Why the iPad will be a chasers best friend…

Jan 27, 2010

Ok I was definately on the “iWhat!?” group until about a hour ago and I started thinking about this.

The ipad is going to be my chase computer I am almost sure, here is why.

I think people are taking this device in the wrong light… is it a iPhone?
Well no, it’s not a phone at all but the key to remember is it will do everything the iPhone will but take calls and pictures.

Now I know people are really bumming over the AT&T service, oh so am I and I can’t describe the ways however it has wifi and I can easily turn my Sprint aircard into wifi with a cradlepoint router.  (Then again I have already done this)

Lets talk about Radar Apps.
Sure there is no GR3 but there is radarscope … A GREAT product already and Tyler Allison has already been working with the group to add SpotterNetwork integration so I am betting we can expect some other cool toys for us chasers real soon.

If you have not watched the video of this thing it might be time, it does have GPS and so does radarscope, the maps examples I watched showed easily dropping points of interest on a map… something I have alwasys longed for “IE drop a point for great southern view from top of hill”

On my iphone I am always listening to Pandora or Slacker while chasing, assuming it will use radio controls like and iPod (Why would it not) it’s a MP3 player too!

Resolution on the screen is 1024×768, the same resolutions most with “Value Laptops” already have, so the screen is smaller at 9.7in however webpages will display just fine on this device… looking at forecast models and orbs will not be an issue, and you can simply touch it!  No trying to find the mouse pointer you just touch the darn thing!

Lets talk about space, the chase partner always gets screwed by the Laptop mount or having the laptop and 1000 wires in the seat… not anymore, this thing has a killer battery or will simply charge from a ipod connector to that stereo!

So I ask… what will the ipad NOT do?
Well I’m still gonna need a laptop to edit video in the field thats a given, but I already don’t do that on my chase setup.

And the streaming…
Well I already have a work around for that where I won’t need a computer to stream in the vehicle anymore  so I don’t NEED a laptop! (More on that coming from ChaserTV)

So will I have a ipad on the plains this year, DAMN SKIPPY!  It will more than likely be the only thing you find in my front seat next to my DSLR.   I can’t wait till I am sitting on a convergence cap bust with my ipad and not leaning in someones window, if I want to show someone something interesting I will hand them my tablet.   Yes this thing is going to be cool!

And about the cost?   I was going to buy a iPod touch anyway since I got rid of my iPhone, so I am looking at an extra $200 and I will use this thing all the time.   Much more valuable than a netbook IMHO.

So before you dismiss the ipad think about it not as a phone but as a easy to use computer that does Facebook, Twitter or the new ChaserTV app and is designed to be used with your finger.   This will be a GREAT device for chasers!