The iPad

After researching into the iPod for my essay, I decided I should also look at Apple's latest piece of technology.

Released in April 2010, the iPad is a new tablet-style personal computer, operated by fingertips on its revolutionary touch sensitive interface.

"The iPad isn't all that different from a laptop in some senses: you can browse the internet, get emails, listen to music and watch movies on it."

I think the new iPad looks great and that it's very likely to take over from the average laptop. With its sleek look, little need for a keyboard, hightened interactive features, I think it'll catch on quite quickly in the coming years.

http://www.computeractive.co.uk/computeractive/hardware/2262437/apple-ipad-review

The Future of Charging...

Today I found an online article which suggests that in the near future, iPods, phones and laptop batteries could be charged by simply walking and jogging.

"The researchers think that with in four or five years, we will be able to recharge a cell phone or laptop battery after even a short walk, if piezoelectric nano wires are woven into a cotton shirt or placed in a shoe heel."

Scientists have already developed a gadget powered by piezoelectric materials, by packing 20,000 nano wires into three square centimeters. These materials create a small electrical charge when pushed or pulled, meaning electricity is generated with every step.

http://living.oneindia.in/men/gadgets-gizmos/2010/run-charge-ipod-260410.html


... a friend also pointed this out to me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfPJeDssBOM

But I'm not convinced as yet!

The iPod

Since I've chosen to talk about Apple's iPod in my essay, I've been gathering some research together. I've started off by looking at YouTube and found videos of Steve Jobs introducing the iPod for the first iPod ever, and a line of advertisements for this first model.





This is the iPod timeline from the original iPod to the recent iPad. You can see the changes in screen size, overall size, colour and shape all through its development. The first I owned myself was a 4th generation iPod, and this is the one I still use today. I've been using this iPod for 5 years and it's always been reliable! I also haven't reached it's 20GB capacity with my ever growing music collection as yet. This iPod was largely the same as the previous generations, except the four buttons moved down to a clickable, touch sensitive wheel. These were available in 20GB and 40GB sizes, USB anf FireWire were both integrated fully.

I will continue to research into iPod, other Apple technology and other MP3 players whilst writing my essay.

To do...

I've now got my essay in full swing and am decided on my 5 things to base it around. I've tried to choose technology and media that have become a part of my everyday life and that I have a keen interest in.

1. The Internet

As with the majority of people in the present day, the Internet has become a major part of my daily life. For work, leisure and communication, the Internet has it all. I may also go into the technologies I use to access the internet, eg. desktop computer, laptop, BlackBerry phone, Xbox 360.

2. Facebook

Facebook has also become a major thing for me. It's a great way to keep in contact with friends, arrange events, listen to music and play games. The only downside is how addictive it can become!

3. iPod

I take my iPod with me wherever I go. It's great to be able to have my entire music collection with me wherever I travel to keep me entertained. I remember having to take a pack of CDs around with me 5 years ago...

4. XBox 360

I have owned various console for around the past 14 years, including Sega Master System, Megadrive (I+II), PlayStation, PlaySation 2, and Xbox 360) and also some handheld consoles (Gameboy Colour, Gameboy Advance (+SP), PSP). The Xbox 360 is my current console of choice and I think it really symbolises how far the world of gaming has come. With online play, an internet browser, Facebook and Sky TV, the Xbox offers a lot more than gaming.

5. Television

Television is a hugely important part of life today. It has always offered entertainment and information, but has been adapted through the years to offer much more.


I also missed the 90s episode of Electric Dreams. So will have to catch up tomorrow using iPlayer (something else I debated about including in my essay!)

Essay Possibilities.

Recently I have been thinking more about what I would like to base my essay on. I have been considering writing an essay based around 5 things that have changed my life or that I couldn't live without. Possibilities include Facebook and The Internet, Heavy Metal music, iPods, TV, XBOX...

Facebook and other social networking sites help me to easily keep in touch with friends and relatives, plan events and discover new music, games and films.

Iron Maiden are my favourite Heavy Metal band and for me, are the epitomy of the whole genre. They have always inspired me and being a fan has given me the opportunity to travel to new places and meet many people.

Owning an iPod has made a big difference in my daily life. I can carry my entire music collection in my pocket everywhere I go, giving me a wide range of choice whenever I'm travelling or just at home. It's funny that 4 or 5 years ago I would have to choose 3 or 4 CDs before I left home and carry them around with me!

Television if of course a huge part of modern life. Even with the internet and mobile technology, it is still one of the best forms of entertainment, news and information. And with recent advances such as Digital, interactive, HD and the upcoming 3D TVs, the ongoing development of this 80 year old piece of technology is always interesting!

Microsoft's XBOX and indeed other consoles have always been a big part of my life. I've owned Sega Master System, Megadrive (I+II), PlayStation, PlaySation 2, XBOX 360, Gameboy Colour, Gameboy Advance, PSP... so I feel I've been watching the development of games consoles for a long time. From the movement of cartridges to discs, 2D to 3D graphics, the addition of online play, hard drives, HD, wireless hardware and other great advancements. The future of gaming looks very exciting!