iPad - Is it For You?

Will it be a success, failure, or something in between?

This past weekend Apple launched their much heralded and hyped iPad. Is this Apple's version of a Tablet PC? Not really. With the advent of the iPhone Applications. Sure a lot of applications are free, but spending at least 00 on this limited device is not for me.

Iphone Application

Limited use- Apple has a proven Operating System in its iPhone. They have just enhanced this OS and put it on the iPad. This means that basic office productivity software will not be integrated into this device. So much for using it at the office. By the way, it doesn't have a built-in camera either.

Size- If it is not an office productivity device, it is primarily going to be used for recreation. It is too big to lug to your coffee shop to play a game or surf the net. Sure people lug laptops, but this is different. You have to hold this device to use it. Kind of awkward. Plus, would not you just use your Smartphone any way? Would you take this on a plane to watch a movie? I'm not so sure. Again you have to hold it. Yes you can get a base to prop it on, but would you lug that along as well? Again, maybe not.

You can see where my opinion is slanted. This is not a device that I see being able to be a game changer. I see this as a device you can move around your home. It is a jack of all trades, but a master of none. I don't think that it will be a huge success. It will sell a large number of products because it is Apple, but if the second generation doesn't include a lower price and is more useful, it will fade away like the Betamax. As with any new technology, I will take a wait and see approach.

iPad - Is it For You?