Sorry Apple - the IPad is Not the Tablet I Am Looking For

Apple has announced the iPad, and many hope that it is going to be a game changer in the world of technology. Weighing in at at 1.5 pounds, the 0.5 inch slate computing device will soon, no doubt, be in the hands of millions of hands. The Apple iPad features a 9.7 inch, back lit screen; it also features the same multi-touch intuitive iPod touch and iPhone user interface. I can't think of another device that has been surrounded with more mystery and hype than an Apple Tablet Computer, but now that the iPad is a reality, is it what we were waiting for?

The Apple iPad does have a lot going for it. As soon as the device ships, it will have thousands of applications ready to run on it. Also, it will be instantly usable by the millions of Americans that already have an iPod touch or an iPhone. It will fit easily in a bag, it will be light enough for causal reading, and it will offer ubiquitous Internet support with the optional 3G support. The device itself will even be relatively affordable. The base model, with 16GB of storage and without 3G will cost $499. The 32GB unit will run $599, and the 64GB unit will cost $699. The 3G support will cost you $130 plus a monthly fee. It is sleek, fast, and sexy, but something seems a bit out of place on it.

The problem is, I don't think I want one. Don't get me wrong, I am disproportionally addicted to gadgets. I currently own my third generation of the iPhone. I use a tablet computer (the HP Touchsmart 1370us) as a lightweight Netbook. I own a touch screen EBook (The Sony PRS-600). Each of those gadgets have a specific purpose and fills real needs that I have. I teach using my HP Tablet, and rely on the stylus to enter notes and model writing techniques. My iPhone is simply the best, is always on and can connect anywhere internet device, and my Sony eReader allows me to check out eBooks from my local library for free. The iPad does nothing but overlap all of these other devices, and it does it poorly or in a more expensive way.

I don't think I am alone in this. The iPad is an awkward attempt at an Apple "do anything" device. It will come with a iPad specific version of Apple iWork, but without a physical keyboard, I would have to tote a Bluetooth keyboard or the keyboard dock around; it can't seriously do productivity. I can browse the Internet with it and use it via WiFi or 3G, but I already have my iPhone. I can read eBooks with it, but only if I buy them at the Apple iBook store, and then I have to suffer the Apple DRM. It is sexy and fun, but it is honestly too awkward to fit into my life.

I know Apple wants this to kill the Netbook, and with the iPad, it may. But I think that any other slate tablet device will meet the same user needs, but in a more complete way. The iPad uses a modified iPhone operating system, and it can not do multitasking. Imagine a similar tablet in a similar size, but with full-blown Windows 7. You could still load iTunes on it, you could run the Kindle or Sony eBook apps, and you could run the Zune Subscription Service. If you wanted productivity suites, Microsoft Office 2010, or Office Starter Edition would easily get the job done. The big difference is that you could do it all at the same time. If the HP Slate device that has been recently demoed by Microsoft can do all of this, has stylus input, and a VGA out then it will be my dream slate. It would easily allow me to shed a few devices and simplify my life.

Sorry Apple, I love the look, feel, and idea of the iPad, but I just don't understand where it fits into the computing world.