The ipad: Revolution or pointless commodity?

April,2010 witnessed the release of Apple's new tablet computer, the iPad.   Marketed as " The best way to experience the web, email, photos and video.  Hands down" the ipad has one hell of an expectation to live up to!
 
So what possible functions does the ipad possess over a computer of around the same price?  Generally…the answer is none.  If for example we were to take the HP G62 notebook and compare it to the ipad we already see a great difference in power.  The ipad has a 1ghz processor whereas the HP pumps out a modest 2.3 ghz meaning it possesses less power than a basic notebook.   If we combine this with the I-pads word processing ability, things are not looking good.  The fact it possesses a touch screen (keyboard a £55 extra !!!) that will take you near enough forever to type anything displays its lack of practicality.  The tagline " The best way to experience the web" is also one of extreme ignorance, as the ipad does not have flash, meaning a good quantity of the web experience is not available to ipad users.
 
However, if aesthetics are more your thing, the ipad may be of interest to you.  With a sleek, lightweight design; a small circulation of the product, and an overt price tag; it could be the poser's new best friend.
 
Whilst I may have berated the ipad a little bit so far, it does have some redeeming qualities.  It can be used to pick up a 3G signal.  But why not buy an i phone?  Its more portable, and has a great deal, if not virtually all the applications the ipad does, including video and I pod control.   The second ( this time valid) redeeming quality would be that the ipad possesses a fantastic screen resolution that is ideal for watching HD movies/ videos, or just looking over photos.
 
So my answer is simple, the i-Pad is primarily a basic entertainment/ fashion accessory and in reference to the question; yes, it generally is somewhat of a pointless commodity.       

What do you think?
 

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