Article: The iPad of 1935
As evidence that the conceptual idea behind iPad and other tablet devices is not a new invention, the April 1935 issue of Everyday Science and Mechanics featured the above design of a fancy man (look at that jacket!) leisurely reading with the courtesy of a machine. The magazine explained, “It has proved possible to photograph books, and throw them on a screen for examination, as illustrated long ago in this magazine. At the left is a device for applying this for home use and instruction; it is practically automatic.” And anticipating the multimedia functionality found in the iPad, the article also pointed out that “You can read a ‘book’ (which is a roll of miniature film), music, etc., at your ease.” The best part about the above illustration is that there are two plain old books printed on paper resting on the table. So neglected. So old school. I wonder if the fancy man was nervous when he made his purchase like I am before I buy an Apple product because I’m cynically positive the company will release a better version two months later. “What? The iPad of 1936? CRAP! I just bought this a month ago. I can’t even return it.”
