Apple iPad

Apple called it the iPad? Seriously? Image courtesy of Apple

Today, Steve Jobs announced Apple’s new product, a tablet called the Apple iPad. It has a 9.7 inch screen, runs iPhone OS 3.2, has 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, has no camera, no USB ports and no multitasking. It has optional 3G coverage from AT&T, but is unlocked, so it can be used on any compatible carrier. You might be thinking that you could take advantage of that to use it on another carrier, such as T-Mobile. Well, the Micro SIM used in the iPad will prevent that for now, since no other U.S. carriers are using them currently. With Wi-Fi only, the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB versions are $499, $599 and $699, respectively. Adding 3G bumps the price of each up by $130. That puts the top end iPad at $829. Want more details? You can find them on Apple’s website here.

Now for my thoughts. Where to start? Let’s just say that the disappointment in this tablet doesn’t end with the horrendous name. The Apple iPad (how long will it take me to say that without cringing?) had a lot of potential, but the biggest problems seems to stem from Apple trying to make sure that it fit between the iPhone and MacBook without competing with either. That’s a problem because Apple is marketing it as if it was a replacement for a netbook. Now while I’m not a fan of netbooks, it’s because they are woefully underpowered replacements for my MacBook, which I don’t find that cumbersome to carry around.

So, if I don’t see a problem with carrying around a MacBook rather than a netbook, why would I carry around an iPad? It’s missing most of the features that I’d want from a portable computer. First off, it doesn’t have a keyboard and I’m not spending $69 and adding the extra bulk of the optional keyboard attachment. Second, it has no camera that I could use for video conferencing. (Not that it would be that practical with it sitting on the table in front of me. I’d need to hold it in the whole time or get a stand.) Third, it has no USB ports for me to plug in other devices. And finally there is no multitasking. If I’m taking a computer around, I want to be able to be on IM or twitter at the same time I’m doing something else.

Basically, the iPad has most of the limitations of the iPhone without the advantages of a Macbook, with the exception of a slightly faster processor and a bigger screen. That’s just not good enough for me, since I don’t need a tablet computer in the first place. Maybe the iPad will satisfy the needs of some digital artists or possibly medical professionals, but that is partially determined by how easy it will be to get data on and off the device. If that works like it does on the iPhone, it will be a bit of a pain.

So, I’ll give it a pass for now. I do want to head down to the Apple store when they have some and try them out though. It is still an interesting device and it is only the first generation. I’m sure Apple will do a better job on the next iteration.

If you want to check out the iPad to decide for yourself what you think of it, you’ll have to wait 60 days to get your hands on a Wi-Fi only version and 90 days to get your hands on a 3G enabled version. Until then, if you missed watching today’s announcement, you can get the video from Apple here.

What are your thoughts on the iPad? Does it do it for you? Or were you thinking different?

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