The buzz surrounding Apple’s latest creation was unseen. Now that Steve Jobs’ tablet has officially been announced, will it live up to the hype?

 

The new device is positioned between the iPhone and Macbook or in the non-Apple universe: the tablet is filling the empty space between smartphones and laptops.

 

What empty space?

Many so called analysts are wondering what need the iPad actually fullfills.
I guess that’s kind of looking for a musquito when an elephant is staring you in the face…

 


This is an opportunity many manufacturers have jumped on by making an entry in the netbook space.
Everyone in the pc world tried to cram existing technology into a smaller, cheaper mini-laptop, resulting in an ultimately inferior consumer experience. While Apple once again designed a groundbreaking, attitude breaking, revolutionary product called the iPad. Something truly innovative.

 

Reviewing all features and the way you can interact with it, Apple’s filosophy does make sense.
1. The iPad does a lot of things easier, faster and more pleasing than a smartphone.
2. Apple’s “Magical” device is more userfriendly, focused and lightweight than a laptop.
3. It makes the netbook category obsolete.

 

The all in one device

Let’s have some fun doing a little math and reviewing similar devices.

 

Amazon’s Kindle
Well, it’s an electronic book reader… a capability the iPad also has supported by Apple’s iBook store. The Kindly is a pricey one trick pony with a price point ranging from $259 to $489.
Nintendo DSi
The Nintendo game hit machine! This fantastic gaming device has a price tag of $169.99 and is supported by the strong Nintendo game catalogue.
Apple’s iPhone and iPad also support thousands of games with price tags ranging from $0,99 to $9,99.
Netbook
Those cramped little laptops have various price points that range from $170 and up to $450. They do give you a color screen, internet acces, let you run various software simultaniously and allow you to enjoy some low graphics demanding games.
iPod/MP3players
Since the introduction of the iPod, MP3 players have become ubiquitous. You can’t go anywhere without encountering at least one commuter, jogger or student passing you by with those white earbuds. How much do they cost? Well, the iPod prices currently vary between $59 and $399.
Photostands
Finally, the iPad also doubles as a fab photoframe! Having bought one for my old folks this past Christmas I can tell you prices start at $30 for the low end models rocketing up to over $250! And most of them can’t compete with the iPad’s gorgeous 9.7-inch, LED-backlit IPS display.

 

So what would you end up paying if you opted out of the iPad?
At the end of the ride you’d pay $658 to $ $1500 for comparable functions in standalone devices.
Compared to the iPad’s $499 up to $829 price tag.

 

Competitors’ reactions
Immediately after the announcement competitors scrambled to match up their offerings and everyone from Nintendo, Amazon & Microsoft started screaming to the press that the iPad is not a game changer…

 

But guess what?
They claimed exactly the same when Apple released the iPhone two years ago. That item went on to become one of the most popular tech gadget in recent history, redefined the industry and rocketed Apple to a 30% smartphone market share in just over 2 years.

 

Magical?

Yes, the iPad looks like the ultimate scifi gadgets is feature rich and handles it all smoothly but it does have some shortcomings.
1. No multitasking
2. No Flash support
3. No built in camera or SD slot.

 

Though it all depends on your needs & point of sight. As one of my collegue’s pointed out -”No Flash? Yay! No annoying Flash ads popping up while surfing the web…”

 

Buy or no buy?
Hit or miss?
Though the iPad doesn’t come with fries and doesn’t make espresso it’s a pretty handsome & practical gadget.

 

Personally i’ll probably buy one just for the fun of not having to drag a clumsy laptopbag with me when travelling or commuting!

 


As for all those iPad critics & pundits doubting the iPad.
Go watch the iPad future by grabbing a tablet rich Star Trek movie! Trekkies knew it all along… the iPad revolution has come!

 

> Would you buy an iPad? Have your say in our comment section below!

 

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