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All Hail the iPad

Finally,  on  January 26, 2010 … the long-awaited news of what must be the greatest thing since sliced bread has been announced to the public by Steve Jobs.

The new iPad, starting at a base price of $499, will boast the following features:

• 9.7″ LED-backlit screen
• Remarkably precise multi-touch display
• Only 1.5 lbs
• Only 0.5″ thick
• Ability to run almost 140k of the apps in the App Store right now

Apple promises a WiFi model shipping in March 2010 and a 3G model shipping in April 2010.

What’s the use?

I’m a Windows to Mac convert - and a very happy one.  I even recently started using an iPod (I’m a music lover), but shunned the iPod touch for a used classic model from one of my kids.  iPod touch = too much fluff for me.  I wanted it for music…not games or apps.

So what is the primary focus of the iPad?  Who is the primary target user?  Early reports indicate it’s definitely for running your normal iPhone type apps.  And it’s also targeted as a book and magazine-type reader to compete with other such readers already on the market.  Students will apparently love it for its portability and size.

Businesses?  Not so much.  But I doubt that was ever the plan.  And word is that if you already have an iPhone, it’s not for you.  It’s apparent main purpose is to bridge the gap between those Windows users with iPods or interested in iPhones and those of us who have already jumped to Macbooks, Macbook Pros, and iMacs.  And the in between cost of $500 - $700 would seem to indicate this.

Conclusion

It’s a cool gadget.  And while it didn’t seem to do anything for Apple’s stock upon announcement, it will have its niche … it’s 15 minutes of fame.  Actually, it’s already had that for the past couple of years while the world anticipated this announcement.  While it’s not a product I will ever use - no tablet offering will ever grace my office - it will find it’s user base and my bet is that it will be much more popular than the oddly placed Macbook Air.