In his May 23 post: ""iPad caveat: Solution seeking a problem." CNet's Brooke Crothers challenges readers to consider what real uses there exists for Apple's new phenom gadget - the iPad. He posed the question, Does the device fill existing technology needs or are Apple devotees working overtime to invent needs for the product to address? Indeed anyone that knows something about the iPad has had similar thoughts. Many of us want one, but then we ask ourselves "for what purpose?" So I found it fun to read the blog responses to Brooke's post from people who believe that they have indeed discovered the iPad's niche ... at least for themselves. A sampling of those responses follows.
Audio system/cookbook: "I decided to flush mount the iPad into my mom's kitchen wall...the iPad became the ultimate song storage and categorized jukebox. We could search for any song, show album art, show full lyrics, and buy a new song whenever we wanted through Wi-Fi. We use apps like epicurious for recipes plus I scanned all of her old recipes in as pictures...Perfect for the kitchen. That is where the iPad belongs."
Productivity: "File management--get Goodreader (misnamed horribly), which allows you to maintain a folder/file structure, import documents from the cloud, and open documents in appropriate applications, such as pages. 2: PrintCentral--print to a wifi printer or a USB printer...3: TaskPro or Todo Queue for task management. 4: iThoughtsHD--a terrific mind mapping application."
Students: "I'm a student, and the iPad is great for me. I find it much more comfortable to study on the iPad rather than on a laptop screen. I take notes on my laptop, but then study them on my iPad. Before I got it, I printed out hundreds of pages of notes and PowerPoint slides and had to carry around large binders. I know the iPad isn't for everyone, but I love it."
Kids: "My kid enjoys the iPad so much. Actually enjoy reading Tintin (search for it) and Spiderman on it...I also noticed my kid having completed almost 3/4 of Treasure Island too in the last 2 weeks."
On the plane: "The iPad is also light and its battery life is longer than an average laptop, at least long enough to survive most flights. I don't have to look for an electric outlet for extended use. Its browsing experience is much better than a smartphone at least. So far I find the iPad an adequate replacement (for) a laptop when traveling for pleasure."
On the can: "Don't discount (it as a) toilet pc--how's the complete works of Shakespeare, the NY Times, movies you can actually see, and a healthy chunk of your music collection strike you?"
Toilet PC? This may be a first, but to quote Larry the Cable Guy, "That's funny right there, I don't care who you are."