There have been a lot of negative comments on the web towards Apple related to the iPad. A lot of these comments are by people who can’t find an existing product line that this competes with. Probably the same people that predicted that the iPod would flop. First off, there is a reason that OS X isn’t on every computer. Some people really enjoy the Apple experience and some people don’t. That’s okay.

Of course, the tech industry thrives on page views, and they know that if they say that the iPad is garbage then they know that they are going to get the loyal Apple minions rallying. I don’t really think the “haters” have as much dislike for the iPad as they make out. They were probably hoping for more, all of the hype leading up to the announcement left some big shoes to fill.

Instead of focusing on what it’s not, let’s take a look at what it is. You’ll have to think differently about the device itself. It’s the Jetsons book! It is that “magical” (to quote Steve) device that is on the coffee table, in your bag, beside your bed, etc. It is the textbook you need for class, it is every encyclopedia (Wikipedia) you want, it is the world’s library, it is the web at your finger tips, it is the video your friend wants you to see of their newborn child, it is the morning newspaper, it is your email inbox, your social networks. I could go on, but I hope you get my point.

This device isn’t a computer. It is an appliance, a new type of appliance, that is always within reach and it can do whatever your connected life requires. If you need to get some serious work done then you’ll probably want to sit down at your iMac.

It isn’t a netbook or a laptop, and it isn’t meant to be. Critics comment that it doesn’t have a “real” keyboard. It has a touch keyboard and a dock accessory that has a real keyboard. Both of which get the job done. However, the better solution is a bluetooth keyboard, paired with a case that opens like a regular laptop. The bluetooth keyboard on one side and the iPad on the other. Pull the iPad out of the case and you’ve freed yourself from the clutter.

It doesn’t have multi-tasking. This, I agree, is it’s Achilles heel. Speculation is that iPhone OS 4.0 could add this. Again, we’ll have to wait and see.

I do see myself owning an iPad in the near future. Not as my primary computer, but as the appliance that I use for reading, surfing, periodicals, books, browsing, and enjoying. Think Different.