Apple iPad: Minimalist Computer?

Different folks will get different things out of the new product announcement. The basics are that it can do everything an iPhone can do, and a little faster and bigger. All iPhone apps will run on it. Handles music, video, documents, email, web-surfing, etc. Wifi and Bluetooth and you can purchase 3G coverage at $14.99 monthly for 250mb, $29.99 for unlimited data. About a half inch thick, touchscreen, optional keyboard dock and more accessories on the way I'm sure.

My initial reaction is that unlike what you might expect from netbooks and their ilk, the iPad is poised to lead a quiet but meaningful movement towards minimalist computing.

With so much computing moving to the so-called cloud (Flickr, Picasa, Google Documents, even Facebook), streamlined, single-purpose apps on iPhone replacing behemoth applications, and mobility outweighing storage, there is obviously a growing niche.

If you can get solid 3G coverage where you live, buying the plan for your iPad could help you cut ties with your DSL or cable provider, who is making most of their money overcharging you for the internet service they likely won't provide unless you also use them for phone or cable TV.

If you are not a gamer, like to travel light, store files externally or in the cloud, and value connectivity and mobility above all, how much more computer do you really need?

What do you think?

Reposted with permission by Karo Sadowicz

posted by nthWORD at 12:04 PM