jQuery.extend(Drupal.settings, {"basePath":"\/","CTools":{"pageId":"page-67c55d7ad1cc0f2ec1e7edc6a66cf814"},"googleanalytics":{"trackOutgoing":1,"trackMailto":1,"trackDownload":1,"trackDownloadExtensions":"7z|aac|avi|csv|doc|exe|flv|gif|gz|jpe?g|js|mp(3|4|e?g)|mov|pdf|phps|png|ppt|rar|sit|tar|torrent|txt|wma|wmv|xls|xml|zip"},"lightbox2":{"rtl":0,"file_path":"\/(\\w\\w\/)sites\/default\/files","default_image":"\/sites\/all\/modules\/lightbox2\/images\/brokenimage.jpg","border_size":"2","font_color":"000","box_color":"fff","top_position":"","overlay_opacity":"0.6","overlay_color":"000","disable_close_click":1,"resize_sequence":"0","resize_speed":100,"fade_in_speed":100,"slide_down_speed":100,"use_alt_layout":0,"disable_resize":0,"disable_zoom":0,"force_show_nav":0,"loop_items":1,"node_link_text":"","node_link_target":0,"image_count":"Image !current of !total","video_count":"Video !current of !total","page_count":"Page !current of !total","lite_press_x_close":"press \x3ca href=\"#\" onclick=\"hideLightbox(); return FALSE;\"\x3e\x3ckbd\x3ex\x3c\/kbd\x3e\x3c\/a\x3e to close","download_link_text":"","enable_login":false,"enable_contact":false,"keys_close":"c x 27","keys_previous":"p 37","keys_next":"n 39","keys_zoom":"z","keys_play_pause":"32","display_image_size":"","image_node_sizes":"()","trigger_lightbox_classes":"","trigger_lightbox_group_classes":"","trigger_slideshow_classes":"","trigger_lightframe_classes":"","trigger_lightframe_group_classes":"","custom_class_handler":0,"custom_trigger_classes":"","disable_for_gallery_lists":true,"disable_for_acidfree_gallery_lists":true,"enable_acidfree_videos":true,"slideshow_interval":5000,"slideshow_automatic_start":true,"slideshow_automatic_exit":true,"show_play_pause":true,"pause_on_next_click":false,"pause_on_previous_click":true,"loop_slides":false,"iframe_width":"600","iframe_height":"400","iframe_border":0,"enable_video":0},"thickbox":{"close":"Close","next":"Next \x3e","prev":"\x3c Prev","esc_key":"or Esc Key","next_close":"Next \/ Close on last","image_count":"Image !current of !total"}});
<p>As I wind up my four-part review of the iPad, I must revisit my theory (or maybe it was a hope) that the device could replace both my iPod touch and my MacBook. It will definitely replace the former. As for my laptop, not quite and not yet.</p>
<p>With the revealing of iPhone OS 4, I think the iPad could do just that before year's end. I say this with a caveat: I'm not a road warrior. I do most of my computing on an iMac and will be using my iPad as a Mac companion/Mac complement. If you do a lot of work -- or heavy duty work -- on your laptop, don't plan on trading your MacBook or MacBook Pro in for an iPad.</p>
<p>As I've said before, the tablet device is a great device for media consumption. As a device for creation and productivity, it has a way to go. </p>
<p>Apple offers iPad versions of its iWork productivity apps: Pages, Keynote and Numbers for $9.99 each. I've only used Pages, so I'll use that as my yardstick for getting work done on the tablet device.</p>
<p>First of all, I simply can't use the virtual keyboard that comes with the iPad. Or, rather, I can't use it quickly. Without the tactile feedback from a physical keyboard, I have to look at the keyboard while I type. That's not conducive to writing articles as I do, though it's okay for responding to email and posting short blips on Facebook. </p>
<p>Also, if you're used to the iPhone keyboard, you'll need some adjustment time for that of the iPad. On the iPhone, the Delete key is on the lower right, above the Return key. On the iPad, it’s in the upper right corner, and the Return key is next to the L key. The iPad adds a right-side Shift key.</p>
<p>However, with Apple's US$70 iPad Keyboard Dock or a Bluetooth keyboard, I can write just as quickly and intuitively as I can using Pages on my iMac or MacBook. I love the Keyboard Dock and, though you can use it okay with a lapdesk, its size makes it awkward to put in a carrying bag. If you plan to be writing while on the go, I'd recommend a case that lets you prop up the iPad and a Bluetooth keyboard. I have an Apple Bluetooth keyboard. It paired with the iPad instantly and worked seamlessly. There was zero delay in the interaction between the keyboard and text popping up onscreen.</p>
<p>As an online tech journalist, I'm constantly moving info between emails, Pages and Safari (where I post articles for this web site). Currently, that's a pain with the iPad. I must copy the info from one app (say, Pages, where I've written an article), quit it, then open another (such as Safari, where I post stories via a content management system). When I get ready to finish or edit another article, I have to quit Safari, open Pages and start the process over. iPhone OS 4's multi-tasking should alleviate this problem, but right now my workflow is much more seamless on my Macs.</p>
<p>Still, I"m not ready to give up my laptop yet for this reason. </p>
<p>Others have complained about the lack of a camera and USB ports on the iPad. I'm betting we'll get a camera (and iChat) on the next rev of the device. As for the lack of USB ports, considering the minimalist approach Apple was going for, this makes sense. But it's another reason why you need a Mac in addition to an iPad. </p>
<p>Speaking of Pages, overall, it's a credible take on a word processor/text editor for a new breed of device. Plus, Pages documents can be attached to e-mails as Word docs. They, in turn, can be downloaded from the e-mail program, opened in Apple software, edited, and re-attached to e-mails with changes intact. There will be some formatting snafus, but, overall, it works pretty well. </p>
<p>You also need to keep in mind that the iWork apps have no Save command. Documents are auto-saved every 30 seconds. There's an Undo command, but if you get carried away and make lots of changes, you may be not be able to revert back to an earlier version of a document. What's more, file sharing via Pages (and, I'd suspect, Keynote and Numbers) on the iPad is a hassle. </p>
<p>As Mac guru Ted Landau has noted, the feature works, but not with the sort of user interface that we've come to expect from Apple. Ted has offered a thorough look at what file sharing entails; you can read all about it here: <a href="http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/file_sharing_with_an_ipad_ugh/" title="http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/file_sharing_with_an_ipad_ugh/">http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/file_sharing_with_an_ipad_ugh/</a> . He recommends that "for starters, Apple could permit iPad apps to both export documents to and import documents from a MobileMe iDisk. This would make it much easier to shuttle files back and forth between a Mac and an iPad." Amen, brother.</p>
<p>So should you buy an iPad? I have no trouble recommending it as a Mac companion. I don't recommend it as a Mac replacement.</p>
<p>When it comes to ratings, I'd give it 9 out of 10 as a media consuming device, but only 5 out of town for content creation. We'll revisit this again when iPhone OS 4 arrives for the iPad this fall.</p>
<div class="links"><ul class="links inline"><li class="comment_forbidden first last"><span><a href="/user/login?destination=comment%2Freply%2F143526%23comment-form">Login</a> or <a href="/user/register?destination=comment%2Freply%2F143526%23comment-form">register</a> to post comments</span></li>
</ul></div>
</div>
<div class="left_inner_box_bottom"> </div>
</div>
<!--[if !IE]> End left box inner page <![endif]--></div>
<!--[if !IE]>End left content<![endif]--> <!--[if !IE]>Start right content<![endif]-->
<span class="field-content"><a href="http://forums.applecentral.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/537782/Analyst_sees_iPad_killers_less#Post537782" target="_blank"> Analyst sees iPad killers le...</a></span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="views-row views-row-5 views-row-odd">
<div class="views-field-title">
<span class="field-content"><a href="http://forums.applecentral.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/537649/Small_business_accounting_soft#Post537649" target="_blank"> Small business accounting so...</a></span>
<span class="field-content">Introducing the App Hall of Fame!</span>
</div>
<div class="views-field-body">
<div class="field-content"><div class="body-row" id="body-row-213485"><div style="background:#F5F5F5;">App discoverability continues to be a real issue. With the fast churn of apps in the App Store, an app has only a few weeks of promotional life in it before it‚Äôs largely forgotten. There are a few things developers can do to fix that, but those... | Read more »</div></div></div>
<span class="field-content">Gobliiins Are Coming</span>
</div>
<div class="views-field-body">
<div class="field-content"><div class="body-row" id="body-row-213486"><div style="background:#F5F5F5;">In the midst of the huge Q4 launch schedule, the cult classic, Gobliiins, as well as the rest of the trilogy, are being ported to the iPhone in all of their original glory. The Goblins trilogy was a quirky Atari/Amiga game series from the early 90‚Äôs... | Read more »</div></div></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="views-row views-row-3 views-row-odd">
<div class="views-field-title">
<span class="field-content">myPhoneDesktop – Chrome to iPhone Extens...</span>
</div>
<div class="views-field-body">
<div class="field-content"><div class="body-row" id="body-row-213469"><div style="background:#F5F5F5;">Anyone who has used myPhoneDesktop knows that it is a fantastic tool for streamlining your onscreen workflow. Instead of having to type line after line into your phone directly, you can use myPhoneDesktop to type from your computer directly into... | Read more »</div></div></div>
<span class="field-content">AutoVerbal Talking Soundboard Pro helps...</span>
</div>
<div class="views-field-body">
<div class="field-content"><div class="body-row" id="body-row-213471"><div style="background:#F5F5F5;">Being able to speak and communicate with others is something that many of us take for granted. It‚Äôs not so easy for many folks though, in particular for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, as well as those who have suffered various brain... | Read more »</div></div></div>
<span class="field-content">Get Your Roast Right With ‘Time To Roast...</span>
</div>
<div class="views-field-body">
<div class="field-content"><div class="body-row" id="body-row-213473"><div style="background:#F5F5F5;">Roasting meat, in the cooking world, is about as simple as it gets. The greatest roast recipe I‚Äôve ever found is from Michael Ruhlman‚Äôs website, with the recipe titled, ‚ÄúThe World‚Äôs Most Difficult Roasted Chicken Recipe.‚Äù | Read more »</div></div></div>
MacTech is a registered trademark of Xplain Corporation. Xplain, "The journal of Apple technology", Apple Expo, Explain It, MacDev, MacDev-1, THINK Reference, NetProfessional, Apple Expo, MacTech Central, MacTech Domains, MacNews, MacForge, and the MacTutorMan are trademarks or service marks of Xplain Corporation. Sprocket is a registered trademark of eSprocket Corporation. Other trademarks and copyrights appearing in this printing or software remain the property of their respective holders. Not responsible for typographical errors.
</div>
</div>
<div class="footer_bottom"></div>
</div>
<div id="bootom_foo_ter">All contents are Copyright 1984-2010 by Xplain Corporation. All rights reserved. Theme designed by <a href="http://www.icreon.com">Icreon</a>.</div>
<div id="newuser-popup" style="font-size:14px">Greetings, and welcome to the new MacTech web site! Our home page is designed to be your <cite>Industry Dashboard</cite> -- so you can have a snapshot of all that's relevant in the industry in one easy location. Many readers tell us that because the information is updated so frequently, they are now checking the site multiple times a day.
Here's a quick run down of the features on the new web site, which can be subtle.
<UL><LI>We're running regular raffles. If you want free stuff make sure to register. <a href="/register">It's easy and only takes a minute!</a>
<LI>Registering for the site allows you greater functionality.
<LI>The first few blocks are original content from MacTech (for geeks) and our sister web site, MacNews (for general users)
<LI>Below that are MacTech's scanners, which scan the web and organizes it into News, Rumors, and Documentation. Updated every 15 minutes.
<LI>Our Whitepapers, Screencasts, and Videos section give you insight into great products
<LI>The Community Search narrows your search to the most relevant of Apple related sites for better results
<LI>The forums give you a place to ask questions, and share your knowledge.
<LI>Our partners at MacUpdate, MacPrices.net and the Jobs Boards keep you up to date
<LI>Want to see all the news in one big list? Check out our new <a href="/firehose">Information Firehose</a>
<LI>And, don't forget the Apple Central area, and ads throughout the site. Advertisers are what make the site possible</UL>
We truly hope you <a href="/register">register</a> so that we can keep you up to date about new features as they are implemented. And, please use the BETA button in the top right to provide us any feedback, suggestions or bugs. We love to hear from you. </div>
<!--[if !IE]>End pop_up<![endif]-->
<!-- Google Analytics now handled by Google Analytics Module in drupal -->
<!--VISISTAT SNIPPET//-->
<script type="text/javascript">
var DID=13280;
var pcheck=(window.location.protocol == "https:") ? "https://sniff.visistat.com/live.js":"http://stats.visistat.com/live.js";