If you’re a sysadmin you’re not the type of user I’m talking about. You hate computers the way Al Bundy hates his wife. It’s love/hate, really. But essentially you enjoy the complexity of computers, and, to be sure, the power that that complexity affords.

There are people who want none of it. People who don’t want to configure or customize anything. People who want to turn the thing on and get their email without having to set up a thing. People who don’t want to save or find documents. People who have to use computers despite the fact that, if they had a choice in the matter, they certainly wouldn’t.

I’m not like that. And I doubt you are either. But for folks who are, the iPad could one day represent the next big thing in computing.

-systemsboy

I’m a geek, sysadmin, whatever, but i still hate computers. I like them to behave the way i make my dogs do. keep your problems to a minimum, serve me well, and you’ll get the praise you deserve.
my problem, initially, with the iPad was that it couldn’t serve me as well as a comparably priced laptop with a real desktop OS. I mean, why iPad when you can ModBook? seriously i don’t get why people aren’t all walking around with modbooks instead of an iphone and a laptop. get some VOIP on there with a wireless headset and you’re golden!

but then you made me realize, this device is for the haters – and I AM a hater!
With a 3G iPad (jailbroken, of course) I can more pleasantly remote control clients’ machines than with my iPhone, and since i need a computer to sync the iPad with i won’t need a modbook because any computer would suffice. but still, this isn’t as cool as a modbook, even though it is prettier.

in the end, I agree that the iPad can add convenience to some people’s lives. But, the iPad still can’t deliver better than other devices. it’s not an iphone, so it means carrying it and at least a nokia, plus you need a computer to sync. An iPad is not a modbook, or even a laptop, all three of which still need a cell phone to complete the set.

right now, if you REALLY want a touch screen, and don’t want to waste money on a device that will just end up being redundant, i still don’t see any rational for an ipad over either modbook+iphone or desktop+modbook+VOIP+3G.

i do see it as perfect for a very few people who’ve been on the same desktop since the eighties and want to get up from their desks with something portable but nothing new to learn. awesome. i know, liiiike, two people like that.