IPAD REVIEW

My first thought - SNORE. Let's start with the basics, as we have become accustomed to with all things Apple, everything about the design and functionality is very cool. The product name leaves something to be desired - the IPad. I get it, it fits in the with the IPod and is unified marketing for Apple, but ISlate sounds cooler. ITablet does not. And I definitely want one, but not at Apple's current prices.

The WiFi models for 16GB cost $499, the 32GB is $599 and the 64GB is $699. If you want 3G the prices go up significantly from there - 16GB is $629, 32GB is $729 and the 64GB is $829. That's not including your 3G data package, which is another monthly service fee ($30/month). Plus the cost of the Apps, Music, Movies and EBooks that run on the IPad. As a consumer, you're looking at over $1000 a year for one of these devices.

I get the high price points for an IPod or IPhone. Music is very personalized. As a consumer you want your music to travel with you. Same thing with an IPhone. It's your phone and you want to make sure you can stay in touch wherever you go. Both the IPod & IPhone are essential to your digital lifestyle as a consumer. Most consumers have a computer at work, or at home, or more likely both. So the IPad, while "cool" is more of an optional device rather than a must have device like IPod or IPhone. And for optional devices, Apple really should price it lower to move units. If it was $200-$300 and $500 for the 64GB fully loaded, then we're looking at a must have optional device. But with lower cost netbooks as the IPad closest competition, in this economy netbooks win hands down at under $300 with their prices dropping.

I predict a $200 price cut within 2 months. Apple's not going to be able to sell the IPad at these current prices.