The hype leading up to its introduction bordered on the ridiculous. Expectations were set impossibly high with all sorts of wild speculation regarding display technologies, processors, and connectivity. So when the device was finally revealed, many were disappointed by its uncharacteristically sparse features list, at least for Apple. No camera, and no multi-tasking capability (at least as announced at launch.) Also, many were hoping there would be networking options beyond those offered by AT&T, widely reviled by iPhone owners in San Francisco and New York for spotty 3G coverage.
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Yet looking back to the introduction of the original iPhone, there are some striking parallels between the two devices, especially in terms of their public reception and critical response. Many said Apple was already too late in the game with the iPhone, and much like where the iPad stands currently, there were few, if any, native applications available for it. Likewise, with the Kindle and Nook already on the market, along with other e-readers from Sony and other manufacturers, some are already saying Apple has missed the boat on entering the e-reader market. Yet for all the early prognostications of failure for the iPhone, it remains the iconic standard in the smartphone market, and has spawned dozens of competitors.
Likewise, I believe apart from dedicated bookworms, the general public is more attracted to a color, multi-function, multi-tasking device than a black & white uni-tasker. As others have said in the electronic enthusiast community, the iPad will likely live or die by its apps. As of now, the device is still not on sale, and it's unknown if it will receive the same support in the developer community as the iPhone did.
My prediction in terms of overall sales volume and developer support, is that the iPad will not quite reach the same dizzying heights of sales and sector dominance as the iPhone, but will certainly be one of the top three best-selling devices in its segment. I also expect that many of the initial criticisms leveled against it will be addressed in future versions of the device, most likely multi-tasking, and video support, as well as additional data carriers.
Prior to its official introduction, I was planning on being one of the early adopters of the iPad, and be the proverbial coffeehouse geek clutching one in my nerdy hands. However, as it currently stands, I will wait until it arrives in stores for some hands-on playtime, and possibly holding out until the 2010 holiday season for some mid-cycle updates.
