IPad Mania? Not for Me I Think.

by Kirk M

Wednesday, April 07, 2010 at 08:44 AM EDT

I banged into Google News this morning just like I've done everyday since Google News was just a puppy. Working my way past World, US, and Business news I navigated my way into Sci/Tech and what do my wondering eyes behold?

10 out of 20 news items listed in the Sci/Tech category of Google News were about or related to the iPad.

In fact, it seems that half the news I've read since the iPad was first announced was carrying on about this somewhat overpriced, somewhat limited tablet PC from Apple. No Flash support, no multitasking, no USB connection, no media card slot, no camera, limited storage for a rather high price (starting at 16 GB, wi-fi only for $500?!?) and yet it's rivaled the Health Care Reform bill in news coverage ever since the first hint of the thing was "leaked".

Now just to be fair about everything I will say that I've watched the demo videos at Apple's iPad site and yes, the iPad is definitely a fairly impressive device and I could see where it would come in real handy even in my rather non-mobile life but only if:

• It had Flash support.
• It was capable of multi-tasking (so I should look at a music app all day?).
• It had at least one built-in USB connection.
• It had a built-in SD card slot.
• Larger storage capacity. Not huge but a bit more than just 16 gb for 500 bucks.
• It was about $100 cheaper (starting price).

You notice I didn't include a built in camera or webcam in my list? That's because the iPad is a tablet PC and not a laptop, notebook or netbook that you can lay on a flat, stable surface like a table for example. It doesn't take too much imagination what kind of a Skype video someone might receive from a friend holding onto an iPad and poking at the touch screen during the call. A new reason to keep a box of Dramamine in your pocket?

And wasn't there something about a non-standard headphone jack?

But will it sell? Hell, you bet it will although it will do much more than just sell. It will fuel the creation of somewhat more functional tablets that give you a bit more bang for your buck (hopefully). And yeah, I'll be looking forward to a Linux based tablet since a non-Apple type tablet would most likely be running Windows and I have this horrible image of having to run firewall and anti-virus software to keep my little touch screen marvel from getting infected.

Be that as it may, this is a device that I can see myself owning sometime in the near future--but not Apple's version.

This article originally appeared on Just Thinkin'.