Many people are going bonkers for the iPad. It's a device that has definitely changed the mobile computing industry. While Apple released the iPad earlier this year, many other manufacturers are planning on releasing their own version pretty soon. The question is, should you buy one?
1. First Generation Product
While I agree that the iPad is a nifty device, there are probably a few kinks that will get corrected when the second generation of products will be released. I always wait at least for the 2nd generation, that way I make sure that my tech will last.
2. Product Lifespan
It's hard to justify spending that amount of money on a product that will get an update within a few months. You've probably heard the rumors. The next iPad will most probably have a camera, which is sorely lacking from the 1st generation, and bigger screens. This means that if you've bought an iPad this year, you'll probably be tempted to buy a new one next year.
3. Consuming Media
While you do consume media on your laptop and/or desktop, you'll probably consume more on the iPad. You'll download books, subscribe to magazines, watch movies and TV episodes, etc. All of these things will cost you money.
4. Apps
A lot of apps are free, but you'll most likely spend a bit of money on apps. There are apps for almost everything, and it was a stroke of genius when Apple used the app store model to sell their software. The other thing is that you can't really install programs that don't come from the app store. That is a deal breaker for a lot of computer enthusiasts.
5. Spotty 3G Service
Yes, we've heard the problems with the AT&T 3G service, but that's not the only issue. On top of already paying a monthly fee for your cell phone, you'll end up paying another one for your iPad. These devices can get expensive very quickly.
[top image via Inhabitat, other photos by Joelle Alcaidinho]]
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Comments (8)
I'm an "early adopter" and found that I'm guilty of making a reverse list to this one, naming all the reasons why I should get it now instead.
I think the one that I use the most, or have seen other Apple fanatics use is saying, "When the new one comes out I'll give this (iDevice) to my wife/partner."
I don't even know if my wife wants my first-gen iPad, but she's getting it soon whether she likes it or not.
I'm with JL.
I exploit the fringe benefit to being married to someone who's interested in tech, but not addicted to it. I just got my iPad (through eBay, no less) with the plan to figure it out, integrate it into my work and home life, and then get Gen 2 and hand off this one to the wife. Or the kids, if they beat her to it.
These types of posts never seem to take into account the fact that as an early adopter you get to use the product for the period of time that the second generation hasn't been released. With these devices you aren't paying for the hardware, you are paying for what it can do.
The second data plan? Well, you could drop to a $15 on each device. Oh and my 3G has never been spotty. But really, why give up the unlimited data plan that only those of us who were early adopters ended up with?
You might choose to skip certain upgrades. I had a first generation iphone, then a 3G, but skipped the 3GS and waited for the iphone4.
You can sell old tech. I got back what I paid and then some for my first generation iphone.
You can change the purpose of old tech. My iphone 3G is now effectively an ipod touch for my child, serving as a music and educational device.
To me my ipad isn't "sorely lacking" a camera.
I have bought very little for my ipad. There are free books, free apps, and free streaming via Netflix if you already have an account. Not everyone who has one is suddenly dropping hundreds of dollars on apps and books. It's a great internet machine and great computer to travel with, but it isn't draining my wallet to own it.
3G isn't that big a draw to my friends. Everyone but me seems to have an iPad now, but they all have the wifi versions. No one wanted to deal with the 3G or the company it went through. One of my buddies already jailbroke his, but he does that for all is iGear because he hates AT&T. I can't blame him.
If the 'Product Lifespan' is the time before the product becomes useless, then there is no reason to suppose that it will not last several years (on the basis of former Apple products)
On the other hand, if your definition of the 'Product Lifespan' is 'the time before a newer model is introduced', then that point has already been covered in 'First Generation Product' hasn't it?
'Consuming Media' and 'Apps' are not reasons not to buy an iPad. If it were, then 'Saving Money' would be a good reason for never leaving the house. We choose to shop and buy stuff because it enhances our lives. If you were arguing that media and apps are too expensive at present, then that would be a reason, but I don't see that.
My own reasons for not buying an iPad yet are that the first gen model is too darned heavy and it lacks a forward-facing camera. I'm sure that Apple will address both of those points soon.
I'll probably wait and see how much I cheaper the android tablets will be, then consider if the price is worth it.
With an android phone and a mac laptop, I don't see any benefit of an iPad (especially for the price) to me personally.
That being said, being Apple, I am sure it is a slick device (not really a true computer)...
I was burned on the first iPhone generation. That will never happen again!
After owning multiple iPhones, I will wait for at LEAST a second generation iPad. I really would like to have one, just not ready to spend the money on something that will be souped up in a few months.
I would really like it for music, recipes, and reading only. Maybe going into it knowing that it will not 'replace' a current device helps.