Did you hear about the new giant iPhone Mac just released? Here are the features:

Oh yeah, you can't call anyone or take any photos with it.... actually, my iPhone has more features than the iPad and it fits in my pocket! The iPad appears to be an over-sized iPod touch. I think I'll call it the "iCan't."

The first tablet PC (read about it here), which had more technology packed into it than the iPad, was released in 2001 by IBM and Microsoft. Aside from Mac's sleek interface (I'll throw one compliment out there) it's actually inferior to Tablet PC technology from ten years ago:

• It has very few software options beyond the applications made for the iPhone and iPod.
• There is no way to connect it to an external drive of any kind. No USB compatibility.
• The base model only has WiFi internet. It's not even an option to get the over-priced AT&T data plan.
• Battery life is terrible (the 10-hour claim is joke) just as with other devices offered by Mac.
• No multi-tasking: You can only run one application at a time.
• You can't watch any flash videos (seriously Steve? get over yourself). No Hulu, Youtube, etc. etc.
• Unprotected screen.

Don't forget as I mentioned before: no phone calls (including VoIP) and no camera.

I think David Letterman said it best: What the hell is it?

Everyday internet media sites seem to be broadcasting the "next" social media website; the one that will take over Facebook (now the #2 page in the world according to Alexa) and Twitter (#11). For many people, it takes a bit of time to understand and utilize the benefits of Twitter:  Tweets often include personal details no one could possibly be interested in, such as visits to the bathroom or details regarding an individual's current emotional status...A new social site, Foursquare, attempts to localize and give more purpose to the ideas that drive these sites.  The CNN video embedded below helps to describe their new concept. It appears the key link is the free phone app. That is what sets Foursquare apart. A social media site not designed for the web as much as for the phone. While Twitter and Facebook offer phone applications, they are simply additional avenues to participate in those networks, not the core interface. If you don't have the Foursquare app installed on your smart phone, its use becomes impractical. While that may be a major drawback for many, it's the drive behind Foursquare.

Another key element to Foursquare that will make it attractive to those who don't use Facebook and Twitter is that it's aimed at groups of genuine friends. Who would invite their old friend from high school that lives across the world to meet them for a beer on Friday afternoon? Or Tweet to 2,000 fans that they are grabbing a sandwich at the local deli? Facebook and Twitter feed people's desire to create unnecessarily large networks of people that don't even really know each other (anymore, Fb junkies). Of course, they each have their purpose. However, Foursquare is aimed at slightly more genuine social networks. It may be the first social site to focus on real existing networks of friends instead trying to create new ones. While many people would argue that ultimately social networks already exist and sites such as Facebook only facilitate communication in a new form, Foursquare is really meant to be used between your friends that you socialize with on a regular basis. Now you must be asking, "Why not just text a few friends to let them know where I'm at?" I must admit, I'm asking the same question. If you have friends in the area that you would like to invite out with you, just send a mass text. With Foursquare, if your friends don't have the application, they won't be notified. Now you're in a position to text some people and Foursquare others. I must admit, I've yet to see a bad review on Foursquare, meanwhile understanding it's greatness eludes me.

Cue in additional Foursquare features: Games. That seems to be why you would participate in Foursquare rather than simply texting your friends to come out for a beer. Honestly, unless you are interested in becoming the "mayor" of your local pizza joint (watch CNN video below), I've no idea why 700,000+ people are logging on to this new site.

Let's be realistic, Foursquare will not likely overtake Facebook and Twitter. Next time I'm out in Park City, Utah, I'll try it out and let you know if it works. Of course, my friends are mostly web designers who hardly leave their dark basements... and that will make it a true test.