Not that I could afford the thing anyway being a poor student, I have nevertheless found public perception of Apple’s newest toy to be interesting.

The iPad is basically a giant iPod touch. Recently launched, it sold twice as much as expected in the first weekend and more than when they launched the iPhone!  Some have found it difficult to classify.  It isn’t a laptop and isn’t good for doing laptop work but at the same time, it is more convenient for consuming books, music, video and photos.

Pros

-fast processor – things open fast, scroll fast and load fast

-eReader capabilities if you don’t mind downloading material you can never legally share with anyone

-screen is bigger (with obvious benefits)

-over 150,000 apps (from Marvel comics to tv show viewing)

-plays longer on the battery than traditional laptops (some say over 12 hours)

-fast and light and obvious touch screen benefits

Cons

-typing on the keyboard is a ‘horrible experience’ for some

-can’t play Flash video – Apple has a thing against Flash because they want to control the world

-no USB ports, DVD drive, camera card slots or camera and no Skype

-no multi-tasking like the iPhone – one app at a time

-e-waste – this is still a gadget and what is in today will be tomorrow’s junk

– iPads and Kindles are making it impossible to enjoy printed media the same way we used to.  Issues with sharing rights/copyright laws will make is nearly impossible to trade and swap books.  Many hard-core comic books readers are dead-set against this medium because Marvel has reduced comic book sharing among apple users.

I’m sure you could add lots to either side.  I myself still have a pay-as-you-go-phone (I’m cheap) so won’t be buying one soon.

What do you think?