It’s an interesting question. One that can’t easily be answered, but with ongoing trends and past results it would seem a likely possibility.
Turning Fantasy Into Reality
With the emergence of the Kindle and iPad, engineers and developers of all sorts have realized the potential for such devices. Ideally, it would seem, the goal is to chase down every futuristic item created in the fantasy world of Star Trek. The pads, used throughout the series, have been a highly sought piece of equipment. Technology’s advances have now made that somewhat possible.
The Competition
There are already quite a number of competitors lining up to take market share from the Kindle and iPad. Companies like Samsung, Blackberry, Toshibaand LG are already developing or in a few cases, have developed computer pads. While nothing significant points to success for any one company or device, the folks at Apple have positioned themselves much as they did with the iPod. They’ve entered the market early and as future generations of the iPad get released there is little doubt they will be leaps ahead of the competition in terms of development, though likely not as far ahead as the iPod was allowed to get.
Future Refinements
Early on, several clients asked us about the iPad and our opinions on its potential. While we were fond of the iPad idea, we often recommended that clients wait on purchasing it until the next generation or at very least until the app situation and their role in the iPad were more solidified. As time passes during 2011, consumers are likely to see many changes in the computer pad market. More competition, more robust systems and more functionality for all types of consumers, presumably leading to even more wireless capability and mobile computing. Realistically, the cost needs to be more attractive to consumers as the pads move forward. At this time consumers can easily purchase a full featured laptop for the same price or less than a pc pad. We look forward to the competition heating up and pushing forward towards trek-like pads of the future.
Final Thoughts
We still recommend holding off on the purchase of an iPad or similar device until the second or third generation if you’re looking to get ‘bang for your buck’. The good news is, the wait will be over for those next generation devices sooner rather than later with more features and advanced computing techniques that most of us crave in a hand-held device.
What’s your take? Where do you see the computer pad market in the future? Let us know!