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.

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Netbook is Better than an Ipad?

Ooopps, react later please...:D

Apple's Ipad released in April 2010, a very popular tablet computer really has a great impact around the world. I saw a lot of news about these gadget and depends on what I've heard I think it is a very good choice if I will buy one. Small in size but full of features.

Quoted from wikipedia: "Similar to older and smaller iPod Touch and iPhone, the iPad runs a modified version of the iOS and is controlled by a multi-touch LCD sensitive to fingertips, instead of a stylus as with earlier tablet computers. It runs iPad-specific applications as well as those written for the iPhone and iPod Touch, including e-book readers. The iPad uses Wi-Fi or a 3G data connection to browse the Internet, load and stream media and install software. A USB cable is required to sync the iPad with iTunes on a personal computer."

It really makes sense for all of us. But yesterday I got interested in these article, saying netbooks are better than iPads. It says if simply put, when compared to a netbook, the iPad can't quite stack up and here's why:

1. The Keyboard

If productivity is what you want, the iPad is not the best choice for one major reason: its keyboard. The virtual keyboard works well in landscape mode, but getting used to it takes time. Worst of all, even the most proficient virtual keyboard typists will have trouble getting all the words they want into a document since Apple's software auto-corrects any words that it believes are mistakenly input. A physical keyboard is simply more useful and practical for prolonged use. That plays into the netbook's favor.

2. Windows

Windows is a better operating system than iPhone OS. It's that simple. Although Apple's software is robust for what it does, it's still a mobile operating system. And that mobile operating system is trying to make a splash in a market where a far more capable operating system, which is running on the vast majority of netbooks, is waiting in the wings for corporate users. Realizing that, netbooks have an upper-hand when compared to the iPad. Apple's tablet might be an attractive purchase to consumers, but in the corporate world, it's being held back by its software.

3. Flash, Anyone?

Although Apple has said time and again that it doesn't want to support Flash because of the potential security issues it brings to the market, Flash is a proven standard on the Web that the vast majority of games and videos use. It's also worth noting that a slew of Web sites use Flash to extend the functionality of pages. Owners of Windows netbooks won't need to worry about that, since Microsoft's operating system supports Flash.

4. Software Is Everything

Apple's App Store is certainly a leader in the smartphone space. With well over 200,000 applications, there are undoubtedly many apps that users will find valuable. But the App Store still pales in comparison to the compatibility of netbooks running Windows. Those that need specific software packages will be able to run them on a Windows-based machine without much trouble. The same can't be said for the iPad. And although more developers are turning to the App Store to deliver products, few iPhone enterprise applications can compare to those available to Windows netbook owners.

5. The iPad Is First-Gen

The iPad is undoubtedly a great device that has set a new standard in the marketplace. But it's worth mentioning that the device is still a first-generation product with first-generation issues. For example, when the iPad originally launched, it suffered from Wi-Fi problems. Some owners are still experiencing those problems more than two months after the tablet's release. Netbooks, on the other hand, have been around longer. And although anything can happen to hardware, they might be more reliable for those that require a mobile PC to be with them at all times.

6. Productivity Means Something

More productive time at work means more time for play. Plus, in the corporate world, productivity is what drives revenue. Realizing that, companies should be looking for the device that can deliver the best opportunity to increase user productivity. That won't necessarily happen with the iPad. As mentioned, the device's keyboard can't compare to a standard physical keyboard. It's also worth noting that iPhone OS is a hobbled alternative to Windows. If productivity is what a user covets, the netbook is still the best option by a wide margin. It's hard for Apple or any tablet fan to dispute that.

7. The Best iPad Hasn't Hit Store Shelves Yet

Apple is awfully good at delivering products that people immediately want. But the company is also good at offering a finite number of features to ensure consumers will want more in the next version of the device. The iPad is no different. Apple's tablet currently features some, but not all, of the bells and whistles that customers are really looking for, like a camera, Webcam capabilities, and more. The best iPad is coming next year. Meanwhile, the best netbooks are already available. Why settle for second place?

8. . No Multitasking

Multitasking still isn't available in Apple's iPad. Apple says that it will be making its way to the tablet later this year, but until that happens, the iPad is a less-capable alternative to netbooks. After all, if a user wants to be able to surf the Web and continue typing up a document at the same time, they won't be able to do it. That's a major issue and a key reason why a netbook might trump the iPad today. When multitasking comes to the iPad, it will be time to reevaluate both products. But until then, Apple's tablet just doesn't compare.

9. Price Plays A Part

Price is always a key consideration when buyers need to consider which mobile computer they want to buy. Perhaps that's why netbooks are still popular. The iPad currently retails for $499 up to $829. Compare that to netbooks, which can be purchased for as little as $199, and it quickly becomes clear that the lightweight notebooks are far more attractive, from a price perspective, than the iPad. Granted, Apple's product delivers touch functionality, but it's being offered at a premium that just doesn't justify its value.

10. The More Options, The Better

Those that are looking for a new, lightweight computer to bring along on travel excursions or business trips will find more to choose from with netbooks. The iPad only comes from Apple, and the only option the customer has is to choose between six different versions of the device. Netbooks come in all shapes and sizes from a variety of vendors. So, if a customer is happy with Dell's computer, they can buy a netbook from that company. If they prefer Asus, they can get one. Apple doesn't allow for such choices. from: channelinsider image from: treehugger

Well, all I can say is I am not yet an Apple user anyway, but I am very interested on their technologies and inventions and hoping that in the years to come, I could be one of the Apple users. Nowadays, I am enjoying my netbook and it is quite usable and portable. I don't really need that expensive gadget if I can do my basic chores in a cheaper one.

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