10 Reasons Why I’ve Decided To Get An iPad

January 29th, 2010

After much contemplation, and considering a wait for iPad 2.0, I’ve decided to purchase an iPad (specifically, the $499 version) when it comes out in a few months. Here’s why:

A small tidbit in the presentation mentioned one could install all the iPhone apps you currently own without having to purchase them again. Huge deal in my case, because what with reviewing iPhone apps, I have over 200, of which the vast majority aren’t currently installed on the iPhone. Extremely smart move on Apple’s part.
Already have an iPhone. Therefore, the cheapest, WiFi-only iPad ($499), will suffice, saving hundreds and not handing more cash to AT&T. Having an iPhone also makes the iPad’s larger size less of an issue, as I envision the iPad will lie around the house for entertainment and “casual computing” purposes.
I had actually budgeted for a $700 – $1,000 device, so $499 is a very pleasant surprise. This low price is possibly the iPad’s best “feature.”
Am completely wrapped up in the Apple entertainment ecosystem – own tons of purchased music, television content, and movies formatted for our Macs and the Apple TV, all of which are ready to load onto an iPad.
Am a big proponent of the iTunes Store that makes content purchase so easy. Apps, music, video, and books all available via the device itself will be a big convenience (although I shudder a bit at how much more money will be regularly spent through the heavily-used Apple ID).
Am a big believer in iPhone App developers. Everyone can think of a feature on the iPad that is “missing” – I was hoping for a giant remote control for the Apple TV, some crazy gesture-based keyboard replacement, or screen sharing to a Mac. Instead of criticizing “what Apple left out,” there’s a huge opportunity for enterprising developers to create amazing apps. I look forward to experiencing them when they inevitably arrive.
Potential for iTunes Library Sharing via WiFi. One personally awesome feature would be iTunes library sharing, since I already have a Mac Mini streaming content to an Apple TV.
For many years, I’ve wondered what Apple’s take on eBooks would be - always thought it would be easy for them to flip a switch and start selling eBooks in the iTunes Store, delivered to iPods, and have held off getting a Kindle in anticipation of Apple’s take. That take has arrived, with the iBooks store. I expect to do a lot of reading on the iPad (no problem staring at a backlit screen here; do it for hours every work day). I’ve called for more newspaper iPhone apps and want to support this new business model, voting with dollars, which old media sorely needs.
On two vacations, I’ve gone without a MacBook and used only an iPhone, and have concluded that for my traveling needs, a MacBook proper is overkill. The iPad will be a great traveling companion, helping to pack light.
I fully intend to review iPad apps, here on this blog. Yes, ad revenue will pay for this thing.

To conclude, I’m looking at the iPad more like an “iPod Pro.” Having owned many iPods over the years, the iPad will be my super, uber iPod for a plethora of entertainment purposes, and being firmly entrenched in the Apple entertainment ecosystem, the iPad will fit nicely.

This all adds up to something I can justify purchasing.

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