New iPad could be good for students, professors say

Evolving media technology may change the way college students retrieve information with devices such as the iPad, SUU faculty members say.

The upcoming iPad, a sleek computer tablet with a 9.7 inch screen and touch screen typing, is the newest addition to the Apple family.

Steve Jobs, Apple CEO, said in the iPad anouncement that it is designed to fill the perceived gap between the smartphone and the laptop.

Computer Science & Information Systems Interim Department Chair Robert Robertson said the new iPad is “supposed to be evolutionary in how computers are used.”

Robertson said he found through reviews that Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple said he envisioned users with the ability to subscribe to digital usage of magazines, newspapers and books.

Jeff Hanson, assistant professor of graphic design, said the iPad isn’t so much a work computer as it is for general use.

“I think they are trying to broaden their user base and who is using their technology,” Hanson said. “I think they are trying to capture a more mainstream audience that isn’t so much interested in a work station.”

Artist in Residence Ben Sowards said the new device will feature ebooks.

Cedar City Walmart Electronics Sales Associate Ed Andrus said he thinks over time the publishing industry will be affected because of devices like the iPad.

“More people will read newspapers on the iPad, but books not so much,” Andrus said. “It will take time to be popular partly because people don’t read like they used to.”

One reason why textbooks are expensive is because they are repeatedly printed, Sowards said.

There is a possibility that ebooks will replace text books in the near future, he said.

“If I were a student I would be excited about it,” he said. “I assume the effect will be similar to the effect mp3s has done to the music industry.”

Andrus said he wouldn’t be surprised to find college students downloading textbooks instead of purchasing them in the future.

“If textbooks are found on iTunes you might get kids to download their books,” Andrus said.“Over time people will start buying ebooks instead of textbooks.”

Some iPad features include 10 hours of battery life, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity and a variation of the iPhone operating system, Robertson said.

The iPhone operating systems are the technical specifications, such as the wireless and bluetooth capabilities, which are included in the iPhone.

According to apple.com, a 16 GB iPad will cost $499, one with 32 GB will cost $599 and an iPad with 64 GB will cost $699.

According to online reviews, drawbacks to the iPad include: no multi-tasking, Adobe Flash, camera or iChat capabilities, HDMI port and no video or music editing.

Other drawbacks include awkward typing and there is still dependence on AT&T’s 3 GB service and dependence on adapters, according to online reviews.

According to the Web site pcadvisor.co.uk, over four million iPad units will be shipped this year worldwide.

The iPad will be available in stores in late March.