I’m typically a fan of Apple, having been a loyal consumer of their iPod for six years, impressed by their Mac Books, and amazed by their marketing skills. But then they came out with this iPad thing. People won’t stop talking about it. It’s all over Twitter. And to be honest, Mashable has flooded their social media blog with iPad posts (talk about off topic).
Frankly, I don’t get it. Sure, it’s pretty. And yeah, it’s a kinda cool device. Kinda. But does it really deserve the hype it’s been getting? If you’re one of those people who thinks retweeting something about the iPad will make you look cool, here are the reasons why, in my opinion, the iPad is useless.
1. General fail
It’s a cross between the iPhone and a laptop, combining the inferior features of each. It doesn’t fit in your pocket, doesn’t have a keyboard, can’t make phone calls, can’t take pictures, and the most affordable model (still $500) only has WiFi. Fail on all accounts.
2. The iPad doesn’t compare to a book
Reading a novel is just not the same without holding a book and turning the pages (though to be fair, this also applies to the Kindle or other eBook readers). And at 1.5 pounds, the iPad makes for quite a heavy book. Or think of it this way: if you spill something on a page in your book, it only affects that page or two. But if you spill something on your iPad, EVERY PAGE is smudged. Think about it.
3. The iPad is expensive
People keep saying that the iPad is very affordable, with options between $500 and $800. With Netbook options in the $300 range and smart phone options in the $200 range, I question these people’s basic math skills.This quote from CNET says it all: “Logically, you know the iPad’s dimensions are no less portable than a book. But when a book costs between $500 and $800 and is made of glass, you treat it differently.”
4. Limited iPad battery life
Touch screens generally run out of battery quickly. So although the iPad promises 10 hours of battery life, your books won’t run out of batteries after a 12 hour flight. Even the Kindle will last for four days without needing a recharge. So there are better options available.
5. iPad doesn’t compare to a laptop
If you’re at home, and you need to look something up really quickly, you go to your laptop. It has a keyboard, which is much quicker than touch screen, and you’re already used to your browser interface. Hence, at home, there is no need for an iPad.
6. iPad doesn’t compare to a phone
If you’re out and about, and you need to look something up really quickly, you take out your phone. Either you have a smartphone with 3G coverage or an internet-ready phone. No WiFi necessary. And usually, we already have an app for that. Hence, away from home, there is no need for an iPad.
7. The iPad doesn’t run flash
REALLY??? Most streaming videos are run in flash. Many websites use flash, although according to Gizmodo, “the internet is starting to look different” to accommodate the iPad. REALLY??? This is what I call ridiculousness. It’s called a Netbook, people. It supports flash, has a keyboard, and it costs around $200 less.
8. The name iPad is too easy to make fun of
When Apple announced the iPad’s release, the top trends on Twitter were #iMaxiPad and #iTampon. Enough said.
9. Paying extra for the internet
There will be two 3G service options for the iPad: $15 a month for 250MB of data, or unlimited data for $29.99 a month. Not to mention that you have to pay extra for a 3G-capable iPad. This is on top of your home internet/cable/DSL bill and your cell phone bill. Is this really necessary?
10. There is no camera
The iPad doesn’t have a camera. There’s no front facing camera for video chatting, there’s no back facing camera like the iPhone; again, you might as well use your phone, making the iPad unnecessary.
11. The iPad is awkward to carry around
It’s not just the fact that it’s an awkward size between an iPhone and a laptop, or the fact that it’s 1.5 pounds and therefore heavier than most books. It doesn’t really fit in your hand too well, and you can’t set it down on your desk so that the screen faces you (like a laptop). And to bring it out with you, you’d have to awkwardly just carry it around or bring a large purse, a backpack, a laptop bag, or a murse (man purse).
12. People are just a little too obsessed
Do you really want to be one of those people who falls for the latest fads because of those “social media experts” on Twitter? Wait a little while. See what your friends who fell for it have to say about it. If we’d waited for our friends to tell us in the 90’s, “The Furby is f’ing freaking, I had to take the batteries out so it would stop harassing me,” we’d all be $25 richer.
Feel free to agree or disagree in the comments below. What else can you add to the list?
