The Apple iPad is not a laptop

A friend recently sent me an e-mail expressing interest in the new Apple iPad. She wanted my opinion on whether the iPad is like a laptop or "like the iPhone which I already have." Being that the iPad isn't out yet and I haven't experienced it first-hand, my opinions are based solely on information I have found online. Here's a list of things that I have learned so far:

Pros:

• Familiarity - If you know how to use an iPhone or iPod Touch, you already know how to use an iPad.
• Mobility - It's light, slim and portable. 3G is available as an option. Excellent battery life.
• App Store - As more and more apps are written for the iPad, it's functionality is bound to increase.
• Cost - The iPad starts at $499, less than half the price of a new MacBook.
• Coolness - It's the latest Apple gadget. If you've got one, you're cool. :-D

Cons:

• Disk Space - iPad tops at 64GB, whereas most laptops include 250+GB hard drives
• Keyboard - The iPad uses a virtual keyboard that takes up almost half the screen. A real keyboard will cost you extra.
• No multi-tasking - Like your iPhone or iPod Touch, you won't be able to run more than one app at a time.
• No 3rd party software - Unless you use web apps, you're forced to use apps exclusively from the App Store.
• No camera, no video recording, no Flash, no USB, no expansion, etc...
• Cost - For less than the price of an iPad, Henry purchased a new 10" Samsung netbook from Sam's Club that he's very happy with.

Would I buy an iPad? At this time, probably not... I simply can't justify the return on the expense. The iPad does not give me any additional features (short of the larger screen size) that my jail-broken iPhone can't offer me. For the time being, I am holding off for the upcoming refresh of MacBook Pros. Of course, all this may change as more apps are released exclusively for the iPad. :-D

It seems to me that, at this time, the iPad is essentially an updated iPod Touch with a larger screen. Like with the iPhone and iPod Touch, as more software is written for the device, it will undoubtably gain more functionality and praise.

My recommendation is this: If you have an Apple Store or Best Buy nearby, stop by next month when the new iPads hit the shelf. Make yourself a list of questions and hammer your "Apple Genious" or Best Buy rep for information. Try the device first-hand and make an assessment whether it or a notebook or laptop will best work for you. Remember, an informed buyer is a happy buyer. :-)