My thoughts are based on early speculations from reliable tech sources that also expected more from Apple. When the real announcement came directly from Apple, many were disappointed. I’m sure in generations to follow, many of my issues, such as Flash, will be addressed or become non-issues based on new technologies.

As for software, I was thinking specifically of high end softwares i.e. Adobe, photo & video editing. I fully expect them to release app versions, but people who have already invested thousands in these will have to purchase an app version. I fully expect these apps to be on the upper price range of apps.

I’m surprised that you haven’t encountered Flash issues. I run into sites on my iPhone at least 3 times a week which are nearly impossible to navigate because they rely so heavily on Flash. That’s just my personal experience.

My thoughts and statements were primarily in response to things I read in social media in the early days following the iPad announcement. I saw several “mom bloggers” considering the iPad as a replacement for a laptop or as their next “computer” purchase. Neither of which it is designed to be. I did not want anyone to sink their hard earned money into an iPad ill informed. That was my sole purpose for this post.

I’m thankful for the discussion and opposing thoughts. I’m sure eventually the iPad will join our Mac family, but seriously doubt it will be a 1st generation.

1. Who cares about multi-tasking on my iPad OR my macbook OR my iMac. I don’t. I just want computers to help me do things easier. And sometimes for simple tasks do them without the barrier of a full operating system, mouse, keyboard, etc. To read a book, I don’t want to use a laptop, use an ipad. To play simple games on the couch, I don’t want to use a laptop, use an ipad. To send a quick email, just use an ipad. To browse some websites and catch up on the latest, sit on the couch and use an ipad. It is a new era of couch computers. Or as I read today, The iPad is the beginning of the New World, the post-PC era.

Old World = Windows GUI, Point & Click, Artificial, Indirect, WYSIWYG, Mouse
New World = Touch, Swoosh of Fluidity, Direct, Natural, WYTIWis, Magic

2. Flash, hasn’t been an issue.

3. My kids love it. They read books, play games, etc. Yes it is a $500 device, but it is supervised by me so they won’t break it. Both my kids (3 yr & 5 yr) play on both of my iMacs unsupervised , so I’m not too concerned. Matter of fact, I’m still amazed how well my just turned 3yr old has been using computers for the past year.

4. Who cares about a camera, that’s why I have an iMac so the family can use a webcam with chat.

5. Apps = Software, wow you are truely uninformed. I can use any website or download apps that do specific tasks. And there are many apps that are way more useful than a laptop since it is an iPad app (e.g. using touch, location service, etc.)

6. Yes, hard drive space size is an issue. If you plan on loading videos on it, then you will run out of room quickly. I’ve already used over 14 gigs for video alone on my 32gig iPad model. Ouch.

At the end of the day, the iPad is not a laptop. It was never meant to replace laptops. It was meant to consume content not create content. And for many people, we consume content more than we create it. For more info about consuming vs creating content, go read Groundswell book.

With all that said, I’m a very happy with the iPad and would recommend it to all my friends.

Just amazed by your narrow-minded view of such an amazing device.

It is what it is. Either you see a practical use for it, or you don’t. But dressing it down for not being something it as was never meant to be — or even advertised to be — just seems wrong-minded..

This post was mentioned on Twitter by mydoodlebop: I thought the SAME thing, @WistfulWrists “No Apple iPad for this Mom!” http://bit.ly/cHEPG4...