The iPad's Biggest Issue

Even as I type this, someone is enjoying their new iPad at the table in front of me. There is no denying that this sleek, innovative product will make a splash in the digital world.

Never before have all these features been combined in such a portable package. Like it or not, Apple is rapidly selling their first model (WiFi only) in stores around the world.

There is only one wrinkle in the iPad's otherwise smooth aluminum exterior. The stock background image used in all iPad promotions is the MOST BORING PICTURE to come out of Apple in all eternity! Everyone knows the classic, nebulous, purple Mac background that has graced our screens for years. The iPad would have benefited greatly from a similar, graphically appealing presentation.

While I'm sure that the mountain ringed lake displayed proudly on the iPad screen is beautiful and breathtaking IN PERSON, I find it prudent to market a device with a background that POPS off the screen.

Thoughts?

Why Twitter is cooler than you think

I discovered Twitter about two years ago. The fledgling company was already making waves in the new social media pool. I entered into many discussions about the validity of their service.

-Communication in just 140 characters?
-Why do I need another way to tell the world my status?
-All my friends are already on Facebook!

Some of my friends wagered that Twitter would be dead in a year (by 2009), having fallen out of the nest without learning to fly.

I still defended Twitter, even though I had no interest in using the service myself. I saw the value in this service, even if they couldn't make any money.

My Twitter saga began nearly two months ago when I created an account as part of a project. I never intended to use the service continuously, or obtain much value from the Twitter community.

I was dead wrong.

Since my arrival on Twitter, I have interacted with individuals and even made some new friends.

-I have worked on a collaborative project with someone from LA
-I have found potential employers in San-Fran and Chicago
-I have interacted with employees of companies I might wish to work at someday
-I have received valuable information about travelling from someone in New Zealand
-I have helped others with their college search

All of the above and more are the result of actual conversations, I have also emailed and called many of these individuals.

Unlike "old school" social networking sites (Myspace, Facebook, etc.) Twitter is uninhibited by a creepiness factor inherent to other services. There is only one privacy control: Everyone can see everything, or they can't. Pretty simple.

I often feel completely comfortable reaching out to individuals around the world if I feel they can answer a question, or provide some value to my life.

I encourage everyone to give this game-changing service a try and see what you can get out of it.

If you liked this post, use the following link to share it on Twitter! (or anywhere else) http://bit.ly/bOPLj1