iPad Prediction: Your Newest Kitchen Appliance
Like millions of other geeks, I watched/listened/read along as Steve Jobs did his best Billy Mays impression introducing the Apple iPad. Positioned as the new mobile device that’s “between” the iPhone and laptops, the iPad is basically a giant iPod Touch. It looks gorgeous and is probably a joy to hold — which you’d expect from Apple. I get it.
But I was left wondering where this device would “fit” in my life. It’s not a replacement for my phone. It doesn’t replace my laptop which I use for typical office work: Excel, Word, Photoshop, etc. And I can’t use public transportation (train or subway) to commute to work so I don’t have time to kill to play games, read magazines or books. So what is this thing?
Then it hit me: I could really enjoy an iPad in my kitchen. I never realized how much time our family spends in the kitchen. Like it our not, it’s the one room in my house where I “pivot” off throughout the day. I don’t particularly enjoy my kitchen — it’s a functional place where I HAVE to be doing food prep and clean-up, day-after-day. Rinse and repeat, literally. And while I’d enjoy some light entertainment in the kitchen, I’m not risking water/crumb damage to my laptop; plus, you have to tap keys and finger the trackpad which are no-no’s with dishpan hands. It’s just not right.
BUT, an iPad is different. It’s small and wouldn’t take up much countertop space. It doesn’t use keys and can be operated with a simple touch or swipe. I could listen to music, catch-up on Podcasts, passively watch some videos and the flip over to read Facebook posts or Twitter feeds. I’d use the iPad as a catch-as-catch-may entertainment device for quick snippets of content in between kitchen chores.
The iPad calendar system would also be a handy family organizer to keep track of after school activities, lessons, meetings, appointments, etc. A daily pop-up reminder would nice.
I’d love an app that offered video cooking lessons and recipes, especially for niches like “gluten free” recipes. Having it compile shopping lists for me based on the necessary ingredients would be sweet.
Face it, it’d be fun to work on an iPad crossword/Sudoku puzzle for a few minutes while you’re waiting for pizza to cook. Plus you could easily skim the day’s news and check school closings due to weather all while brewing your coffee. And, of course, while the kids eat their cereal, I could get a jump on the day’s email without leaving the room.
Now don’t get me wrong. I know all these things can be done on other devices including plain ol’ newspaper radio and TV, but it’s the all-in-one, instant availability and ease-of-use that’s enticing. And no, I don’t need a computer in every room of my house. But you must admit, the kitchen is a “work room” for most families. So if there’s a way to make it more productive and enjoyable, I’ll definitely consider it.
What do you think?
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Comments
John Katila
Apple’s had its share of successes and failures, and the iPad introduction has polarized the minions as much as any new tech product introduction in recent memory. But after the Q4 09 numbers Apple put up, I have a lot of faith that Steve Jobs knows exactly what he’s doing.
Is the kitchen the best place for the iPad? Maybe, but time will tell.
What I find interesting is all the buzz about running existing iPhone apps. Will people really want to run scaled up versions of iPhone apps on a larger screen? I think all that real estate will be too tempting, spurring a round of re-engineering and new development for Apple’s cash cow app store. Like I said, Jobs knows what he’s doing.
Of course, that will only happen if the iPad takes off.
Marcelo Souza
I was in the pro-production to build my “iKitchen”, to me, my wife and kids, and Steve lauch that little beast ! 
I’m sold ! I want one, or two. lol.
Take a look on the iKitchen project ! Same concept of fun to family ! http://hacknmod.com/hack/ikitchen-diy-touch-screen-wall-mount-computer/
Great post, I just refenced you (http://tiny.cc/frxZg) to reinforce my own argument – hope you don’t mind! I share the same confusion – it’s fantastically slick, but where exactly does the iPad fit? But I could imagine a couple of tablet computers around the house all connected to the same network becoming commonplace in not too many years.
Renee
I just had the same epiphany about the best use for an iPad while reading an article in Dwell magazine about kitchen computers. I feel so guilty every time I bring my work-issued laptop in to run Epicurious, and have been trying to figure out an alternative. Problem presumably solved. I think I’ll hang it on a cabinet door.
Jean
I want one with a GOOD grocery receipts scanner so that i can keep track of what I’ve bought, and (in theory) know what I need to replace before I’ve run out of it. It should have a frame that mounts it to the wall above my cookbook bookcase, and a small waterproof remote control that I can hang on a hook next to my meat thermometer. Give it a screen saver that functions as an electronic picture frame, and a camera in the front that makes it possible to skype with my neices during dinner. Integrate it with my decor (white cabinets, rosa beta granite countertops). If it has a cord, hide it in the wall… I will give it a frame of quilts and fresh flowers in a vase. My daughter will decorate it with Colorforms and wiki sticks and it will wipe clean! I KNOW Apple can do this for less than $300. I’m still waiting to find the perfect pot rack (going on 12 years) but I can’t wait for this computer!
Andy Hutter on January 28, 2010 @ 2:21 pm
Fun little article, great insight. It’s human nature to socialize around food, and the kitchen is always where the party inevitably winds up. Now maybe the iPad wont serve during social hour, but the simple, condensed nature of it’s functionality could certainly prove useful for those pressed for time.
I wonder if that little keyboard doc accessory is water resistant?