• by ryan.y , October 16, 2010

I have no shame in admitting my passion for technology. Anything from gaming consoles, to costume built PCs, MP3 Players and devices that have yet to find a niche, I most likely own one. I bear the label of tech geek proudly and have always found myself fascinated with emerging technologies.

The problem I face though, is that I may not always have the funds on hand to invest in such lavished products. I am a student, and as the stereotype goes, financing such an addiction is not always easy as the funds are not always there. I do however get by through a well established system that involves my "toys" resale value and Ebay.

There is a product that I do not have, and as the title proclaims: it is the Apple iPad.

In my eyes, the iPad is a shining jewel that begs me to place it on my night stand, and in most cases I would be happy to oblige. However, I have found it extremely difficult to convince myself that the purchase is justifiable. This may not be the case with other consumers, as the device is not only predicted to blow by the 10 million mark this year, but that it may in fact almost double that number by year's end.

I can't, however, see myself spending over $830.00 on the device that is eerily similar to my Apple iPhone. Yes, I know the technical specifications and the implications that the tablet my have on my every day life, but is it really something that will fill a void within my habitual routines that my other devices can't satisfy?

I don't think so. It's not a computer, but more along the lines of a content viewer, an organizer for ones media content, and although it serves as a dandy replacement to my laptop for browsing the web from any where on a gorgeous 10 inch screen, it just isn't enough to get me to spend the money Apples asking for.

I've had my qualms about the iPad since its release along with many other skeptics. Its lack of camera, internal memory, third party software, UI, the lack of flash, and its absence of any USB plug ins and memory stick bays cheapened the allure that Apple had really done the impossible in creating a fully-capable PC tablet.

Regardless, this hasn't stopped Apple's latest device from being a huge hit. Despite the issues that I may have with their device, I still find it to be a incredible piece of technology needs to find itself in my possession eventually.

Which is why I wait in anticipation for the next generation of the iPad to be released. The rumors have already began to stir and I find myself waiting in baited breath for even the slightest clue as to when the next generation will be released. Some speculate that it could be as soon as 2011 and may even feature a 7 inch model.

Either way I'm looking forward to being able to get my hands on the device that I can finally call my own, and join the craze that so many are already apart of. If I happen to let my willpower slip before the next generation I'll be sure write about my first experiences accompanied by a nice picture journal.

Until next week.