Few surprises in Apple's announcement yesterday. While a horde of geek-bloggers rushed to declare it a certain failure, judging by the reaction in my household, it will be a success.
The absence of a camera seems a shortcoming, but every manufacturer holds something back from the first model so we can be enticed to upgrade in a year or two. As I watched Steve Jobs and others sitting in that chair, surfing and reading, it was apparent that users will want a camera for internet chats, Skyping, etc. Maybe 2011.
I'm not a gamer - and found the violence in the game demos during the keynote speech disturbing - but the device will thrive in that market. Casual 'net surfing on the sofa will be a lot more comfortable when one is not holding a hot, four-pound brick. Watching videos and reading books will be huge joy. I hope Canadian publishers get on-board quickly so the bookstore is available here soon. The iPad won't surpass the iPod for music listening (too large to haul to the gym and stick on an arm) but it will be nice to have one's chosen music at hand while reading a favourite novel. The re-worked calendar and notebook appear to be natural extensions of the paper versions and are sure to appeal to those who have stuck with the traditional forms. Taking one's photos along to show family and friends is suddenly a whole lot nicer. Not everyone we know is a millennial accustomed to squinting at a 2" display.
The iPad will cannibalize some of Apple's notebook computer sales; many of us have notebooks for convenience and use them primarily as media devices. But I also see a resurgence of desktop iMacs. For "real work", the power and speed of the desktop will appeal and the iPad has been priced such that many customers can and will purchase both. Not bad for a of years's work in the development labs at Apple.
