The Apple iPad

Is the iPad really that good?

Yes I'd say so. Admittedly the iPad doesn't fit into my workflow in an obvious way. Before I could even try one, I already had a million questions on how it would to fit into my life in a way I can justify the hefty price tag. A million questions immediately became a million possibilities when I actually put my hands on one. It's a testament of the craftsmanship and thought put into every millimeter of this product. From aesthetics, ergonomics, hardware, software and everything in between, it's just so well made that I was hooked instantly. They should rename it iCrack.

But no 1.0 launch is ever perfect. There is a small handful of flaws and glitches, some of which are for marketing and business reasons. No flash is annoying, but I eagerly wait to see the solution both sides of this war (Adobe vs Apple) will come up with. Even if they don't, the advertising/ PR war is fun to watch.

No built-in webcam, USB port or SD card reader means a big thumbs-down because this is just an evil plan to get me to buy 2.0 or peripherals and it will work. It's also too heavy to be a practical eBook reader. Call me picky but I believe reading should exercise my brain more than my arms. So no, this won't replace Kindle yet.

I'm sometimes asked what implications, if any, will this device have for our industry. Well the obvious and much clichéd phrase 'use your imagination' really does apply with the iPad.

If all you see is a replacement for a net book you were planning to purchase, then that's all it will ever be. But surgeons in Japan are using this to help display looping CT images for reference during an operation, and marine researchers are using it to communicate with dolphins - I'm pretty sure these aren't in the manual of intended usage.

However it does fit the macro concept of 'think different'. On our end of communications, branding and advertising, I can already imagine a lot richer content and user engagement on event level ideas, guerilla advertising, person to person situations or just simply being a medium unto itself with the push Apple is doing within it's iAds concept.

My summary of the iPad is that it is excellent but not perfect... yet. If you are a patient type, always wait for a 2.0 and you will have a much more refined experience. As for me, the iPad fits into my life quite well and I'm a happy customer. But if you definitely don't plan to buy one at all then remember this: iCrack.

Victor Manggunio is the executive creative director at Arc Leo Burnett Hong Kong. He's a technology and movie nut and is absolutely convinced the world will really be taken over by zombies or computers one day. Maybe both.