iPad thoughts
Posted by Clint in Technology on 01. Feb, 2010 | 0 Comments
I have a few thoughts on the pending apple iPad launch. It’s been all over the media and it seems that the iPad is becoming somewhat of a polarizing figure. From the fanboys to the haters, it’s clear that the iPad has drawn a lot of attention and stirred up both enthusiasm and apathy. Here’s my thoughts in no particular order:
The Name. Kind of weird on first blush. When I say it on screen at the apple event my first thought was: they’re kidding. I am sure that it will be a footnote but so many people are having fun at the expense of the iPad. I won’t repeat the punch-lines here, but you can imagine :)
The Big Launch and Apple’s pride. Wow lots of fanfare. You would think that this thing is going to change the world. Wait, that is exactly what Apple and Jobs are claiming! It seems to be a double edged sword when you build up a product to these levels. There has been at least a first wave of backlash already with people being disappointed with the device based on speculation prior to the announcement. I have to say that I was expecting a higher price tag but that is balanced by a lack several highly anticipated feature – camera, background apps, flash support. This can only mean on think, Apple is out to take over the market and they are willing to eliminate features to do it. That is not usually their strategy, maybe we are seeing some experimentation by apple it terms of strategy.
What about netbooks? It seems that netbooks are directly in the line of fire. They will no doubt have to compete on price and will likely duplicate the position of the PC in the PC vs Mac comparisons. There is one factor that is different in that the iPhone has already happened. Most people that own or have used an iPhone will likely fork over an extra $200 for the sex factor given that the mobile experience from Apple has been so good on the iPhone. Add the app store to the equation and I think netbooks may be in deep trouble.
Do we need a third category? Apple claims the iPad is a new kind of device, one that opens a whole new set of possibilities. I’m not so sure. Right now when I want to get online, I grab my laptop and open it up. It has a 15 inch screen and a real keyboard. I can see the iPad being used in lots of scenarios but I don’t think it fits into my life because I don’t think I need a third device wedged between my iPhone and my laptop. That’s not to say that the iPad isn’t useful or even revolutionary, but for a techie like me I don’t think it fits.
