Apple's new iPad device is destined to disappoint (and not just because of the unfortunate name). Analysts predicting iPhone-like success are going to be let down. Here are 5 reasons why:
#1) Battery Life — The iPad has been pitched by some as a "Kindle-killer." But with a 10 hour battery life, it will never compete with dedicated eReaders like the Kindle and Nook. Those devices can go 150+ hours between charges, and because of their eInk screens, can be used in full sun.
#2) No Multi-Tasking — Want to have IM and a browser window open? Too bad, you can only do one at a time. A cheap netbook from Dell has much greater utility (and is a few hundred dollars cheaper).
#3) Virtual keyboard — An iPhone-style keyboard is fine for IMing and short emails, but is it really sufficient for word processing and larger tasks? No. Once again, netbooks have the advantage.
#4) $30/month for 3G — The standard $499 model comes only with Wifi. Clearly that's not good enough for travelers. But if you want the 3G model, which starts around $800, you also have to cough up $30/month for AT&T 3G. I can't see anyone who already pays for 3G on their smartphone subscribing to this.
#5) No Flash support — Around 90% of video you watch on the web is powered by Flash. Countless sites integrate Flash into their designs. No flash support means a lousy web experience. Yet another area where netbooks clearly outperform the iPad.
2) I used to gripe about this on the iPhone but then I got one and realized that while cool, multitasking is not a necessary feature for 90% of what most people do. This demographic includes teenagers that use this device to it's fullest. All application can remember it's current state when closing, so opening that app returns to where you left it, and that's what most of us want.
3) I was afraid of this when hearing the news, then I realized that this can be paired with a bluetooth keyboard. When a keyboard is not available, the device lays down at a 30 degree angle which isn't ideal but will work for a lengthy email or two.
4) The starting price for the 3G iPad is $629 not $800, for some $170 is a big leap. I do know a lot of people that travel that usually pay $60 per month for a card that sticks into ones computer; this includes a 1yr contract tied to a carrier. Travelers will love planning a trip, calling the local carrier, paying for just that month and then cancelling service on the plane trip home. No Contract, that's the revolutionary part.
5) I own a web development company and I can tell you, flash is on its way out. Web developers are targeting open source easily available web technologies, so that they exclude no one from their clients demographics.
This article isn't way off, but I can tell that the article is written by a 40 to 55 year old person that may not have spent a lot of time with an iPhone or iPod touch. Those two devices have educated the masses in such a way that this device, iPad, seems boring in its first iteration. It will fail massively or overturn the printing industry. I personally think the printing industry will not survive without a new model, and Apple has given it to them.
2. IM and browser at the same time? depends on the IM client you use...several have widgets that can plug right into the browser...not a deal killer (the iphone has revolutionized mobile computing...this just takes it a step further for the tech-loving generation)
3. virtual keypad...fabulous for convenience...for super-users (ie. writers, etc), there is an additional keypad that can be plugged into the ipad...not a deal killer
4. If you want your netbook to have access to 3G, you'd also have to pay a monthly access fee $30-$50/mth...not a deal killer
5. It's annoying not to be able to access flash-based content, but it's not a deal killer. As a previous commenter mentioned, flash may or may not be around much longer
As for the name...hmmm....not a deal-killer, but I know what he means LOL!
As a tech-fascinated entrepreneur, I've seen the impact of the iphone. Imperfect as it is, I predict the ipad will revolutionize the entire computer industry.
The vid didn't load, of course.
That's not to say I don't agree that it should have Flash. Flash-based websites have always been the best design-wise and I really wish Apple would not be so ignorant about it.
You also can't say that the battery life sucks because the Kindle's is better AND worse than a netbook because its less versatile. Its like saying that a mid-size car sucks because it doesn't have the leg room of a full-size sedan nor does it have the great gas mileage that a compact car has. You get a little of bot