iPad: First Impressions

Apple unveiled its “latest creation” this week, the massively anticipated iPad tablet. First things first – we’re blown away by the iPad’s potential. It’s beautiful, extremely functional, and relatively affordable, starting at just $499.99. When Apple says it’s their “most advanced technology in a magical and revolutionary device at an unbelievable price,” they’re really not exaggerating.

But we have to be honest – we’re still adjusting to the name. “iPad” doesn’t convey the elegance of the device. In a worse-case scenario, it might even remind some people of certain other products. However, it’s not so bad when a product’s name is its most questionable feature. Certainly Apple has the market research to select a winning name – even if it seems weird to us right now. The name “MacBook” used to sound corny, but now we like it.

In our opinion, the iPad is going to be wildly, massively, amazingly successful. Why? First, and perhaps most importantly, this device is incredibly useful. Full iWork access, full iCal and email access, full-screen web browsing, and a larger keyboard are just hints of the beginning of the iPad’s utility.

We think the true groundbreaking aspect of the iPad continues to be the app store. As long as “there’s an app for that,” the iPad will rule.

There are already tens of thousands of specialized apps for every type of professional – doctors, lawyers, writers (and in this Internet-powered age, who isn’t a writer), and so on. Personally, there are many writing, photo, and video apps I’ve wanted to use on a larger screen, powered by a more powerful processor than is available in the iPhone. The iPad is just the device for that.

Second, the iPad is going to be fun. It’s perfect for watching movies, YouTube clips, or TV shows, it offers a novel gaming platform (and tens of thousands of games in the iTunes Store), and it’s a knockout ebook reader. It’s ideal for any room – following a recipe from the Epicurious app in the kitchen, reading in bed, watching “Lost” while your partner watches “Knots Landing,” and so on.

The iPad fills a niche between a full-sized, full-featured notebook computer and an iPhone / iPod touch. It’s great for people on the go. By “on the go,” I don’t just mean on the road, traveling (though it will be great for many people on short trips). I also mean “on the go” around the office, home, or around town on a busy day of appointments.

Sure, there have been Debby Downers on the iPad. Some people are claiming to be underwhelmed, or disapointed by the iPad. Really? By what? Lack of camera? We’re calling them out. These are the same people that poo-pooed the original iMac, original 5GB iPod (which originally cost the same as the entry-level iPad) , even the iPhone. Maybe we’d agree with them if the iPad cost the rumored $999. But even the top-of-the-line model iPad tops out at $829.

iPad rules. Apple hasn’t announced firm ship dates yet, but we hope to be carrying them as soon as they’re available. We can’t wait.