UIDesign Group: iPad is the first casual computer

 In April Apple Inc. launched the sales of its new tablet computer named the iPad.

The blogosphere is overhyped with enthusiasm of those who just bought the device and of those who are just about to do so. However, the messages from slightly puzzled people who sincerely do not get the reason for the buzz and have little faith in the gadget are by far more common. In my opinion, the device unveils a new era in computer evolution – soon you will not be able to picture our life without such devices. Let me try to explain why.

Simply put, the essence of the upcoming revolution lies in the fact that the iPad is the first personal computer not requiring computer literacy in using it. Like, at all. You do not have to know about files or hierarchical file system, or even an operating system, for that matter. You do not have to remember to save documents. Just imagine the emergence of people without the notorious Ctrl-S reflex!

If any of you read the books by Alan Cooper (The Inmates Are Running the Asylum of About and the Face series) as well as the book by Jeff Raskin, you might remember their extremely critical views on the contemporary personal computers. You can go for hours listing the downsides: beside the crippled file system – permanently grasping your attention – the users are always facing the need for installing and fine-tuning the apps. Many are raging over the lengthy booting time and noisy fans. All of this stands before the user on his way to reaching his goals. There should be someone who will undertake to address all these problems and create a device free of such hassle. Hence came out the iPad.

There as a problem of another kind...  Read More