You’ve probably noticed I’ve got an iPad in the house. And, along with the loaner, comes some mixed feelings. It still doesn’t really solve a problem I have, falling as it does between my smartphone collection and MacBook Air. In fact, the first few weeks I possessed the iPad, I only pulled it out when my iPhone was on empty. On the other hand, the software (apps), features, and new use cases are beginning to catch up to the promise of the form factor.
With that in mind, I’ve said all along I’ll probably pick up an iPad 2 whenever Apple chooses to grace us with one. I expect the next iteration will be a bit more practical, hopefully lighter weight and with a SD card reader as rumored. Paired with a Bluetooth keyboard case
Yet we’re not there. And who knows when we will be. But Apple isn’t the only game in town…
I wasn’t initially super impressed with Samsung’s competing Android-powered Galaxy Tab, given it’s size and app ecosystem in relation to price. Until I saw Kevin Tofel at the helm while we were in Vegas for CES. He has mastered this device… and has since unloaded his iPad. Additionally, his Tab sports a pretty fine case (something I’ve yet to find for the iPad) and Galaxy prices have dropped.
Each of the major wireless carriers hawks a Tab variant, yet the hardware and service fees are all over the map. Given excellent Sprint coverage in the office, I was curious to learn what they’re charging at the moment. And, as it turns out, those who conduct their research from an iPad may never know (as you can see above). I joked on Twitter that Sprint isn’t actively seeking iPad refugees. But Feech1 and Nitecourt got the last laugh in suggesting it’s a Jobsian no-Flash plot to keep me in the fold.
