Ipad, hit or Iflop

This past Saturday, Apple released it's latest gadget, the Ipad. I've read article after article stating that nearly all locations selling this new gadget had a line or waiting list for the chance to purchase one of these on it's initial release. However, I have not heard of any shortages, and just about everyone who wanted one could buy one. Also, upon a quick check on Ebay, I see the usual suspects selling ipads at inflated prices, but not many individuals doing this, to me this means the demand is not there yet.

For example with every version of the Iphone, Apple has run out of stock at many locations the weekend of it's initial release. This has not occurred for the Ipad.

Personally, I would love the opportunity to give a quality review of this product, but can't justify buying one, and without some good sponsors, I don't see me buying one anytime soon. And here is why.

1. I can't find a reason why I need it
2. How will it help my productivity
3. What exactly does it do again?

The Specs of the ipad seem to be pretty good for a decent netbook type computer, but to me it lacks two key features. 

• No REAL Keyboard:.  Sure we use the visual keyboard on our Iphones, but do we really want that type of keyboard on a dedicated "Computer"?
• Lack of Memory/Disk Space: This may not be a real issue, but if it's to be used as a "Computer" it needs lots of "hard Disk" space.  This could be in the form of ram, but 16gb, 32gb, or even 64gb just doesn't seem like much to me when my wife's 2yr old netbook has a 160b hard disk in it.  This problem could be overcame by a standard usb interface to connect an external hard drive for more storage, but I don't believe this is an option.

Again, I can't seem to find a use for this device.  At first glance, I think the following would be great uses, but not for me, and I think it's a little expensive for these purposes.

• Digital Picture Frame, If I needed one of these
• E-Book Reader, If I read books
• Portable Gaming machine, might be cool if the game writer step it up and give us something cool.  The problem is a touch screen makes a horrible game pad in my opinion.  A external device would have to be developed specifically for this purpose.

Now, for some good points.

• Many believe the Iphone Dev Team, GeoHot, or one of the other Iphone developers have already jailbroken the ipad, but nothing has been officially released yet.
• Apps are already developed specificially for the ipad, but who knows how good they are.
• Iphone Apps should all work natively, I think.

In Closing, at this time, I don't think I will be getting one anytime soon.  But, if any of my Friends, colleagues, or peers have one, I would love to get my hands on it for a bit to check out on my own.  Yes, I could hit up an Apple Store, or Best Buy, but that's not the same as playing with one out in the Wild. 

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