OK. I agree that a laptop makes more sense. But then M&S makes more sense than Armani but I know which suit I'd prefer to wear...
seem to be endless (see examples like Disneyland, Walmart, Segway or swiss army knife) and here is one likening it to a prostitute:The iPad is sexy like a prostitute is sexy. It looks good when you see it on the corner, it looks good in the dark, and it feels good in your hand. But afterward you find out that it has many unanticipated side effects you didn’t anticipate. Limitations you didn’t expect, additional fees you weren’t expecting, and you ultimately realize that you didn’t really need it in the first place and drop it back off on the corner you picked it up at.
The closest thing I can compare it to is the Segway Personal Transporter. Remember that device? This is the two-wheel electric vehicle that uses gyroscope sensors to balance itself and sense which direction the driver is leaning. Even though it was originally introduced in 2001, it is still an engineering marvel.
For months, the Segway was hyped in the press. Inventor Dean Kamen introduced it onGood Morning America, claiming that it would revolutionize the way we live and work. Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon, was an enthusiastic investor. Steve Jobs even predicted that cities would be redesigned around the Segway and that it would prove to be more significant than the personal computer.
Nine years later? Not so much. It has had success in niche markets, like law enforcement, warehouse handling, and utility inspections. But, by and large, the device fell through the crack that exists between walking and driving. There are just not that many times when you need to go faster than your feet will carry you or slower than your car can take you.
Very interesting article from James Stogdill about why iPad is not really a better computer but a better distribution channel. He likens iPad to the Walmart in a very compelling way:
...iPad isn't a computing device at all. Jobs is using his knack for design and user experience to build, not a better computer, but a better distribution channel. One that is controlled, constrained, and can re-take distribution as the point of monetization. You aren't buying a computer when you buy an iPad, you are buying a 16GB Walmart store shelf that fits on your lap - complete with all the supplier beat downs, slotting fees, and exclusive deals that go with it - and Apple got you to pay for the building.
Make sure you read the full article, it is worth it.
It's clean, safe, and efficient. There are lots of entertaining things to do. Kids can drive cars; adults can wear goofy hats with impunity. There's a parade every afternoon, and an underground medical center in case you get sick. All of this is possible because of central planning. Every restaurant and store on Disneyland's Main Street is approved in advance by Disney. Every employee is vetted by Disney. Disneyland wouldn't be Disneyland without central planning.
The iPad, like Disneyland, will continue to be an island of central planning in a sea of decentralized innovation.
