What Is So Great About iPads Anyway?

I remember in late November as I browsed the web for my Christmas wish list, I stumbled upon HP gadgets. This was where I found the HP DreamScreen, which was released last September 2009 in the U.S at the price of $250. It is a portable smart display that comes in two sizes (10 and 13 inches diagonally). It has features such as: wireless internet, touch enabled controls, day at a glance, social media hub, music, photos, videos and connectivity with PC. I immediately added it on my wish list hoping that somebody out there with the kindest heart will give it to me.

This January 2010, Apple announced their latest high technology, the iPad tablet, which has similar features as HP’s DreamScreen. Starting price is $499 and will be released on late March this year. I love Apple products. Based on my experience on using them for more than a year, I will choose Apple over other brands. But as a consumer, the most important thing to me in buying products is the quality and reasonable price, so I need to compare products, watch the keynote and research about the Pros and Cons.

iPad Pros:

The good thing about this product is the affordable price compared to a laptop. When it comes to weight and sizes, this tablet wins since it’s half an inch thin and 1.5 pound light. Battery life lasts for 10 hours video watching and a month stand by life. You can download applications from App Store, no need for modification.

Cons:

Unlike laptops, iPad cannot multitask. It is one application at a time, this means no streaming while working on some pages. Battery is built-in so when it breaks, you’re screwed! It’s the same reason why people disliked Macbook Air. No Skype and no built in camera either. You can’t use it to call someone.

So if I have a laptop and a mobile phone, what do I need and iPad for?