VALDOSTA —
Beginning on March 12, computer geeks and Mac freaks began pre-ordering the latest release from Apple – the iPad.
The iPad is the first tablet computer – a cross between a smartphone and a laptop computer – that has been developed by Apple and will be available for sale on April 3.
There are no confirmed reports on how many iPads were sold on the first day, or first few days, but the Wall Street Journal reported, from an undisclosed source, that “hundreds of thousands” were ordered in the first week.
If the iPad sales continue, it could outpace the debut sales of the iPhone. The iPhone originally sold 1.2 million units in 2007 when Apple first launched the devise.
However, all of the glitz and glamour still does not have some Apple lovers thrilled by the iPad.
Bobby Lacey, Valdosta State University web designer and photographer, bought his first Apple computer – a 15 inch Apple Powerbook – in September 2004, but will be buying the new iPad when it comes out next month.
“I haven’t been too excited about it yet,” Lacey said. “From the looks and specifications Apple has given us so far, it’s nothing more than a large iPod Touch. I’ve thought about different ways I could adapt this tool with my work, but so far there have only been a few (ways).”
Lacey does wish the iPad would have an application that would allow it to be used as a second monitor, since he spends most of his work days in Adobe Photoshop.
“When (Apple CEO) Steve Jobs told the world about his company’s newest product, I didn’t see any ‘wow’ features,” Lacey said. “But I think Apple has yet to show us everything it does. Maybe they are holding off until they’re ready to reveal their famous ‘one more thing’.”
Lacey isn’t alone in feeling that way.
“I think, if you take a good look at the market, you’ll notice the iPad doesn’t fill a market void,” Brian D. Aitken, a strategic advisor to a digital creative agency in New York City told The Valdosta Daily Times. “Apple is planning on launching their latest version of their iPhone soon and the market was buzzing with Verizon, Google and Android. If you think carefully, you may find that the iPad is nothing more than marketing dollars well spent.”
There are also many concerns about the iPad such as the device having no flash, no camera, no USB (universal serial bus), no HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) and if the iPhone applications work with the iPad.
April Vealey of Barwick sees things differently.
“I love my iPod Touch for surfing the internet and checking e-mails,” Vealey said. “I just wish it was bigger so I think the iPad will be great for people that feel the same way. I have a Dell Mini but never use it. I will be one of the people that orders an iPad once the prices drop some.”
The prices of the iPads start at $499 but differ for two reasons - depending on the data storage capacity and what version of the iPad you buy.
The iPad that will be released on April 3 is simply the Wi-Fi version that you can use the Internet anywhere that you have a wireless internet connection.
The Wi-Fi and 3G version of the iPad will be released in late April. This version of the iPad can be used just like the other version, but can also be used with a cellular connection when you are not within a Wi-Fi range.
According to apple.com, there are two data plans from AT&T that you can use with the iPad. One plan with a 250mb allowance per month will cost $14.99 while the unlimited plan will cost $29.99.
AT&T will be the only U.S. cellular provider for the iPad’s 3G data plan.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple is busy negotiating deals for various applications and licensing deals with book companies, digital newspapers and television shows.
As of right now, the only place to pre-order an Apple iPad is through the Apple Web site, www.apple.com.
ipad features
– LED-Backlit IPS Display
– Multi-Touch
– Up to 10 hours of battery life
– Wireless
– 3G capabilities
– iPod
– iTunes
– iBooks
– Maps
Courtesy of Apple www.apple.com/ipad
