The Almighty iPad!! (EOTO Com Tech)

 

Steve Jobs, the great man he was, did it again. In one fell swoop on January 27, 2010, we were all introduced to a new way to read, research, and be entertained. That’s right. I’m obviously talking about the iPad. This weird and funky hybrid between a laptop and these new-fangled things called iPhones just hit the market three years earlier. Who else but Steve? In all seriousness, the iPad was kind of a no-brainer. The world just needed some tech guru to actualize it for us. It just makes sense. Yes, I should be able to control this device with just my hands. Who needs a keyboard? Why have an old clunky mouse? It was genius. Reveal of the first iPad

In reality, the idea for this kooky new device actually goes all the way back to 1993.

 

17 years before the world got a look at the new Frankenstein creation, Apple was already brainstorming what a “tablet” was. A “Newton Message Pad” PDA is what we’re talking about here. Did you know what that was? Good, me either since I’m only 21. Now, this was a sort of tablet in its own unique way just more primitive than its kin from the future. This brick with a screen had built-in early versions of apps, a black-and-white display with no backlighting, and could only be used with a stylus. Overly functional? Not really. Revolutionary for the time definitely! However, Steve knew they could go bigger in time. 

 

Nine years later in 2004 Apple designer John Ive and his team had finally cracked what a smart tablet should be and thus the iPad was born. Originally meant to ship before the iPhone but the company saw a greater need to roll out a phone that could do it all instead so the iPad was shelved and perfected until the iPhone got off the ground. I believe this was a smart choice on Apple’s behalf and makes more sense. Although, no matter what came first they were guaranteed to make money. 

 

In 2010 the iPad dropped and sold like hotcakes instantly revolutionizing the tech landscape. Selling over a million units worldwide within its first three months, this monster was a huge success. Hardware-wise most other creations like the iPad couldn’t keep up as this machine was using hardware that most companies didn’t even think to utilize. People being able to have a small flat laptop in their hands really threw the world into a frenzy. This was especially bad for Amazon as the iPad effectively killed off sales for the Kindle, a reading tablet. 

 

The only real drawback to the iPad was its life expectancy. Apple predicted a two-year life span for the device just like the iPhone but to their surprise, the iPad actually rounds out at about four years much like the Mac computers do. So, in a weird way, Apple loses a good portion of money because their product lasts so long…who would’ve thought. 

 

It’s been 12 years since the iPad hit and they’re still going strong. With this being the last unveiling by Steve Jobs this device definitely has a special place amongst the best creations of the last decade. 

Source: https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/04/03/a-brief-history-of-the-ipad-apples-once-and-future-tablet

Freedom of Speech Is the Best Out of The 8 Values of Free Expression

     In an obvious way freedom of speech almost seems like a no-brainer. If at birth humans are technically given the right to free will, why would freedom of speech not automatically fall in line with that? Now yes, you technically have free will but someone with more authority than you can use their free will combine with their status to penalize you for doing what you want. The same applies to freedom of speech. In some miraculous way, it took the founding of America for freedom of speech to be actualized which is insane. How could a notion so powerful take that long to become a reality? How can humans be so quick to oppress one another just based off of thought? Just the idea of punishing someone for articulating how they feel sounds so backward and nonsensical. I believe that due to how multifaceted and layered Freedom of speech is that it seems to be the most necessary yet messy of the eight values of free expression. However, just like with all supposed great things there are good and bad aspects that need to be analyzed before solidifying your opinion. 

 

    Starting with a positive perspective, I believe everyone across the board can agree that freedom of speech on paper is a great idea. To know that at any point I could change, persuade, or enlighten someone with my own thoughts is such a powerful concept. Communication is one of the main forms for humans to relate and connect with one another so removing or limiting that aspect of daily interactions only hurts us as a society. It would build even more divisiveness. It’s a scary world when no one knows what anyone is thinking. Open conversation can quickly lead to an exchange of new ideas that could lead to cultural evolution. Learning from one another or finding people with similar perspectives or interests is also very beautiful. I think through open dialogues so much can get accomplished, although...

 

    HUMANS DO NOT LIKE EACH OTHER!! It is such a huge problem and has been for centuries. It’s like at our core we’re hardwired to view everyone as competition or as a threat. So with that being said, we can now examine the negative of freedom of speech. It can be dangerous. Hateful language can be used to trigger someone or insight violence. People like to believe the old “sticks and stones” saying but words really can bring people down. Especially when you’re dealing with certain slurs that have plagued certain minority groups for hundreds of years. If you allow freedom of speech how do you deal with the evildoers that throw around words to hurt others? On the other hand, how can you prove that someone is really using their freedom of speech in a negative way if their comments aren’t recorded? Things get messy very quickly when you realize that if you let people say whatever they want things can get ugly.

 

    I find it fairly pointless to analyze why power holders would reject freedom of speech. Obviously, it’s to keep the people under them in control so the people with power can continue manipulating the masses. I did have to acknowledge it at least once though. Overall, freedom of speech is messy and complicated but I think with a little effort to modernize and normalize it as a practice we as a society could benefit from it even with its shortcomings. 

 

Mini-Bio

I'm Jaiden Sampson, a third-year Social Media and Digital Communications major here at High Point. I'm from Maryland just five and a half hours up the road. Truthfully, in my classes, I'm mainly focused on getting in and getting out. I like to do my work to the best of my ability, turn it in, and use my remaining time to do whatever comes to mind. Outside of class, I focus on relaxing and taking things easy. I'll spend my time listening to music, playing video games, or even looking for new restaurants to try. After HPU I hope to work within the realm of media and develop internet-based content. It's hard to pick but I really think my favorite meal is Chicken and Waffles.  What a fun and quick introduction this was.