Today Apple unveiled the new iPad, a touch screen tablet computer. Using the tablet people will be able to watch movies, play music and read e-books more easily than ever. Reports say the iPad will cost between $499 and $829. What really interests me about this new gadget from Apple, is that using the online, iTunes Store, you will now be able to purchase iBooks to read on the go. I know Amazon has had the Kindle, a similar product, where you can download books to read, but Apple seems to have an influence where their products are seen as being “cool”. Wouldn’t it be great if instead of people walking around with ear-buds listening to the latest music, they were more excited for the latest e-book to hit the iTunes store? It is good to see that education and technology can come together and get people excited about reading. Now I understand that carrying a book is just as convenience as lugging around your iPad, but maybe it isn’t all about convenience. I think sometimes it becomes about the latest fad or newest gadget. For better or for worse, that is how it can be. But if something important, such as literacy and the excitement for reading books can jump on the bandwagon of the latest and greatest gizmo from Apple, then I say go ahead! It is still progress in the right direction.
Video of iPad