dchoung

I went out and got an iPod Touch the other day. Mainly because I'm really interested in developing for the iOS platform. I'm one of those types that has to actually handle the object for a while before I go forward and develop for it, that's how it was with the Pre.

Up until now the Pre has fulfilled all of my multimedia needs. Of course, the keywords are "up until now". I have to say, in terms of media integration and such the iPod Touch, and by extension the iPhone, is really really good. I might even go further and use the term "awesome".

It's so seamless. All you need to do is plug it in, select your options, and you're good to go. Plus there is the vast library of official apps from companies ranging from Mint to Home Depot. It's really well done. Hopefully, webOS will get to see that kind of "official app" adoption rate at some point in the near future.

Some observations:

• Multitasking is butt. You're getting in my way with that double-click home button action. On webOS it's just a swipe away, that's elegance.
• Integration is really good. To the point where I don't think Palm should've bothered trying to tackle that aspect of the mobile space, Apple has it locked down tight. Then again, I guess Palm really just did enough, like they were saying, "Oh we've got that too", but didn't really compete in that aspect.
• I like that I can "type" in landscape mode. I hate that it's only possible with the virtual keyboard.
• I'm kinda lukewarm about the virtual keyboard, at first I didn't think it was a big deal, I'm not some kind of physical keyboard junkie, but I'm beginning to feel like it is a big enough deal.
• The screen, 3.5 inches, Palm that's all I ask for... and faster more solid hardware.
• Speed kills people, speed kills. When I tap on an app on iOS it pops up in an instant. When I tap on an app in webOS it kinda hangs for a second, and then seems to decide that it'll eventually open up since you kinda-sorta asked it to. That is a big effin deal, my friends.

Overall, this thing is pretty sweet. Am I going to trade in my Pre for an iPhone? Probably not, I mean, hell, I got an iPod Touch so I wouldn't have to.

At some point I think I might do a tap count comparison between the two devices. Off the top of my head I think webOS is at a disadvantage because of the initial swipe that's required just to get to the launcher. Apple sort of evened that out with their folders feature though.

Also, just to be a bit subversive, I mean I AM a self-admitted Palm fanboy...