Apple's iPad Drops Into The Real World

Posted by Tim Gray on January 27, 2010 05:25 PM

It's here: the iPad.

You can breathe now, and commence reacting.

First, just to clear any possible confusion, this is a Maxi Pad. Comparing the two brand names is irresistible, even for the most prudish of technophiles, so don't feel badly about enjoying a laugh at the expense of the uber-hyped iPad. Apple carefully crafted this level of attention, and now it must deal with the scrutiny.

The blogosphere is giving the iPad mixed reviews, and most of those comments are not based on actual, in-depth experiences with the newly-launched product, but on a complex mixture of feelings people harbor toward Apple as a brand, and how well its latest revolution is living up to the hype that preceded its very public release.

Here is what some of you had to say:

"So far it really looks like an oversized iPod Touch, which is great, but if that's it, price will be paramount," wrote Avi Greengart, an analyst with Current Analysis, blogging for Reuters news service.

Greengart's observation was echoed across the Internet this afternoon, as pedestrians and pros alike voiced their opinions on the iPad.

“Looks like a big iPhone. Why would anyone who has an iPhone want this? I don’t get it,” wrote Travis on CrunchGear, noting the tablet’s lack of Flash and Java capabilities along with its clunky appearance.

Said wolfcastle on washingtonpost.com, "I was wondering how long it would take before Apple reverted back their practice of making cosmetic changes to exiting devices and calling them the next big thing... Welcome back to the days of red, purple, and orange monitors, and my favorite thing... the hockey puck shaped mouse."

Of course, there are those who disagree.

“Nothing but an oversized iPod?” wrote Rah55 on wired.com. “You think that’s some type of an insult???? Yeah that iPod was SUCH a FAIL!!!!! They will be thrilled to hear your comment and this will make Apple billions."

"10 Million sold by the end of 2011... ," commented Roboticspacepenguin on gizmodo. "That's my wager. Anyone else want to make some predictions? We can meet back here in 2 years and see who wins."

Of course, it will take a little time before the hype and emotional reactions to the iPad debut fade and the device's future must contend with the sobering realities of usability, functionality, and robustness.

The question on everyone's mind is, how do you think the iPad will compare to everybody's lofty expectations?

More about: Apple, iPad, iTouch, iPhone, Tech, Maxi Pad, Reuters, Gizmodo, CrunchGear

Art Ilano says:

From a brand perspective, my worry is that iPad sounds too much like iPod that it's almost hard to take it too seriously.

One option: Apple may want to phase out the iPod brand, and transform the iPod Touch into simply the iTouch. But then this means that Apple will have to buy out all those companies that have registered iTouch ahead already (Of course they have the money for it).

January 28, 2010 03:17 AM #

Lauren says:

It cracks me up how much people are willing to argue pro- or anti-Apple products. I mean, having a rational opinion is one thing, but people get so emotional that it's kind of pathetic. It's a tool, for pete's sake. A tool you can like or not like, but calm down. Apple did do a genius marketing job, I will say, because some people seem to have their entire validation tied up in other people feeling the same way about Apple that they do. (That said, iPad? Really?)

January 28, 2010 06:24 AM #

Dani Crebbin says:

I'm wondering if Apple is going to short themselves with this new product. I just found out that the iPad is selling for $499. With this product available so cheaply on the market, are there still going to be as many consumers purchasing an apple laptops, or iPods?

January 28, 2010 07:22 AM #

andrej pompe says:

Nevertheless, iPad is a slap in the faces of other compu producers. It is so obvious that being innovative is already a standard policy of Apple and that others didn't learn anything form them.

I don't doubt in technical capability of the device although some are saying it is just an enlarged iPhone.The thing is a new standard and a new great attention form a great brand.
Steve needed just a few minutes to introduce it - the product is simple to use and that's the point. Also giving it a name iPad is after all very logic and very smart-brand oriented move. Maybe the next product will have a name iPet or iPit - it would not be a wonder.

January 28, 2010 08:15 AM #

Wordpress Themes says:

I, for one, can't wait for the launch of the iPad. It looks like a great device which will further enhance office mobility, not to mention all the entertainment features

January 28, 2010 10:03 AM #

William Burden says:

As an iPod-,iPhone-, MacBook-user who does a lot of traveling, this device strikes me, first of all, as a Kindle-killer. If the big issue facing media now is paper vs. pixels, this is the device that shows how it will work in the future. AND you can do some work stuff. It's not a phone, but it's a killer browser (from what we can see so far). More importantly, it is an effective reading device that integrates video (and banks on HTML5 vs. Flash, apparently). People forget how iPhone was initially rapped for not being a good enough phone/PDA, but in fact it changed the category. let's talk in a year about what this category is. For me, at some point in the future, on most trips this will take the place of my laptop, as well as the books I lug. My music library will be on my iPod, I'll make my calls and tweets on my iPhone while I'm walking around, and read the latest Stieg Larsson on the iPad (yes, it's an unfortunate name -- for now), check mail and tweets while connected to Pandora anytime I can sit down. Works for me.

January 28, 2010 01:20 PM #

JCottin says:

I don't think you can argue that its a wonder (another one) of design. My question is more practical. What is it meant to replace? Is Apple strong enough to add another device to our pockets (or in this case large pocket book)? Maybe. But I have a bit of a hard time personally thinking what I'd give up to make room for this. The most obvious thing for me is my Kindle. But I don't think Kindle replacement is a big enough market for Apple. I can't see replacing my PC- the lack of cover makes me nervous. And I like the compactness of my iTouch when I travel. That's my pov. I'd love to hear how others think they will use it. What will it replace? http://www.BrandTwist.com

January 28, 2010 01:37 PM #

trenoops says:

Your video is not working anymore so here is a Youtube video link for those interested in getting the skinny on the iPad: http://bit.ly/iPadDemo

January 28, 2010 01:49 PM #

Steve Schildwachter says:

It really doesn't matter if the iPad succeeds, because Apple knows how to fail wisely and bounce back. What DOES matter: if the iPad permits us to engage consumers.

admajoremblog.blogspot.com/.../...ad-succeeds.html

January 28, 2010 02:14 PM #

Ken says:

I think Americans are addicted to expensive and most unnecessary pocket gadgets. What does this thing do that my home computer, telephone, and bookcase can't do already?? If nothing, then why in the face of an economic collapse caused by risky personal and public do we sit here and drool over this thing now??

January 28, 2010 02:26 PM #

"mostly" and "personal and public spending"

January 28, 2010 02:27 PM #

laptop review says:

Cant wait for this cool gadget, i hope they release it on time in March

February 12, 2010 08:31 AM #