Why am I convinced that I will be frustrated and disappointed? Well, for starters, I didn't get the 3G version of the device because Apple has not yet announced a firm delivery date; and I know they will likely make "Late April" stretch into May. And, or course, there is the tight control that Apple places on EVERYTHING - control of what software can be installed, control of what content can be loaded, control of what information can be obtained prior to purchase, even control over UPS tracking of the shipment of the device.
Until this morning, the only tracking information on the UPS website showed the device stuck in China or somewhere in between:
| GUANGZHOU, CN | 04/02/2010 | 4:10 A.M. | DEPARTURE SCAN |
| SHENZHEN, CN | 03/29/2010 | 6:43 P.M. | ORIGIN SCAN |
| CN | 04/02/2010 | 10:01 P.M. | BILLING INFORMATION RECEIVED |
Then, magically this morning, the UPS website was updated:
| SEATTLE, WA, US | 04/03/2010 | 6:11 A.M. | DESTINATION SCAN |
| | 04/03/2010 | 6:08 A.M. | ARRIVAL SCAN |
| LOUISVILLE, KY, US | 04/03/2010 | 4:32 A.M. | DEPARTURE SCAN |
| | 04/03/2010 | 12:42 A.M. | IMPORT SCAN |
Pretty amazing isn't it?
Articles on the internet suggested two conspiracy theories: (1) [my personal favorite] Apple had manipulated UPS to hide the tracking information and the units were actually already delivered to local distribution centers and were under 24 hour guard by a third-part security firm hired by Apple to ensure nobody got their iPad early or (2) Apple had deliberately withheld required customs information, thereby preventing the devices from entering the U.S. until they allowed it.
My personal computing device has been, for more than two years, a handheld Nokia N810 Internet Tablet - just a little bit larger than an iPod Touch. It is based on a version of the Linux operating system and has a complete open source community behind it - you can load whatever software you want on it. The iPad, by comparison, only runs the iPhone OS that is used on iPhone and iPod Touch; and can only run software downloaded through the Applie iTunes Store (which is no doubt how Apple really profits off of the device).
There is no SD card or direct USB port included; you have to purchase "accessories" to import photos from your camera or SD card. While I should (I hope) still be able to transfer devices over Wifi, I won't be able to simply transfer files. There is no Flash support because Steve Jobs refused to work with Adobe on it. There are no Google apps because Google pissed off Steve Jobs. And of course, the WiFi only model that I ordered does not have GPS; you have to order the 3G version to get that.
It was not even allowable to see, touch, and operate an iPad in an Apple Store prior to launch. People who wanted to do that were lined up at their local Apple stores overnight, camping in line. The local store in Seattle at University Village already had a line of die-hard fans at 2:30 AM according to the morning news. Store employees had installed black curtains over the windows so nobody could see inside. The store opened 10 minutes ago.
But, no doubt, the iPad will be a "Magical and Revolutionary device at an Unbelievable Price" as announced by Steve Jobs. I will get mine today and find out.
But next week, Apple will undoubtedly announce some "improvement" that wasn't included in the original device and which the early adopters will have to pay extra for. Then next month they will reduce the price substantially. It feels like old times already.
Gotta go now; I need to go watch for the UPS truck!
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