Behold, A Giant iPhone
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For the low low price of $500, you too can own your very own giant iPhone.
It's called the iPad -- not the iSlate. Like iPhone, it is many things all rolled into one: an e-reader, a game system, and a mini-laptop. And of course, the apps will flow like wine. For some extra dough, you can even get it with 3G.
Before the iPhone came out, I was saying for years, why won't Apple make a phone already? So were many people. I'm not sure the iPad fits that same mold. I don't think mankind has been in need of a laptop without a keyboard, a Mac Air with a touch screen. And no, the iPad does not have flash, meaning many web videos will be represented by question mark.
Sure, you can watch 10 hours of video on one battery charge. But is that worth buying a whole new device that doesn't actually replace anything?
Then again, it does look better than the Kindle, and people seem to like those, so who knows?
The fact is that Apple has consistently re-defined how we think about our gadgets. You didn't know you needed Expose on your desktop computer. Now you'd be dead without it.
Will Saletan argued that technology has a far greater impact on the world than politics. He makes a strong case, although I'd like to see an app that can reform health care.
Of course, the real impact of the iPad won't be felt until all those apps come out. Tyler Cowen predicts "the Apple Tablet will compete not with the iPhone or Kindle, but rather with *the university*." Meaning, I assume, that textbooks and online lectures will be a main feature.
Predicting failure for any Steve Jobs creation should be done with great trepidation. But my friends and I have waited in line for every single iPhone ever made. I don't think any of us will wait in line for the iPad. That should have someone worried.
