Who the heck is the iPad for?

Monday, April 5th, 2010 | commentary, predictions

You can’t properly type on an iPad. It’s incompatible with your other computers, your software, peripherals, utilities and habits. It’s far less capable than a laptop which can be had for just a bit more.

After the initial rush, nobody will buy it, except for:

Gadgetphiles (because it’s nifty)
Anyone who was considering a Kindle. (I mean, why bother?)
Anyone who needs a living room surfing computer
Anyone who travels a lot
Apple-philes (who must collect ‘em all)
The status conscious (you look mahvelous with it)
Your parents, who will receive one as a gift from you (especially when it does video conferencing)
Lucky kids of wealthy people
Many who had been considering getting an inexpensive netbook.
You, because you will receive one as a gift. (And you will love it.)

So please temper your expectations. Except for these groups of people, nobody will buy an iPad.

3 Comments to Who the heck is the iPad for?

Mark Johnson
April 5, 2010

…and people who find computers annoying and frustrating but something to get online.

…and portable gamers

…and anyone considering a portable DVD player

…and people who try one

Our brains and bodies are wired to touch what we look at and look at what we touch. This is why we have opposable thumbs, fovea, and walk upright. Touch screen UI fits our evolution better than mouse and keyboard, making touch screens irresistible.

Hmmm, are you maybe being sarcastic? After all, your list of who will buy it covers a lot of people. That said, I think iPad is 20% too big and too heavy, and it makes me like my iPhone even more!