A wonderfully written life view, and a perspective on the devices that impact it.

I’m definitely in agreement with John’s life view.

And the impact of everything upon it is secondary.

In other words, the impact of the iPad is secondary to how I’d approach design, for example.

Let me clarify: I cannot create with the iPad. I can only consume. Is that a limiting statement? Perhaps.

Am I imposing limits on myself by saying that? Well, let’s take a look:

I’ve been using the iPad since it came out, and I find it to be a beautifully designed device. The interaction and interface with the iPad is seductive. And yes, applications yet to be developed may alter my thinking in some ways. But at a fundamental level, we need materials/tools that will deliver the results of our creative endeavors, whether it’s something as simple as pencil and paper, or as complicated as software applications/hard-drive storage and a usable keyboard.

It’s the difference between creating and consuming.

I see that as the defining difference between the iPad and other tablet or computing devices.

Will the iPad become a creative device? I don’t think it was designed to be that.

It’s a beautifully designed consuming device, but when I need to create, I leave it for my computer, for my paper and pencil, for my other tools.

And how true are the words of Len Williams . . . a clean slate can start anytime for those who dream!

Like Truthbearer, I can’t help but notice that really great inventions get their share of fans along with a number of doubting non-fans.

Back in Edison’s day, there must have been people who greeted the invention of the light bulb by lamenting the death of the gas lamp.

“Why spend extra money when gas lamps work so well?”

“So what? It’s only an electric gas lamp.”

“Light bulbs need constant replacement. It’s a scam.”

“I already have gas lamps in my house.”

“I’m waiting for light bulb 2.0.”

1. There is lots of precedent for defining new things in terms of what we have and what is different — i.e.; horseless carriage, wireless (radio); tubeless tires, now wireless telephones. Good sales are always based on establishing common ground and then building from there.

2. All change is initially seen as loss and must and will be mourned accordingly. With it come four emotions: Mad, Sad, Bad and finally and wonderfully Glad.

The way that translates into new technology is that for three months the new user says angrily, “It doesn’t do it like the old systems.” For the next three months the user says sadly, “I guess I can make it do what I need.” And finally at six months or after, they begin to say gladly, “Wow, this really is a better way to do things.”

Now it is time for the next new product.

I remember in a news meeting being mesmerized by a PC that had a touch screen, a stylus and a flip display. News designers could sketch a page right there on the spot and pass it around.

Looks like another “how” moment just got better. But maybe less the print side . . . I guess today we would be sketching web possibilities.

You decide. It’s your money.

And a great reminder about the importance of original work. So much we do requires the approval of others (bosses, clients, etc.), I had forgotten that real innovation often isn’t appreciated when it first appears.

Just like the iPod changed the way we listen to music, the iPad will change the way we are informed and entertained.