OK, this is a site about laptops, right? So I’m going to be brief about the Apple iPad, because it isn’t a laptop, a netbook or something new to replace them. There is a whole lot if information published today in the Net: here you have a nice summary of many hands-on articles. This is my take:
- It’s not a netbook killer. It’s too expensive.
- It’s not an ultraportable killer. It offers much less functionality and performance at a similar price.
- It’s not an iPod/iPhone killer. It’s too big. And if you are paying a data plan for your phone, why would you pay another one for the iPad?
- It could be an Amazon Kindle killer. It costs the same as the 10-inch DX version and offers a lot more functionality. It all depends on the eye-strain induced by this kind of screen.
- It’s a new kind of device designed to watch and show things. I think it has a lot of appeal at home and also for professionals that need something light and cool to show data to customers. In this respect I completely agree with the views of Nick Mediati (PC World). And it has an edge over Windows-based tablets, that are designed as PCs without keyboard and without a clear objective.
Is it going to sell well? I think yes, a lot. It’s a cool device that’s going to attract home customers and it’s not too expensive. But if your needs include a lot of text input, multitasking or connectivity, go for an ultraportable. I find it silly to have both, but sure, some people has a lot of money to burn.
