use and requires only a few clicks and “touches” on Apple’s awesome multi-touch screen.

I won’t be surprised if Apple has some forward thinking plans already with the iPad.  I know this concept is not new, and many before it have failed.  But maybe, just maybe this might be a successful one.  This could be the start of the next style of computers or a totally big mistake lol.  I’ll be an optimist and say this will lead to something new for us as consumers.  I guess we’ll see how the market responds when it comes out this Spring.

Visit Apple’s website to learn more about the iPad.  In the meantime here is a video of Steve Jobs introducing the iPad as well as some photos…