Jan

27

What Is The iPad?

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Today Apple announced it’s newest product line: the iPad. I normally don’t write about announcements and hype, but from an Anywhere perspective, the iPad looks to be a useful device.

People have been touting the Apple tablet as a hybrid between the iPhone and the Macbook Pro, and that’s exactly how Steve Jobs presented the device. He dismissed the idea of “netbooks” as PC notebooks don’t do anything better other than save you money on a portable, stripped-down PC.

The touch-enabled iPad does a lot of things better in his opinion: battery life (10 hours of use, up to a month on standby), browsing experience, display, and more. Certain models have integrated 3G capability and you can purchase coverage from AT&T directly from the device. All models include WiFi and Bluetooth capability.

And price? It starts at just $499 (nice) for the 16GB model, $629 for a 16 GB 3G-enabled model, and a 250MB plan from AT&T is $14.99/month while an unlimited data plan is just $29.99/month. No contract required – it’s all month-to-month with no voice requirement. That’s pretty sweet, actually.

It sounds like a lot of people are unimpressed with the unveiling of the iPad, but my approach is to give it some time. I’d have to say that given the choice between an Amazon Kindle or an iPad, I’d definitely lean towards all the extended functionality of the iPad.

The web browsing experience looks awesome, and I’d be able to do a lot of my job-related activities directly on this device. Blogging would be a cinch. From a design point-of-view, having the ability to sketch out layouts using a touch screen gets me super excited.

It’s still not near as powerful as my Macbook Pro but the 3G coverage/portability would mean I could use it from the comfort of my fishing boat (FTW).

For complete specs of the iPad, visit the Apple website. For a nice summary of Jobs’ presentation, check out the live blogging on engadget.

My question is this: Why not create an iPod Touch with integrated 3G capability and allow for use of the special AT&T pricing as well? Maybe that’s coming but I’m sure I’m not the only one that will raise that question. Maybe there’s an iPad Nano in store. ;-)

What do you think of the iPad? Terrible name? Sweet looking device? Is it just me or is this miles beyond a standard netbook and a truly useful piece of equipment in the Anywhere lifestyle?

Also, the first person that buys me a 3G-enabled iPad will own the top banner position on AnywhereMan for the next 365 days (currently occupied by Wirefly). Seriously.

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View Comments  | Posted by : Dave Yankowiak
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  • Good post Dave. I agree that the iPad is definitely something that is going to change the game. Love the concept and the look and feel of the device. The fact that it can use iPhone apps is quite cool. The price is not bad although I think that the more full featured ones start to get a bit pricey. I think AT&T is actually giving a pretty decent deal for the broadband plans.

    I do have two issues though:

    #1. Why the lock with AT&T again? I am definitely not a fan of AT&T. While I understand the advantage of using GSM technology, why not T-Mobile as well?

    #2. Why does adding a 3G card make the device cost so much more? I think that it is insane that the price rises so much for adding a 3G card to the iPad. Seems quite excessive IMO.

    Lastly, iPad = terrible name. Not the best from Apple. I think they could have come up with something better.
  • I agree with you. Every time Apple announces something involving AT&T, I get a similar feeling to how the rest of the Beatles must've felt when John Lennon came walking into the studio with Yoko..."Oh crap...he brought HER again?!"

    However, I thought it sounded like Jobs' implied that the iPad would work on other 3G networks too. I could be wrong.

    And yes, extra $130 for the 3G sounds pricey but I think only the 3G models have GPS, so that might be driving it up. Again, I could be totally wrong.

    Will be interesting to see what happens, especially with the rumors that we'll be seeing all sorts of tablet-style devices in the near future.

    Funny enough, I'm okay with the name. iPad/iPod/iPhone. Works for me! :)
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