I Want That iPad!

Apple Inc. announced iPad today.

0.5 inch thin
1.5 pounds
9.7 inch IPS display
Full capacitive multitouch
16 to 64 GB flash storage
1GHz Apple A4 chip
WiFi, Bluetooth, 3G (on deluxe models)
Speaker, Microphone
10 hour battery life, 1 month standby
$29.99 per month, no contract, for unlimited data, $14.99 for up to 250 MB

I was watching the stock market as I was glancing at the live update by engadget.com. It was another dismal day in the market, under the heavy weight of uncertainty. Apple's shares were being sold as the event in San Francisco progressed.

Then, at 11:18AM PST, when the price was announced, AAPL (stock symbol for Apple) shot up: $499.

The priciest iPad, with 64GB storage and 3G, will be $829. So much for the tech pundits whispering $1,000.

The pundits, thus outsmarted by Steve Jobs, have been busy talking down the device. Early reviews (just from the presentation, I suppose, as the device won't be available for another 60 days) are mixed at best.

What don't they like about?

Lack of "killer app"
No Flash (Adobe, that is)
No multitasking
No phone, no camera
Just a big iPhone or iPod Touch
etc.etc.

I like it. I particularly like no-commitment, unlimited data for only $30 a month. I think it may appeal to the segment of the population that these pundits and analysts are not thinking about. It's not for the 20-something or 30-something, and not even for kids. It's for the boomer generation and above. Just a big iPhone or iPod? Great. For many, they don't want to struggle with tiny screens. Boomers and seniors may not quite care for "killer app" or multitasking.

When Jobs announced iPhone, analysts weren't too happy either. We will find out how it will be received, 60 days from now.

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