We all know that the Wi-Fi version of the iPad will be available on April 3rd. I will be getting one. However, If I were NOT developing an iPad application, I would be waiting for the 3G version, and I think you should too.
For the past couple weeks, I’ve been thinking about when I would use my iPad if I had one. 90% of the time, It would be when I was out and about – almost as a replacement for my iPhone. I’d use it when I meet people in cafes to show graphics or websites. I’d use it when I meet people at their office to show mockups or web applications. I’d use it in my car to look something up on google (not when driving of course!). I’d use it on the train to check my facebook and tiwtter. Yes, I would use it at home on my Wi-Fi network, but mostly I would be carrying it in my portfolio instead of my MacBook – and I don’t want the trouble of setting up a Wi-Fi network every time I want to use it.
Most analysts are expecting people to be happy with the Wi-Fi iPad. Even AT&T is not expecting a high uptake:
“AT&T chief exec Randall Stephenson forecasted that users of the Apple iPad would probably rely on Wi-Fi connections, rather than a subscriptiaon service.
“My expectation is that there’s not going to be a lot of people out there looking for another subscription,” Stephenson said, according to Reuters.”
I think they are wrong. Most people will see the iPad as a truly mobile device and will pay to get 3G or wish they had.
Tags: ipad