The iPad as a creation device
The iPad is a consumption device not a creative device.
Nonsense. Let me argue against this:
Short answer: Its a limitation of the apps, not the device.
Long answer: Its always easier to make a device that simply displays stuff from a server. That what a consumption device is and the iPad does an awesome job at that. But that does not mean that it lacks out on creative capabilities.
It will take some time for developers to be comfortable using the radical new touch input capability rather than the traditional, time-tested keyboard and mice used on exising computers. To some extent it might also be the limitation of the processing power of the device, but that is true for all computers. We always find our computer slow for video editing tasks, however powerful our computer is.
Lets consider what we will see soon:
Music creation: The multi touch display makes it possible to make different music synthesizers that we haven’t even dreamed of yet. Imagine moving your two fingers around on the screen and creating some musical tones. This is impossible on traditional computers without external hardware.
Video editing: iMovie for iPad will be available any day now. Its so much easier to rearrange clips with a finger.
3D modeling, animation, Image editing: I can’t think of any limitation of the device to prevent these kind of things. I have seen basic image editing apps, painting apps and stick-man animation apps on the App Store.
Software development: We are already seeing apps that allow us to mock-up the look of our iPad app on the iPad itself. Someday you will even be able to code their behaviour on the iPad itself.
Word processing: Capable software is already available like iWork and many more coming up by other developers.
There is so much still left for developers on the iPad. Its a creative canvas as many have said. But people haven’t yet come up with the necessary tools. Just a matter of time.
