Now that we’ve all had time to let the news sink in, here are my thoughts on Apple’s iPad.
I want to mainly comment on this commonly heard observation: “It’s nothing special because it’s just a giant iPhone [or iPod touch]“.
If you think that, consider this: what if the iPad and iPhone release dates were switched? During the original iPhone introduction keynote, the audience crapped themselves at the sight of Steve Jobs using his finger to control the phone. Everyone was blown away by the technology they had created for a mobile device.
If the iPad was announced in 2007, I’m betting the large majority of people would’ve called it a must-have product. We would have all gawked at the multi touch, the portability, the beautiful screen, the apps, etc etc.
And if Apple announced the iPhone/iPod touch yesterday, people would’ve considered iPhones/iPod touches to be even more incredible than the iPad. “omg,” they’d cry, “all that incredible technology in the 2007 iPad can now be found in something that’s 1/3rd the size!”
So yes, the timing of the iPad is poor. Apple should have released the iPad first so that they could shrink all that technology into the iPhone/iPod touch. When it comes to technology, getting smaller is more impressive than getting larger.
One last thing to remember: people were skeptical about the iPhone when it was announced. I remember one of the main complaints was about the screen. People thought it would be crap because we’d get our fingerprints all over it. How little a concern is that now?
Point: it’s a 1.0 device that the general public haven’t touched. Until we do, we can’t fairly judge. Reporters who have played with it (who I trust to be honest with opinions) say that the most impressive part is – surprise surprise – actually holding and using it.
I’ll probably be getting the 16 or 32 GB one with 3G. The ability to be online anywhere for $30/month with unlimited bandwidth AND no contract is “magical and revolutionary” in itself.
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One thing I keep hearing about it “Unlimited internet!”, “Read books”, “Watch movies”. It doesn’t have Flash. Therefore I cannot go onto youtube or most other video hosting sites and watch videos. This project is virtually useless. There’s also no multi-tasking feature. Can’t wait for Windows to release their dual screen one. I’m sure they’ll wait until it’s perfected before releasing it rather than giving us something we already have.
Or rather some things I’ve been hearing about it. I mentioned more than one. I should proof-read better.
@Nia – I agree with most of that, though it does have YouTube.
In regards to the body of this blog, I was thinking the same exact thing last night and agree 100%. Honestly though, at this point in time, I am completely unimpressed by the device.
I like it, I was not expecting anything more than a big iPhone from the beginning anyway. I love the price! I was going to pay 250ish for a kindle anyway some time soon so this just makes it that much better that there is so much more for not a lot of money.. Sadly there is no AT&T 3G coverage where I live so that is out, just the WiFi version for me. I think I’m getting the 32GB for the first one and hold out a year or two and upgrade when they update it with a camera and other features and stuff like that before I get the one with more space.
the deal breaker for me is that there’s no multitasking. BIG fail there, IMO.
I am honestly not impressed and will not be getting one. Of course I didn’t get the iphone right when it came out – I waited for the 3G, which was apparently a good idea. As for comparison to the kindle – the iphone has plenty of apps that allow you to read books, and there’s no way I’d waste my money on a kindle for that reason. The point you make about being able to have internet anywhere, anytime for only $30/month is good, except that for $55/month, you can get Clear, which is a 4G internet provider that allows you to take the internet anywhere you can reach a sattelite. It’s the fastest thing out there (except maybe fiber – but you can’t take fiber with you).The thing with Clear is that it replaces whatever you pay for internet at home – it’s not in addition to it. Something to think about!! I agree though – the iPad should most definately have been relased first.
i just don’t get what the big deal is. i thought this ipad would be reveloutinary like the ipod or iphone but its not. i’m dissapointed.
Andrew,
you make some great points,. You are the original apple fanboy. I need this ipad to revolutionize education.. and I think it will. I am shocked everyone is complaining about what it doesn’t have. Apple’s biggest problem this time I think was all of the leaks and rumors. they should think about going back to keynoting macorld and dropping bombs there.
I ageee with Andrew in that Steve Jobs should had came out with the iPad first and then the iPhone and iPod Touch. I would had been very excited for the iPad then. I do like the idea of the iPad although like everyone else it could had been better. I currently have an iPod nano and planning on buying the iPod Touch soon. (I don’t want the iPhone because I prefer the pre-paid cell phones.)
This article changed my perspective:
http://www.macworld.com/article/146038/2010/01/ipad_future_shock.html
EPIC FAILURE!