Do I need an iPad?

iPad had been launched in Singapore on 23 Jul 10, and many diehard Apple fans had queued up before the launch in order to become the first few to own it.

Price:
Here are the pricing for six different models during the launch:
WiFi(16GB) - S$728
WiFi(32GB) - S$878
WiFi(64GB) - S$1028
WiFi+3G(16GB) - S$928
WiFi+3G(32GB) - S$1078
WiFi+3G(64GB) - S$1228

As we can see the price is ranging from $728 to $1228. The price is more expensive than a normal netbook which usually costs about $500 to $700.

Functionality:
The iPad can be used for Web browsing, e-mailing, viewing photos, listening to music, watching movies, playing simple games, word processing, creating spreadsheets, presentations and displaying e-books . Well all these functions can also be found in a laptop or netbook.

Portability:
iPad is very portable to be carry around. It is only about 680 (Wifi version) to 730g (Wifi + 3G version) whereas normal netbook will weigh about 1kg. With its thickness of about 1.34cm, it will very easy to hold with your hand. A screen of 9.7 inch, it is almost comparable to a normal 10 inch netbook. Due to its size and thickness, it is very easy to slide the iPad into most of the bags or haversacks.

Will an iPad benefit me?
In my opinion the price of the Ipad is too expensive for me considering the maximum storage space of 64GB. Many cheaper laptops and netbooks have already equipped with storage space of more than 100GB. As to me, there is no extra functionality being provided by the iPad as compared to a laptop or notebook, so there is no extra value to me if I buy it. For people who know me as a person who do not like to carry many things around, an iPad will certainty not suitable for me even though it is very portable.

Conclusion:
I do not need an iPad!!! I am still happy with my ASUS laptop.