Ask The Crew: Will You Buy An iPad?

When Steve Jobs finally unveiled the iPad, it didn’t immediately send gadget lovers’ hearts aflame. Of course, nothing could match the hype that had surrounded the device for close to 10 years. But with the technical specs out there and details about mobile carriers’ plans for the data, we are now able to answer an important question:  will you buy it?

Natalie says Buy!

Possibly the only reason (but a great reason) I would buy the iPad is to begin my comic book addiction. I’ve dabbled in graphic novels like Runaways, Watchmen, and V for Vendetta, but I’m very much in the dark when it comes to current releases.

Here’s what I imagine in my ideal iPad/comic reading world: Apple sets up a comic book store that is very much like the music store. You could search by genre, keyword, or theme, have recommended reading list, and most importantly a subscription model that allows you to read all you want, not based on issue.  Not only would we have current issues of Marvel, DC, and Dark Horse but how about comics from yesteryear? Let’s read the first Superman issue or how about the entire Dark Phoenix saga? Boom, right in your hands.

I know it’s easy to download the comics on torrents, but I don’t want to be chained to my computer or reading frame by frame on my iPhone. I’d like to experience the comic book as close to its native element but with all the bonuses an iPad would provide.

[Comics by comiXology iPad concept]

Daorcey says Wait!

There’s a tech truism out there: don’t buy first generation Apple products. This first time out, the iPad is bound to have its own brand of bugginess. Furthermore, you know that Apple is just saving a couple more features for the iPad that will appear one year down the road. A camera and multitasking are bound to make it on the second time around (I’m just plain surprised they weren’t here already). And if you give the iPad some more time, you’ll have a whole lot more iPad-specific apps too choose from. Sure, EA and others are already making apps, but they’re not going to be ready for you 60 days from now.

I admit I got caught up in the collective disappointment that the iPad didn’t live up to expectations. And I still don’t buy Jobs’ assertion that it’s “way better than a laptop, way better than a phone.” From what I can see:

• it’s not anywhere close to a functional laptop in terms of power… netbooks, yes, but not laptops; and
• it’s NOT a phone

But it is a powerful mobile device that is well positioned to take on the eReader and netbook markets. One of our readers was very astute in asking earlier this week: “Do you think the iPad will be to netbooks what the iPhone is to cell phones?” Yes, I think it will. Just give it a year to work the kinks out and it will become one of the next big things.

But in the meantime, do yourself a favour and let someone else deal with the hassle of being an early adopter on this piece of gadgetry.

Breaking news: Steve Jobs shrinks to 10 inches in size, unveils iPhone

Mike says No Way!

Apple has not pulled the wool over my eyes. The iPad is not a notebook, it’s not even a netbook. The iPad is a larger version of the iPod Touch, plain and simple. I can’t even say it’s a larger version of an iPhone because it can’t make calls (except via Skype) and it can’t take pictures.

I’m not sure why so many people are falling in love with this. Yes I too admit it is very pretty. Is that what it has come down to? If it looks nice and has Apple’s name on it people will buy it? Appears that is the case.

C’mon folks, really take a hard long look at this device. No camera, no multi-tasking and the screen is back-lit, meaning reading eBooks on it will be hard on your eyes. Oh, and it runs the iPhone software. Is this really the notebook or netbook you’re looking for?