The iPad - really, that's what they named it

Apple launched its new technology device called the iPad on Wednesday, January 27th. The company is more than excited about the new release and calls it 'the best way to experience the web, email and photos'.

The iPad is a one and a half pound tablet that is only half an inch thick. Users can surf the web, store photos, music, movies and even books. Additionally, all the applications available on the iPhone will be available for the iPad. But the question is: What does it do that is new?

The answer: nothing. Or atleast nothing that seems important enough to spend $499-$699 on. It is an iPhone with book storage. Except... wait. It can't act as a camera. Apple hasn't introduced anything too far from what's already available - it has just compiled multiple devices into one.

To decide if the iPad will become widely used, think of why the iPod was so revolutionary. It was a phone with internet and touchscreen that acted as a camera and could hold all your music. But arguably the most important feature of the iPod was its size. It can fit into a pocket or a small purse - no problem. At roughly 10 inches, the only pocket the iPad could fit into is a cargo pants pocket. But who wants to wear cargo pants?

Is the size an issue? Or is it worse that the iPad has one speaker? Is is completely unacceptable to not have a disk drive for CDs and movies? Or is it worse that the only movies you can play on it are those bought from the iTunes store?

Personally, I wouldn't fork over four houndred and ninety-nine dollars for it - even if that is a low price for such technology. Apple will more than make up for the difference with purchases from the iTunes store and their new online store for books. Would you?

-MRoberts

Something New a Sign of Things to Come?

Even though the beloved King of Pop will not be able to make a physical appearance at the 2010 Grammy Awards this Sunday night, he will continue to make a lasting and spectacular impression like he never left us at all. The word is that a special 3D tribute to the legendary pop star will make its debut during the live television broadcast, featuring performances by Smokey Robinson, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, and Celine Dion.

But wait--3D TV?! We all knew that it could be coming, but how is it possible? According to Grammy co-executive producer Ken Erlich, Jackson was always looking for something new and shocking to attract his audiences. This 3D short film put to Jackson's hit song, "Earth Song" was the pop star's latest idea, and it serves as the perfect means to tribute the singer as he is posthumously honored with the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement award from the Recording Academy. Special "Grammified" 3D glasses can be found at Target stores, but don't fret. If you can't get a pair before Sunday Jan 31, you will still be able to view the presentation (minus the 3D effect).

So now you tell me: Is this just the first of many 3D television experiences? Are we opening the door to new 3-dimensional daily programming? Or do you think this is just a special event thats hype won't last? Who actually wants to wear those funky glasses every time they sit down to watch TV? I guess all we can do is wait and see...

Scandals and Celebrities

If you know me, you'll know I spend way too much time reading mindless celebrity gossip blogs. Today I was browsing through TMZ, surprisingly one I never read, and I noticed something there about John Edwards. I was a little taken aback, last time I checked John Edwards was a politician, not a celebrity. However, TMZ wasn't reporting his quotes on healthcare reform or the middle east. Instead, they reported on his separation from his wife.

John Edwards 'Sad' about Separation with Wife

I know a little bit about his separation from political news sources, but I never read much about it in celebrity blogs. So it took about two seconds before I realized why he was on TMZ. He'd had a scandal. Somehow, the alleged affair Edwards had kept while his wife was in the hospital with cancer had sent him soaring to the headlines of celebrity news blogs.

I think the weight of a scandal can determine the weight of a person in pop culture. We all know about the Rihanna and Chris Brown incident. Both were highly successful pop stars, one of them, in my opinion, immensely talented. However, after the horrifying release of that picture and several awkward interviews, Chris Brown's sales haven't done as well as they could have. I think the connection between the alleged beat down and his record sales is undeniable.

Someone like Paris Hilton could use a little scandal right now. We all remember when she was constantly in our faces, on TV, in magazines, and all over the internet, all because of some stupid sex tape and embarrassingly idiotic reality show. She hadn't done anything of merit, but because she was full of scandal, she was everywhere. I saw some pictures of her a couple of months ago, and it was kind of sad how obviously posed they were. She was all over some guy at a party, allegedly following the paparazzi around, begging for attention. She needed more controversy, some kind of scandal to get people talking about her again.

While scandal seems to boost the appeal of celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Heidi Montag, it causes nothing but damage for famous people who have actually done something, like Tiger Woods and Pat Robertson. Whatever the scandal may be, we take serious interest in watching the famous rise and fall afterwards.

Apple Tablet Is Latest Attempt by Steve Jobs to ‘Shock and Awe'

We've been anticipating the release of Apple's Macbook Touch. There are a lot of questions and much uncertainty concerning the tablet's capabilities. But it is accepted that Apple definitely needs to "shock and awe" consumers.

Apple will probably extend its partnership with AT&T to include the Macbook Touch, but the cost associated with these services may turn away those who are currently paying for a smartphone service plan. The biggest challenge will be convincing consumers to purchase an unpopular device (tablets only account for 1 percent of the PC market). The tablet lacks a physical keyboard and relies on a pen and the touch screen for input. The key is to make a distinct difference between the Macbook Touch and the iPhone.

The expected price is projected to be between $700-800.

View the full article here.

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