Reprinted from TidBITS#1022/05-Apr-2010 with permission. Copyright (C) 2010, TidBITS. All rights reserved. http://www.tidbits.com/ TidBITS#1022/05-Apr-2010 ======================== Issue link: The iPad has generated a nearly unimaginable level of interest, and not just among the technology press. Following the iPad's release in the United States over the weekend, we all have iPads (made possible by a generous TidBITS reader!) and we've been immersed in using them. If you're still wondering if an iPad is for you, Tonya runs down the options and considerations to make before placing an order. Adam takes a broader perspective, explaining why the iPad is a blank slate upon which Apple will build its - and our - digital future. And Matt Neuburg looks at the iPad from the developer's view. This issue isn't entirely devoted to the iPad: we also cover the release of iTunes 9.1... which brings iPad compatibility and some new twists. But really, all of this could be old news: Apple announced that it will preview iPhone OS 4 at an invitation-only event this week! Please can we have some sleep now? Notable software releases this week include Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac 12.2.4 Update, Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac 11.5.8 Update, Firefox 3.6.3, iPhoto '09 8.1.2, AirPort Utility 5.5.1, PDFpen 4.6.1 and PDFpenPro 4.6.1, QuickTime 7.6.6 for Leopard, and Keyboard Maestro 4.2. Articles Apple to Unveil iPhone OS 4 on April 8th iTunes 9.1 Brings iPad Compatibility and More Why the iPad Is a Blank Slate, and Why That's Important The iPad: A Developer's Anti-Contrarian View How to Choose Your Ideal iPad and Accessories Bonus Stories for 5 April 2010 TidBITS Watchlist: Notable Software Updates for 5 April 2010 ExtraBITS for 5 April 2010 ------------ This issue of TidBITS sponsored in part by: -------------- * READERS LIKE YOU! Support TidBITS with a contribution today! Special thanks this week to Robert E. Crowell, Erik Carlson, Tony Meyer, and Francesca Fairbrother for their generous support! * Get Fetch 5.5 for free! Fetch Softworks makes Fetch, the original Macintosh FTP client, free for educational and charitable use. Fetch 5.5 lets you edit and Quick Look all kinds of files. Apply today at ! * WebCrossing Neighbors Creates Private Social Networks Create a complete social network with your company or group's own look. Scalable, extensible and extremely customizable. Take a guided tour today * THE MISSING SYNC: If you have a smartphone, we can sync it! Sync your address book, calendar, notes, music, pictures, and more between your BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Symbian OS or Palm OS phone and your Mac. * Microsoft's MacBU: Supporting Mac users with Office 2008. Is your Office up-to-date? Make sure you're running the latest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Entourage by choosing Check for Updates from the Help menu of any Office application! * Think it. Speak it. Create it with the all-new MacSpeech Dictate 1.5. It better, faster, stronger with improved recognition, new regional accents, vocabulary editor with word training. Learn more: * CrashPlan is easy, secure backup that works everywhere. Back up to your own drives, computers, and online with unlimited storage. With unlimited online backup, this is one resolution you can keep. Back Up Your Life Today! * Get more productive with software from SmileOnMyMac: PDFpen for editing PDFs; TextExpander for saving time and keystrokes while you type; DiscLabel for designing CD/DVD labels and inserts. Free demos, fast and friendly customer support. ---------- Help support TidBITS by supporting our sponsors ------------ .