Wired reading

Nobody gets the technology world pumped up like Apple.
From its 1984 TV-advertisement for the Super Bowl pushing the first Apple Macintosh personal computer through to its unveiling of the iPod a decade ago, Apple has remained the forerunner in all personal computer related technology.
When Apple latches onto an idea, other companies listen. With the introduction of the iPhone, competition scrambled to emulate the sleek design concept Apple came up with.
As for the iPod, it changed the game for handheld musical entertainment, much like the Sony Walkman did decades earlier. The simplified usage of buttons along with the user-friendly browsing interface made it the device of choice for young people with substantial disposable incomes.
So last week, Apple were once again grabbing the attention of the world with their latest innovations - one that's sure to already have competitors seeing what they can do to keep pace.
The iPad is a tablet computer, devoid of a traditional keyboard, with a 9.7 inch screen. It uses multi-touch interaction - much like an iPod Touch or an iPhone - and uses print, photo, video, and audio functions. It can browse the Internet and run iPhone applications, which include news feeds or little games to play.
One of the major uses of the iPad being played up is its use of the iBook application, which will allow users to use the tablet as they would a traditional book.
When held by two hands, the iPad would be comparable in size to a hardcover book. At 1.5 pounds, it's also remarkably light weight.
I'm sure there are those who might look forward to reading a book on one of these devices, but as for myself, I think I'll be sticking to the old school model for reading.
Sure, it may be convenient to have all the books you could want on one device, avoiding the clutter of book shelves, but there would also be a certain level of comfort lost with using an iPad.
If, for example, you're back from a hard day at work and decide it'd be nice to read for a bit on the couch, do you want to lie down with your hands holding each end of your iPad?
From my perspective, this would be uncomfortable. When I read, I place my thumb between the two pages at the bottom. This allows me to read while keeping my other hand free.
That way, I can grab a cup of coffee or scratch my head while still reading. Genius, I say.
In the age of iPods and iPads, I've always been a bit of a resistor. I still enjoy purchasing physical copies of albums - particularly LPs - because I like the presence of the entire package.
With a record, you have the artwork blown-up on the album sleeve, with the record having its own unique smell. The physical nature of putting on an album also appeals to me.
With mp3 technology, music just seems so much more disposable. For some people, I can understand why that would be appealing. It just does not jive with me.
An interesting thing to watch for with the introduction of the iPad is how this will affect bookstores. That industry, like many others, is already struggling mightily, and the potential popularity of the iPad may further erode traditional book sales.
If anything, they may want to look at how they can work with the technology. Perhaps they may want to see how they can incorporate iBooks with traditional ones.
A free download could be made available when a person purchases a book, for examples. Small independent record labels that release vinyl albums usually include a free download of mp3 a buyer can access to then load onto their iPod. Same concept.
Additionally, they may want to consider what kind of books they stock. Paperbacks may give way to larger, more detailed books making greater use of size and unique design features. The book market could move towards becoming a high-end commodity.
All these scenarios are dependent on how the public embraces the iPad. Media attention has been fierce, and the release date is still a month away, so who knows what might happen.
Given Apple's track record, I'm willing to bet it will be a popular Christmas item in 2010.