I’ve now spent a day with my iPad and my initial impression is much more favorable than anticipated. I make no apologies—I’m an Apple fanboy. But Apple earned my admiration through years of producing superior design and quality and the iPad, for being a 1.0 release is no exception. It’s this 1.0 status which lead me into this much skepticism.
apps for creatives
I immediately installed Adobe Ideas (iTunes Link: Free) and Autodesk Sketchbook Pro (iTunes Link: $7.99). The lack of a stylus is not an issue in itself. However, the iPad screen does start to develop resistance as smudges build up and this is something a stylus would help avoid. The iPad also lacks a pressure-sensitive surface which affects brush size, texture, media viscosity, etc. Both applications have strengths and weaknesses, but Sketchbook looks and feels like a more mature and robust application.
using the on-screen keyboard
Typing. The iPad, in landscape orientation, provides and near full sized keyboard. Typing felt no different than with a physical keyboard. Considering a majority of people will limit typing on the iPad to emails, comments, and Facebook updates this is fine. Where typing is weak in the fact the screen and keyboard exist on the same plane. When in a seated position with the iPad on your lap typing requires you to look down which leads to neck and upper back strain after long periods. I suspect the iPad Keyboard Dock, shipping in late April, will alleviate this as it places the screen and keyboard in the more traditional, ergonomic right angle position.
