Apple iPad: Revolutionary Newton 2?

Is the Apple iPad just an advanced iPod iTouch or Amazon Kindle on steroids? So far, reactions are very mixed in the media and within Apple’s fan-base, but most people who do not own an Apple product are scoffing –and I cannot fault them for their derision. One day after the main show, I feel that entire January 27th event was underwhelming. My favorite part of the proceedings was the introduction, when we got to hear the tail-end of CCR’s spectacular “Rude Awakening.”


Steve Jobs is a luminary. Without him, Apple might not even exist today. What Jobs does best is gather the most qualified people to create, design, and market Apple products. What Jobs does second best is sell his wares. He began yesterday’s keynote with the boast that Apple’s new product is “magical” and “revolutionary,” two adjectives that no objective observer would ever use to describe the iPad, not in 2010 anyway (perhaps before the iPhone, the Kindle, and netbooks). Does Mr. Jobs actually believe his own spiel? I do not know, and this is why he is such a consummate salesman: he can convince even himself. Furthermore, he told us that the iPad is a better web browsing experience, better multimedia player, and superior gaming machine than either an iPhone or a MacBook Pro! If the iPad does not outperform both the MacBook Pro and the iPhone at the previously mentioned tasks, then it has no reason to exist –this is directly from Jobs’ mouth.

Before the iPad was officially uncovered, most rumors were that it was going to be $700 to $999. Many of us assumed that it would be a fairly powerful tablet. Now that we have the specs, we know that the iPad is simply a powerful e-Reader/iTouch. One can be cynical and call it an underpowered tablet computer, but both views have merit. I stand by my original belief that the iPad is a needless device for me. In fact, I think that it is even more unnecessary now that we are aware that it is not designed to replace anything but to add to one’s already overabundant electronics compendium. However, given the $499 entry price, I do expect the iPad to be a fairly successful seller because plenty of buyers looking for a speedy and sleek e-Reader with basic computing will purchase this.

Let me return to the second part of my original question: is this the second coming of the Newton? Spiritually and functionally (updated for 2010, obviously), yes. As revolutionary as the Newton? No. Ironically, the iPad’s not being revolutionary will probably be why it will succeed where the Newton failed. The iPad is entering a market that is ready for tablets and e-readers. Not upsetting the applecart, so to speak, but just improving it ensures that the iPad is a low-risk investment for Apple. The custom CPU is expensive to produce, but since it and its architectural cousins are likely going into future iPhones and iTouch iPods, the investment is worthwhile for Apple even if the iPad is a dud.

I can conjure up five reasons why the iPad will be a big seller, and five other reasons why it will be a disastrous blunder:

Top 5 Reasons Why the iPad Will Be a Hit
Top 5 Reasons Why the iPad Will Be a Bust