After months of rumors and speculation, the iPad has finally launched. Although the device received a good deal of attention yesterday, (ask Twitter) it has left many feeling underwhelmed. Fans had assumed that the iPad would revolutionize mobile devices but it seems it has fallen somewhat short of that. Here are some reason why we think the iPad is and isn't a game changer.
As an E - reader
The Kindle is currently the undisputed E-reader king but the iPad E-reader function has definitely put their title at risk. The iBooks store app is light years ahead of the Kindle in terms of aesthetics It is a gorgeous interface, that allows you to read books in full color, where as the Kindle only allows you to read in black and white.
The Kindle is a device with one function, and that is to read digital books. The iPad is a multifunctional device and that will be a major pull for emerging E-reader fans looking for more versatility.
Lastly the heaviest blow to the Kindle is the iPad price. The basic 16GB model starts at $499, and the Kindle DX goes for $489, a $10 dollar difference. Which will pull any E-reader fan to the iPad simply because it is only a $10 dollar difference for a multifunction device.
As a mobile gaming device
As mobile gaming continues to grow in popularity, it seems the screens are only getting smaller. With the launch of the iPad we now have a much larger screen, with a whole new realm of possibilities for mobile games.
We could see a whole slew of new mobile games with improved graphics and more room for buttons, which means more game play styles. Apple is currently working with Electronic Arts, who are developing games for the iPad, and have already announced Need For Speed for the device.
The Drawbacks
Software restrictions - Although we have come to expect closeness from other Apple devices, the iPad was expected to be more open, as it was bolstered as a device to replace the netbook. A netbook however, will allow you to download any file from anywhere you want, where as the iPad will not. All of iPad's content must come through iTunes; whether it is music, video, books, or anything for that matter.
Weak E-reader function - Although iBooks is a definite win for the interface, it can't touch the Kindle for its library. Kindle offers a much wider selection of books, and that is enough to pull any serious reader.
A not so mobile gaming device - The only flaw of the device (in terms of mobile gaming) is also its strength. The screen is large, and although it means we will have better resolution for gaming it does make the device less mobile.
No incentive for Laptop, and iPhone owners - The device doesn't really bring anything new that can pull individuals away from their laptop or iPhones. You cannot use it as a laptop because it cannot multi-task, and the iPhone already has a number of the features that the iPad does.
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