The iPad – not a netbook, not an iPhone, not a…

Well not anything other than a big hand held game console. Apple had tried before with the Pippin, but for the life of me, and without productivity apps, this is a consumption device. Granted, productivity apps can come through the cloud, but right now, this device is just a client. You might be able to manipulate some content, but not really create it.

Sure it’s also an eBook reader, but I don’t think people are going to pay $1000 for that (I don’t know the price on the device right now, the keynote is in the background), I don’t know if people are going to pay that much for a “take it anywhere” game console.

Sure it’s cool, but I don’t think I’m really sold yet. Now if it is less than the KindleDX, then I might certainly go for it (not having to pay for the 3G connection will help the price). But I guess I’ll have to see it myself to make the call.

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I guess I spoke too soon, there is iWork for the iPad.
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The price starts at $499 for a wifi version (plus $150 if you want a 3G) – So it’s not that bad, better value than a Kindle right now. Maybe this is the dawn of the smartbook.