AMQ: R.I.P.

You possessed the talent so many others, mistakenly, think they do.

Rest in Peace Alexander McQueen!

2.0: Apple iPad

As much as I was looking forward to the Apple iPad and pulling for it's success, there are a few reasons I have decided to wait for the 2.0 version. 

Issue #1

There is no video camera. 

There is no good reason for the exclusion of a video camera on the iPad. Apple learned from the 1st generation of iPhone owners, the screaming importance of a video camera. They included video in the 3GS and everyone is happy. 

The iPad is larger (by a ratio of nearly six) and more powerful (64 GB) than it's phone counterpart, yet the single biggest complaint from it's last product launch is not included? Even the iPod Nano has video.

The only logical explanation must be, that video would make the entry level Mac notebooks unnecessary and twice as expensive as the iPad.

Issue #2

Mapping/GPS will not work on the iPad at all times, unless you have the 3G model (available in April).

This may seem a trivial matter, but having a big beautiful, high-resolution device like the iPad and not being able to use it in the car for directions seems crazy. Also, the higher resolution would have been one of the best platforms for on-the-go usage of Google's Street View feature.

Bad decision.

Issue #3

Will the next generation come with a phone pre-installed? 

Whether Apple, or it's business partner, AT&T, like it, the iPad will have 3rd party developers offering phones within months of it's release. It is inevitable. A phone will be on the device.

As much as I think Steve Jobs is a visionary, his age tends to empower his (already proven defunct) belief system of him being in control of the timing on such things.

The information/digital age we live in now does not allow any business to choose the timing on anything other than a product introduction. Once the product is on the market, everyone is going to copy it, hack it, modify it, improve it and make the product better.

The iPhone had no video camera, but 3rd party developers made one and offered the feature on hacked phones. The iPod had/has no phone, thanks to the same group of developers, you can now make calls on your iPod. 

Monsignor Jobs is a creator of beasts. But now that he has done the creating, the beast is unleashed.

These are concerns enough for me to back away from the device, as it is initially being offered. Of course, all of that could change the minute I walk into the Apple Store and get my hands on one. 

We'll see.

The Future: Apple iPad

Apple launched the much anticipated iPad (egg on face for going with iTab, iTablet and iSlate in the past) this afternoon.

From all reports, it delivers. Since I have not touched the iPad yet, I don't feel it would be responsible for me to write about it.

Instead, here is a photo gallery of the new device, along with specs and pricing.

(CLICK ON PICS FOR DETAIL)

Maestro Jobs at the helm . . .


The App Store as seen on the iPad

A sexy on screen keyboard . . .

Announcing the future of, well, everything . . .newspapers look like newspapers . . .


Pictures as seen in "view" mode and clustered albums . . .
Video is crystal clear and YouTube allows space for related videos . . .


The App Store and the new FULL-COLOR iBooks store, which is as big a game-changer as the iPad . . .

Maps are much larger, without losing an iota of definition . . .

Sexy from all angles. This is the 3G model, the WiFi model has no black at the top . . .

Slim, like Jim . . .

The future of gaming platforms . . . 

As sleek as a legal pad, only it houses everything imaginable . . .

You asked for a keyboard, you get a keyboard . . .

Pricing. The WiFi is available in March, the 3G in April . . . I am in line right now . . .

More info at Apple

First Aid: Help Remedies

If you need to know why I am so excited about introducing you to Help Remedies, look no further than the company's mission statement:

Help Remedies was created to make solving simple health issues simple. We find the best solution there is, and take away everything else. By stripping away some of the complexity and fear mongering of the health industry, we hope to make medicine friendlier and more accessible, and in doing so empower people to make their own health decisions.

The company's products cover 6 basic issues one might encounter:

headache

cut

blister

aching body

sleep

allergies

All of which come in these neat visually striking boxes that easily fit in to a handbag, briefcase or pocket.

More info at Help I Need Help.

Sneakers: Clae

Clae! Clae! Clae!

Beautiful! 

Simple!

Transitional!

more info at Clae

Workout Wear: Marcel Cerdan Heritage

All gentlemen distinguish themselves in their attire, whenever appropriate. 

One place that has proved to be nearly impossible to find a distinguishing look, or brand for that matter, is at the gym.

Full of Nike, Adidas, Puma, Reebok and the latest sartorial abomination, Under Armour, the U.S. market has little desire for more than rote design, by rote designers.

My choice of clothing when "hitting the gym" is Marcel Cerdan, named after the French mid-20th Century boxing champion.

Between his birth in Africa and his tragic, early death in a plane crash at age 33, Cerdan was lover to Edith Piaf and won 113 fights, 66 by knock-out.

The Marcel Cerdan Heritage line does the former champ proud by remaining true to it's french design roots: being equal parts comfortable, luxurious, functional and stylish.

Even the gym bags are head-turners.

More info at Marcel Cerdan

Super-Yacht Rental: Edminston

Edmiston Yacht is known the world over as a leader in the Super-Yacht class of boating sales and yacht management. 

What is little known, at least in this country, is Edmiston also has vastly increased it's fleet of rental super-yachts. Perhaps having something to do with the world economic downturn at the end of last year, Edminston now boasts a fleet of nearly 50 ships.

Whether you would like a "quaint" week on the Mediterranean for yourself and 7 friends, or you desire a multiple-port, roaming week of partying with up to 20, Edmiston has you covered.

Prices start at $50,000 per week and top out at just under $900,000 per week. So at ten large per couple, make sure it's somebody you really want to spend time with.

More information at Edmiston

Concierge Gifts: Bokks

Bokks of London is the world's premier concierge luxury gifting service.

Who but they can provide such subtle excellence for budgets from $$300 to $4,500,000.

Examples include:

Leather-bound 3 Volume "History of Chanel" book, in an exclusive quilted leather holder, 

The entire Bulgari vault at your disposal, 

A Brioni tie and ruby cuff-link set, 

Limited-Edition Prada fragrances

Custom leather gifts for the skate-boarder or guitar-enthusiast in your life:

Or you can choose from an array of pre-selected, exclusive experiences from the Bokks catalogue, such as "A Day of Giving," which is a series of gifts sent to your loved one at different times throughout a given day, culminating with dinner at a one of London's four most exclusive restaurants, followed by a movie screening at Alfred Dunhill's private cimena.

Or you can shoot for the moon, by choosing to fly, literally, around the world in the Zepplin Sky Race. This 30,000 mile race takes you above the world's most recognized and revered destinations. The 16-stage race allows plenty of time to experience the various countries along the route, so you will experience the globe up close and personally.

More info at Bokks.