18 months ago the iPad was first released and everyone since then has been waiting for the official iPad app to be released. Well- it’s finally here! I have to admit, using your fingers with gestures to browse Facebook is just plain fun. I recorded a walkthrough video of the Facebook iPad app to show you just how it works. You can download the Facebook iPad app in the App Store or here (there is also a new version if the iPhone app out as well).

The multitasking gesture feature for the iPad for iOS 4.3 is fun and awesome. Watch this video blog and you’ll see what I’m talking about!

A first look at Discover Karaoke, a iPad powered karaoke system that’s simple to use. You can even download songs from iTunes for your karaoke songs. If you can’t see the video below, click here to watch.

A first look at the new ION iCade a new product that allows you to control iPad games with an arcade joystick via bluetooth.. There is even a developer friendly API so apps can be created by anyone.

I’ve blogged about it before, I was just as disappointed as you were when the iPad was announced. I realized that this device might not be for the techy-geek-heads of the world. However, when the iPad is released this Saturday, a lot of heads will turn once people really start thinking about how a device like this might be integrated into our every day routines.

What I mean to say is the iPad product launch will propel the socialization of a tablet computer to critical mass.

Keep in mind, there are other tablets, besides the iPad, that will be released soon. HP, MSI, Asus and the JooJoo (which looks awesome) are a few of the many companies that will be launching tablet computers.

Conceptually, it’s hard for the common person to understand why they would need one. It seems excessive, and a more of a luxury. This is because the device sits in that unfamiliar middle ground of it’s “not a phone” but it’s not your “computer”, but it’s supposed to be everything in between (which is even hard to think about). However, the tablet computer could be the perfect device between an eReader and laptop.

I believe that these tablet computers will create a need for consumers that wasn’t there before. You don’t think you need it- until it’s illustrated exactly how you need to have this device in your life (take for instance what “tone up” shoes have done for the shoe industry, it’s created an entirely new niche market).

I’ve blogged before that there are many practical uses for this type of device we have yet to discover that would make our lives easier. Take for example; graphic designers showing their portfolio at a coffee shop meeting, real-estate agents working with clients using it to show photos and their properties, photographers showcasing their portfolios, or people who need to give a 1-on-1 presentations at table in casual settings. Recently, after watching the guided tours of the iPad, I thought of the idea of using a tablet computer propped up, to run photo slide shows at a wedding guest sign-in table. How cool would that be?

My main point about the iPad product launch, is that this will be the event that thrusts the introduction and socialization of this type of device to critical mass. For some people, when they see this device, there will be moments in which they say things like, “i never thought about that, i could really benefit from using one of these”. Make no mistake, it will take time for this process to occur and it’ll require some great marketing to illustrate to others why they need this device.

Personally, I can’t wait to physically hold it- touch it- and use the iPad, I want to put it through my own tests. And for the record, I would still camp out for this device. I want one.

What do you think? What was your reaction to the iPad? Do you want to buy a tablet computer? Tell me your thoughts.
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OK, I’ll admit it. I was the disappointed with the launch of the Apple iPad. It didn’t change the face of computing as we know it today. And it doesn’t revolutionize your life either (or fold your laundry).

But, that’s exactly the problem.

The expectation that this device would do exactly that made for huge buzz-kill for most of us techy-geek-heads. But, again- that’s exactly the problem.

Perhaps this device isn’t for techy-geek-heads.

Has anyone considered that since this is an “instant on” device (no startup waiting) the many practicalities and convenience of being able to instantly browse the web or open media files. There isn’t a netbook out there that performs as quick or as beautifully as the iPad.

Perhaps there many practical uses for this device we have yet to consider, take for example; graphic designers showing their portfolio at a coffee shop meeting, real-estate agents working with clients using it to show photos and their properties, photographers portfolios, or anyone who sells anything could use this device in a meeting (I already show friends and clients photos and portfolios with my iPhone and I’m confident the iPad likely does it better).

Perhaps everyone has “office space syndrome” and we are just hopping on the jump-to-conclusions mat before anyone really actually has used the device besides the techy-geek-heads out there.

The verdict is still out in my book until I actually get to physically hold it- touch it- use it and put it through my own tests. And for the record, I would still camp out for this device. I want it.

What do you think? What was your reaction to the iPad? Do you want to buy an iPad? Leave a comment.

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