iPad vs Netbook

IT word on the street is that iPad’s release is causing a huge drop in netbook sales. Netbook revenue for the first quarter of 2010 has in fact plummeted, but is it due to the release of iPad? Maybe, maybe not. Some pundits say it’s a natural sales drop that has occurred before; others say it’s because of the iPad. What is certain is that iPad is flirting with the netbook market.

The iPad has some impressive features which the traditional netbook user might find compelling. It’s a touch tablet which presents somewhat like a big cell phone. It has the capacity to create light content as well as internet browse, play games, videos and eBooks (or iBooks of course). It’s comparable in size to the traditional netbook with a 9.7 inch screen. It’s all screen and that makes it light and compact, another traditional favored netbook feature and the price too, is in line with netbook prices.

The biggest down side of the iPad is probably the tablet design. No matter how rugged it is I don’t feel entirely comfortable laying my screen down flat on a surface without something covering it. Might just be a psychological issue but it is an issue. The other thing is that you’ve got to lay it flat or prop it up. The reason computer design has remained relatively static over time i.e.; upright screen and flat keyboard, is because it works. The iPad does not seem ergonomically friendly.

Apple have dealt with these issues by providing hardware add-ons (keyboard, dock and case) for purchase but when you add this pricing to the cost of owning and operating an iPad it is no longer a financially competitive alternative. iPads like most Apple products are sexy. They are also currently a lot more expensive than a netbook when you kit it out with everything required to make it as functional and user friendly as a netbook.