Whilst the new wired application is getting a lot of plaudits( and why shouldn’t it- it’s a fantastic app) I have been seeing ever more mentions of an app called pulse. Pulse is a iPad specific RSS reader application that makes use of the iPad large touch screen interface to combine rss feeds into what I can only describe as a custom news paper. The app is a small download, and in the UK app store costs only £2.39. The setup is like that of pretty much any RSS reader I have used, except with a great search functionality which you can enter a keyword to search on. For example I wanted to add a local newspaper from back home -”The Press and Journal” but for the life of me I wasn’t sure the exact URL let alone the rss location for the site. Rather than having to exit the app to go into safari, I simply entered the name of the article, and upon clicking search was instantly shown a whole list of feeds that might be the one I was looking for.

The method of browsing the article is intuitive, think of the way that lists of apps are placed in side to side scrolling windows in iTunes and you’ll get the idea. Each different feed you add gets it’s own row with articles from it’s feed arranged left to right in order of age. Entering a feed drops the picture strip to the bottom, and you can then navigate through each article by flicking left to right. Clicking an entry poems it in the main viewing window, and you have the option of reading the summary in plain text or choose the “web” option for access to the original page.

The app is a work in progress, but the two graduate students that are developing it promise a steady stream of updates. As a first try Pulse is exceptional, and a definite must have, even in it’s unfinished state.

Pulses site can be found here http://www.alphonsolabs.com/pulse

When it comes to new technology ive learned through experience that the fastest way to get to know a device is to use it for a week. If in that time it doesn’t grab you by the lapels then it is probably not ever going to do it for you. This approach has its benefits and it’s problems. On the plus side it means that you get to be super excited without worrying to much if its just hype or really a ground breaking addition to your tech arsenal, whilst on the down side you are still likely to fall into the trap of instantly declaring anything new as amazing, groundbreaking or world changing.

So after a week with the Jesus pad, what are my feelings? It might be easier to answer that question with a question. Is this device going to replace the laptop? For me the answer is not yet, but it’s defintely onto something. Let’s look at the negatives first, it should have a camera, should have been launched with iPhone OS 4.0, should only be in in a 3G version, should come with the optional case as a default. Quite a list I’m sure you’ll agree! But all is not lost.

What does it do well, as a device to check your email in bed, it is unsurpassed. For me I can see the iPad sitting in my laptop bag, for easy access when im in an airport lounge, to check email, Facebook, or check an app. At home it will site beside the door charging, ready to be picked up as an automatic reaction as I come through the door to check email, or to get my news fix as I make a cup of tea. In the morning, beside my bed watch inlayer, a movie, or fb.

Actually reading the pro section back again, makes me realise that the activites I describe pretty much make up my entire routine, and perhaps that’s the point it is small light, and go anywhere – and i think it will sneak more and more into your daily routine as you customize it with apps. The thing is, nothing like this has existed before. The battery life, solid state memory and pen less touch interface are closing the gap on science fiction. Not just that, but actually making the device become indispensable, always there, always on always ready.

I’m honestly not sure where the iPad will go. I know it’s not ling anywhere in terms of disappearing. I’m enjoying the idea of watching my development with the device as the apps appear, i can hardly imagine what it will be in 5 years – perhaps it will be in the dictionary. For now for me it’s a slow burner. I don’t doubt it will evolve and grow, and I’m just enjoying the ride.