Since the unveiling of the Apple iPad last week, it has received massive amounts scrutiny from everyone. I have heard some people call it "an iPod touch on steroids", and "crap futurism". Many say they won't buy it because they already own an iPhone and an Apple computer, and that the iPad doesn't contain any extra features that those devices don't already do.
Now I'll admit, I was personally hyped up when I heard about this product. As I'm sure thousands of others were as well. And there in lies the main problem I think. All of Apple's new products have built such a strong halo effect that expectations have become incredibly high. Probably too high. Yes, even I was a little disappointed when I found out that it didn't really contain any extra major features that an iPhone or iPod Touch already had. But I don't think that that is the purpose of the iPad.
Our society is completely engulfed in technology and specific features included in all of our gadgets, most of which we all take for granted on a daily basis. I think we all often lose sight of the overall significance of it all.
I think the iPad deals mostly with aesthetic value. It isn't neccisarily about what it can do, but rather the ease and intimate nature of the device.
It's interesting that Steve Job's considers the iPad his most important thing he's ever done. We will find out soon enough if consumers think so too.
