OK, so I am going off my usual topics of conversation for this one, but get a little annoyed with some of the things I've read regarding Apple's new iPad. As a Apple user, I am continually amazed by the technology they are putting out.
In case there is any doubt, I have no affiliations with any companies or products above. Though I sure wouldn't mind if Apple wanted to give me an iPad to review...
I have heard people praise Apple for their innovation, and others slam Apple for missing the boat on this one...
Let me make a few comments:
1. iPad is not a well chosen name. Others have pointed this out, I needn't explain why. iSlate (as rumored) or iTablet would have been met with much better responses.
2. iPad is not a "tablet" like we know already. Most tablet computers on the market previously were full fledged computers - often running a slightly altered version of Windows but capable of utilizing most of the software available for that OS. The iPad is a new kind of tablet that is somewhere between the smartphone and the laptop. You can't install your OS X software on it and replace your computer, but you can do more on it than a smartphone, especially given it's size. In fact, some functions (at this point) are dependent on owning a fully capable computer (to sync with iTunes).
3. iPad will not have the broad appeal of the iPhone, the iPod, or any of the Apple computers available. It will be a "niche" device that will only be enjoyed by the lucky few (though that could still be millions). Let me explain. It is too big to replace my iPod, too weak to replace my laptop, and too expensive to justify owning one without replacing an existing device. That will be the lament of the "average joe". So who will buy it??? (see point 4)
4. iPad will have a market. I don't know if it will be as big as Apple hopes, but anyone seriously considering a Kindle or other e-book reader will have to check out the iPad as it does so much more than those devices, at only a little more cost. Again, this will be for those who can justify the expense of that "extra" device (beyond smartphone/laptop). There also may be some out there who would like the larger format that this device brings to the "PDA" functionality available on smart phones and the iPod Touch. Though I think that will be a small category of consumers. I am curious how the "casual home user" will approach this device. Personally I would love for my wife to have a simple device for her Facebook, email, browsing, etc., but for the same price we can get a fully capable Windows laptop (yes, I know that is a bit of a contradiction) that can run Microsoft Office and any other Windows program available. Or we can get a netbook for even less, with less power, but still more options for software and functionality than the iPad...
5. iPad's "touch" based user experience is VERY desirable! It is much more desirable than clicking a mousepad. I love my iPod Touch and how it is so easy and natural to use, but it is so small. I would love to be able to have that same user experience on a larger scale! Now, when it comes to typing long documents, the physical keyboard is still king, though most of us have not had the experience of a nearly full size virtual keyboard like that on the iPad. I look forward to playing with one in the Apple Retails Store when they become available!
6. What would cause me to invest in one??? For me personally to move to an iPad would either require me to get a large raise so I could financially justify such a "niche" device. OR, the capabilities would have to be on par with a netbook or discount laptop in the same price range (for home use). If I could install OS X software (like iLife/iWork) on the iPad and hook up peripherals when needed, then I would really consider the move.
So, in conclusion, Apple haters and Apple hypers both need to calm down and be realistic about this device. Ultimately the market will determine how well it does... First glance, however, suggests it won't have the mass market appeal of the iPods or iPhone, and it isn't the "tablets" that we are familiar with (which may be good since tablets haven't done well historically). I look forward to future iterations of this product to see if/how it evolves.
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