Tablets

I have the original iPad but did not feel the compelling need to jump to the iPad 2. It's been months since I used my iPad, not because it's not good, but because it just doesn't suit any of my current use cases. Let's review those:

• Internet hosting: A server with pair networks
• Heavy computing: A Mac Pro workstation, with an NEC wide gamut display, and external RAID by macgurus.
• On-the-go computing: A macbook air 11 inch.
• e-reading: A kindle wifi only
• Mobile on-the-go: Droid x

Basically, the iPad would fit the macbook air's current spot. The problem is that the iPad has no keyboard for easy editing, and my attempts to marry it with a bluetooth keyboard ultimately just resulted in a hosed keyboard, no easy way to carry the two together.

I think the dream many report would be to marry the bottom 3 devices in a tablet. In my mind, it's an open question as to whether that can happen or is even desirable. The wifi kindle is cheap and light, easy for extended reading. Mobile phone prices and data plans are clearly headed toward commodification (though carriers are fighting tooth and nail). The replacement cycles are different.

By marrying e-readers, phones, and on-the-go computing, you make yourself ripe for getting held hostage with higher prices to follow. Just witness Apple's recent decision to force vendors to pay a 30% fee for all in-app purchases, some of which are mandated.