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Apple iPad Ping!
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Posted on 11/06/2010 2:10:04 AM PDT by Swordmaker
The Apple iPad and its ecosystem are likely to disrupt existing technology use profiles and business models, and CEOs should ensure that its potential is being seriously evaluated inside their organizations, according to a new report from Gartner.
"It is not usually the role of the CEO to get directly involved in specific technology device decisions, but Apple's iPad is an exception," said Stephen Prentice, Gartner Fellow and vice president. "It is more than just the latest consumer gadget; and CEOs and business leaders should initiate a dialog with their CIOs about if they have not already done so."
Gartner forecasts worldwide media tablet sales to end users to reach 19.5 million units in 2010, driven by sales of the iPad. Media tablets are poised for strong growth with worldwide end user sales projected to total 54.8 million units in 2011, up 181% from 2010, and surpass 208 million units in 2014.
Unless there is a self-evident case to the contrary, Gartner recommends that IT organizations should provide at least concierge-level iPad support for a limited number of key users, and prepare a budgeted plan for widespread support of the iPad by mid-2011.
"Individuals are willing to buy these devices themselves, so enterprises must be ready to support them," said Prentice. "While some IT departments will say they are a Windows shop, and Apple does not support the enterprise. Organizations need to recognize that there are soft benefits in a device of this type in the quest to improve recruitment and retention. Technology is not always about productivity.
Gartner also recommends that CEOs ask their marketing and product development teams to present a creative briefing as soon as possible, detailing how iPads could be used by the company and its competitors, because the iPad has the potential to be hugely disruptive to the business models and markets of many enterprises. "We are already seeing announcements about competing devices from other vendors, including RIM, Samsung, HP and Dell, but the iPad is currently well ahead of the pack with the lion's share of the market," added Prentice.
Like the iPhone before it, the iPad is an iconic device that redefines markets. Media gurus and forecasters struggled to categorize this device at the time of launch; and some made the mistake of assuming that, like all tablet-format devices before it, it would remain a niche product for a limited market.
According to Gartner analysts, the iPad is not a notebook replacement for most users, but a valuable companion device. As it is much less intrusive in face-to-face environments than conventional notebooks, it is well suited to a sales or information-sharing environment. It also makes electronic media consumption effortless and casual, thereby increasing consumption.
As use of the iPad grows, examples are emerging in industries and professions including consumer applications (such as a personal stock portfolio review), book and magazine publishing, architects and realtors sharing plans in the field, finance specialists sharing quotations with prospects, and salespeople looking to demonstrate interactive presentations. Interest from the healthcare sector is high, but the inability of the device to withstand sanitization or operate inside a sealed pouch is a limitation.
With an undeniable style factor and ease of use, as well as various multi-touch, display and communications capabilities, the iPad makes a strong statement in many customer-facing sectors, such as retail, hospitality and tourism. In transportation, especially aviation, Australian carrier Jetstar is trialing an iPad rental service for in-flight entertainment, and Malaysia Airlines is using iPads in a kiosk mount as self-service check-in devices.
"While there are no certainties, the iPad looks set to become a market-disrupting device, like the iPod before it," said Prentice. "Even if you think it is just a passing fad, the cost of early action is low, while the price of delay may well be extremely high."
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If Gartner was unbiased, they would suggest CIOs wait until the plethora of other “pads” hit the market so they can evaluate which one best fits their business, rather than urging CIOs to be early adopters of the first device available.
I want an ipad. But I don’t know exactly why...
Hehe, that sums it up. I have my iPhone and can’t think of anything I need the iPad for, but I do want one. If I can use it for my photography it would be great. At $500.00 its not so expensive, but its $500.00 I don’t want to spend on a new toy yet. Perhaps next year.
I’m thinking of early 2011 as well. If I do get one it will be the 64gb 3G model.
It is a segment in its infancy. Apple's headstart only ensures more players will enter this market.
I believe the "pad" market will exceed laptops in about 5 years. If you look at devices like the Fujitsu T580 and the power it delivers as a laptop and pad, the drive for more capability will continue.
Devices like the iPad and Galaxy Tab are toys in comparison to where this market will go.
iPad might be bigger than the iPhone & iPod combined and I honestly would have not seen this coming.
Try one out first. I got one a couple of months ago. I do not like it. Not at all.
There is a $29 accessory that plugs into the iPad. You can connect your digital camera directly to the iPad and download pics to review instantly.
Hopefully Santa Claus is going to stuff one in my stocking.
BTW, it gives you a USB port for other uses also.
http://www.apple.com/ipad/accessories/
scroll down .
Can I ask why you don’t like it? We are getting one for our son for his birthday and would like to hear from someone who is not impressed. It looks like exactly what we want.
Don’t worry, your son will love the ipad! I haven’t met a kid who doesn’t love it. I saw a 2 year old kid the other night at a restaurant playing a NASCAR game on one. He was glued to it.
I like a real keyboard to type. The ipad has a small “keyboard” that I find hard to use. What is really irritating is typing anything with numbers and letters, e.g. passwords, addresses. You have to keep switching between each keyboard. Also some of my favorite sites won’t work because the device doesn’t support it.
Get ready to spend A LOT OF $$$ on apple’s aps.
What is an I-pad? Is this something that people have to have or they will be cast out of the flocks of society?
All I see is people so preoccupied with these gadgets they don’t have a clue about the reality surrounding them, they can’t drive,they are distracted by this tool of instant information, they look upon those unfortunates that don’t carry these devices as “savages” and basically carry these around like a badge of elitism.
Thank you, much appreciated.
Sound advice.
They aren't available yet, most won't be until after the new year, or they are not workable for what the iPad does... simple enough. Read the comments that follow the article.
Why? A lot are free. And most are less than $5. How many did you buy? You want a real keyboard buy the bluetooth keyboard and pair it to your iPad. Done. Problem solved.
Obviously, your favorite site isn't Freerepublic... ;^)> ... it works fine... but it must be a Flash intensive site. Mind sharing?
Actually FR is probably my favorite site. I can type this response in less than 30 seconds on my MAC. It would take me 5x longer trying to type it on the Ipad.
Out of the blue and not really related - has anybody tried chrome? My computer is flying with it!
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