In short, yes it is. And here’s why. While the iPad may have disappointed many with such high anticipation and such a long
history of rumors, it does meet its requirements as a solid product. Many have criticized it has being simply a “big iPhone” and has no use since one can just get an iPhone and a MacBook laptop. But many are missing the point.
The new iPad provides an user, breakthrough experience that cannot be acquired through a laptop, nor a cell phone. It’s set apart,
because the user can touch and manipulate the software he is using. In addition, the iPad, in short, is a really affordable computer. At $500, almost everyone will be able to buy it, and because it runs the familiar software that of the iPhone, which millions of users have come to know so well, it will be a very easy device to use. It also has almost all the capabilities of a
computer, including a word processing suite known as iWork, where an individual can conveniently edit his documents on-the-go. Which brings us to another point- the iPad is portable. At 1.5 pounds and only 0.5 inches thick, consumers will be able to carry this “computer” anywhere. It’s better than a laptop to carry because laptops are a hassle to set up and are heavier, while it will provide an experience a ton better than that of an iPhone (due to its gargantuan display). The iPad should appeal to CA students since it is a convenient device that can be brought to school for day-to-day learning. With the coming of the iPad, according to Wall Street Journal, Apple will acquire an additional $4 to $5 million in revenue.
All in all, the iPad’s enticing, improved features, affordability, and portability will attract customers, including perhaps myself.
Note: Because Apple have cleverly established an “ecosystem” of Apple products (App Store, iTunes, accessories, syncing ability), as the demand of iPad increases and more is bought, chances are, other Apple products will be bought along with it as well.
Nice post. Are you going to get it though?
At first glance, I was thinking; an extra large iPod touch… but then it kind of make sense in a lot of ways:
Web browsing will be better then squinting on an itouch, or having to have a lap top on your lap, using a keyboard pad, which is never as good as a mouse. Using your index finger to browse will feel more natural. Book reading is a no brainier, that may be one of its biggest selling points.
But in terms of music, the smaller devices always seems to make more sense. As an itouch owner, I have to say, many of the games are quite amazing, but really, big fingers on a tiny screen with your head tilted down is not much fun for more then a few minutes. But yeah, the virtual keyboard that you can actually type on, so you can finally reply to emails without wanting to throw your iphone/touch against a wall…
Anyway the list goes on, but I think it’s going to do well :]:]
hi, 빵꾸똥꾸.
I agree with you that iPad is going to be successful, and I know that you are going to get it as soon as it comes out, right? Well, although I love Microsoft, I think iPad is a very interesting device. So, I’m going to get it, too.
However, I am concerned about many features of iPad. First, it’s too big and heavy just for listening to music. That is, I’ll have to get another Apple device or other “portable” MP3 players. Second, I’m worried if the screen is strong enough. Don’t you think iPad will get SEVERELY damaged if I drop it?…
btw, nice post:]
Honest to God, when I read this, I scoffed at “… is an affordable computer”. The iPad’s need to synch this something else and the lack of a full, robust operating system makes this a mobile device. It is not quite even a netbook. At best, the iPad is more like a PMP or your typical multimedia device with a touch screen interface. Btw, if you consider the iPad as an ebook reader too, it also fails in that category. I’m not sure if you’ve ever tried to read something on an LCD screen for more than let’s say three hours but, three hours reading something none stop will give you serious headaches and eye strains. I’m disappointed that Apple did not implement a Pixel Qi screen instead. It’s easier to read in sunlight and it’s easier on the eyes in a dark environment.
Hey Andrew, I liked how you related Apple’s latest device ‘iPad’ :S to economics. I don’t think many people are going to buy it though. It is because that the device doesn’t have its legitimate place. Apple describes the device as the intermediate of iPhone and Mac. It has an ambiguous purpose. I doubt that even 499$ would not be worth it.
Man Andrew, you’re the smartest person I know. Thanks for the interesting post on this new ‘iPad.’ It was very much insightful and descriptive!
Sorry Andrew Hyunsoo Sunshin Lee but the iPad is just a huge iPod touch.