iPad and Notebooks

I have experienced using this gadget because of my techie-lover boss. It is really amazing. I could possibly enjoy iPad if I could own one. Putting it on my wish list and hopefully it would not stay that long in wishes. *wink* I am a netbook owner and enjoying it but why in this earth that when I heard about Apple creations, I could not afford to just ignore it as if just seeing its logo on every car that I see in streets, every bags and everything where, I am dreaming about having one. But in the case that it is not that affordable for me, I just can't blame myself to wish and wish for it someday. Just wondering, what will Apple could have in 10 years after now? Anyways, why is it that this iPad is hurting the sales of notebooks/netbooks nowadays. Want to know why? Apple released the iPad in April 2010 and sold 3 million of the devices in 80 days. Amazing, isn't it? Here are the answers that I've read from eweek newsletter sent to me through email.

The Mobility Factor

Notebooks were initially so successful because of a user’s ability to carry them around wherever they went. But some laptops can be heavy. The iPad doesn’t suffer from that. It’s slimmer even than any notebook, it’s lightweight and it delivers the kind of mobility that, so far, notebooks haven’t been able to match.

Price

Notebooks prices are cheap nowadays, but with the entry-level fee of $499, most would agree that the iPad is an attractive buy. For that price, the consumer is getting the same exact device as the top iPad model, less 3G and extra storage. A $500 laptop will likely include inferior components, little storage, and even less RAM. It’s underwhelming, to say the least. Consumers don’t want inferior products and with that kind of choice, they will opt for the iPad.

Apple’s Allure

Over the past 10 years, Apple has become synonymous with outstanding products that provide a much different and superior experience over other devices on the market. With that in mind, it’s likely that the Apple logo alone is enough to pull consumers to the iPad, rather than a competing notebook.

It’s Better than a MacBook

Although some are focusing on the iPad beating Windows-based PCs, the reality is, Apple’s tablet is also cutting into MacBook sales. And the reasons for that are simple: the MacBook is a middle-of-the-road product that doesn’t offer the mobility of the iPad nor the power of the MacBook Pro. When consumers realize that, they opt for either of those products, rather than the MacBook.

App Store

Then you must not discount the value of Apple’s App Store. With more than 250,000 applications available, it’s a place where consumers can extend the functionality of Apple’s tablet. Plus, worthwhile applications can be downloaded for little or no fee. That’s a far cry from the sometimes-wildly-expensive desktop applications available for notebooks. Granted, those programs are more robust, but if it’s simple, easy functionality users are after, Apple’s App Store delivers a better experience.

It’s the iPhone Without the Fee

Although Apple offers a 3G version of its iPad, which requires customers to pay $15 or $30 per month based on data usage, most consumers view the iPad as a way to save money when compared to the iPhone. After all, it provides the same functionality as the iPhone, offers access to the same apps, and over the course of 24 months, costs much less, since the iPhone requires data and calling plans. Consumers looking to save money and still have iPhone-like functionality are looking toward the iPad. And they’re forgetting about notebooks.

The Coolness Factor

It might sound simplistic, but the iPad is widely viewed to be a "cool" device. And that alone makes the iPad worthwhile. Apple has proven over the past few years that tech devices can be an extension of who a person really is. And consumers have shown that they want to be proud to show off their tech toys in public. They can be proud with the iPad and its "wow" factor. The same isn’t true with notebooks.

Multimedia

Some would argue that laptops and notebooks provide a more robust multimedia experience, since their browsers support Flash. But for most consumers, the iPad is the chosen multimedia device in the mobile-computing environment. The iPad boasts a sizable 10-inch display, it allows for Netflix streaming, and it provides easy access to iTunes video and audio content. Granted, any laptop can perform all those tasks, as well, but the iPad oozes entertainment. Laptops and notebooks tend to indicate work. And that’s not something that draws in consumers.

Most Folks Already Have Some Type of Laptop

It’s not a stretch to say that some consumers who have a finite budget evaluate their current laptops, decide that they can live with it for another year and opt for an iPad over a new laptop. After all, they can use the old laptop for productivity-based tasks and the iPad for everything else. Plus, Apple’s tablet is readily affordable.

Laptops Are Boring

As soon as someone compares the iPad to a laptop, they will quickly realize one undeniable fact: Laptops are boring. Laptops look like the past. They have physical keyboards, they fold up and they’re somewhat bulky. Apple’s iPad boasts a touch screen, a virtual keyboard and all the latest functionality consumers are looking for. It’s fun and it’s fresh. That’s one of the main reasons why consumers are opting for it over boring, old Laptops.

But on top of this, I could positively say that every creations of different technology gadget companies have their own differences and advantage with others. We could apply here the saying that "No one is perfect." The important thing is we could appreciate what we have and possibly enjoying every bit of it.