The first computer I ever had was a Tandy from Radio Shack. My sister and I got it for Christmas and I distinctly remember having no earthly idea what it was upon seeing it laying there just as Santa had left it. It did not take long for me to cozy up to this box that hooked up to a television- one embellished with wood paneling on the side.
I now own an Ipad- along with a work desktop, aging laptop and smart phone. My Ipad is the first-generation type, and I’ve recently fought the sneaky feeling that I now must get my hands on the newer, better, faster, camera-laden version. Mine is fine and I can’t help but think I probably should have invested the cost of the thing into Apple stock instead anyway.
I have basically finagled my way into using the Ipad as a laptop, and although the device is capable for doing so, that does not always mean it is easy. Finding just the rights apps and accepting some basic limitations seem to be the keys that allow me to carry it solo. I appreciate it most when traveling.
But you know if I am writing on the subject, I most likely have some angle outside of prose that make the tech geeks giddy. And I do. Because I think the Ipad is a subtle shift in technology that is reacting to a shift in the end user. This shift in us is what I seek to understand.
So here goes nothing….it seems to me that the Ipad is a giant leap forward in taking the entire genre of computer-related technology into the arena of televisions, radios and video games. And this is worthy of lament.
If you’ve made it this far- stay with me…I am well aware that at least 80% have moved on, looking for new pictures of the kids (and who could blame them).
The dawn of computers was originally a story about programming, creating and empowering; nerds in garages pushing the limits of possibility through tan boxes streaming green-lit binary codes. All so that we, you and I, could have new tools from which to create.
But here I am, the old man in the room, harping on and on about days gone by.
The Ipad is a terrific consuming tool. You order up video, music, any content at all and it delivers in superb fashion. But creating on the Ipad is akin to a visit to the dentist. It is simply not made for that.
Documents, websites, designs, slideshows, video, music and everything else that would emanate from the person using the device are better done elsewhere. And I don’t fault Apple. They are merely giving us what we want, and doing so with marketing genius not seen since the advertising heyday of the 50’s era.
The marketing for technology has moved from what one can do to what one can get. As someone who believes our world is in need of your creations, your words and your voice- I kind of find myself saddened.
That is, until I pick up my Ipad and watch Netflix.
____________________________________________
Post your thoughts in the comments- if you’re not too busy moving to the next thing to consume.
Disagree? Feel free.
What are you glad that you have created? How will our kids use & think about technology?
Got an unrelated rant that saddens you? Be the old man (or woman) and let it out.
626 Comments
The first computer I ever had was a Tandy from Radio Shack. My sister and I got it for Christmas and I distinctly remember having no earthly idea what it was upon seeing it laying there just as Santa had left it. It did not take long for me to cozy up to this box that hooked up to a television- one embellished with wood paneling on the side.
I now own an Ipad- along with a work desktop, aging laptop and smart phone. My Ipad is the first-generation type, and I’ve recently fought the sneaky feeling that I now must get my hands on the newer, better, faster, camera-laden version. Mine is fine and I can’t help but think I probably should have invested the cost of the thing into Apple stock instead anyway.
I have basically finagled my way into using the Ipad as a laptop, and although the device is capable for doing so, that does not always mean it is easy. Finding just the rights apps and accepting some basic limitations seem to be the keys that allow me to carry it solo. I appreciate it most when traveling.
But you know if I am writing on the subject, I most likely have some angle outside of prose that make the tech geeks giddy. And I do. Because I think the Ipad is a subtle shift in technology that is reacting to a shift in the end user. This shift in us is what I seek to understand.
So here goes nothing….it seems to me that the Ipad is a giant leap forward in taking the entire genre of computer-related technology into the arena of televisions, radios and video games. And this is worthy of lament.
If you’ve made it this far- stay with me…I am well aware that at least 80% have moved on, looking for new pictures of the kids (and who could blame them).
The dawn of computers was originally a story about programming, creating and empowering; nerds in garages pushing the limits of possibility through tan boxes streaming green-lit binary codes. All so that we, you and I, could have new tools from which to create.
But here I am, the old man in the room, harping on and on about days gone by.
The Ipad is a terrific consuming tool. You order up video, music, any content at all and it delivers in superb fashion. But creating on the Ipad is akin to a visit to the dentist. It is simply not made for that.
Documents, websites, designs, slideshows, video, music and everything else that would emanate from the person using the device are better done elsewhere. And I don’t fault Apple. They are merely giving us what we want, and doing so with marketing genius not seen since the advertising heyday of the 50’s era.
The marketing for technology has moved from what one can do to what one can get. As someone who believes our world is in need of your creations, your words and your voice- I kind of find myself saddened.
That is, until I pick up my Ipad and watch Netflix.
____________________________________________
Post your thoughts in the comments- if you’re not too busy moving to the next thing to consume.
Disagree? Feel free.
What are you glad that you have created? How will our kids use & think about technology?
Got an unrelated rant that saddens you? Be the old man (or woman) and let it out.
626 Comments
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on March 24, 2011 at 1:40 pm
I read the whole post.
And although I’ve never thought about it in such terms, I agree. I have noticed that it’s harder to create something on the iPad than it is to download something already made.
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on May 6, 2011 at 5:52 pm
This post is so thought-provoking and true! I have a dumb phone, but still, I learned that my thoughts are better stored in a traditional notebook or notepad than a piece of technology that limits me to 30 memos. Maybe that’s enough for some (most?) people, but for a writer (and a wordy one like me!), it certainly is not.
I considered getting a iPad to read .PDFs, but your post totally confirmed a fear I had: how long would it take me to type an e-mail/post/whatever on one of those things? I’d probably take years and still have typos all over the place. I guess I’ll stick to pen & paper and my laptop. 😉 Life is different for creatives versus consumers; that’s for sure.
I read the whole post.
And although I’ve never thought about it in such terms, I agree. I have noticed that it’s harder to create something on the iPad than it is to download something already made.
This post is so thought-provoking and true! I have a dumb phone, but still, I learned that my thoughts are better stored in a traditional notebook or notepad than a piece of technology that limits me to 30 memos. Maybe that’s enough for some (most?) people, but for a writer (and a wordy one like me!), it certainly is not.
I considered getting a iPad to read .PDFs, but your post totally confirmed a fear I had: how long would it take me to type an e-mail/post/whatever on one of those things? I’d probably take years and still have typos all over the place. I guess I’ll stick to pen & paper and my laptop. 😉 Life is different for creatives versus consumers; that’s for sure.