Remember the first time you saw that little 10" notebook computer that you weren't quite sure what it was? A 10" or so screen that looked like a mini computer, that's the netbook. They were introduced in 2007 to offer an affordable alternative to laptops or desktop PC's that perform basic computer functions. They have become quite popular as consumers turn to the netbook for internet browsing, simple application, and transportation conveniences. Then came the iPad in 2009, Apple's new revolutionary product that shook the PC marketplace. Which brought the question, are iPad's the new netbook or laptop substitute of the future?
Now the iPad has already established a solid customer base with 3 million units already sold this year, with over 6 million projected by year end. Apart from Netflix, iBooks, and USA Today, the next most downloaded apps for the iPad were productivity apps such as Pages, Keynote, and Numbers. I have seen this trend coming, as users become more familiar with Mac operating systems through devices such as the iPod and iPhone. Consumers have begun to turn toward more mobile devices that can be easily used anywhere, which the iPad provides with its Wi-Fi and 3G. I also believe that if open systems, universal programing and document format, become the new norm, the iPad will see an even increased rise in market share due to the fact that many PC users don't switch to Mac products due to unfamiliarity with the software.
As a former PC user and recent Mac converter, I can say that my recent switch to the iPhone and increased popularity of Mac products have swayed me to test and learn how to use Macs. I am also intrigued by the iPad as it seems to be a perfect secondary product to use for basic computer purposes, travel, and read textbooks with. If digital textbooks and ebooks take off I will probably make my conversion to the iPad sooner rather than later, a trend i expect to continue among consumers in the near future.
I converted about two years ago, but I did it in a different order than you suggest. I started with a Mac. From there I went from a Blackberry to an iPhone because of how well it would sync with my computer. I have wanted to buy an iPad for awhile, but my problem is syncing all three devices. I know Apple's MobileMe is supposed to help with this, but I do not want to pay $99 a year to keep things up to date. I feel that with apple's new Apple TV that they are going to have to change syncing options. Wireless speeds are fast enough that they should just allow everything to talk to a server and know which things to send and receive, so that all of the systems know what is going on. Once this comes along, I think that an iPad would be a perfect addition, maybe an Apple TV too.
ReplyDeleteI'm still having some trouble justifying the purchase of an iPad. With a smartphone and a MacbookPro, it seems almost like a waste of money for some of the features, but I completely understand the ease at which you can take and use your iPad from anywhere.
ReplyDeleteI have been a Mac user for about 5 years now, and wouldn't have it any other way as far as the computer goes. I don't have an iPhone but I do have an Android phone, so while I cannot sync my devices seamlessly as with an iPhone, Google gives me plenty of options to make it work.
As Apple continues to develop the iPad, as it has done in the last year (we have already seen drastic improvements in the OS) I think that iPad might become the newest wave of "Netbook" type devices used for convenience. Aside from all of its Apps, when Apple will be able to let the iPad do most things that a normal Macbook can, if that day comes, then you will see more and more students and business leaders using them more and more.
Do you remember how the netbook craze started? For everyone it seemed like those small things could actually be a true replacement for a laptop. Well, time proved this idea to be wrong. It’s just that people thought a netbook could actually do laptop’s work instead of what its name hints it to be – a device meant to be used mainly to surf the internet and not much more.
ReplyDeleteNow we have the iPad as a pioneer of a new generation of devices, but this time it looks different - we have something that could be very close to a computer and really belong in our everyday lives from the very time it showed up on the market...
Almost all the major brands are planning to have a similar device on the market soon, so it’s more than certain that the netbook craze is going to happen once again very soon, although this time it would probably be called „the tablet craze”. Hopefully this time people will really get what they meant to buy – a portable computer that would be comfortable and useful to carry around at the same time.