What can the iPad do for you?

Remember the first time you saw that little 10" notebook computer that you weren't quite sure what it was? A 10" or so screen that looked like a mini computer, that's the netbook.  They were introduced in 2007 to offer an affordable alternative to laptops or desktop PC's that perform basic computer functions.  They have become quite popular as consumers turn to the netbook for internet browsing, simple application, and transportation conveniences.  Then came the iPad in 2009, Apple's new revolutionary product that shook the PC marketplace.  Which brought the question, are iPad's the new netbook or laptop substitute of the future?

Now the iPad has already established a solid customer base with 3 million units already sold this year, with over 6 million projected by year end.  Apart from Netflix, iBooks, and USA Today, the next most downloaded apps for the iPad were productivity apps such as Pages, Keynote, and Numbers.  I have seen this trend coming, as users become more familiar with Mac operating systems through devices such as the iPod and iPhone.  Consumers have begun to turn toward more mobile devices that can be easily used anywhere, which the iPad provides with its Wi-Fi and 3G.  I also believe that if open systems, universal programing and document format, become the new norm, the iPad will see an even increased rise in market share due to the fact that many PC users don't switch to Mac products due to unfamiliarity with the software.

As a former PC user and recent Mac converter, I can say that my recent switch to the iPhone and increased popularity of Mac products have swayed me to test and learn how to use Macs.  I am also intrigued by the iPad as it seems to be a perfect secondary product to use for basic computer purposes, travel, and read textbooks with.  If digital textbooks and ebooks take off I will probably make my conversion to the iPad sooner rather than later, a trend i expect to continue among consumers in the near future.

Are We Becoming Too Careless?

After reading the article about Google's settlement of a class-action lawsuit totaling $8.5 million over personal information privacy linked to their social networking service, Buzz, one must wonder if our personal information is as safe as we think it is.  The controversial issue involved users of Buzz that had their names linked to their gmail email accounts made public without the users knowledge.  This has only added to the criticism of the way Google handles its sensitive personal information, as this is shortly after the internet giant was hacked into by the Chinese Government.  This raises the question, exactly how secure is the internet and are we too willing to give our personal and financial information to internet websites?


My answer to this question is Yes.  I am constantly registering for accounts on various sites and using my debit card to make online purchases, without really understanding how internet security works.  I do know that secure sites have the small lock icon somewhere in your browser, and the site usually advertises secure login or something of that nature to let the user know their information is safe, but what is exactly stopping some expert hacker or new software from penetrating the system.  If arguably the most innovative and technologically advanced company can be hacked into and make such careless decisions as the Buzz controversy discussed above, then really how secure is our information on the smaller sites and online stores?  Like many things we become comfortable with, it has become virtually instinctive for us to apply for an account on a website that requires it for access, giving away our personal information too freely.  I believe we are in for a rude awakening when a website with lots of private personal and financial information in its system is hacked into and results in a widespread identity or credit card theft.