Apple's latest invention, the iPad, is arguably the hottest and most popular gadget today, with latest figures indicating sales have topped one million in less than a month.
ITWeb had a chance to see what all the fuss is about and investigate the device's viability for the South African consumer. I found the device to be sexy in design, easy to use, and packed with potential; however, the lack of local support means hurdles remain in realising this potential.
User experience
As a journalist rather than a technologist, the most important criterion when reviewing any gadget for me is ease of use. Setting up the iPad, which requires downloading Apple iTunes and creating an account, is pretty straightforward, and the most complicated procedure in using the device.
To further demonstrate the user simplicity of the iPad, my 76-year-old grandfather was able to use and navigate the tablet computer on his first encounter. In this way, Apple's devices are spot-on in achieving a user-intuitive design.
The most noticeable feature of the iPad is the 9.7-inch LED back-lit display, which brings a whole new app experience to the user. Video and pictures also looked amazing on the screen, and on this front, the device can not be faulted.
The screen is especially effective with Apple's iBook application, which delivers a view similar to a traditional book. The text was clear and easy to read, without any strain on the eyes. Various Apple apps deliver different magazines and news titles to the device. However, it must be noted that it's simply not possible to curl up in bed and read an e-book on the iPad. I tried it - it doesn't work.
My favourite feature of the iPad is the multi-touch screen. It works and it works well. The screen is not oversensitive to touch but also not slow to respond. The large virtual keypad is functional and easy to use.
The iPad, however, does not have USB storage or a camera. In addition, it does not support Adobe Flash, which means many Internet-based apps cannot be viewed on the device. The iPad has a built-in battery offering up to 10 hours of continuous battery life, but cannot be replaced if the battery dies and you are away from your charger.
It has been said the iPad is nothing more than a giant iTouch - besides from the larger screen it offers every other feature offered on the iTouch. In summary, this device is little more than a multi-functional e-reader. Every other feature is available on both the iTouch and iPhone - making iBooks the main differentiator of the iPad.
The iPad is a mobile Internet gadget, not a work device, and will not, by any stretch, replace the laptop. It is an excellent e-reader with the added benefit of the Internet and Apple's vast application offering.
Local letdown
The biggest drawback of the iPad is the fact that the iStore, Apple's online application store, is not supported in SA. This means other than the few pre-loaded apps, which do not include iBooks, users are unable to download any other applications directly from the device.
“Customers locally have been forced by all of the red tape to look for alternate solutions to access the US iTunes store,” says Simon Swanich, co-founder of online store Have2Have. “The most common solution used is purchasing a prepaid iTunes voucher to fund the account, and using the address of a friend, family member or colleague in the US,” he explains. “One customer even reported using a favourite Manhattan hotel's address.”
According to Swanich, this is not a unique solution. “Even Kindle customers have to make alternate plans to access US-only content. Customers register two accounts - one South African and one American - and then fund the South African account with their local credit card. From that account they then send gift vouchers to the US account, which they use on the Kindle,” he continues.
However, Swanich believes this will not hamper local sales of the iPad. “Customers who want to access the store will find a way to do so; this hasn't stopped the sales of iPods locally and I expect the same to be true for the iPad.”
Apple's local distributor, the Core Group, was unable to comment on this, instead explaining it doesn't know when the iPad will be brought into the country or who the main distributor will be. “Unfortunately, Apple has kept us in the dark and we are therefore unable to assist with any queries,” responded the company.
With the hurdles involved in accessing the Apple iStore and little commitment to the local market, one has to question what the South African user stands to gain from this device.
In summary:
I say: A luxury gadget - something you want but don't really need.
Plus: iBooks
Minus: Lack of local support
Contact: Have2Have
Price: TBD
Related story:
SA is a technological afterthought
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