Some initial thoughts on the iPad

Once again Apple will export California-chic to the rest of the world. Certainly Apple is likely to carve out a “new” niche with style and an interface that just works with its new iPad.

The success of netbook has proven that most users don’t need much more that email, web and multimedia display. The iPad has this plus much more in a device that simply oozes with style, both in looks and the interface.

Most importantly though, the large majority of non-corporate Mac users that I talk to purchase Apple products because they like what they say about them. This device seems to say “connected, edgy, fashionable”.

Certainly I wouldn’t want to listen to a “social media expert” who wasn’t toting one around. But down to the guts of it.

The Pros:

• Bags of style.
• The included functionality will make it useful from the time you switch it on.
• The pricing is right, but let’s not forget it won’t look like this in Australia.
• The interface has already been validated my millions of iPhone users, so using it will be instinctive for most.
• The connectivity to their iStore was a given, but it sets it apart from the other major intermediate product, the netbook.
• It is simply a better device than Amazon’s Kindle as it offers more at a similar price point.
• The level of grunt and battery life seems sufficient for most users and I wouldn’t expect to hear many complaints.
• Your investment in iPhone apps isn’t wasted as all your existing apps can be uploaded for free. All iPhone apps, in theory, will work on the iPad so that they can leverage their 150,000 or so apps already written.

The Cons:

• There’s some stuff missing such as a camera and video. Expect version two to fix this, plus the lack of “vibrate when in silent mode”.
• It doesn’t multi-task (do more than one thing at the same time) which has been a source of frustration with users of the iPhone.
• Locking us into their store may seem a revenue generating master stroke for Apple, but not many like the locked down approach, especially when it means things such as no Skype.
• There is no USB or firewire ports which is also sure to disappoint many who want to extend the device with non-Apple approved gadgets.

But what about Australia?

At least 60 days for launch in the US means at least 120 days away for Australia. So I wouldn’t expect to see the 3G version before June 30, and I’m sure it will be bundled with data plans that are set to gouge us. Think AUS$899 for entry level with 3G and $50 per month for data and I’m sure you will still be disappointed.

However, I would expect to see the first models appearing within the first weeks of April, picked up by tech-savvy frequent flyers to the US.

The verdict?

On an emotional level I just want one. But on an intellectual level I know that version two and three will be much sweeter, and by then true competitors will be in the market with new or revised products including Dell, HP, Microsoft, HTC and Google. 

Apple has changed the ball game, but it not might be all to their benefit.

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Brendan Lewis is a serial technology entrepreneur having founded: Ideas Lighting, Carradale Media, Edion, Verve IT, The Churchill Club, Flinders Pacific and L2i Technology Advisory. He has set up businesses for others in Romania, Indonesia and Vietnam. Qualified in IT and Accounting, he has also spent time running an Advertising agency and as a Cavalry Officer with the Australian Army Reserve.