Monday, February 01, 2010

iPad Announced in Australia with lots of disclaimers

I almost laughed at the irony of all this. I was asked before the "big" announcement by many journalists about my opinion of the iPad. While I could not say anything for sure one thing I could warn them about was about limited functionality in our region. For example, while we love the USA, the relevancy of the New York Times to our daily influx of news rates lower than residents of the USA (no offence, but there is obvious truth in that). Not to mention iBook club will almost unquestionably not accept payment methods from non-USA residents.


The other dilemma, which is intentionally being referenced in this email, is just how difficult it is to certify electrical goods in AU/NZ therefore presenting another potential hiccup on the road ahead for Australia and new Zealand iPad lovers. I think it also adds weight to what I was suggesting in my post yesterday, i.e. how everyone missed the point of the iPad.

Here is the lengthy disclaimer. Given it made up 80% over the text content of the email I would say AU and NZ residents are in for some hurt.


Some features and applications are not available in all areas. Application availability and pricing are subject to change.


This device has not yet been authorised as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorisation is obtained.

This is the email:
(which links to this page)



4 comments:

Tablet PC accessories said...

I'm not excited by the iPad. These gadgets always seem to forget people with poor motor skills. I'm quite confident that the iPad would be difficult for me to use. Having a background in IT, it disappoints me that the huge potential to use technology to make the lives of people with disabilities easier is not often a priority to large software/hardware companies such as Apple. However, I'm a glass half-full man and I hope that the applications to accommodate such disabilities becomes available for the product in the future. I want an iPod with a wheel mechanism like a rotary dial telephone, a mobile phone as big as my arm,... and I want an iCarer. Am I alone here?

Hugo Gaston Ortega said...

Honestly mate, I doubt you're alone. A friend of mine "LifeKludger" is someone that understands your grips all too well. iPad regrettably (as I rwtoe when it was released) is not the people's Tablet, but rather the Apple Tablet, for Apple to maximise its profiteering. Sorry mate! Regrettably you are in a minority when it comes to profiteering and that's the way it will stay for some time. I'll battle for you though mate as ultimately the best scenario for a Tablet is for someone like yourself, i.e. someone looking to exapnd their functionality on a daily basis. Apple sees the world in white and in a muscular t-shirt and driking pepsi as the sun goes down on another cocktail.

Dave - Lifekludger said...

As Hugo said, you're nowhere near alone. I too wish accessibility of hardware was thought of at design phase, and consisted of more than just visual/hearing issue. I too have strong feelings that the pervasive use of inappropriate 'touch' technologies is, for the first time in a long time, causing technology to be less enabling for those with a physical disability.

Hugo Gaston Ortega said...

Hey Dave!

Love that you chimmed in here! Your opinion is so valuable!

:-)