Yes, you read correctly. I said UNDERrated.
So we were all terribly excited about the wondrous possibilities of the iPad when the rumours first started trickling in.
We can thank our good friend Social Media for spreading and fueling those rumours so efficiently! Thanks Mr. Social Media, what a pal! 
However, the downside of our Nicolas Cage like ‘knowing’ is that, we didn’t know at all. So, our imaginations ran away with us. We imagined up the best possibility instead of the only-a-little-above-average we should have hoped for.
Sure, this means we’re all disappointed, but, many will argue, for very good reason.
Yes, it’s unacceptable that it doesn’t support flash.
Yes, it’s retarded that there’s no camera.
Multi-tasking…. eh…. I like to do one thing at a time anyway. I do however understand the justification for multi-tasking.
What I’m getting at here, is the INSANE potential the iPad has. Not the potential future devices; based on the iPad have.; the current, iPad itself!
Here I’m going to try to outline the overlooked awesomeness that is the iPad.
Big Touch Screen:
Look beyond the novelty of a BIG ( 24.6cm – 9.7″ ) touchscreen, to it’s actual application. The upcoming apps will allow for a user interface experience unlike any we’ve seen before. Yes, this is not the first BIG touch screen, but, it is the first multi-touch, that is this accurate, and this intuitive.
If you think there are some clever apps around for the iPone, just wait and see what the dev community come up with for the larger, more powerful iPad.
Gaming:
A friend (HUGE Mac geek) of mine has been saying for years that Apple should get into gaming. He insists that Apple would make serious waves, and put together a console AND development environment that would make all others pale in comparison.
I look at the iPad as Apples early answer to gaming. We’ve already seen EA demo Need for Speed on the iPad [Videos below] We’ve also checked out N.O.V.A, a First Person Shooter for the iPad.
Both are looking pretty, freakin sweet, however…not ground-breaking.
Here’s where I think that ground-breaking will come in…
The gaming aspect I’m most excited for…
Something I hoped to see done well with the PSP…
Wireless, multiplayer! The expense of PSP games is counterproductive when it comes to Multiplayer gaming. To play multiplayer, all parties need a copy of the game (usually…) So if you’re considering getting a game, only because of it’s multiplayer, you’ll think twice.
“Spend this much on a game I’ll only be able to play with my friends, who might not even get the same game?! I think not”. With iPad games expected in the region of $5 – $10, ‘quick buys’ are far more likely.
All it would take is a clever ‘spot-other-people-nearby-that-have-my-games’ app. Being able find gaming partners on the train, airport, school, work, park, wherever gives this geek a raging nerd-on.
In conclusion, I humbly ask that you wait. I know patience isn’t modern man’s greatest virtue. In this case however, I truly believe it’ll be worth it.
![Nerdies 2010 – My Friends rock [Update: I WON!]](http://www.nickhuntdavis.com/wp-content/themes/aperture/thumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/2010/02/thumb.php1.png&w=50&h=50&zc=1&q=90)
![Insane Performance of Beyoncé and Lady Gaga on Four iPhones [VIDEO]](http://www.nickhuntdavis.com/wp-content/themes/aperture/thumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/2010/04/cute.JPG&w=50&h=50&zc=1&q=90)
![Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World [TRAILER]](http://www.nickhuntdavis.com/wp-content/themes/aperture/thumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Michael-Cera-and-the-cast-of-Scott-Pilgrim-vs.-the-World_gallery_primary.jpg&w=50&h=50&zc=1&q=90)
I think the biggest “wave” it will make is in driving digital version of other media. So easier access to films, books and tv – all there when you want it.
Isn’t that what cellphone gaming via Bluetooth also promised us?
I agree that it’s an exciting proposition, but I also think we’ve had access to the kind of technology to do this for some time now, and it hasn’t happened yet… at least, I haven’t seen it happening.
Granted the iPad is a far more impressive device than your average cellphone, or even smartphone, but I’ve yet to find anyone to play Quake 1 with me via Bluetooth on my Nokia N95. What’s the likelihood that we’ll see adoption at a high enough level to make this a viable proposition?
There is no doubt that it is a sign of whats to come and all the criticism is unfair. However, in this day and age, releasing the device without the web-cam and with the limited iphone OS was disappointing. I understand that the battery life was a big deal and thats why they left so much out. However, we all know that the later releases will have all the bells n whistles so effectually , I feel like early adopters will be getting robbed a little when in6 months a 100 gig with camera and snow leopard comes out !
SWEEEEEEEET
The App store. Simple.
Trending games will be the most downloaded, as a result, you’re more likely to find a gaming partner!
I think the App store will mark the first big step for wireless multiplayer.
Yeah, agree with you there.
I felt robbed when the iPhone 3GS came out only 2 short months after I got my iPhone.
Yo guy. This has nothing to do with anything, but i tagged you in the photo of that tattoo you drew for me. Now go show off
Please, “how to oversimplify technology and therefore step backwards” by apple…
No multitasking is a big deal… seriously, no multitasking, so no music while browsing the net or typing something, please, we’ve been able to do that for over a decade…
Oh, if you wanna type something you better get the add-on keyboard dock because it’s a dat clunky on the touch screen, that will cost you 500 US, and renders the ipad looking like a laptop…. hmmm, maybe you should just get a laptop, or a macbook, holy shite, maybe that’s a better idea ; p
I’m sorry, the ipad is a device for old folks who struggle using ordinary computers etc… That’s why I say it’s a step back.
Flame away.
Haha. Music; I believe; will be able to run in the background, as with the iPhone and iTouch. Push will also likely exist as with the iPhone, so in a sense, IM programs can run in the background.
As for the keyboard. I do personally prefer a genuine tactile keyboard for typing, but the number of things a multi-touch surface can offer that a standard keyboard cannot is baffling. More than enough to account for an presumed ‘clunkiness’. And I’m sure that any wireless apple keyboard will work. The $500 figure is ludicrous, the iPad costs less than that?
Hands down, Apple’s app store wins by a mile. It’s a huge selection of all sorts of apps vs a rather sad selection of a handful for Zune. Microsoft has plans, especially in the realm of games, but I’m not sure I’d want to bet on the future if this aspect is important to you. The iPod is a much better choice in that case. Have you tried the ipad? you can get one free at FreshGiftCard.com
Bless you… Yet yet another excellent picture, that is why my partner and I arrive to your webpage generally…
I believe it is a good reminder overall, given the massive over-hype that surrounded the iPad launch. Lots of the tech press had worked themselves in to a fury and had resolved it was going to be the biggest thing ever, without knowing anything about it.