The iPad, and why I may break my rule regarding buying new tech

So the cat is out of the bag, and Apple has finally announced the iPad, their long awaited tablet computer, e-reader, media platform.

I have to admit, after the initial excitement of seeing the beautiful device, a bit of letdown set in. Some of the rumored features weren't included, and for all intents and purposes the thing is giant iPhone or iPod Touch. This isn't a bad thing, I was just expecting something...more original from Apple.

Having had ime to think about it, I'm starting to lean towards getting iPad when it first come out, despite my unspoken rule of waiting until a "second revision" of all new tech to fix initial bugs and issues. Why am I doing this? Quite frankly, the iPad fits the kind of stuff I would use it for much better than a Kindle or any other device that is out there would.

The main reasons is e-magazines and digital comics. These are thing that wouldn't translate well on a greyscale screen, and the iPad would be perfect for. While games, web browsing, and apps like iWork are nice, for me the ability to read Kindle books (with the iPhone Kindle app), and being able to see magazines and digital comics in full color are advantages I can't over look.

Access to AT&T hotspots are nice, but I would be MUCH happier if i was able to use my existing data plan with the thing. But that's an AT&T issue, not an Apple issue...

So, in short come March I'll be dropping $600 on an iPad....and likely won't regret it a bit!

E-readers are causing me an E-headache...

I'm a tech geek, I admit it. I love new gadgets, but usually don't buy them until I know they're at a point where I'll really get use out of them. Just an example, my first iPod was a 5th Generation iPod Video.

I've been on the fence about e-readers and e-books until about a week ago, when it was pointed out to me that its completely legal to get digital versions of out-of-copyright publications for free! That means many classic books like Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, and others are completely free. Say free books to a reading addict like me and watch me run!

The sticking point is deciding what e-reader is best for me. Amazon's Kindle is the market leader, but quite frankly I think its an ugly little device. Add to the fact there there is no slot in the new Kindle for a memory cards, and I get highly annoyed.

Barnes and Nobles Nook e-reader looks cool, but its expensive and I don't know enough about it to make a real opinion yet. I've never even seen one in the real world. Its pretty, and has both the e-ink screen for reading, and color touch screen for navigation. I've heard there are some software glitches though.

And then Sony has several e-readers, one is very cheap compared to the others at $199...the problem is that it's Sony... and after how badly Sony has mucked up marketing the PS3, I'm sure their reader won't even read a simple PDF. (Something that thankfully, the Kindle now does)

Opinions on ebooks or reading on one of these devices? Feel free to share!

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to my small slice of the virtual world! So, you're probably asking yourself "On the Fringe?", what the hell are you on the fringe of? Truth be told, it just seemed to fit me because I've always felt like I'm on the outer fringes of many groups.

What is this little blog going to focus on? Pretty much anything, but most things will likely be technological in nature, though some of my other geek interests will come through too. Topics hit regularly will be computers, games, MMOs, comics, gadgets, TV, maybe a little politics, and pop culture happenings.

There will be the occasional swear word or rant, but I'll try to keep it PG-13 whenever possible. Thanks for reading, and can't wait to get posting!