The consumer tech industry is still trying to figure out what to make of the recently announced Apple iPad tablet device that we first wrote about a couple days ago.
During the event in San Francisco, writers and consumers who tuned in were likely thinking along similar lines: the iPad is similar to an iPod Touch, except with a bigger screen. Even though Apple announced several different software suites, it's still not clear if the iPad will be anything more than a portable entertainment device.
Nintendo President Satoru Iwata is in no rush to purchase an Apple iPad -- and Apple CEO Steve Jobs likely won't send him one, either.
"It was a bigger iPod Touch," Iwata noted, while also denying rumors of a new handheld DS gaming unit that has a motion-sensor.
Iwata's underwhelming thoughts on the iPad are not alone, as it's possible to find numerous blogs and opinions that criticize the new Apple device. Microsoft's Brandon Watson, director of product management for developer platform, also criticized the iPad, saying it's a locked down device.
Wired and several analysts remain impressed with the iPad's 9.7-inch touchscreen display that is similar to the iPod Touch and iPhone, but has better picture quality.
Along with Apple's stock going down after Jobs' announcement earlier in the week, it seems Fujitsu now claims it has the rights to "iPad," and may take Apple to court.
There have been a few different sites and blogs that are pleased with the iPad, and can't wait for its release in a couple of months. The Gizmodo staff had mixed reactions to the iPad, with one staff member saying it is "substantial but surprisingly light" while another wrote on post on why the iPad sucks.
As a writer for the New York Times wrote in an article, people may be extremely critical of the iPad now -- but consumers will still likely flock to it when released this April.
Some Apple fans will likely be immediate adopters, with casual consumers waiting a few months before taking the plunge. The sub-$500 notebook and netbook market has a variety of good choices, so it's up to consumers to do their research before making a purchase.
Considering the amount of hype surrounding the iPad -- for more than one year -- I personally think the announcement is rather lackluster. The device itself looks okay, and the screen is very impressive, but no Adobe flash support is a major problem for me. I also don't like some of the other hardware limitations that can be found in the iPad, so it's unlikely that I will be purchasing one in 2010.
Are you anxious to get your hands on the Apple iPad?
