A solution without a problem?

I’ll go down the points one by one.

1. Being a ‘tween device can be a double-edged sword. In this case the iPad doesn’t seem to offer any significant functionality over an iPod Touch other than trading off portability for a larger screen. On the other end of the spectrum, it lacks the power (and features) to replace some netbooks and compact laptops. Therefore, it seems situated to become a niche “3rd” device.

2. “Take to the beach with you” is a selling point I’d leave off the brochure. A beach is a place where one leaves things unattended for extended periods of time, and is also filled with hardware destroying sand and water. Personally I’d go with “it does what 90% of people use a computer for, watching movies and surfing the net”.

3. We KNOW that there’s no front (or back) camera on the current version. Will it eventually get one or both in future revisions? There’s a good chance, but anything is speculation, and an iPad 2 is well over a YEAR away. I can only criticize EXISTING technology and its hardware/software flaws. For now, in its current incarnation, the camera omission (especially a back cam) is a giant FAIL.

4. “Most intuitive” is a subjective statement. I’ll agree (and most will) that the iPhone OS is a wonderfully elegant user experience. What is NOT subjective however, is that on an iPad (and an iPhone) you can’t listen to Pandora and surf the web at the same time. This is a GLARING flaw in the experience, no matter how you cut it. That so many other devices (Blackberries, Winmo, Android, etc) CAN multitask, only highlights it more.

5. The beauty of industrial design is in the eye of the beholder. Some people love the looks of (insert here) and some think it’s the ugliest thing on the earth. As far as being “the best tablet device out there” it’s important to remember that the iPad isn’t “out there” yet. The Wifi version will be available in 2 months, and the 3G won’t be available for 3 months. Therefore, we have no quantifiable data to back up your assertion. No sales figures, no critical praise, etc.

Finally, as far as “naming a better tablet”, I can’t, and the point is neither can you. The Lenovo U1, another highly anticipated device, is a actually a netbook with a removable screen that doubles as an iPad sized tablet. It has more CPU muscle (core2 duo), a physical keyboard, and features full blown multitasking (runs windows 7). It’ll be priced similar to the top of the line iPad. Someone looking to listen to Pandora and read CNN at the same time might consider the U1 a “better” device.

6. The iPad isn’t winning anything because it’s not even on the playing field yet, and won’t be for SEVERAL months. Let’s revisit this when it’s out in the public for a few months.

7. I don’t dispute that sales will initially be brisk, but I’ll predict the iPad will eventually settle into Macbook Air territory. Not a blockbuster seller, but an overall solid device that fits a specific set of needs.

8. It’s looking a lot cheaper after they announced the iPad!
$207.88 on announcement day and three days later it’s at $192.06. Perhaps those in the financial world don’t share your level of confidence in this being a game changing device.

You make some salient points, but you fall into the trap of thinking what’s best for you is best for everyone. People have different tastes and needs. That’s why some people buy a Pontiac Aztec *shudder*, others a Suburu Outback, and yet others, a BMW, Mazda, Saab, etc.