We Love Apple

I understand that Apple views Flash as a resource hog and for the most part I agree, but what I don’t understand is why they are taking such a stance against a company that helped Apple get to where it is today. When Apple was a computer company, Adobe was their brother from another mother. Apples were built for professionals, Adobe developed software for the same professionals, if it were not for their work together they would both be footnotes in the world of Microsoft!

Is Flash misused by 90% of the web designers out there? YES. But the other 10% is being punished for using Flash. I never realized how many sites use Flash as a backbone in the right way until I was using my iPad to purchase some tickets on StubHub. Without Flash support the site is not usable. Shame on StubHub not having a less advanced way to look at and purchase tickets. But I must say I am much more ashamed of Apple, how can they think that every web developer out there has the time or resources to redesign every site out there to comply with their standards!

We Apple Computer users (and now mobile device users) chose to not be tied down by Microsoft setting computer standards. History seems to be repeating itself with Apple taking on the role of Microsoft, such a letdown.

Shot entirely in 1080p with the Canon 7D on location in Bloomington, IN. Used natural lighting and a camera-mounted Litepanel kit for the nighttime shots. Added only a small Lowel Rifa light as a secondary light in the ending bar scenes.

Covered in Bruises from Bob Renock on Vimeo.

How I Became the Bomb released a slew of 3-song volumes that were couple with videos that were released all throughout 2009. I oversaw the production of the 11-minute video for their press kit, including a multi-camera live concert shoot, along with a behind the scenes look at the making of their music video for the song “Salvage Mission”. The EPK was distributed to various media outlets, promotors, and record labels via e-mail and websites.

I had a lot of fun working the band and I am very pround to share this award with Aaron Distler from Two Birds | One Stone, it was really his vision that helped the project turn out the way it did.

Founded in 1978, the Telly Awards is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, the finest video and film productions, and online film and video. The Telly Awards annually showcases the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, interactive agencies, and corporate video departments in the world.

Not a day has past were someone hasn’t grabbed my iPad, played with it, then mentioned they had to have one.

I was out of town on business when the iPad was delivered, so by the time I arrived home late Sunday night the anticipation was killing me. Adding to that I had spent some down time during the day downloading some free appz, to my MacBook Pro, that I knew I would want to install. Once home, I admired the always great packaging job that Apple did and quickly unwrapped it. I was anticipating that I would only be able to play with the iPad for a few minutes then I would plug it in to charge and get some sleep, but I was wrong!!! Apple had shipped the iPad fully charged!!! So much for sleep!

My first impression was, "WOW this screen is amazing!" I quickly installed appz and synched to my MacBook Pro effortlessly. After playing for a bit, I decided it was best to get some rest and start fresh in the morning. As soon as I woke, I reached for the iPad and in no time I was reading the latest from USA Today and the Wall Street Journal. I knew I was hooked!

My mom was the first person wanting to see the iPad. I thought it was be too much for her, but she was clicking around in no time. She loved how crystal clear the screen was and couldn’t believe that iBooks allows you to download books. She opened the Notes app and typed "This is really cool".

I was talking with a client when my business partner arrived, he went straight to the iPad and began clicking around. He remarked about the screen as everyone has. Later in the day I took the iPad with us to a client meeting and used it to show off the print ads that I had designed, the client was speechless about how great the designs looked on the screen. The client’s reaction was all I needed to realized this was a great investment, if only as a conversation starter.

So as the end of the week approaches here are my thoughts of the iPad:

Screen: I am still getting used to the glossy finish, but I love the clarity. The only change I would make is a native 16:9 layout, but until HD is more utilized on the web I understand keeping the 4:3 aspect.

Speakers: I was pleasantly surprised with the sound, it is no Bose system ,but for built in speakers they are no worse than my MacBook Pro speakers.

Battery: The battery life is unbelievable! I would say my charge lasted almost 12 hours. Though I did notice it does require quite a bit of time to recharge.

Appz: I was happy with the availability of appz, while you can download iPhone appz, the ones built for the iPad are far better visually and I realized there will be a ton of them now that the iPad is available. It took me a few days to find out which appz I needed/wanted, I do wish there was a trial period so you can make sure the app truly works, there are still some bugs out there in the appz.

OS: This is one of my only gripes about the iPad, I realized not everyone that buys an iPad owns Apple Computers as well, but why can’t transferring files between a Mac and the iPad be as easy as Mac to Mac. I have found an app that helps, but it still just another step that shouldn’t be needed.

While the iPad will not replace my MacBook Pro or my BlackBerry, it is an amazing product that will develop into a must have device a la the iPod. After just these past few days I find myself trying to think of ways to use the iPad in business situations. I have already begun taking the steps to redesign a few things in HTML5, removing Adobe Flash objects to make it more iPad friendly. The iPad has changed the way I think about design. I guess you can say iLove my iPad.