Good insights in this article, though Apple might argue that they see a social dimension in a pad that can be held on one's lap and shared between people who are physically present (it's unclear if the display is easily viewable off-axis, but I've heard no complaints about it).
I agree with electromagnetic that the lack of a webcam is a mistake. Perhaps a later version will allow for multitasking so you can chit-chat via skype or Goggle Voice while surfing or using apps, but it's a shortcoming in the first version. Of course, I expect that part of the reason for the 2 month delay between announcement and availability is to gather feedback of the kind we're discussing here.
The marketing material from Apple specifically says that the screen is good even from the sides. Of course, it would have to be seen in real life, but at least they're conscious that it could be an issue.
For the lack of camera, I find that puzzling. Because it's an obvious thing to put there and Apple has been putting iSights everywhere for many years now. So, I'm curious to know why they didn't put one "on purpose".
Your mention of multitasking while using Skype or Google Voice made me realize that it is in fact important. All the time while I'm on a video call on Skype, I go online to check out a website or find a link that I want to share. In that use-case that'd be pretty limiting…
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Good insights in this article, though Apple might argue that they see a social dimension in a pad that can be held on one's lap and shared between people who are physically present (it's unclear if the display is easily viewable off-axis, but I've heard no complaints about it).
I agree with electromagnetic that the lack of a webcam is a mistake. Perhaps a later version will allow for multitasking so you can chit-chat via skype or Goggle Voice while surfing or using apps, but it's a shortcoming in the first version. Of course, I expect that part of the reason for the 2 month delay between announcement and availability is to gather feedback of the kind we're discussing here.
The marketing material from Apple specifically says that the screen is good even from the sides. Of course, it would have to be seen in real life, but at least they're conscious that it could be an issue.
For the lack of camera, I find that puzzling. Because it's an obvious thing to put there and Apple has been putting iSights everywhere for many years now. So, I'm curious to know why they didn't put one "on purpose".
Your mention of multitasking while using Skype or Google Voice made me realize that it is in fact important. All the time while I'm on a video call on Skype, I go online to check out a website or find a link that I want to share. In that use-case that'd be pretty limiting…
Pandora, Last.fm, etc. are other good examples where at least one process in the background would be nice.
Personally I would find a cam awkward. Mainly due to having to hold the pad at the right angle. However for me, IM is critical.