For those of you missing the memo, the iPad came out today. It was officially announced about an hour and a half ago, actually. It’s got a 9.7″ screen, a snappy custom processor, some flash memory (though not really any more than the iPhone), and can run all your iPhone apps natively. And already I want to call it Apple’s biggest flop since the AppleTV. I simply don’t know where it’s supposed to fit into my gadgetified life.
Should it replace my iPhone? It runs almost all the same apps, but it’s less portable and all those apps would just be redundant. If I break my high score on my iPad, I’ll need to sync it to my computer, then sync my iPhone to my computer in order to get it to match. May not really matter for high scores, but for data? Bookmarks? Contacts? You see where this gets to be a hassle. Plus, I already pay for unlimited 3G data (spotty) access, why should I pay it again? I didn’t exactly hear Steve Jobs say anything about tetherting (which really can’t be that hard between two products in the same line, both with bluetooth and the same 3G radios). Just how many times over do I need to pay for “unlimited” internet? Three times? Four? The least they could do is add in a cell phone function so I’d have the option of using it in tandem with a bluetooth headset to replace my iPhone. But it can’t make calls. So, I’d have to have both devices.
Okay, it runs iWork and does all kinds of things larger and better than my iPhone can and it does it from the recliner. But then, I already have a laptop for working and browsing the internet from my couch. In fact, my laptop does these things better, with a keyboard (and not the detachable desk-only keyboard of the iPad that costs extra). I can even play Star Trek Online from my laptop with deeper and better developed control functions (a full keyboard!). For that matter, my laptop can run just about anything, not just widget-like apps I have to buy from Apple’s store. I don’t see myself ever busting out my iPad while I’ve got my laptop sitting right next to me.
And what about portability? The iPad is so small and light! If you own a desktop replacement laptop, it’s probably pretty heavy and runs a little hot, and I can understand not wanting to lug that around. But that’s a little unfair to the laptop, isn’t it? Kind of like me complaining my tablet is too big and heavy when in fact I’ve bought a 32″ LCDTV with a portable battery. The 1101HA EeePC costs $350, has an 11″ screen, a full keybaord, HD screen, and a battery that lasts even longer than the iPad’s; all weighing in at under 3.5lbs. Or there’s the MSI X-Slim. Or the Lenovo U1 IdeaPad. Or the Acer…
Surely, though, it could replace my Kindle? Well, call me old fashioned but I still believe in the hardcopy book. If you want to shell out $500 for an iPad to pay $30/month to buy books (you may or may not read and can’t return or resell) on the fly, be my guest. At least you’ll be able to read in color on an OLED screen. Or, you can wait two weeks for kindle prices to fall, pay substantially less, access their free internet network, and read books using an e-ink display specifically designed to show text and not damage or strain your eyes. I think I’ll go with that one once I finally do buy an eReader.
There’s simply no place for this in my life except sitting on my coffee table looking pretty. I’ll pay $20 for a centerpiece to catch my eye, not $500 for a piece of gimmick-ware from Apple named something akin to robotic feminine products. I’ll pass on this one, Apple.
Let me begin by saying that I think the iPad is pretty neat and that I agree on the name thing. I laugh when they revealed it based solely on the name. All that aside, I can say with confidence that I don’t see myself buying an iPad for the reasons you listed above. It just doesnt fit. My house already has 3 laptops, 2 iPhones, and 1 desktop for only two people. You’re right, it just doesn’t fit in anywhere. I think there is market for it. That market just isn’t you and me. The Apple super-fans will get one and the people who don’t have a smartphone or laptop will get one. So, while I don’t think this will be a huge hit like the iPhone or iPod, it won’t bomb like Apple TV.
Nice article. A nice 10 inch screen thats light weight and perfect size is cool. Wifi is already spreading like wildfire soon it will be hard to find places without it. I wouldn’t pay for the 3g either. I agree its just another toy and is a nice multi purpose device for those who don’t already have any of them. Books, web, media, apps and who knows what else in the future. Although if I do end up deciding to get one it will be after a generation or two when it has a camera/phone etc.