Game Changer, or Just New Game?
Jun 23, 2010
I love my iPad. I’m not ashamed to admit it. Its user interface is seamless. It’s so easy to use my kids had it figured out in minutes. I can now check emails, surf the web, read e-books, watch movies and more, all on one flashy little device. Wow!!
I’m clearly not alone in my fascination with the iPad. According to a recent article in Fast Company, Apple just sold its three-millionth iPad, just 80 days after it first went on sale in the U.S. Experts are calling the iPad revolutionary, claiming it will forever change the way we use computers and consume media. Another article lists some of the ways the iPad is going to change our lives. For instance, the iPad will make it possible to convert everything you read, view or play into an immediate sales transaction. It will allow us to consume content and advertising in a richer, more interactive way. It will also enable sales associates to take customer service to a whole new level. These are all potential capabilities of the iPad. The question is, is it likely that any of these trends will actually catch on?
I don’t claim to be an expert when it comes to all the ins and outs of every feature on the iPad. I do, however, know more than a little something about advertising, marketing and media. And from that standpoint, the iPad isn’t revolutionary. Many of the same features that are available on the iPad are also available on other similar devices, most notably the iPod Touch and iPhone. Not to mention that there are currently several other tablet-style computers in development with plans to launch in the near future, some of which will have features the iPad doesn’t have yet. So the iPad is going to be old news in the not too distant future. And what’s more, it doesn’t look like tablet-style computers will ever fully replace laptops. If you spend a lot of time checking and responding to emails, or if you do a lot of work in Excel or Word, a traditional laptop is a better fit for you. Looks like the ‘revolution’ is fizzling quickly…
Apple definitely hit another home run with the iPad – no surprise there. But no matter how cool of a toy it is, I’m stopping short of jumping on the bandwagon and calling it a “game changer.”
LINKS:
Fast Company – iPad Hits 3 Million in 80 Days. What Will the iPhone 4 Do?
Integer Pulse – Show and Sell
The iPad shines the light on what computers will become in the future. Fewer parts, like no keyboard or mouse. Lighter and soon I am sure as powerful as any laptop. Does the fact that there are soon to be competitors on the market indicate a fad, or the future? I think the later is more likely. If you remember when the iPhone first came out the comments of fad were tossed about. Instead all phones followed the leader and smart phones have become more the norm than the fad. My guess is the same is about to happen with the computer.
You’re right , the iPad won’t replace a laptop – but rather it will be integrated into it. Touch screen laptops with a keyboard – I say 2-3 years and they’ll be here.
I don’t like the ipad it just seems like a huge iphone and I’d rather have my computer to all my writing and art. If I could play video games and use it like a writing tablet like the Wacom tablets in addition to the iphone like qualities then I would go out and use it, otherwise its just a cool toy.
You’re forgetting that all of this was already available via Windows based devices, it’s Apple’s hold over the public that made it revolutionary, not the actual device but the marketing behind and the company’s loyal following from its consumers