What’s that? It is iHumblePie in the form of an iPad. Specifically, my iPad, which became one of the 7.3 million iPads sold during Apple’s last fiscal quarter. In other words, that is about one iPad sold per second.

I had disowned the need for an iPad and shortsightedly committed that opinion to these pages before now (you can see the ingredients to my humble pie at this BrandFlakes post here). So why buy one now? Part of the answer is it was Christmas. Another part is that it is a shiny new toy and Apple are remarkably good at making their products magnetically appealing (and I have little discipline). I am also surrounded by colleagues, companies, clients, peers and friends who have and exalt them. And perhaps I was wrong, in that the iPad does genuinely occupy a niche that will render redundant many of my laptop/smart phone attractions and utility features.

With the seeming exponential growth of apps, the utility and attraction of these types of device can only grow. I’m still in the play mode, so the eventual benefits and implications of having an iPad remain to be seen. I’ll let you know. In the meantime, are there any apps you’d recommend?

I might have to whisper this amidst the hyperbole around Apple’s iPad, but I just don’t buy it. Don’t misunderstand me; the iPad will likely be a huge success and will change the industry. I just cannot quite see how this fills the gap between my iPhone and my MacBook. Actually, I can’t see the gap. What I see is a gray area of overlap between my iPhone and MacBook.

I’m no technology geek, so I won’t address the technological wonder or disappointment (what, still no Flash?) of the iPad. What I am struggling with is the whole purpose of this device. When I consider my lifestyle, I don’t see a place for the iPad. Its main appeal seems to lie in the category of technology use that could be called entertainment. But when am I going to indulge in that via an iPad? When I am working (and maybe goofing off a little), whether in the office, at home or a coffee shop or other “third place”, my MacBook serves my needs excellently. During social time, my iPhone provides more than enough connectivity, entertainment and flexible communication to fill those periods. As for other moments “in between”, such as hanging around at airports, laying on the beach or relaxing on a casual Sunday afternoon at home, I’m able to enjoy life absent technology, hard as that might be to believe.

My thoughts are heretical around here, where Apple is loved with a religious fervor. I’m sure a colleague or two may respond on this blog. What I really need, though, is a single device that merges the convenience, connectivity and flexibility of an iPhone with the power and utility of a MacBook, all spruced up with the entertaining delights that might be found on an iPad. Something like an iEverything.

What do you think? How do you live? What do you need?