Apple’s iPad: Entrepreneurs Will Love It – When They’re Not Working

Posted on 10. Feb, 2010 by in Review

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If you keep up on technology news even a little, you know that Steve Jobs recently announced the late-March launch of Apple’s new tablet computer, the iPad. The buzz about the device is in full swing, so we scanned reviews and public opinions from all over the web, to answer the one question we’re most concerned with: Will entrepreneurs want to be first in line at the Apple store on release day?

The short answer is, “probably not.” Don’t misunderstand – this is a very cool device. It does all an iPod Touch does and gives you more room in which to do it. Several apps, such as email, the photo app, and maps, have been revamped for the iPad as well. And there is no doubt developers are by now feverishly working to tweak their already-compatible 140,000+ iPhone apps to look great on the iPad’s larger screen.

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(click to enlarge)

So it’s not that the iPad isn’t useful or exciting; it’s just that (priced between $499 and $829) it is very unlikely to take the place of your comparably-priced laptop or desktop, for work purposes. By nearly all accounts, this is more of a device for home and fun than for work. In fact, it seems the reviews of the iPad can’t help but refer to lounging at home: “…seems like it would be a great way to read a book, curled up on my couch,” (SF Chronicle) and “…a casual computer for the living room couch.” (CNET)

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Now, if your business involves reviewing websites or HD YouTube videos, or reading books, the iPad might be an additional tool for you. There’s no denying the iPad’s 9.7-inch screen offers a great web experience, and the included new iBook software makes reading books on the iPad a pleasure. But if you’re looking to do the kind of work most of us in business need to do, you won’t be pitching your laptop for the iPad. Even with the available iWork suite ($79 extra), a lack of multitasking abilities, no SD or USB slots, and a smaller-than-standard on-screen keyboard might make serious work a challenge.

Based on feedback from several reviewers (Macworld, PC Advisor, and Gizmodo for instance) and scores of laypeople (example), the Apple iPad is seen by most as a larger version of the iPod Touch/iPhone. If you consider those devices business tools, and you like the idea of an enlarged version, have a closer look at the iPad. If not, stick with the solutions you use now for business and think about getting an iPad for fun.

What do you think of Apple’s new iPad? Is it something you think you’ll buy when it is released? Share your opinion below.

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14 Responses to “Apple’s iPad: Entrepreneurs Will Love It – When They’re Not Working”

  1. Credit Girl

    10. Feb, 2010

    The iPad looks pretty fun to me! I wouldn’t mind having one…Although I’m sure I wouldn’t buy it just when it comes out because the price always goes down a couple months later…

    Reply to this comment

  2. Columbia Mo Mortgage

    10. Feb, 2010

    I know of one area of business where the iPad is taking off – Health Care. I just helped an Orthodontist in my area outfit his staff and he’s absolutely loving the convenience ON the job. :-)

    Reply to this comment

  3. Web Design Beach

    10. Feb, 2010

    The dimensions are really interesting and intriguing at first sight. This one could workout very good for those who don’t like very small displays.

    Reply to this comment

  4. Cash Genie

    10. Feb, 2010

    Work wise for sure it is not a substitute, for surfing in the free time it is a handy devise but that could be done in iphone and other devices. For book reading and dimension wise, I find it good but then I would prefer Kindle than this.
    So I am not going to buy it, lets see what other people has to say about it.

    Reply to this comment

  5. Casie at Grasshopper

    11. Feb, 2010

    I am usually excited when Apple releases something but this time…eh. Like Cash Genie said, if I wanted to use this to read books I’d get a kindle. And it isn’t really big enough to do real work so I know I won’t be buying it.

    Reply to this comment

  6. Noritake

    11. Feb, 2010

    It the process of diffusion of innovation for the apple inventors.It will definitely create new array for the digital pad.

    Reply to this comment

  7. eBay Coach

    13. Feb, 2010

    I hate to be negative – but this looks like another “toy” that could really suck up some time. Our society is getting far too carried away with technology. Every teenager I see is walking around staring at a handheld electronic device like a robot. This can’t be good.

    Reply to this comment

  8. Stratos Jets

    13. Feb, 2010

    I think the iPad will definitely have its place.. but perhaps not the place Apple intended. Mainstream business owners probably don’t want to tote this beast around. I know I don’t..

    Reply to this comment

  9. Consolidation School Loan

    15. Feb, 2010

    I agree. I can only say that I am more the blackberry type… and iPad/iPhone/… are more for leisure time than for business… but that’s just my opinion

    Reply to this comment

  10. Payroll Outsourcing

    15. Feb, 2010

    You may right but as all know not only entrepreneurs but common people also love to use apple’s products and specially something like ipad, yes there might be not exciting features but still i feel it may work.

    Reply to this comment

  11. Laptop Briefcases

    15. Feb, 2010

    I have no intentions of buying an ipad anytime soon. To me it just seems like a netbook with poor functionality. To start it will mostly have very specific uses like health care. It will take some time before this really takes off. It might not take off until Apple adds webcam & cell phone capabilities.

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  12. Payroll Outsourcing

    16. Feb, 2010

    Yes i would say a bit agree with @laptop.

    Reply to this comment

  13. Legitimate Work From Home Jobs

    16. Feb, 2010

    For me, convenience is a big factor. I would like to have one, but I’m sure I will get frustrated if not able to perform more than the basic of tasks.

    Reply to this comment

  14. tattoo kits

    21. Feb, 2010

    Do we have any feedback on how its going so far?

    Most people I know think its a cool gadget but would not spend money on 1 even though they have a mac book and i-phone

    Reply to this comment

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