Apple introduced the much anticipated iPad — a hybrid between an iPod and laptop — on Jan. 28, days after the company posted revenue of $15.68 billion and a net quarterly profit of $3.38 billion.
The iPad is ‘a revolutionary device for browsing the Web, reading and sending e-mail, enjoying photos, watching videos, listen to music, playing games, reading e-books and much more,’ according to a press release from the company.
‘iPad is our most advanced technology in a magical and revolutionary device at an unbelievable price,’ Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO, said.
Along with the announcement of the iPad, Apple introduced its new online bookstore, known as iBook, which lets users buy and download books directly from the iPad.
iBook will allow Apple to compete with other e-book devices — such as Amazon’s Kindle — in the e-book industry.
Dan Monk, a junior in English, said the company’s new device had his approval.
‘I love all their products,’ Monk said. ‘The things the iPad can do is simply amazing.’
Not all students were impressed, however.
‘You can’t run multiple applications with it, such as having the Internet and a word processor up at the same time,’ David McKenna, a junior in chemistry, said.
According to CNET, one of the most respected sources of technology information, Apple’s iPad disappoints its users because it does not allow users to make a call so it cannot be compared with a mobile phone such as Apple’s iPhone and cannot be compared to a laptop since its features lack the flexibility of what laptops can do.
CNET referred to the iPad as an ‘iPod Touch with glandular problems’ and calls the iPad a ‘cringe-worthy name.’
McKenna said the the current model isn’t all too impressive, and consumers should wait for future models.
He believes, however, the iPad will be reasonably successful due to the company’s ‘amazing marketing [strategy].’
‘Apple is really good at making it [their products] into a lifestyle people buy into,’ McKenna said. ‘I wouldn’t be surprised if it sold massively, just because people like buying Apple [products].’
Thomas Schmitt, a freshman in biochemistry, admitted his admiration for Apple products.
‘They look amazing, and some of the features are pretty cool,’ Schmitt said.
However, when asked about the efficiency of the products, Schmitt said there wasn’t much difference.
‘PC’s work just fine for me,’ Schmitt said. ‘For what I use my computer for, there’s no need to pay extra money for a slick appearance.’
iPad is 0.5 inches think and weights 1.5 pounds — thinner and lighter than any laptop — according to Apple’s Web site.
The device will come in two versions — one with Wi-Fi and the other with both Wi-Fi and 3G.
iPad will be available in late March for $499 for the 16GB model, $599 for the 32GB model and $699 for the 64GB model. The Wi-Fi and 3G models will sell for $629 for the 16GB model, $729 for the 32GB model and $829 for the 64GB model.
