Everyone is talking about the big Apple iPad announcement yesterday. I'm quite underwhelmed.
On the day the iPhone was announced I wanted one. I would've bought it that day if it was available. The iPad - not so much.
The UI in the demos (http://www.apple.com/ipad) looks super cool, but $499 for the entry level device is too much for me to plunk down when I'm not even that excited about it. I won't be waiting in line or hitting the Apple Store online when it's available Day 1.
I think it will be a great book reader, and it will smash the Kindle, but I don't read that much.
The lack of Flash doesn't bother me. I don't use that many web sites that are exclusively Flash (and I don't like Flash as a web design tool anyway - but that's another story).
Apple did fail in not putting a front-facing camera on the device which would give one the ability to do video iChat/Skype (iPad 2.0 anyone?).
The device should DEFINITELY multi-task. The OS is based on BSD/Unix for Pete's sake. Unix by design is a mult-tasking/multi-user system. At least give me the option to turn that on. If I'm sitting in my recliner at home checking my email and calendar, I also want to be able to IM at the same time.
There are a number of other factors that will lead to me not purchasing an iPad on Day 1, but let me talk about what I think will make the device a huge hit with one segment of the market.
This is the one demographic that I think the iPad will blow out of the water. I call it "The Parent" market. The iPad is the ideal device for peoples' parents. Here's an example:
My Mom doesn't have Internet access or a computer, but she's wanted one for a while now. Even though this will be her first computer, I think the iPhone OS interface is intuitive enough for even a novice computer user to pick up quickly. Heck, I bought my 7 year old son an iPod touch for Christmas and he doesn't have to ask me anything about how to use it.
With the 3G enabled iPad I can set it up for her and it can be her email appliance, her book reader, her digital photo frame, and her video viewing device (my Mom has a small apartment and doesn't need a huge TV).
Next, I setup the 3G account and there's no need to setup Internet access to her apartment like DSL or Cable Modem. I don't need to fuss with a wireless router or cables or a monitor or any of that stuff. Just turn it on and ... DONE!
Perfect! For her. At least in my opinion.
So I think the iPad will be a great Mother's Day present. I'll be getting one for my Mom. And I can say that here because she doesn't have a computer so I'm not giving anything away :)
Let me know your thoughts.
Enjoy,
Flux.
