A Muse's GuideFood, technology, yoga and music. . . is there anything else?

Since I first starting playing with my iPad, I have been enjoying the large screen and quick zippiness of the tablet.  The fancy calendar application, the extensive abilities of the Maps application and the beautifully clear and visually pleasing Video application have made my experience with the standard iPhone applications on this iPad an unbelievable experience.

Yet, I couldn’t help but have a feeling that something was missing. Just like that uneasy feeling in your stomach when you leave your credit card on the table at a restaurant after paying  -  you know you are missing something, but can’t put your finger on it. Its only once you are in the middle of trying to pay for the movie tickets do you realize you were missing it.

This week, in the midst of a busy day, I realized what the iPad was missing! Just when I needed it most.

The CLOCK application!

Of course, how did I not realize this sooner? Well, I was still using my iTouch as my bedside alarm clock, and it finally ran out of battery this week (yes my iTouch can keep a charge for over 7-10 days). In my enamored belief that my iPad could replace my iTouch’s role in my life, I came to the sad realization that it was missing the very thing that I rely on from all of my electronic devices. I use the aSleep application to give me soothing music to fall asleep to, but have always relied on the Apple Clock application to wake me up the next morning.  I am a bit of an insomniac and make a point of not looking at the clock at any time within the night, otherwise I would be checking every 5 minutes. My alarm clock application has been a lifesaver, it tells me when I can check the clock, get out of bed and all with personalized tones to accommodate my alarm clock needs and with additional alarm clock slots for @nachoman wake-up times too!

I must be mistaken, why would Apple remove a perfectly fantastic and reliable alarm clock? What is the purpose of my iPad sitting on my bedstand? An overpriced nightlight? Wait, what else was missing other than my alarm clock? – My World Clock of course. How am I suppose to organize my online video conferences without my world clock? Yes, you might say that I could just do the math in my head, but when trying to organize four or more different time zones, the World Clock can be instrumental in planning. Alas, no Clock application on the iPad means I have to likely use another less intuitive purchased application.

My hope is that in future updates to the iPad, or future generations, that Apple will include the Clock application, but it looks like for now, I am in the market for a reliable and good alarm clock application for my iPad that will run in the background. Nothing you say? Oh well, looks like I have to go charge my iTouch again, and deal with a tiny screen.

If you hadn’t realized that there was not a Clock application on the iPad just yet, I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news.  If you had already noticed the missing application and are just as annoyed as I am, I share in your pain.

~Deanna