The Personalization of the iPad/iPhone

Today in class we got to play with a bunch of iPads. Now, I have never owned an iPad or really used one but my mother got one when I left for college. I do have an iPhone so I have used an Apple touch screen product. The only thing I have done on an iPad before our class was taking a picture with my moms’ over break. Other than that, I did not know anyone who owned one and therefore never got around to appreciating the iPad for what it does. The iPad takes the “personal computer” to a whole new level.

This got me thinking about how well Apple makes their products, giving the consumer the ability to “personalize” their iPad or iPhone. As an iPhone owner I have definitely realized how personalized my iPhone is to me. I have lost my phone and another Lawrence student was able to tell by looking at my background image and music that the phone belonged to me.

The iPhone and the iPad have a simple yet elegant design that makes them very easy to personalize. Externally, Apple (along with many other companies) manufacture many colorful, complex, or cool case and cover designs so that you can personalize and keep your iPhone/iPad safe. Then there is the home screen and background, both of which you can set to any picture or texture of your choice (both my pictures are of Green Day). On the iPhone, you can change the text and ringtone noise. For both the iPhone and the iPad you can download thousands of different apps to your phone. I have a Sudoku app, Instagram app, and a Green Day app on my phone. I would have more but I decided I want more room for photos and music rather than have a bunch of apps. Music is another way one can customize their iPad or iPhone. The type of music on their Apple product can show what kind of person you are. These are just the main customization options for the iPad or iPhone, there a multiple other options a consumer has to make their Apple product “personal” and theirs.

While some people may complain that Apple consumers are just conforming to what is “cool” and that people who buy apple products are just like one another. While they may have initially purchased the same product, they become completely different to the person who owns it. Just by looking at someone’s iPad or iPhone you can tell what kind of person they are. 

Steve Jobs and the iPad

The iPad, an Apple blunder or a technological break through?  When the iPad first came out I definitely was skeptical. Being in high school, my friends and I would make jokes like, ‘oh, what’s next? An iTampon?’ To the majority of us, it looked just like a larger iPhone without the calling capabilities. I never really saw the appeal, just buy an iPod Touch or an iPhone instead of spending all that extra money. Yet, after reading the iPad section in the Steve Jobs Biography, I have had a change of heart.

I did not have a TV while growing up so I never actually had seen any commercials for the iPad. After reading the advertisement section and the struggle that Jobs had with being satisfied with a commercial I decided to check out the two commercials he liked best. After viewing them, I can see why people would want an iPad. There are so many things that you can do on it, it is just amazing. In the past, I was stuck on the fact that it looked like a big iPhone minus the calling capabilities and a larger screen when I didn’t think about what else the iPad could provide. It’s much easier to take notes on an iPad during class, and to tote around. You wouldn’t need to worry about bringing your laptop places and having it get damaged by accident. Not to mention the countless amount of apps that can be downloaded and used are also quite impressive.  

The design of the iPad played a major role in the products success. Like most Apple products, it is efficient and simple but appealing to the eye. Even the packaging is beautifully planned and makes an impact on the customer. Simple changes, like the curvature of the back of the iPad, make the product seem more friendly and casual.

“The bottom edge needed to be slightly rounded, so that you’d feel comfortable just scooping it up rather than lifting it carefully” (Isaacson 640).

Also, the lack of a stylus (while it may be in convenient for some people who want exact detail) and the addition of a full touch screen makes the iPad easy to use. It also keeps the iPad "simpler" by not having an extra accessory to worry about.

 

The iPad is also quite zen because it really does adhere to a beginners mind. The story about the illiterate child being able to use the iPad is a great example of how revolutionary this product really is. My mom has an iPad and is able to use it with great ease when I would normally have to walk her step by step through almost every little thing on a normal technological device. Even my younger sister (who can’t even remember how to make a simple power point presentation after being taught how to multiple times) can sit down and use it without asking any questions.

At second glance, I think that the iPad is revolutionary. The iPad is convenient, simple, user friendly and overall a very successful product.