Since it’s Thanksgiving Day, and I have just updated my iPAD to iOS 4.2, this seemed like a good time to let my thoughts out…

The new iOS 4.2 is like a “wish list” comes true for many power users (no doubt due to some demand/pressure from the business sector). The Apple website claimed that installing iOS 4.2 is like getting a new iPAD, with the addition of AirPrint, better Mail management, Folder, Multitasking, dictionary, even an iPAD locator.

One wish remained: Flash, and it is one that even Father Christmas is not able to grant. However, if you are one of the geeks (like me), you would already know that there are ways to overcome the limitation through RealVNC, TeamViewer, SplashtopRemote, and the now-you-see-it-now-you-don’t SkyFire video browser). Yet another demonstration of “if there is will, there is a way!”  The main idea behind these work-around is that you can use a faster desktop/laptop to view a Flash presentation, while simultaneously “screen dump” it (both video and audio) over to an iPAD through wireless network connection. The synchronicity depends large on the speed of your WiFi connection. So, if both machine are on the same network, it could be nearly flawless — according to this account, it is possible to run two Flash movies side-by-side without degradation.

So why do I care about iPAD? You probably know that I am not really an Apple lover, right? (I purchased Apple machines only to turn them into PCs, Yikes!) Well, I am an instructional technologists who have decided to make emerging technology my business. And I see iPAD holds a key (big one) in changing not only the way I work and teach, but also the way the next-generation of teachers teach… if I can help it.

The iPAD help me make the cross over to change my Instructional Authoring Tool class to an iPAD-compatible instructional design showcase. I explained the reasoning behind making website compatible with iPAD… and demand my students to think hard about how they can turn their web site into an iPAD compatible one…. through the introduction of big “finger touchable” buttons, specific table size (to reduce white space around the border), lots of nice graphics, Youtube video, HTML5…. the list goes on. The class will soon have its showcase, and I am already seeing some fantastic website. Like the “Learning to Draw” Website by Kalonde, and the Mineral Website by Mark. You may not notice the “big deal” when visiting their site using a laptop/desktop, but they really shine when you access it using an iPAD.

And this is the reason why I am utterly shock about the HP Slate (supposed Tablet killer)!

Once it’s on… A Windows 7 desktop. Not a touch-optimized Windows 7 desktop, just the same user interface that a desktop PC user would encounter, just now with touch capabilities. This can’t actually be the case, could it? Surely, every tech gadget maker now understands that the software is as important as the hardware. I mean, so you’re Microsoft — does the meeting go something like this?

“We need to get Windows on a touchscreen. Like, now.”

“O.K., but 10-inch touchscreens require a different kind of organization and navigation than desktops. Do you want me to optimize the O.S. for touch?”

“Nah, just make it touchable and people can figure out what to do. Throw in a pop-up keyboard and some swipey-screen action. And don’t worry if the screen is really slow to respond to scrolling and is sort of inaccurate about where you’re touching. I’m going to get a cafe latte.”

This is why I think—hope—that what we’re seeing here isn’t quite ready for prime time. Because if H.P. thinks it is? Oh boy.

Hello! Whatever happened to Touch Optimization?? Does HP not hire any instructional designer who specialize in usability testing? (May be they should send someone over to take my course!)

Happy Thanksgiving!