Quick Thoughts About the Apple iPad

Posted by: Spencer // January 28 2010

Just like any other Apple fanboy, I anxiously awaited yesterday’s announcement of the iPad. All of the leaks and rumors were pretty much accurate, that probably tempered the excitement for me. After hearing the news, I was actually a tad disappointed. Don’t get me wrong - I think the device seems very cool. And I’m sure once I get my hands on one, I’ll love it. In the meantime though, it’s the things I didn’t hear or see that bother me.

Cons

AT&T is the biggest con there is. While there is no contract to sign, and the month-to-month plans are pretty economical, you’re still stuck with their second-rate coverage.
I was hoping for a major iPhone OS announcement, but the iPad runs the unreleased OS 3.2. That means there’s still no multi-tasking or an updated notification method.
The device has no replaceable battery.
The iPad lacks a camera – which seems very odd, because without it there’s no video chat capability.

To be fair, there are some great features too.

Pros

The $499 starting price is better than I could have hoped – yes it’s only 16GB, but Apple can’t be accused of being overpriced here.
iBooks – Amazon’s Kindle has some serious competition. For another $240 you’re getting a much more functional and useful device.
While the battery isn’t removable, it does have good life at ten hours.
There is no contract for the wireless device, and the data plans are pretty economical at prices ranging from $14.99 to $29.99.
From the pictures, the iPad looks like a wonderful device. As we’ve come to expect from Apple, its design makes its competitors look archaic.

I’ve been interested in getting an electronic book reader – either the Android powered Nook or the Kindle; the iPad gives me something else to consider. I’m not rushing out to get one. This device deftly bridges the gap between smart-phones and computers impressively, and makes e-readers seem expensive for what they provide.

So what about you? Are you ready to buy an iPad? Whatever decision you come to, let us know how you made up your mind.

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