iPad - IDC prediction
iPad will be huge: IDC
By Peter Wolchak
April 1, 2010
April 1, 2010
Apple unveiled its iPad slate computer on Jan. 27. That same day, IDC came out with a bold prediction; the company will sell four million worldwide in 2010 alone. Reviews have been mixed, with many observers critical of the iPad’s prices. IDC, however, highlights them as a strength: “iPad’s price range—$499 for 16GB, $599 for 32GB and $699 for 64GB in Wi-Fi-enabled models, and $629, $729 and $829 for 3G-mobile broadband models respectively—is expected to help extend iPad’s appeal out of the gate beyond early adopter Apple fanboys….” (All prices are in American dollars.)
In contrast, IDC points out that iPod sales didn’t surpass one million annual shipments until after the iTunes Music Store launched in 2003.
The company also praised the iPad’s design: “iPad is slim and light, being 0.5 inches thick and weighing 1.5 pounds, qualities that will help to make it a truly portable, rather than hypothetically transportable, device.”
But iPad has tough competition in the e-book arena; IDC noted the display on Amazon’s Kindle employs e-ink, a better technology for both battery life and for reading in bright sunshine. And the Kindle also wins with its entry price for cellular-equipped models at US$259, instead of US$629 plus monthly network charges for the iPad.
Still, IDC points out the iPad is more versatile, as it is “designed to support and enhance the experience of acquiring and consuming multimedia and apps, at the same time that it crosses over to offer Mac-like productivity functionality.” This versatility will be especially critical for gamers: “While IDC does not expect the iPad to substantially compete with core gaming devices such as higher-end PCs and gaming consoles due to a range of hardware and software issues, the iPad will offer gaming experiences that the iPhone can’t.” And finally, the iPad can even deliver on productivity, with the availability of both office-type applications and an add-on keyboard.
The buzz is mostly positive, but…
A survey of opinions expressed by reviewers who actually got their hands (albeit briefly) on an iPad revealed mostly positive reactions, but there were a few notable and recurring criticisms. These included:
1. No Flash support: Many Web sites and games use Flash, and the iPad is limited without it.
2. No multitasking: Multitasking is a computer’s ability to run two or more programs simultaneously. iPhones can’t do it but they can plead insufficient processing power, screen real estate and battery capacity. The iPad doesn’t have that luxury, and owners won’t be thrilled that they can’t have an instant-messaging client and a Web browser running at the same time.
3. No HDMI and no USB: HDMI would allow iPad owners to download movies from iTunes and play them on nice big TV screens. USB would allow owners to plug in digital cameras or just about anything else. But the iPad doesn’t offer either option.
4. No camera: The biggest fail, according to many, is the absence of a camera, especially a front-facing unit.
A slate like this seems perfectly suited for Skype or Google Chat video calls; imagine propping an iPad on a countertop and talking to a far-off spouse while you prepare dinner. It’s a good idea, but not available from Apple.
In contrast, IDC points out that iPod sales didn’t surpass one million annual shipments until after the iTunes Music Store launched in 2003.
The company also praised the iPad’s design: “iPad is slim and light, being 0.5 inches thick and weighing 1.5 pounds, qualities that will help to make it a truly portable, rather than hypothetically transportable, device.”
But iPad has tough competition in the e-book arena; IDC noted the display on Amazon’s Kindle employs e-ink, a better technology for both battery life and for reading in bright sunshine. And the Kindle also wins with its entry price for cellular-equipped models at US$259, instead of US$629 plus monthly network charges for the iPad.
Still, IDC points out the iPad is more versatile, as it is “designed to support and enhance the experience of acquiring and consuming multimedia and apps, at the same time that it crosses over to offer Mac-like productivity functionality.” This versatility will be especially critical for gamers: “While IDC does not expect the iPad to substantially compete with core gaming devices such as higher-end PCs and gaming consoles due to a range of hardware and software issues, the iPad will offer gaming experiences that the iPhone can’t.” And finally, the iPad can even deliver on productivity, with the availability of both office-type applications and an add-on keyboard.
The buzz is mostly positive, but…
A survey of opinions expressed by reviewers who actually got their hands (albeit briefly) on an iPad revealed mostly positive reactions, but there were a few notable and recurring criticisms. These included:
1. No Flash support: Many Web sites and games use Flash, and the iPad is limited without it.
2. No multitasking: Multitasking is a computer’s ability to run two or more programs simultaneously. iPhones can’t do it but they can plead insufficient processing power, screen real estate and battery capacity. The iPad doesn’t have that luxury, and owners won’t be thrilled that they can’t have an instant-messaging client and a Web browser running at the same time.
3. No HDMI and no USB: HDMI would allow iPad owners to download movies from iTunes and play them on nice big TV screens. USB would allow owners to plug in digital cameras or just about anything else. But the iPad doesn’t offer either option.
4. No camera: The biggest fail, according to many, is the absence of a camera, especially a front-facing unit.
A slate like this seems perfectly suited for Skype or Google Chat video calls; imagine propping an iPad on a countertop and talking to a far-off spouse while you prepare dinner. It’s a good idea, but not available from Apple.
