John E Lincoln asked:




The Apple iPad has just been released. Looks like a cool device, right? Like an iPhone, the screen adjusts to the phones positioning. It has crystal clear viewing capabilities for video and photos. And the touch screen… I mean wow! We’ve never really see navigation quite like this.

While this all may be true, the question is buzzing around, who is the iPad really meant for? Is there a consumer demand driving this product supply or is Apple looking to create a new demand, like they did with the iPod.

There has also been speculation that this device is simply a business move by Apple to simulate another Apple store. Hey, if you were Apple you’d probably want to have two Apple stores, right? Who wouldn’t want 50 hosted VoIP developers rushing to create the next hosted VoIP PBX app: especially if you make a small commission off each sale?

Granted, it does have a touch screen keyboard so you can at least type. But what it all comes down to is that the flashy navigation, emphasis on apps, use as a reader and major push as a multimedia device makes it seem more like a toy than a piece of machinery intended to help a professional get work done.

Now, this very may well be what Apple was going for with the iPad. Maybe they wanted to create a more superfluous device. But why create something that seems so expendable in the wake of an economic recovery?

Don’t get me wrong, I love the iPad. I love what Apple is doing with the device and the way their technology is progressing. Also, I like that the iPad has speakers and a microphone so it could potentially run a softphone or other http://www.freedomiq.com applications. But who is the iPad really meant for? Is it meant for you? Tell us what you think below.

Douglas

Joseph Stutzman asked:




Apple recently unveiled its new iPad, a tablet that is bigger than an iPod Touch but much smaller than a laptop or a netbook. It offers a wide range of applications, including e-books, web browsing, games, and movies. With a 1GHz processor and WiFi capabilities, the iPad will be available with 16GB of flash memory for $499, with 32GB for $599, or with 64GB for $699. For $829, the iPad features both WiFi as well as 3G connectivity. All models will be ready for purchase via AT&T in about two months.

The iPad weighs in at 1.5 pounds and measures 9.6-inches high, 7.5-inches wide, and 1.5-inches deep. It features a 9.7-inch LCD display screen with 4:3 resolution and 1024 x 768 pixels. In addition, the iPad boasts an approximate battery life of 10 hours for viewing or one-month in standby mode. It runs on a modified version of the iPhone operating system and is compatible with most iPhone applications.

Aiming to rival the Kindle, the iPad offers an iBook application that allows users to download and read e-books. To compete with laptops, Apple provides an iPad version of its iWork application along with an optional keyboard. The iPad also includes gaming capabilities, making it a new competitor for the PSP Go. Two noticeably absent features are a built-in camera and the ability to run Flash programs.

Will the Apple iPad be as commercially successful as the iPod or the iPhone? Only time will tell. One thing seems certain, however-die-hard Apple fanatics will be lining up around the corner to get their hands on this latest innovation.

Carol