The release of the Apple iPad has divided analysts and bloggers in the tech sector, with some suggesting the device is little more than an over-sized iPod and less powerful than rival laptops and netbooks.
But some supporters have said Apple is not attempting to market the iPad as an alternative for smartphones or laptops, and instead the gadget caters to a specific group of users.
While reviewers have only been given a limited amount of hands-on time with the device, the results have been mixed.
Many of the staff from popular tech blog Engadget decided the gadget didn’t live up to the hype, and said Apple’s intent to create a bridge between smartphones and laptops wasn’t supported by the device itself.
“There are some cool ideas in the iPad, and I was happy with the multitouch keyboard (though not nearly enough to justify writing a book with it), but the new and upgraded apps weren’t that dominantly better,” Engadget reported.
“For me, in a nutshell, the iPad is a larger screen iPhone with fewer capabilities. It’s not bad — in fact, web browsing is awesome and the device we saw was super fast – but I have no way to justify this in my gadget collection.”
Adam Frucci from Gizmodo wrote on the site he was disappointed in the lack of multitasking, cameras and a HDMI port, and also said the lack of support for a Flash plugin, as on the iPhone and iPod Touch, was frustrating.
“On something that’s supposed to be closer to a netbook or laptop, it will leave huge, gaping holes in websites.”
“Sure, netbooks might not have touchscreens, but you can install whatever software you’d like on them. Want to run a different browser on your iPad? Too bad!”
The CrunchGear team, part of the TechCrunch group of websites, said on their site the iPad was disappointing and didn’t seem to fill an obvious gap in the market.
“I simply don’t get it. It’s not an iPhone replacement because it’s not a phone (duh); it’s not an iPod touch replacement because it’s not portable; and I already have enough “real” computers that I don’t need a tablet.”
“…The iPad seems to fill a void that I simply don’t need filled. Maybe as an eReader, but that entirely depends upon the book selection, which isn’t clear right now. For now, though: meh.”
Claudine Beaumont from The Telegraph wrote the iPad introduced some interesting features, and was pleased at the ability to play apps, but not necessarily a technological revolution.
“I do think it has the potential to be a game-changing device, but it will be the second- and third-generation versions that really drive the agenda, and introduce a new and innovative way of computing,” she wrote.
“Ultimately, the iPad is a large iPod touch: a great device to draw your inspiration from, but perhaps not the seismic shift in technology that we were expecting.”
Other criticisms included the lack of a camera for video-conferencing, the limited screen resolution, the virtual keyboard and the lack of multitasking.
Additionally, some Australian critics have said the iBookstore possibly won’t be available during a local launch, crippling one of the company’s main drawing cards for the device.
But many analysts have called out in support of the device, saying Apple’s intention was not to introduce a replacement for laptops but a supplement device for media consumption.
“The iPad is compelling to me for a number of reasons,” one of the Engadget staff wrote. “First off, it looks like it’s going to be a major player in the eReader department, and as an avid reader, I have always been disappointed with current options that are not physical books.”
“It looks like it’s going to serve up a better email experience than the iPhone does (I’m not a superfan of that experience by any means!), and Safari’s always offered a great browsing experience. So yes, I’m intrigued. To say the least.”
Wetpaint chief executive Ben Elowitz wrote on TechCrunch he thought the release of the iPad will see the Amazon Kindle begin to fade from the market. He wrote the apps, price, screen and multi-functional capability of the iPad will see the gadget emerge as the penultimate eReader.
“Let’s face it, Apple is a brand people want to be affiliated with. It has a cool factor. Even those of us who are smart enough to know better still fall in love with Apple products, and carry them with pride. Amazon just doesn’t have that.”
Farhad Manjoo wrote on Slate.com the device doesn’t pretend to take the place of a laptop computer, and it performs its main functions extremely well.
“Because you hold it right in front of your face, just as you would a book, everything online seems closer and more intimate than it does on a desktop or laptop. For the same reason, the iPad is going to be the perfect way to read books.”
“Apple will sell an add-on keyboard for the iPad, but if you want to do a lot of work on the go, you’re probably better off getting a real laptop. The iPad isn’t for work. It’s for every other waking moment.”
The iPad will be on sale in March and April. No local pricing or carrier details for the 3G functionality have been released.
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
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