The Apple iPad is a sleek, slender device which is a bit smaller than a pad of paper. It features a high-resolution, 9.7-inch LED-backlit IPS display with 1024 x 768 pixel display, which, like the screen on the iPhone and the iPod Touch, responds to your touch and gestures.
Storage is provided by a 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB flash drive. Battery life can be up to 9 or 10 hours, depending on use. It is able to connect to WiFi wireless networks, and in certain models, a 3G cell mobile data network. Built-in are an external headphone jack, speaker, microphone and a USB port.
iPad is compatible with Mac OSX operating system and Windows machines running Windows 7, Vista or XP. Detailed specs and system requirements can be found here.
So, what is the iPad useful for?
The iPad is great for web browsing, storing and showing photographs, watching any kind of video, from HD movies, to TV shows and YouTube. It also a handy way to read books. Books can be downloaded from the new Apple iBooks store.
iPad also works with iTunes and can run thousands of applications from the Apple App Store.
Will iPad be a success? Should you consider buying one?
I consider iPad to be a new category of device. Tablet computers have come along before but not with any features like the iPad.
iPad will probably not replace the notebook computer or netbook for anyone that creates a lot of documents or sends much email on their device. At the same time, it is not a replacement for an iPhone or other mobile phone.
However, iPad will be a hit if it is good at performing its main functions of accessing Internet and World Wide Web, Email, music, movies and photographs.
iPads range in price from $429.00 to $829.00, depending on configuration and features, so they are in the same price range the desktop or laptop computers that most people are people are purchasing today. Since they are not necessarily a good replacement for a desktop or a laptop with a real keyboard, it remains to be seen if many people are willing to spend the extra $500+ on a device which will not be replacing one that they already own.
What do you think?
Have you used and iPad or are considering purchasing one? What are the features that you are looking for?
