The good and bad of iPad pricing

February 1st, 2010 by Sonny

Mostly the bad IMHO. At $499 for the entry level model sans 3G they’re not doing themselves or their customers any favors. I really fail to see how this is a game changer unless it spawns cheaper open source competitors.

I’m not an Apple hater, I have an iPhone 3GS. It’s a decent enough device, but has significant weakness that can be found in any reasonable review. But I do like the idea of carrying a device that allows a little light e-mail, web browsing, music, gaming and, oh yes, a cell phone as well.

Why not front facing camera for video chat? No camera or video support at all? No peripheral connectivity, why not a mini-USB plug or two? No SD slot either. All it sports for connectivity is an Apple 30 pin connector which raises the prices of any accessories. On a happier note, no contract data plans is a refreshing idea, but sadly AT&T is the only US carrier that will have the new mini-SIM cards the device requires, at least for now.

Game changer? No. But it does capture some of what I might find useful, but not enough to out-weigh the value proposition offered by a netbook and open source OS, not yet.