The iPad: Meh.
I’m a Mac owner, but as a computer support guy, I think it’s my responsibility to remain objective about any computer platform. Windows sucks in its own ways, and OS X sucks in its own ways. No computing system is without flaws, so it really pisses me off to see Apple fanboys herald each and every Apple release as undebatable perfection. I’ve seen people treat the iPad the same way.
Last week was finally the week. The week Apple was set to change the world as we know it; to change the way each and every one of us was to interface with the world once and for all. That’s at least what the fanboys said. However, we got the iPad, an impressive, yet still disappointing tablet from the folks at Cupertino.
First off, it’s impossible to deny that this is a seriously cool looking device. The screen looks beautiful and is surrounded by an awesome looking case. The software also looks elegant and intuitive, just like that of the iPhone. Just like nearly every other Apple product, it’s a visual masterpiece. That’s just about where the “perfection” ends.
First off, there isn’t any multitasking on this thing. Usually, when I pay $500 or more for a computer, I expect to do a couple of things at once. This will be a debilitating flaw in the iPad, but it’s also one that can be easily fixed with a software update, which I expect them to do once enough backlash surfaces.
Next is the iPhone OS. The iPad probably has plenty of power to run at least a basic version of OS X that Mac desktop and laptop users would be familiar with. The 9.7″ screen should be more than adequate to view a OS X environment comfortably, since gobs of people have been installing it on much smaller netbooks and have been satisfied. This “OS X for iPad” should at least be an option for users to install.
Other than those two huge flaws, there are a few little things. There isn’t a camera, which can be forgiven, but is still an odd omission, given that almost every laptop, netbook, and phone has one. There is also the inability to make phone calls, despite the availability of 3G service. This can also be forgiven, but it’s still strange that they didn’t just throw it in there.
Even though the iPad is really just a big-ass iPod touch, it will probably still be a wildly successful device. However, it won’t have any staying power unless Apple fixes the multitasking problems.
On The Air
My first night on KNTU was Tuesday, and it was quite possibly the most terrifying and electrifying moment of my life. I was only on for the last hour of the three of my shift due to training, but that one hour was truly amazing.
Sitting down at the control board with a myriad of sliders, buttons, and switches attached to screens, boxes, transmitters and microphones was thrilling and overwhelming all at the same time. Just to be in that chair, mic at your mouth, with the knowledge of the fact that at that very moment, you are in complete control of 100,000 watts of broadcasting power, is the best feeling ever. As soon as a said my first weather report at the top of the hour and hit the button to begin the hour’s playlist, I knew that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Luckily, the hour went by without any major incident.
Due to a basketball game, I wasn’t on on Thursday, so hopefully someone is there next week to give me a quick refresher course before jumping in again.
Worst Digital Camera of ALL TIME
This website (WARNING: TERRIBLY DESIGNED) is starting to make the rounds on the internet, with Boing Boing mentioning it just this week. The website chronicles terrible cameras found in thrift and junk stores (I separate the two, since there ARE differences) and this one takes the cake.
Behold! The WWF (pre-World Wildlife Fund bitchfest) Slam Cam! The picture of the camera alone doesn’t do this hunk of shit justice. Just click on the image to get the entire in-depth review. I’ve even linked to just that particular frame so you don’t have to deal with the terrible 1999 era frame-designed website. The pictures that come out of this camera are barely recognizable. The software makes them even more comical.
I’m also a fan of the Pokemon 35mm camera, which puts a very tacky Pokemon vignette on every photo without your sayso.
Belated First Post of the Year
Hope everyone’s year has been going well. As for me, I can already cross one of my resolutions off of my list.
I got a position as a DJ at KNTU, 88.1 FM, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-9PM. I’ve never been so excited or an nervous in my life. My voice will soon be thrown across one of the larget radio markets in the United States, D/FW. My orientation is tomorrow, and it includes free pizza! If this is how the radio business works, I think I’m gonna like this career.
School also starts next week. I’m still taking the happy medium of 12 hours along with work. This semester, however, I’ll be going to work in the mornings and school in the afternoons and evenings. Tuesdays will be aprticularly busy, since I’ll be Going to work and school until 4:50, then my radio shift from 6-9, and the, time and energy permitting, my usual bike ride Tuesday nights and 9:30.
Also this past week I’ve been watching the whole saga between Conan O’Brien and Jay Leno. I, for one, think that Conan is getting royally shafted. Jay is also being treated unfairly, but is still getting preferential treatment from the NBC execs. I believe that Jay should quietly retire, leaving as a mediocre host of The Tonight Show and pioneer of a doomed primetime comedy genre. Moving Jay back to Tonight would be too much of a disruption and would destroy any ratings the show had. Although I love to watch Conan, at this point he’s a lame duck, and since I don’t have a Nielsen box, I can’t help him out. So, I’ve switched to Letterman until the dust settles.
leave a comment