Everyone from seniors to toddlers know what an iPad is. It may be Apple's flagship product second to probably the iPhone. It certainly dominated the tablet market since its debut in 2010. But did Apple see all of the uses the iPad is being used for today? Like JCPenny, they have an iPad dedicated to Levi's and finding the right fit (Oh the troubles of the 20 different fits of jeans). At a local cafe shop, they replaced their cash register with an iPad and what was most likely Square attach to an old iMac-like base.
Whether you're a iPad or Android lover, you can't deny that the iPad sped up the popularity of the concept of a tablet. It was easy to see that Samsung, ASUS, HP, and of course RIM wasn't ready to make change the opinion of general public on tablets. HP may have accidentally helped by having the TouchPad failing and selling it in a fire-sale (It's a FIRE!.... sale.). But Google's (ASUS) Nexus 7 was the iPad's first competitor (sort of); finally Apple has someone to compete with now, the Android Tablet.
I always thought the iPad's 9.7 inch display was too big for a tablet (not to mention the odd ratio). I love the 7 inch screen on my Nexus. Apple has realized that the 7-8 inch devices are crucial; it's the perfect size to hold in one hand. I will still not get an iPad Mini though; if you know me, you know my adverse opinion on iOS. But I really do like the look of the black; I'm hoping Macbook Pros will get the black color soon!
While the iPad Mini was the main story of the press conference, I think the most significant announcement was the complete redesign of the iMac. It is slightly beautiful; Sir Jonathon Ives has done it again. And the 13-inch Macbook Pro may end up as a new toy soon; I'll have to see and feel it in person. But overall, Apple didn't announce/showoff anything impressive (So the streak continues). Hopefully Google impresses the public next week!
In other news, yesterday was the 50th anniversary of JFK's address on the Cuban Missile Crisis:
"Good evening, my fellow citizens. This Government, as promised, has maintained the closest surveillance of the Soviet military build-up on the island of Cuba. Within the past week unmistakable evidence has established the fact that a series of offensive missile sites is now in preparation on that imprisoned island. The purposes of these bases can be none other than to provide a nuclear strike capability against the Western Hemisphere.
...
My fellow citizens, let no one doubt that this is a difficult and dangerous effort on which we have set out. No one can foresee precisely what course it will take or what costs or casualties will be incurred. Many months of sacrifice and self-discipline lie ahead-months in which both our patience and our will will be tested, months in which many threats and denunciations will keep us aware of our dangers. But the greatest danger of all would be to do nothing.
The path we have chosen for the present is full of hazards, as all paths are; but it is the one most consistent with our character and courage as a nation and our commitments around the world. The cost of freedom is always high-but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender or submission.
Our goal is not the victory of might but the vindication of right-not peace at the expense of freedom, but both peace and freedom, here in this Hemisphere and, we hope, around the world. God willing, that goal will be achieved."