The Apple iPad – Should you buy it?

April 18, 2010 by
Filed under Articles, Hardware

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I’ll be upfront with my bias – I tend to use, and sell others on the concept, of Apple products.

On my desktop is a beast of a PC. It sees very little use since the introduction of my 24″ iMac. And every less after the Macbook Pro entered its company. Unlike some people, I will at least admit to favoritism.

Depending upon who you go to for technology reviews/news, there are numerous articles on the ipad. There are those who despise it, and there are those who are fanatics.

Recently, my neighbor asked I speak with her friend about the iPad. She wasn’t looking to drop a grand on a fresh macbook. Luckily my neighbor convinced her the Apple world is for her.

I was able, with ease, to convince her friend to get a 13″ Macbook (loaded with programs).

It makes sense she was looking at an iPad for its beginning price point of $499.00. Yet, this product seems so niche-based geared toward specific users’.

Let’s take a look at Apple’s price(s) for the iPad:

Wi-Fi

16GB¹

Ships: 5-7 business days
Free Shipping
$499.00

32GB¹

Ships: 5-7 business days
Free Shipping
$599.00

64GB¹

Ships: 5-7 business days
Free Shipping
$699.00

Wi-Fi + 3G 3G data plan sold separately. Learn more

16GB¹

Ships: Late April
Free Shipping
$629.00

32GB¹

Ships: Late April
Free Shipping
$729.00

64GB¹

Ships: Late April
Free Shipping
$829.00

I won’t get into the 3G coverage, as it seems to me a silly concept to have it an a hand-held device. Because at the pricing of $629.00 and then the 3G coverage, you can purchase a laptop.

So, why spend that much for limited hardware and programs when you can purchase a laptop? This is one, of several, concerns about the iPad.

The ‘accessories’ only add to my confusion:

Accessories for your iPad.

iPad Keyboard Dock

The iPad Keyboard Dock combines a charging dock with a full-size keyboard. The dock includes a rear dock connector port and an audio line out port.

$69.00
iPad Case

The iPad Case not only protects your iPad, it can be used in various positions. So it’s easy to type, look at photos and slideshows, or watch movies.

$39.00
iPad Dock

The iPad Dock lets you dock and charge your iPad. It includes a rear dock connector and an audio line out port.

$29.00
Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit

The Camera Connection Kit gives you two ways to import photos and videos from a digital camera: using the camera’s USB cable or using the included SD card reader.

$29.00
iPad 10W USB Power Adapter

The iPad 10W USB Power Adapter lets you charge your iPad directly through an electrical outlet. And the 6-foot-long power cord allows you to charge it from an even greater distance.

$29.00
iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter

The iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter lets you connect your iPad to a TV, monitor, projector, or LCD that uses a VGA connector or cable so you can watch slideshows and movies.

$29.00

Why attach a keyboard? Really?! Again, if you need to do this, it may be time to purchase a macbook.

How about the iPad dock connector and camera connection ports? Why not put in USB ports, Apple? Nothing says ‘I’m a big iPod Touch’ than limited functionality.

iPad Cons:

- No USB ports.

- Unable to use FLASH.

- Pricing for WIFI and 3G iPads are unreasonable.

- Limited functionality on proprietary software.

- Crazy adapters for everything to work WITH iPad.

- Limited software use on iWork.

- Runs ‘Apps’ from iTunes – adding to cost(s).

- Limited iBooks catalog.

- It does not replace, nor function, as a laptop.

- No camera!

iPad Pros:

- A bigger screen than the iPod Touch.

- Fast response on Apps and website use.

- It’s a comfortable hand held device -need I say more?

- Crisp display

- Easy to maneuver for new users.

- Touch screen is responsive and incredibly useful for website reading.

Summary:

The Apple iPad is geared to the consumer who has been a fan of Apple, and not for a new user. This is due to its price point, limited functionality and confusing selling points. It is a big, overpriced toy. Does that mean I wouldn’t want one? Of course not! But, only if it was free. And if I have this struggle to hand over my cash, as a loyal Apple user, than I can hardly see an Apple associate selling it to a new consumer. In fact, I find it hard to see, other than using it for internet and e-mail, a niche for it in the current market. Who are the target group for the iPad? I am unsure, and I suspect Apple will feel the financial outcome as time goes by. They should have spent a bit more time deciding which direction to go in building a hand held device.

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Tags: Apple, iPad

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