Originally Posted by
patentcad
The iPhone had similar naysayers. Once it was on the street the word of mouth was positive enough to exponentially jump start sales. I do believe that even with its limitations, this product will have a similar trajectory. I don't disagree with some of the observations, but the product offers enough value/innovation for me and other people to want one. For example, it's only $200 more than a Kindle, but far more capable.
Kindle is a far, far better eBook reader. It has a better screen for reading, you can use it in brightly lit areas, and it will go for weeks without needing a recharge. Comparing iPad to Kindle and saying it's more capable is like saying a Ford Bronco is more capable than a Carrera GT, sort of apples and oranges. The iPad is a piss poor eBook reader, except for the form factor.
The iPhone is great because it takes something everyone needs nowadays (a mobile phone) and loads it with obviously killer apps and a great interface in a very portable package. The iPad isn't obviously useful and desirable in the same way an as an iPod or iPhone. It's a less capable notebook in a tablet form factor, but without a lot of things that make tablets super useful.
It may be a big success, but I think it will be mostly a fizzle.
It's ideal for much of what I use my laptop for - reading publications, web surfing, etc.
Except it doesn't support Flash and you can't multitask... I don't see how that is an ideal web surfer. It's actually ideal for nothing.