iPad: Today's Tricorder

The iPad is here. Well, not yet really here in Manila but in North America. It was recently introduced by Apple to Apple enthusiasts and brand ambassadors during an event held at an Apple press conference at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco.

This tablet computer, which can probably could be have inspired by the tricorder used in the Starship Enterprise by Spock and Dr. McCoy (sorry, am a Trekkie), can be used for reading e-books and email, browsing the Internet, watching videos, playing games and listening to music. Like the iPhone, its high-resolution multi-touch display would simply be amazing and it is just 0.5 inches thick. How light is it? Just around 700 grams. How much is it? Well, in the States, it will sell around US$500 bucks for for the 16GB model. The 32GB will sell nearly $600 while one will spare US$700 for the 64GB model. Sorry, one can't expand storage capacity.

The iPad comes in two versions—one with Wi-Fi and the other with both Wi-Fi and 3G.

Here? My guess is that it will be between the 30k and 40k range. Hopefully, not beyond 50k, because that would mean it would be near the range of a Macbook already!

In a press statement, Steve Jobs said, “iPad creates and defines an entirely new category of devices that will connect users with their apps and content in a much more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before.” Steve Jobs founded Apple in 1976 and has since revolutionized the way we live using laptops and get connected with each other. He usually wears a black long-sleeved mock turtleneck, Levi's 501 blue jeans and sneakers when he meets stakeholders and media. Photo of Steve Jobs with the new iPad from Flickr (Apple iPad Event)

And just like the iPhone and iPod touch, it also syncs with iTunes using the standard Apple 30-pin to USB cable. All this syncing can sometimes be annoying if you are using different iPods or iPhones to sync to one MacBook. If there is a way to “unsync” or selective sync, please tell me.

How long is the battery life? Reports say that it will last up to 10 hours of video. Hmmm. That is more than a one way trip from Manila to Baguio. And 140 hours of audio!

Will I get an iPad? Maybe?

Growth of digital information

Like me, you probably also have too much information on your laptop. Which is one reason why am looking for an iOmega EGO external hard drive. Anyone know where I can find one?

According to the latest IDC Digital Universe White Paper, sponsored by EMC, there has been a five-fold growth in four years of digital information. Yup, that includes digital pictures we upload on Facebook or Friendster or music we buy and download from iTunes. And the more affordable costs of digital gadgets and equipments have contributed to the increase of digital information.

The study reveals that next year, individuals like you and me will create 70% of information in the digital universe. This study examined how IT departments were coping with the growth (or rather the boom) of information and how money was being allocated to manage corporate data. From the 405 respondents, 92 were from the financial, manufacturing, telco and energy sectors in the Philippines.

“Within the Philippines’ telecoms industry, the challenge is now about which telco can offer the most value-added and creative content in order to expand consumer offering that provide end to end solutions on the go,” says Ronnie Latinazo, Country Manager, EMC Philippines. I am sure both Globe and Smart are fighting toe to toe to get these value-added and creative content to their subscribers. Unless, you see a network out of coverage reach message.

For companies, there would be an increasing need for security, compliance and preservation of digital information. A key element in the IDC study showed that data security is still a missing key element in information management strategies. From the total 405 respondents, some companies still don’t have data security policies in place.

“Companies are under tremendous pressures to achieve higher levels of efficiency with existing technology that have now because IT budgets are often reduced or unchanged despite an increase in demand for constant upgrades,” says Latinazo. Yup, we have heard of “doing more, with less.” Given the tough economic times, IT budgets are really being affected.

Sometimes, with reduced IT budgets, companies face a continuing challenge on the customer front. Respondents from the five countries who were part of the IDC survey (Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and India) say “they need to deploy technological products and services in more innovative and strategic ways.”

My IT budget? Around 5,000 pesos for a portable 500 GB iOmega EGO. Anyone know where I can get one? Preferably colored red.