... and the seas parted ... (via Engadget)
... and out plopped an iPad ... (via Engadget)
Today, after much anticipation and hype, the seas parted, and, surprise, out plopped an iPad! … Should I a) pop the champagne, or b) is someone about to pull the fire alarm so we can keep the hype rolling somehow? (Oddly, in the case of B, the right answer would still be A, right?)
The Market tells the story
As to what people think of the device, it seems that ‘The Markets’ are speaking volumes. Right after the iPad’s announcement, investors quickly hit the ‘SELL’ button, and the stock tanked a few %. But, then, others decided they like it, and the stock is generally up for the day. But, not by much (Watch Apple’s daily stock price fluctuations here, for example).
Perhaps we should keep in mind that much of Apple’s good news lately has already been ‘priced in’ to the stock. Increased sales, increased revenues, etc. Or, perhaps, this product isn’t a big deal? What do you think?
That’s what He said
Thanks to Engadget.com, for providing a play by play synopsis of today’s iPad announcement. Here is what Steve Jobs had to say (via Engadget.com)
“What kind of tasks? Browsing the web. Doing email. Enjoying and sharing pics. Watching videos. Enjoying music. Playing games. Reading ebooks.”
“Now some people thought that was a netbook — the problem is that netbooks aren’t better than anything!”
What this device does is extraordinary. You can browse the web with it. It’s the best web experience you’ve ever had.”
“Way better than a laptop, way better then a phone. You can turn it any way you want. To see the whole page is phenomenal.”
I am the market. Not sure, but kinda get it.
Okay, so is it a giant novelty iPhone, a niche product, or a new way of portable computing? I feel exactly like the markets implied. At first, I felt like I was missing something. Was that it? Is that a big deal? But, then, I kinda understood the niche, and saw reasons why it could work.
It is smaller than a full computer, and therefore more portable. But, I wouldn’t be using this sitting on the Seabus, as I don’t really want other people to be reading my screen. But, I could see it working in more intimate environments, within the comfort of my car, home, or playing around amongst friends.
And, more importantly, I can see it working if the cost is low. At home, I often want to use the computer, while my significant other wants to watch a show streaming online or something. Yeah, each of us could do some stuff on our iPhones, but a second computer would be more ideal. Yet, second computers are expensive. Enter the iPad, a lower cost option, that apparently does some things better than its’ Mac counterparts. And, for those that just want to surf the internet, upload photos, check their email, which is a major portion of the market, this could be a better option than a full computer.
Making Apple and Macs more accessible to the general public, or a niche product? Either way, it blows the other ‘tablets’ out of the water. Another revolutionary-like product from Apple. What do you think?
Watch Apple’s iPad video here.
Or, you could also watch this video to get a better idea: