UberGeek's opinion on the iPad

The iPad isn't utter junk, but it isn't as revolutionary as the iPhone and iPod touch were.

On the surface, it's just a giant iPod touch. Same architecture, bigger screen, refreshed UI.

However, jut think of the possibilities! The iPod touch can do nearly anything a computer can, from reading to word processing to even gaming! With the iPad, those lines between the iDevice and a computer are blurred further, as the larger screen and external keyboard attachment enable a desktop-like user experience, with first-rate Interweb surfing, word processing, gaming, and reading*.

Why the asterisk? Well, reading on the iPad causes just as much eyestrain as reading on a computer or iPhone, since all the aforementioned devices use a regular LCD screen, unlike the Amazon Kindle and other e-book readers, which use paper-esque E-Ink screens, which cause no eyestrain. This nullifies a huge selling point of the iPad!

Devices like the iPad will probably end up replacing the computer for the masses too. Netbooks/tablet computers like the iPad have the power of computers, but none of the complexity and customizability that geeks like me relish but most people dislike.

So after all that bloviating about technology, let's consider pricing. The iPad's base 16GB WiFi-only model costs a rather steep US $499, more than a less appealing but more functional netbook, and the most expensive models cost as much as mainstream desktop computers!

Overall, I declare the iPad to be a waste of money if you already have a recent PC and an iDevice. If you are missing one or the other and are willing to give up extra cash in service of Steve Jobs' Reality Distortion Field (design average products well and upmark them 20%), then I recommend the iPad. Otherwise, stick with or buy a regular iPhone or iPod touch and be happy!

Note:

I am not an Apple fanboy.

Abhi S.
http://www.iUberGeek.mp
Twitter: @iUberGeek
Xbox Live: HDElite
Posted from my iPod touch!