So the Apple iPad has launched.
Some have already lorded it as the second coming, plugging a much needed gap between smartphones and laptops and others are confused about it’s offering and debating it’s size and portability.
The screen size is smaller than 10inch, traditionally anything larger has had limited success as it is seen as too cumbersome. As expected it leverages the Apples succesful OS and quickly syncs with Apple Mac software and a users existing iPhone apps. It also incorporates iphoto and itunes and introduces ebook functionality, with a number of third party deals with Penguin, Macmillian and Harper Collins.
Apps are being developed by Apple and as per the iphone, the iPad is open to developers to crate and sell apps. It will be interesting to see how developers make use of the larger screen and power.
But early sentiment and social buzz, seems to centre around the market gap (or lack of it) the iPad is currently being positioned to fill. The current perception is there isn’t a large one between a smartphone and laptop.
But, I think it is much too early to call.
We need to understand how it will make consumer’s every day life easier. What does it solve? For that, we need the well oiled Apple comms team to educate us.
Is it a high impact, portable entertainment device; delivering everything from ebooks you can read (as smartphones screens are too small), news and videos you can stream without squinting and high def browsing?
Following the launch, it feels like we have just finished the first chapter of a book. Will it turn out to be a best selling novel or a waste of time we quickly forget about. We will soon find out…
