Expounding on the industries which are being “fundamentally transformed” by the iPad (which I actually don’t even own, yet)...
We’re currently upgrading the scoreboard in the basketball gym of our local YMCA. It consists of a 52”LCD TV hooked up to a computer using Scoreboard software piped in wirelessly ... from an iPad. Player stats will also be tracked on a separate iPad.
You may have noticed NFL coaches talking to their quarterback on a wireless headset while hiding his mouth behind a colorful laminated play sheet. You’ll also see players on the sidelines reviewing analytical play photos in a binder. I predict that THIS YEAR we’ll start seeing those replaced with encrypted iPads. This crosses over to many other sports.
I ate at a restaurant a few weeks ago and the waitress took our order ... with an iPad. If you think about it, they could actually have their MENU on the iPad at each table with software for instant ordering, eliminating the need for a waitress at all.
I have a friend in the port shipping industry who has nothing but praise for his iPad. He uses it for inventory and tracking orders. He says it has eliminated dozens of paper forms, improved accuracy, sped up the entire process, and increased the entire company’s productivity.
My son just entered the 6th grade. In case you didn’t know, schools have eliminated the use of lockers by students (DUMB!). To avoid lugging 6 giant textbooks around in his backpack all day, he has one set of books at the school, and one set they gave him for home. By the time he finishes High School, all of his textbooks (and most of his work) will be contained on a future incarnation of an iPad. The books will be interactive with video, web links and other supporting resources. It’s already happening at all levels of schools.
This is just the tip of the iCeberg.
That says it all!