Book Review: iPad for Seniors For Dummies

Granted the name is a bit awkward, but once you get past that, iPad for Seniors for Dummies, is a straightforward instruction manual for Apple's latest sensation. Author Nancy C. Muir has written her book in a concise fashion that assumes a bit of computer literacy on the part of the reader: If you're expecting a book that talks down to seniors, or ignores the reality that most of them (especially iPad purchasers) have at least used a computer, look elsewhere.

Smartly printed in large type, with the exception of a few sections like "recommended apps for seniors" this book could easily serve as anyone's iPad guide. It might not serve as the best guide for someone completely new (for example, one section talks about getting your iTunes music onto the iPad.) to electronics, but if your hip parent/grandparent knows their way around the Mac or Windows desktop, they should find this book to be a perfect match. Even the suggested apps include mainstream titles like Flickr, which would imply some web savviness as well.

My Completely Unsubstantiated Theory on the Verizon iPad

Yesterday, the biggest news story in the Apple blogosphere was the somewhat quizzical announcement that the iPad would soon be available from Verizon. It is an interesting announcement for a few reasons. First, it's not a Verizon iPad per say, but rather the standard wifi-enabled iPad, bundled with a discounted Verizon mifi personal wifi plan.

Why would Verizon start selling a quasi-carrier iPad? Why not wait for a cell version that would work directly with Verizon's network? My unsubstantiated theory: Apple is allowing Verizon to carry the iPad to make up for an unannounced delay in bringing the iPhone to Verizon. Many analysts has pegged the Verizon iPhone to a January announcement/availability, but then we heard it might be March until the Verizon iPhone is available.

To keep Verizon excited about the iPhone, perhaps Apple offered up the iPad early allowing them to meet a portion of internal revenue goals that may have been based on the assumption of January phone availability.

Of course there's always the possibility Apple is simply looking to move the iPad into as many channels as possible before other tablets have a chance to take hold, but that's not much fun at all, is it?

What do you make of the "Verizon" iPad?

Ballmer Reminds Us Of The Difference Between Apple & Microsoft. Again.

Photo: APSure, we've been harumpfing over the iPhone 4 issues, and we still hear about app approval issues from time to time, but leave to it to Steve Ballmer to remind us what makes Apple different.

Last week, Ballmer speaking to analysts, left his thoughts be known on the success of the iPad. Addressing the number of iPads sold, Ballmer said Apple had “sold certainly more than I’d like them to have sold.” Additionally, he added a jab at the inability to print from the iPad natively.

Let's remember he's speaking of a hypothetical iPad killer, as there's no shipping Windows 7 pad, despite Ballmer touting essentially the same strategy at CES back in January. Ballmer reiterated Microsoft's vision for the future, and that vision is simply trying to take down Apple.

Sure back in the day, Apple staked its future on "beating" Microsoft, but they did it by laying out a compelling alternative. That alternative was something consumers and employees could get behind. I doubt the talented people in the trenches at Microsoft came to Redmond to work day in and day out to simply find a way to copy Apple.

As Apple has laid out a their version of the future, Microsoft hasn't kept pace. If they want to copy anything from Apple, maybe they could start with creating some sort of coherent vision; something those loyal to their platform can rally behind, and see as an alternative to Apple. There's certainly enough room for two competing philosophies in technology, and for Microsoft to roll over, and focus solely on Apple, is distracting for the company and doesn't serve consumers.  

Will.i.am Foils Burglars with iPad

Image: complex.comI'm happy to say this is the first time we've had to go to TMZ.com this month, but it was well worth it. TMZ reports that the rapper had his Bentley broken into last week (hey, who hasnt!?). But he was able to thwart them thanks to his iPad. Using the find my iPhone/iPad feature, Will.i.am was able to track the location of the thieves, and then reported the information to police.

Good thing he sprung for the 3G model!

Wired iPad App...

Popping up throughout my Wired mag this month...lots of little icons encouraging me to download the Wired App for the iPad. They suggest using the App to see extra content, videos, and more.  I'm not sure how I feel about this.  Is this a brilliant idea, or just a desparate attempt to keep paper relevant somehow? (Or an attempt to kill paper as a medium.) And why wouldn't I just read the entire magazine on the iPad, if it's superior?  Is that it-are they looking to go all digital, and soon?!   More importantly, is anyone else following suit?

(wouldn't that be nice- no trees lost, no landfills packed with paper, no paper cuts...)

I'm still not on the iPad bandwagon, but some of these thoughts move me closer...what do you think?