The Challenge of Reviewing the iPad

There seems to be two distinct groups that make reviewing any Apple product or service a nightmare.  Apple fanboys and haters.  They both suck. Fanboys love everything with a bitten apple on it while haters typically rip any launch because of pricing or lack of features.  Worse still are the ones who pretend to hate something only to turn hardcore bullish only days later (or vice versa).

The iPad is a perfect example of this.

I’ve followed people on twitter who have gone from labeling the product as an “epic fail” (comparing it to the Newton) to saying the iPad will “revolutionize the industry”.  Ok thanks, Nastrodamus but what does that mean?  In my eyes only a handful of products or services have “revolutionized” anything.  The car, television, the internet etc.  Sure, it sounds great to say that about an iPhone or an iPad but let’s get real, they are iterations in a long (yet fast) growth in technological ubiquity.

My Useless Review

I can’t speak for all consumers but I’m just not sure where I’d fit this in on my typical day.  I walk to work so I’m fine there.  I’m an iPhone guy so I still have access to much of the same tools and apps.  I have a Macbook at home so to switch to anything else would be a downgrade (and boarderline stupid).  If I read a lot of books I’d surely pass and pick up a Kindle (e-ink > screens).  If I gamed I would either keep using my iPhone so I don’t need to carry more than one device.

There are those who could immediately benefit though:

• Doctors and practitioners
• Those who don’t have a smartphone or laptop
• Tradesmen or niche jobs where a full screen is ideal
• Commuters who scan over typing (otherwise netbook)
• Fanboys of course…

iPad vs. Kindle

I’d just like to add that this isn’t a war.  The slate industry, like all industries will become fragmented.  If you’re a big reader of books then the iPad is a drain on the eyes and battery life.  If you want a more interactive experience with the web, video or gaming then the Kindle is about as useful as a brick.

Let’s not over think it.