Apple`s latest gadget, the iPad, has caused quite a stir after its official announcement, though not for the usual reasons. Whilst most greeted the iPhone as a revolutionary step forward, the reception of the iPad has been mixed, to say the least. It might be that the media`s love affair with Apple is finally over, or it might be that people do not quite understand where the iPad fits in; is it an over-sized iPhone, or a netbook without a keyboard and Flash support? The iPad is most definitely aimed at the current netbook users who want to spend a little more on their portable computing in return for a beautifully designed tablet, with the Apple branding and a 9.7 inch screen. The first iPad to arrive in shops will only have Wi-Fi connectivity on board, making it perfect for use at home, but a month later Apple is set to bring a version of the iPad to market with 3G connectivity as well. Could this compelling addition make the iPad better than the average netbook?
To answer this fairly complex and multi-faceted question, it is necessary to ask yourself what kind of experience you are looking for from a portable computer. If you have been an iPhone user since 2007 and have owned Apple products in the past, then you will know exactly what to expect from the iPad. The software will look and feel slicker and more intuitive than rival netbooks, the device itself will have that premium finish and prestige that comes from bearing the Apple logo and the support from software developers is likely to be extensive with the App Store and iBooks making a compelling case for iPad ownership.
However, if you have had your entire computing experience to date routed in a Windows-based environment, then you could find that the iPad will feel restrictive and less personal than a netbook. Even netbooks that run Linux rather than a version of Windows will have a wider compatibility with software from all areas and indeed backwards compatibility with an endless library of titles and programs that have been built for use on generic PCs over the years. The arrival of Windows 7, which is far more netbook-friendly thanks to its lower system requirements and shiny new interface, will also be cause for debate over whether the iPad is actually a worthwhile choice.
Now that we have covered the two distinct groups from a software side of things, we must move on to consider the hardware benefits and pitfalls of the iPad and standard netbooks. When the iPad 3G arrives, it will allow users to surf the internet from anywhere with decent 3G network coverage, though an associated charge for the data, or a pay monthly tariff, will likely be necessary in this instance. With an iPad 3G you will be able to download newspapers and magazines, buy books and surf the internet on your daily commute, which all sounds impressive. However, with netbooks you will have the freedom to use mobile broadband comparison to find the best 3G deal, use and USB dongle that you choose and take advantage of the stiff competition amongst network providers. In this debate, the answer is subjective and mutable.
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Basically, iPad is great for internet and reading eBooks?! To expensive for what it offers, if you ask me.