In the 1980's, we had the personal computer and desktop publishing revolution; in the 90s, the internet revolution, and in the 00's, the social media revolution. Today, we are in the beginning stages of what will be known as the tablet revolution. Make no mistake, ubiquitous computing is coming, and a multitude of display devices interfacing with cloud services will become the fabric of our everyday environment.

But before we get ahead of ourselves, it will be the tablet device that opens up a new world of simplified computing. That's right, unlike the awkwardness of a hand-held mouse, a refrigerator sized desktop computer, or the intricacies of an operating system, I can actually train my aged old parents to use an iPad.

Of course when I refer to the ‘Age of the iPad’ I am not specifically referring about the Apple device, but rather, a kind of device. At first glance, my hesitance toward the success of the iPad was all about "functionality," -- all of the things that I do on my laptop just aren't available on the iPad. But as stated in a recent article, the iPad kinda makes you forget you are using a computer, and becomes the thing you are doing. So, when playing a game, or using one of the many apps, the full interface takes over and you are swept away from the traditional operating system conventions. The key to the iPad success is not just about 'functionality,' but user experience.

The iPad, or tablet devices will also drive a stake into the heart of the printed book. Yes, the kindles, Sony Readers, and Nooks can take the place of Formless content (paperbacks, novels, and short stories), but it will be the tablets that can now display the Layout-defined content (such as Textbooks, Illustrated books, Childrens books, etc..). Books in this category have dimension, and require boundary parameters for display. The graphic wallpaper and imagery is as much a part of the content as the text is. Most importantly, the tablet will inspire new forms of content, hybrids of multiple media in new and unique ways.

The Age of the iPad is about a new kind of device that is able to produce layout-defined content in a comfortable and usable fashion. Sure, I can open PDFs on a laptop or netbook, but is it comfortable? Have you ever tried to read eBooks on a laptop while in bed? at a park? on a train?  The new ‘layout-defined’ devices need to capture the simple use and comfort of a printed book, and not the overhead and bulk size of a personal computer. The new device needs to be durable when thrown in a locker or dropped in a classroom, it has to be easily portable and light-weight.

For most of us, I predict that moving to a tablet device will be a more natural experience. If the new tablets can provide both comfort and simplicity, the change will happen quicker. Liking or disliking the Apple iPad is not the exciting part of the discussion; The new age of what the iPad brings is where it's at.