Seems like I am not such a slouch at making tech predictions about the iPad.

Back on January 4th I made Seven predictions about what the Apple tablet, now known as the iPad would offer us. Looking back, nearly a month later, it seems that I was 5/7 for what we would see, and 6/7 if you want to believe that 10 hours of battery life if not that good. So lets take a look at the predictions, and how I scored.

1. Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth, WiFi, 3G (or perhaps even the new 4G being offered through Sprint and Clear) – Result: Correct Apple is giving us six models of the iPad, three with only WiFi, and three with WiFi AND 3G, for a price that is hard to beat.
   
   
2. Thin, Thin and light-weight. Thin, light-weight and totally portable... but that screen better be durable, and able to survive a fall, because its going to happen. – Result: Correct Wow... light and thin. Thinner than I was thinking it would be, and light enough that it will slip into any bag and hardly make a difference.
   
   
3. Battery life will be good, but most people will be disappointed by it. Lets be honest though, we are usually only a few feet from a power source as any time so is this really an issue? – Result: Correct (mostly) Apple surprised us all, a month of stand-by time, and 10 hours of watching video. Now, a lot of people are asking how much time surfing the web, reading books... all I can say is that if it comes in at 10 hours of video, then each of those will be even higher.
   
   
4. Multi-touch screen, with virtual keyboard, but even more importantly, I would not be shocked if it allowed for handwriting recognition with the use of a stylus. The technology has been in the operating system for years, just waiting to be used for something since it was last seen in the Apple Newton (I have one of these, and its still working). – Result: Correct So, there was no handwriting recognition, but I got the rest of it spot-on. I can't wait to get my hands on it, and try out a full size keyboard.
   
   
5. It will have its own App-store, but also be able to run most of the applications you already run. We are talking integration with Word/Excel for users on the go. Its possible, but not likely, that this device could be capable of some video editing much like the current iPhone 3GS is. – Result: Correct Not only does it have the App Store, we got a whole new store – a iBook store. And, I nailed it again, we saw iWork on this thing, and it can open and use your word docs, powerpoint slides and even spread sheets. Plus you can connect it to a projector for presentations.
   
6. Seen Avatar yet? Yes, then you will understand this next part: It will seamlessly integrate/sync with your current system. You have a web page, or a document up on your screen, and want to take it with you. Just slide it off your computer, and onto your Tablet. Just like that. This will work even better between two tablets, since it will be entirely touch-based. – Result: WRONG So, my dream feature is not among the features shown to us. Sharing will still be as we know it to be, but if its anything like the iPod and iPhone, it will work very well with your existing media.
   
7. Finally, this is not a replacement for anything. If you believe it is, then you are wrong. If you are doing heavy-lifting graphic or video work, you still need more power. You need most of that power on the go? Then you need a laptop. What this will do it bridge the performance gap between your powerful computer at home with massive amounts of storage, and your mobile life where you want access to some, but not all of your digital self. – Result: Correct All day, I have been showing people where this device fits into their life. Its not for everyone. But I can honestly say, that for people with a central home computer that keeps all your music/photos and where you can really get down to work, this device exceeds the needs of most consumers for a portable media-consuming device.

The bottom line is that the iPad is a great bridge device. I stand by what I said three weeks ago: When this device finally comes out, and when I need a replacement for my MacbookPro, this may be the device. I like portable. But, and this is true for most laptop owners, I don't need to full power, and full weight of that laptop. This is a device that is going to make us think back to when Steve Jobs first introduced us to his digital lifestyle idea, where he created a core group of computer that worked for the way we work and play. The Tablet, in whatever form it takes, will be the linking piece, connecting us to our more powerful dedicated systems at home, or in the office.