Apple CEO and visionary, Steve Jobs, has recently unveiled the newest product in Apple’s line of touch-screen devices – the iPad. It can surf the web (like and iPod Touch), has loads of applications (like an iPod Touch), touch screen (like an iPod Touch), email (like an iPod Touch), music and movies (like an iPod Touch), and it fits conveniently on your lap (like a laptop)… So, the highly-anticipated question is; do I like it?? Some of my colleagues are even waiting for my answer, before they formulate their own opinions. So let’s figure this jive out! I’ll start with what I find positive about this do-hicky.

The fact that it’s larger is very helpful for those of us with size XXL hands (punching the imaginary keys on my iPhone can get a little aggravating. Mistakes occur and it tries to “correct” them, but never with the word am I trying to actually type). Also, the larger screen allows for easier reading and video viewing. It’s also very sleek and doesn’t seem too cumbersome to cart around.

To be critical, however, it’s just a giant iPod Touch. You know those mid-day infomercials about the cell phones with giant buttons, for old people? It reminds me of that. I feel like this invention is a step back in the progression of technology. It would’ve made more sense if they would’ve put out the iPad first, and then miniaturized it as the iPod touch. I just don’t see why someone would want the same contraption, but bigger. Its size doesn’t even offer any extra gigabytes of memory.

Steve Jobs said he believes “the world needed a device in the space between the phone and a full-blown PC.” I find that to be an interesting spectrum, but in this day and age I understand what he means. But we already have that median – the netbook (which is the same price, if not cheaper). Many major cellular providers offer netcards for laptops and netbooks, which provide internet reception everywhere you go. Since the iPad works with Wifi connections, like an iPod Touch, you can only surf the web where a free connection is available. Also, there remain no Flash capabilities with the iPad (so web browsing is somewhat limited), nor is there a camera (in my opinion a still-useless addition, but not hard to include). Apple had to cut back a lot in order to maintain the $500 price for the device.

According to the Economic Time, the iPad will have very little impact in India. That should be a red flag right there! Though, they did recommend that the device could be used as a good classroom tool but, then again, a PC always has and still would suffice. It’s really just an entertainment item. There’s no word processing program, or multimedia programs, so you can’t work on papers or presentations, thus eliminating any “business” practicality. Most of the advertising they’ve done focuses on reading the New York Times. Do you really want to spend $500 on a New York Times subscription, when all you’re doing is reading straight from their website?

So what do I think of the iPad? I’m 70/30 against it. I like iPod Touches, so I like what the iPad offers, but having a super-sized iPod Touch does not sound appealing to me at all. You’d have to hunch over and scoliose yourself in order to type away at it. Plus, there’s just really no reason to get one. The iPad offers nothing new. If you’re looking for that median between your phone and a PC, spend less money and get a netbook.