iPad

[Coleman]

Ok I know it hasn't come out yet and some people might be sick of the hype but I'm wondering what people are thinking of the iPad.

I do think it is more than an oversized iPod touch but I also think it has a few major shortcomings (no flash, no camera, no USB, and no multitasking, no micro SD drive specifically). $499 seems a reasonable price but 16 GB isn't very much for something that is supposed to be good for watching movies and listening to music.

I'm also skeptical about using it as an eReader because of the LCD display vs. the Kindle and Nook's eInk.

So I basically laid out all of the negatives. I would like someone to try to convince me why it would be a worthwhile buy, because it still looks pretty cool (something Apple always succeeds at).

[KipsBayEagle]

It fits in the glove box of your Toyota Prius.

[Coleman]

Thanks for your input, but I drive a Camry 

[TallTitan34]

Are you a a baseball fan because this looks awesome. I had MLB At Bat on my iphone last year but this takes it to another level.  I almost want an iPad just for this app!

http://www.bizofbaseball.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4035:first-look-mlbcoms-qat-batq-for-ipad&catid=65:mobile-devices&Itemid=151

[SoCalwarrior]

E-ink is important if you read for long periods of time.  I read in ten/twenty minutes intervals, so it will replace my kindle.

Compared to the Kindle DX, this is what you get for an extra $10

Kindle DX 9.7" - $489.00
—
1024x768 color display upgrade - $1.00
Internet browsing upgrade - $1.00
iPod w/16GB upgrade - $1.00
Run iPhone apps upgrade - $1.00
1Gz A4 processor upgrade - $1.00
H.264 720P HD video upgrade - $1.00
Bluetooth upgrade - $1.00
10hr battery upgrade - $1.00
Multi-touch display upgrade - $1.00
Digital compass/accelerometer - $1.00
—
Your cost: iPad $499.00

At the end of the day, like the iphone, it's all about the apps. 

[Coleman]

I agree that apps are going to drive the sales of this thing.

I think I'm going to sit tight for at least 6 mos. and see where the apps are in the development process by that point.

I'm sorry, just using iPhone apps on it isn't going to justify it for me.

Although I'll admit that MLB one does look pretty cool. But if I'm at home, I can get that on my computer. If I'm not at home, I'll need 3G to be able to do that, which is a lot of extra change...

[4everwarriors]

Why on earth would anyone be thinking of this stuff two days before a Tourney game?

[GuyIncognito]

Also, there is a huge profit margin on this thing that will allow Apple to adjust the price if necessary, though based on pre-orders it looks like this will sell surprisingly  well. But, if you recall, the first iPhone dropped like $300 after only a few months so it could happen.

http://www.isuppli.com/News/Pages/Mid-RangeiPadtoGenerateMaximumProfitsforApple,iSuppliEstimates.aspx
http://blogs.wsj.com/marketbeat/2010/02/08/apple-management-ipad-prices-could-change/