What I found amazing is when I was watching the launch demo, is how well trained Steve Jobs thinks we are at his commands. Yes, you, me - everyone. In persuading the audience (that's us) he actually said this:
"This is the best browsing experience you've ever had."
This stuck in my brain as my personal self-esteem took a hit. I had no clue that my 25" screen provided me with a poorer experience, it almost made me want to vomit a little from the level of truth coming out of that smart man's mouth. But then he hit me with more honesty I didn't expect. In referring to typing on this giant tampon, Jobs said: "typing on this device is a dream come true". God damn, it, old man, why do you have to do us like that...
But talking about this device seriously, if its possible, here is what I think. It is ridiculous, limitless in its capabilities, and nothing new (check out Archos 9 PCTablet to understand why
www.archos.com/products/nb/archos_9/). There is not a single need niche that it can fill, unless I am sitting on a sofa at home and too lazy to get my laptop to check my emails. For those particular moments in time, if the iPad is on the coffee table in front of me - it can serve its purpose. I am not going to talk on it, I am not going to take it to check my email on the bus, I am not going to take it to meetings, I am not going to even take it outside when the weather is not good - how can I type? On the back of a homeless person's back?
Someone posted this on the web, I thought it was spot on:
1. If this is a big iPhone – where are the phone capabilities?
2. If this is a mini netbook – where is the webcam / skype video?
3. If this is a mobile device – how come its so heavy?
4. If this is an on the go device – how come there is no GPS?
5. If this is a robust device – how come there is no multitasking?
6. If this is a web device – how come there is no Flash?
And I am sorry, its not an e-book reader material, unless the only book you read is Facebook. The whole point of e-books is e-ink technology that does not put a strain on your eyes. Kindle does that superbly with a device that's more mobile, more light and lasts up to 2 weeks on a single charge. This one goes up at most 10 hours.
In closing of my little reaction to this new Apple product, I leave you with this funny video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQnT0zp8Ya4