Apple’s product philosophy is simple to understand but difficult to master; keep the design simple, make the interface intuitive and elegant and control the connection between the software and hardware.

Look at Apple’s computer range. The minimalist design of the Mac Pro desktop is simple and brilliantly executed. On the front are two optical disk slots that are hidden, a power button and few usb/firewire ports and that is it! Compare that with a PC and it’s clear which hardware is trying too hard.

Apple’s Macbook range is equally as simple in design and form. Once again the body is uniformed with design that is now considered a classic. There aren’t dozens of flashing lights or  distracting buttons everywhere like you would find on a typical Windows laptop. When the Macbook is closed the there is the every present Apple logo on the lid. It is perfectly understated which conforms to Apple’s design template. There is nothing confusing about how to use it. I have let complete novices use my Macbook and they have been able to use it within minutes.

And of course the iPhone. If you just consider the functionality, there is nothing new here; smartphones have been around for years, but what Apple have done is made it elegant. The interface is simple, the fact that when you swipe your fingers across the screen the feedback in instantaneous. With just one hardware button at the bottom and quick access to the four main features of the iPhone (phone calls, mail, web and music) it’s just brilliantly simple. Apple has been critized unfairly that there is not enough customization with the iPhone’s interface, but it JUST WORKS! There is no clutter and there is no doubt that a major part of the iPhone’s success is it’s user interface.

The iPad won’t make such a splash initially as the iPhone or the Macs did because people’s expectaitons are much higher now. Also users don’t know how it fits in yet.

I am a Professional Photographer and no matter how loose I can see some potential in having a tablet computer rather than a full laptop. However, there will be times when I will need to run an open Operating System. The problem, at the moment, with the iPad is I cannot install full Mac software on it. I use Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop and even some video editing software when I am out on the road so the iPad cannot cope with those heavy apps, however I don’t believe that’s the iPad’s place.

I believe the iPad will fill a niche gap in the market. I can showcase photos to clients in a more interactive way with an extra “wow” factor. Perhaps the iPad shouldn’t be used alone, after all even if you did have an iPad you would most likely carry a smartphone around with you to make calls.

The iPad will find it’s place ALONG SIDE other Apple’s Hardware. Time will tell, but I can see myself carrying an iPad, a Macbook Pro and an iPhone out when I see my clients. Is that too much? Perhaps, but it will look damn cool infront of clients

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