The Monkey

Make him teach you some cool shit (e.g., head control).

I am getting closer and closer to a definite on the iPad with 3G. Again, I'm not in love with the device (yet), but I agree with those of you who think this could be a game-changer. In that regard, Apple has done an amazing job of inserting itself into cultural literacy. I was showing a friend my iPhone the other day, and he loved it, but really didn't quite get it (he will, but he's behind). I'm getting old and slow as it is, and I want to stay abreast of what is happening in this area. Further, Apple is one of the few major US companies that is actually innovating and manufacturing goods in a way that more companies should emulate if we are to try to grow this piece of shit economy. So there's my backtracking rationalization. Where's my cup? I want some Kool Aid.

Yay!

I like it when people challenge JA, even if they're wrong.

Got a shipping notice today from JH Audio. Looks like the refit is done. That was FAST!

I like this article, but I wish the author also addressed the fact that Apple does nothing to dispel these rumors. Hasn't Apple (or former Apple employees) admitted in the past that it engages in false leaks?

Agree. That's a skill I'd love to have, but I might be too old a dog to learn such tricks.

That feature is full of win.

Also, what do folks think this will do to sales of the Touch?

I'm warming to this device slightly. Part of that reaction has to do with the fact that I am a firm believer in Apple's marketing genius. More than any company I can think of, Apple knows what the consumer wants before the consumer does. Most companies are reactive; relying on slicing and dicing market research in an effort to gauge what people bought yesterday so that they can develop that same product today. Simply put, I know Apple is smarter than I am. I can see, with the right content, that this device--and particularly its later iterations--could become something that is attached to its users at the hip. Also, it's a testament to how revolutionary the iPhone was that the iPad seems slightly ho-hum to me. The lack of camera, aspect ratio, etc. are annoying. In some ways, it makes me wonder if the Steve was faced with a decision: Do I get this thing done now, less than perfectly and let it develop; or do I wait until it can be exactly what I want and try to not die in the interim? My conspiracy theory is that Jobs's (justifiable) sense of mortality might have thrust this thing into the spotlight just slightly before its time. Regardless, I will reserve judgment until I get one. Did any of you get past the third sentence?

It's all VPI's fault.

In the neighborhood.

Wet blanket is wet.

DACses

I kept waiting for the dude to get squished by a tour bus.

The horse to water picmeme makes me laugh long and hard whenever I see it. Nate posted an awesome one somewhere the other day.

^That sounds a lot nicer than my grilled cheese.

I prefer to rush to judgment and run my mouth.

Fair points, but then it feels premature. It doesn't seem revolutionary, but rather evolutionary, which I always thought Jobs didn't want for this device. I can see the potential, but I expected more of that potential to be realized today. Perhaps, however, the glory of this device will be in what now appears to me to be its mundaneness.

I find the hardware disappointing. I expected it to be more robust. And I am skeptical about the ergonomics. The content will be key, and I guess that's the main message here. This seems like one of those devices from Apple that could be of the "I didn't even know that I needed it" variety. However, I still think there's the potential for a BigFlop here. It is, after all, just a big iPod Touch/iPhone. Apple did a nice job, though, on the price point. However, given the aforementioned, it is probably priced where it should be. I think I'd rather have a MacBook.

And the Apple Store appears to be up, so it doesn't seem like anything cool will be set free today.

That keyboard is iFail.

Soo lame that he gets a standing ovation. For what?

Also, which live feed are you guys "watching'?

I hate Apple (and myself a little bit) for making me excited about this stupid press conference.