[CCDMan]

There was an article somewhere (Gizmodo?) this AM that basically said that the iPad is the third wave in computing (after mainframes and the personal computer) and it (and PERHAPS devices like it) will replace the PC for the most common functions for a large percentage of the population.

I know the geeks will hate this idea and disagree, but they are geeks and clearly do not represent or even understand the vast majority of the population. Anyone who has tried to show a non-geek or a parent how to use a PC at any really useful level knows what a problem these folks have with the PC (or Mac). They want and need simple execution of simple tasks and iPad does that. It is ALL ABOUT SIMPLE.

Tablet devices will not kill the PC anytime soon, if ever, but will replace them for some of the more basic functions (which for some folks is all they would use a PC for anyway). In fact, one could argue that, if anything, they might be helpful for PCs in that they would serve as a basic and simple introduction to the world of the web, social media, and computing in general. This might encourage some folks to move on to the greater complexity and functionality of the PC.

I know that there are folks who will say that "my smartphone does all that". Well, I have been using an iPod touch (essentially a smartphone w/o the phone) since Gen 1 and have to say that the experience is less than ideal for most apps and horrible for others. This is almost entirely due to lack of screen real estate. Smart phones do what they do and are nicely portable but a tablet sized device is just often a better experience. There is room for both.

The big question for me is will any other companies be able to compete anytime soon? As many have said, it is all about simple and Apple is the king of simple. I sure hope we see some real competition soon in the tablet space. Obie-Wan-Android, you are our only hope! <g>

Interestingly, the biggest issue for iPad adoption by the target (non-geek) market is Wi-Fi
at home set up. Setting up a Wi-Fi router, although not too hard, is way harder than anything on the iPad itself...

As for me, I have a 3G on order and look forward to trying books on it. I suspect that it will prove to be a mixed bag in that regard. It will be great in the dark, great for color and graphics, but marginal on battery life, harder on the eyes, and way too heavy to hold in one hand. Of course, the weight and battery issues may eventually be solved by progress in these areas.

OTOH, I normally rest even my Kindle on something when I read.

We shall see. We live in interesting times in this respect.