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Well, it's been a few weeks since the launch of Apple's comically named "iPad," and there's no doubt the world has much to think over. That's particularly true for those in the FOSS community, of course, given the decidedly closed nature of Apple's new device. Fans of Cupertino may be swooning with delight, but the picture is less clear for those of us in the rest of the world. The new device is "a frightening step backward for computing and for media distribution," according to the Free Software Foundation.
It's absurd to say the iPad is "nothing new" and will therefore not have traction because similar devices have been around for "half a decade" and haven't caught on.
The same was true of the Mac itself, the iPod and the iPhone. Neither was a first and all of them entered their respective fields against established competition.
Apple's strength lies in its strong integration of software and hardware to create a satisfying, easy-to-use customer experience. It may not be the least costly, but for many it's a welcome alternative to kludges.
DMR is just something that has to be accepted in order to keep most of the worthwhile authors, news sources, composers, and musicians working in their fields.
If the baddies squeeze the fruit too hard, the market (which I don't believe to be infallible) will eventually bring forth cheaper and/or better alternatives, just as other hardware and software makers will.
The iPad and its yet-to-be competition will result in more and better choices for all of us, compared to what's out there now.
The same was true of the Mac itself, the iPod and the iPhone. Neither was a first and all of them entered their respective fields against established competition.
Apple's strength lies in its strong integration of software and hardware to create a satisfying, easy-to-use customer experience. It may not be the least costly, but for many it's a welcome alternative to kludges.
DMR is just something that has to be accepted in order to keep most of the worthwhile authors, news sources, composers, and musicians working in their fields.
If the baddies squeeze the fruit too hard, the market (which I don't believe to be infallible) will eventually bring forth cheaper and/or better alternatives, just as other hardware and software makers will.
The iPad and its yet-to-be competition will result in more and better choices for all of us, compared to what's out there now.
