Apple iPad Tablet Review

Conclusions

The iPad is a beautiful and very capable device. Although it is not a full-blown laptop, it is an excellent web browser and email device. In fact, this is the perfect Internet appliance that many were striving to find about 10 years ago. You may remember the failed Internet appliances of that time, like the 3Com Audrey and the Netpliance iOpener. This would be a perfect device for seniors and Internet newbies except for its reliance on iTunes and a computer for syncing. If not for that one thing, someone who doesn’t have or doesn’t want a computer could simply get Internet service hooked up to a wireless router and use a device like the iPad for their Internet needs. Hopefully Apple will move their syncing to the cloud in the near future. If not, we are sure that someone else will.

We expect the iPad to be a game-changer. Like the iPhone, there will be plenty of competition. This device is already filled with pizzazz and will be even snazzier when developers start creating visually appealing apps that take full advantage of the iPad’s large screen and multimedia capabilities.

Besides being a great Internet appliance, the iPad is also an excellent ebook reader, music player, and digital picture frame. Add to that 150,000 apps and there is a lot you can do with this device.

Given all of those pluses, the iPad is not a perfect device. It really needs multitasking, a camera and a USB port. Printer support would also be nice. But we are sure that in Apple’s eyes, these missing things just leave room for improvement in future versions.

You can certainly buy a netbook for less and get a full keyboard, a DVD drive, USB ports, memory card slots, and more. If you are into creating content, that would be a better choice. But for communication and content consumption, the iPad could be for you.

Right now there are tablet PCs, laptop PCs, netbooks, touch screen PCs, and cell phones but the lines are blurring between these devices. The iPad has created a new category making the lines blur even more. It will be interesting to see how the iPad develops and how the competition meets the increased expectations and demands that the iPad will create. Some people will buy an iPad now. Some will wait for the next version. Some will wait for the competition. Some will never buy a device like this at all. Yet, we can all thank Apple for taking us to a new level of computing and Internet use and for creating a great device that they can build upon and that is sure to spur competition and innovation.

Pros

• Sleek design
• Sturdy
• Simple interface
• Easy to use
• Crisp, clear & accurate touch screen
• Fast processor
• Very good battery life
• Thousands of Apps
• Rotation lock
• Good surfing experience
• Good email support
• Excellent photo app
• Very good iBook app

Cons

• Expensive
• No flash support
• Can’t print
• No camera
• No multitasking
• Need a computer to use
• No USB
• No memory card slot
• Cover flow missing from iPod app
• Non-replaceable battery
• Non-expandable memory