Ever since I first heard the rumor that Apple was going to produce a tablet computer that would look like a big iPhone…I knew I would end up buying one.  Not just because I am a gadget geek that has to try out all the new stuff, but because I actually have a need for it…in spite of what my daughter or my co-workers say.

For me, the iPad represents a product that I have been searching for ever since some semblance of internet access has been available on cell phones.  An instantly-on device that I can get on the internet practically anywhere and as easily as I can at home…and that will actually render a web site properly.  Seems simple enough.  But so far nothing has fit that bill.  I’m tired of waiting for a laptop to boot, or a broadband card to connect, or trying to figure out what a web site is supposed to look like because of the shitty mobile browser.  I also don’t like the idea of paying the cell phone companies’ outrageous charges for the broadband cards and service.  $80/month…are you kidding me?

Over the years, I’ve gotten closer to my goal.  My first “smart phone” was a Nokia Engage…hybrid cell phone, email getter, and game system.  I didn’t give two shits about the games, but being able to hook up and get my email…well, that was cool.

But that wasn’t enough…I wanted full internet access.  So by the time I was eligible for a new phone, the first Windows-based smart phones were available.  So I paid $300 or so for a Windows phone with a slide-out keyboard.  Thick and heavy it was…but again…it was cool, and a little bit closer to my idea of mobile utopia.

Then came the iPhone.  That “little thing” has been the closest so far.  Instantly-on, no stinking broadband card and the browser does a reasonably good job of rendering web sites.  The problem?  It’s a “little thing”.  Example:  I was at the mall a few months ago with my boyfriend when I got an email from one of my users on the online community that I administrate.  So and so was causing trouble and there were some posts that needed to be looked at and cleaned up.  So while my boyfriend went into a nearby bookstore, I sat down on a bench and started to try and clean things up via my iPhone.  The good news is, it works.   But anyone that has seen the admin area of any given message board system will know what I mean when I say that using a 3.5″ (diagonal) screen to administrate a site is quite the pain in the butt.  And is certainly not ideal.  But at the time, it’s what was available to me.

So I’m keeping my fingers crossed that maybe this will finally be the answer to my mobile prayers.  I guess I’ll find out in a month or so.