Why new IPad is a FLOP

By reading the title of this blog, I think you already know which side I choose. Yes, I choose a side that criticize Apple of its latest move releasing IPad. But before criticizing it, I would like to compliment Apple hardware house which release a new processor called Apple A4. Apple is the only company out there where you can innovate in such hardware and software level. Hey, even Microsoft doesn't make their own processor, not even Google. The performance of this processor is comparable to the "Moorestown" atom processor which is used in the Google Nexus One phone. It is considered as the fastest mobile processor out there.

Other compliment goes to the Apple ability to expand its revenue stream by making book store app inside its device. Apple cuts deal with a big publisher in New York in order to fill its virtual shelf with books. And this deal actually can be good for Apple, because publishers now have the chance to get out from the clutch of Amazon's Kindle. This can be good for publishers because with competitor for Kindle, they can bargain over the price.
























Now let me explain why it will be a FLOP. Let me start first with the presentation of IPad's spiritual father, Steve Jobs. If we compare the presentation between IPhone and IPad, the presentation of IPad just missed flares and optimism from Steve Jobs. It might just be my feeling, but for people who knows Steve Jobs, you should also look at his presentation when he is unveiling the first Apple computer in 1984. It is just not electrifying enough. And God knows what Steve, if you make such device that just simply an oversized IPhone, I don't think that you will be happy with your achievement. Hey, where is your famous "BOOM" word when you presenting IPad!

Second, I have problem with the price. The cheapest variant is 16 GB, sell with the price tag of 500$. 16 GB is not enough if you plan to put music, HD movie, and pictures there. I even choke with a 100 GB harddisk. So let us buy the 64GB variant, and it has price tag of 700$. If you have a data plan attached, then the price will be 829$. Compared to the price of Amazon's Kindle which is 260$, this device from Apple is still expensive. Compared to the price of netbooks in the market, they are all priced in the price tag around 250$ - 300$. But of course Kindle can not do web surfing as good as IPad!! but then let us look at netbooks. Netbooks can surf the web, and you can also read books with Netbooks. So IPad has to compete with netbooks in terms of functionalities.

Third, the operating system used is the same OS as the IPhone one. Only Apple made some built in app in order to make this device appealing. Also, all games that are made for IPhone can be played in IPad. And the backdraw of this OS is that there is no MULTITASKING!! Yes, it is not possible to chat with AIM while you read a book you bought in Apple Book Store. I chat occasionally, and I think it would be nice if I can chat while browsing through my favorite website.

Fourth, is the design of IPad. IPad use on-screen keyboard, which will be shown when you are typing mail, or having need to input something. If you know the shape of IPad, it is just like a flat slate, and imagine the position you have to take to type on that thing. You must put that thing on your lap, and by then you can type comfortably. Having to type on your lap for a long time is actually not good for your arm. As your arm is straining, it can cause some pain if the duration are long. Perhaps in the future, Apple will release a docking station and keyboard for its IPad. But if that happens, then its just Apple admitting the mistake of its INTUITIVE DESIGN. I better of with a tablet from HP where it has multi touch screen, and it has normal keyboard.


So All in all, this product is so NOT STEVE JOBS. I can say Mr.Jobs is proud of his multi touch, app store, itunes, book store concept. But for the device itself, probably he just feel so-so. If Mr.Jobs reads this blog, he can send me a personal mail to say if I am correct or not. No need for NDA because I will not tell anyone :)