iPad: not so rad
Apple recently released its latest product, the iPad, designed to be a fusion of the iPhone and the laptop and featuring video games, internet, maps, word processing, and digital books. It was also meant to challenge Amazon’s Kindle, since the Kindle only offers digital books, whereas the iPad offers digital books plus many other features.
The iPad is light-weight and operates very efficiently, with rapid and simple navigation. According to Toronto Star technology writer Marc Salzmann, the “first-generation iPad does prove to be a ‘magical’ device, as Apple CEO Steve Jobs promises.” Globe and Mail technology writer Omar El Akkad states that “overall it’s a beautiful device but a couple of things still need to be fixed.”
Compared to a laptop, the iPad’s performance is lacking in many areas, and technology magazines including PC World were quick to point out its deficiencies. The iPad does not allow you to multitask, so despite the quick responsiveness of the touch screen, you will only be able to have one program running at a time. The iPad does not have Adobe Flash, therefore limiting the content you will be able to see on many websites. It does not have a camera nor does it permit you to add additional memory using memory cards, so you are stuck with one of the four memory options available. What’s more, the touch screen makes the gaming experience less accurate (and therefore less enjoyable) than that of a laptop.
The iPad’s attempt to compete with Amazon’s Kindle was also unimpressive: the Kindle uses e-ink type which was created to closely emulate actual ink. in order to optimize the reading experience. The iPad has an LED-lit screen that is brighter and harsher on the eyes. Therefore, if you are an avid reader, you may be more inclined to purchase the Kindle because prolonged reading on the iPad will lead to serious eye strain.
Another feature that lacks in functionality is the iPad’s keyboard, which pops up directly on the touch screen. This keyboard has proven to be a nuisance: it is insufficient for two-finger typing (which you would use on an iPhone keyboard) because the keyboard is too big, and is very inaccurate if you use all ten fingers to type.
Ergonomically, the iPad’s keyboard faces similar problems, because if you prop it up on something in order to get a good viewing angle, you cannot type. However, if you do not prop it up, you have to hunch over to see the screen, making extensive typing painful and annoying. No matter how you look at it, this keyboard is problematic.
Apple attempted to remedy this by creating a keyboard dock which allows a keyboard (one specifically made for the iPad) to attach while simultaneously propping it up. Macworld magazine pointed out the pros and cons of the dock. The pros include a “good viewing angle; connection to Mac, power, and speakers; and a solid keyboard feel” while cons include “an awkward shape and the fact that it is heavier than a standard wireless keyboard.” Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak offers a final word on the keyboard dock: “Apple is offering an auxiliary physical keyboard that docks with, and charges, the iPad. But you won’t want to lug that around.” The fact that a physical keyboard is required for efficient use of the iPad defeats its purpose entirely.
After having tried the iPad myself, I can confirm that the touch screen is highly responsive, with bright colours and high resolution. However, the keyboard is impossible to use comfortably and I would certainly not use the iPad to read digital books. In short, the iPad is a neat gadget that is worth trying out for five minutes in a store, but it is useless when it comes to reading books, typing, or performing many work-related tasks. Purchasing a good quality laptop would be a much better choice.—Charlotte Tombs
Not a tough cell
Cellphone plans can be really confusing sometimes. (Heck, one of The Varsity’s editors doesn’t even have a phone yet for that very reason.) Now that mom and dad are out of the picture, it’s all on you to get shit done. Opening your own bank account, cooking for yourself, and getting a cellphone plan of your very own. So we’re making it simple for you: here’s a (highly stereotyped) breakdown of the best bang for your mobile buck.—Tom Cardoso & Erene Stergiopoulos
The Player
Carrier: Rogers
Plan: Unlimited Student 150min Plan
Price: $30
For the player who can’t get enough, Rogers’ plan provides unlimited evenings and weekends from 9pm (because let’s face it, if you’re getting as much as you say you are, you’re gonna need it) and unlimited talk, text and picture messaging to five of your “closest friends,” if you know what we mean.
Long-Distance Caller
Carrier: WIND Mobile
Plan: Infinite Long-Distance Add-on
Price: $20 (plus the cost of a plan)
If long-distance calling makes your mouth water, get on WIND’s gravy train with this long-distance add-on, which makes calling the homeland a piece of cake. In a nutshell, this country-specific add-on can be paired up with any existing WIND plan, spicing up your calling more than mom’s homemade curry. Nice.
Data Fiend/Social Networker
Carrier: Rogers
Plan: Unlimited 150min Blackberry Student Plan Price: $40
You have 1652 Facebook friends and you get an email every eight nanoseconds. How are you going to keep track of them all? Rogers’ plan will get you there with 150 minutes of talk and unlimited social networking. You’re too cool for this article.
The Person Who Just Wants A F*ing Phone (AKA The Commitmentphobe)
Carrier: Koodo
Plan: Unlimited Incoming Combo
Price: $30
For the cellular everyone, who really just wants a phone with no contracts or strings attached. Koodo’s plan includes unlimited incoming calls, so you never have to make the first move. If you are prone to making first moves, however…
Momma’s Boy
Carrier: Wind Mobile
Plan: Always Shout Student Plan
Price: $25
If your “closest friend” is your mom, however, then Wind’s plan will serve you just as well as a nice, warm slice of homemade apple pie. Yum. The plan includes Canada-wide unlimited text and calling, with no contract and 25c/min calls if you’re not dialling from a Wind Zone.
Texter
Carrier: Rogers
Plan: Unlimited Student Messaging with My5
Price: $30
If you declared a thumb war, you would probably win. In fact, your fingers are so muscular from constant mobile missives that you could easily compete at the international level. So why not reward yourself with a plan that can live up to your textual glory? Rogers’ offering includes unlimited text messages and calls to five of your closest friends. So go forth, my friend: the world is your keypad.
