Thanks to the Apple iPad I may just skip the iPhone 4

Apple and AT&T had some major issues with their iPhone 4 ordering system these past couple of days that I know frustrated Joel and has some of my coworkers wondering if they will see on iPhone on June 24th or not. It wasn't the miserable iPhone 4 ordering process that kept me from trying to make a purchase, but it was the fact that I already have excellent smartphones (like the HTC EVO 4G) and I find the Apple iPad meets my needs much more than an iPhone device does and I am not sure I am willing to go back to another small screen device, even if the display is fantastic.

I have an iPhone 3GS, but I rarely use it since there is too much I like about the Android OS instead (notifications, glanceable home screens, easy tethering, etc.) and figure I can just upgrade it to iOS 4 next week. I was hesitant to buy the iPad and now that I have had it for two months I completely understand why Jobs thinks it is magical and revolutionary. My iPad is a perfect device for commuting on the train, traveling light in the airplane, getting work done on international trips where you want to pack light, playing games, ebook reading, and so much more. I have been using the Kobo Reader application and have been devouring more books on my iPad than I have on my Nook or Sony Reader.

I always felt cramped on the Apple iPhone and the large display of the iPad does more than just make the iPad a big iPod touch. There are thousands of apps that are optimized for the large display and even the email and Safari web browser applications are so much better on the iPad than on the iPhone. I have been doing much more Bible study on the Apple iPad than I used to on my smartphones and that alone makes the iPad worth the price.

I read an interesting article about why a guy returned his iPad and it turns out it was because he was too productive and never took a break or disconnected himself. I can somewhat relate, as many mobile tech writers probably can, but thankfully have the self control to put down my electronics and spend several hours a day coaching my daughters, exercising, or just hanging out with my girls so I am able to keep from letting my iPad control my life.

Another aspect of the iPad that is a benefit over the iPhone 4 is the lack of carrier lock in. I can use my iPad to my heart's content without worrying about the 2GB data limit, dropped calls, and spotty coverage of AT&T. I have T-Mobile and now Sprint devices to tether to, as well as WiFi areas to use my iPad.

It is pretty funny that Steve Jobs' own product has convinced me to skip the latest and greatest iPhone. The challenge for me now is to see if I can hold out and skip getting in line for the iPhone 4 next Thursday (I did reserve one for in store pickup just in case). Can any of you relate to my feelings on the iPad over the iPhone 4?