Apple IPad: You May Want to Think Twice Before Buying One

Since Steve Jobs announced Apple's iPad this week, there are many that are disappointed with iPad's features and lack of. Let's first take a look at the price structure on Apple's iPad.

Apple's iPad starts at $499 for 16GB, 32GB goes for $599, and $699 for the 64GB version. If you want to add 3G on top of WiFi and Bluetooth, that will set you back another $130 per model. The most expensive model (64GB / 3G)will cost you $829. The WiFi-only model is expected to ship in 60 days, and the 3G models will ship in 90 days; the 3G carrier will be AT&T

You have a choice of two 3G plans; 250MB for $14.99 and an unlimited plan for $29.99 a month. Both plans do not require a contract and activations are handled on the iPad, so you can activate and cancel whenever you want to.

Now here are the features not supported that may have you thinking twice before considering purchasing an iPad:

• There is no flash support. Many sites on the internet use Adobe Flash for video streaming. So if you enjoy watching movies on Hulu, Fancast or another movie provider, that uses flash, you can forget it. Many on-line games also use flash. So you need to consider how many sites you visit that use flash.

• Multi-tasking is not supported. This means you can only have one application open at a time. This leaves much to be desired if you want to be productive using an iPad tablet.

• The screen is not HD ready. The screen itself displays 132 ppi (pixels per inch) as compared to the iphone's 163 ppi. The screen's ratio is 4:3 which makes ideal for eBooks but not movie watching.

Here are some of the features that may interest some consumers in purchasing an iPad:

• Apple's iPad has an optional keyboard dock and camera connection kit.

• You can run existing iPhone apps on the iPad

• Apple's iPad is unlocked and comes with a GSM "micro-SIM," so you can use it abroad. At this time there aren't any international deals available.

• Media subscription will be through iTunes and Apple will have an iBookstore and app so you can purchase books on-line

These are some of the pros and cons based on the initial reports written about the Apple iPad.

At the 2010 CES, that took place earlier this month, many companies are in the process of working on color e-readers, tablets and even tablet/laptop combo. In the second half of this year we will begin to see many new devices that are going to heat up the completion. So just sit tight and keep an eye on the gadget news sites, you may start seeing some amazing new device that will blow you away!