3 Reasons the iPad Could Be a Total Flop

Details are still emerging but based on Engadget’s reporting, the 1GHz processor the iPad is sporting and the many UI similarities it has with the iPhone, it appears Apple in creating a big iPhone with slightly better performance may have a dud on it’s hands.

Here’s my top 3 reasons why:

1) Takes up more space in your bag than a foldable netbook.

2) Functionally challenged (take your laptop screen and adjust it so it’s parallel to your desk and try to type for a while, see how your neck feels).

3) Fart apps on a bigger screen don’t make the farts sound any better. Kidding aside, iPhone apps largely lack the sophistication of desktop software. Some are pretty good, but I would say pretty good for apps on phones. I don’t think iPhone caliber apps on a less convenient-to-carry device will be very compelling to most people.

Price will definitely be a crucial factor. I think if Apple jumps into this market over $500 when cell phone companies are giving away Netbooks with a 2 year contract, the iPad will surely go the way of the Newton (shown bottom-right next to an iPhone).

Written by Trevor Warren
Photo of Steve Jobs by: Sam Churchill
Photo of Newton by: Blake Patterson

**Update**

Jobs: "So $499 for 16GB of iPad. That’s our base model. 32GB is $599, 64GB is $799. 3G models cost an extra $130. $629, 729, and 829 with 3G." [via Engadget]

$499 for the wi-fi (a la iPod Touch) version and $629 for the 3G mobile version. Unless iPhone owners who are already locked into mobile contracts can use the same data plan for both devices, that’s going to be another major obstacle beyond purchase price.