Will the Apple iPad be your new travel companion?

The recent launch of the iPad, Apple’s latest creation—a tablet computer which looks like an oversized Apple iPhone or iPod Touch—has got most of us curious about how it’s going to affect the way we travel. How useful will this new device be, with its large Multi-Touch screen at about one and a half pounds and half-inch thin, if we include it in our hand carry bags during trips? For travel bugs out there, are you willing to buy an additional gadget (don’t worry it’s not bulky and heavy) to add to your backpack?

I have a friend who travels a lot, whether by bus or plane, he’s always on the go because of his business. He uses an iPhone for communication and carries a relatively bulky laptop on his backpack on all his trips. My friend is no different than most business travellers out there, and with the coming out of the Apple iPad, I wonder if this device would be added to his trip essentials?

The recently launched iPad is not available on the Apple store at this time (you have to sign up to be notified when it’s available for order), but browsing over the Apple website gave me some ideas about how it’s going to be useful as a travel gadget and companion for me. I usually have a pocketbook on my handcarry bag to ward off boredom at the airport. So I’m thinking if I have the iPad, it would be a good reading companion with its virtual Bookshelf and the iBook app. I can also while away the time with games, videos, music and Internet via Wi-Fi or 3G on the iPad. Its long battery life (up to 10 hours use) would come in handy for long-haul flights.

Aside from portability, the main appeal of the Apple iPad for travellers would be the travel apps, originally available on the iPhone and now can be better accessed on a larger screen on the iPad. The travel apps means easier access to information such as hotel accommodation, flight promos, food and dining, tour itinerary and more. With the iPad, travelers can use its built-in compass and the Google Maps feature, where you can increase the street view to larger full-screen size for better viewing. This means navigating a new city by browsing the details of your destination with your fingers on a multi-touch screen instead of opening a physical map or travel guide book or brochure.

While Apple markets the iPad as a “revolutionary Multi-Touch device”, some are not happy with it as they expect more and find it lacking some features—no Flash support used by most websites, no webcam, no USB and SD card slots, no built-in camera, cannot do multitasking with third party programs and so on. Personally, the iPad cannot replace my laptop as a work companion, but for travel, I can take the iPad with me anytime. Now, where’s my fairy godmother? 😉

The iPad may not fulfill every traveller’s dream as the best gadget companion there is, but Apple has opened up possibilities for the tablet computer. Let’s see how Apple would address consumer demands and improve features of the iPad’s upcoming versions. Got any travel insights about the iPad? Do share your ideas in the comments section.