Let’s face it. The iPad is a want and not a need. Whatever the iPad can do, our laptops can execute them too. It is tough to answer whenever my friends question my intention to purchase an iPad. What would an iPad user say? Typical: For videos, web surfing, games and reading, all these on a new shiny Apple gadget.
The truth is, many of us are dazzled by the iPad novelty. Egoistic Apple fans, geeks or geeks wannabes want to be the first of their friends to hold the device.
Nonetheless, it’s true that the iPad is a great product. But its potential has not been realized yet. It wowed me during the first month. But as time passes, I try to define what my iPad is really for. Still the same answer as above, but I could have done all these with my laptop. A rational consumer wouldn’t buy an iPad. He understands it is a want but not a need.
To gain global adoption, Apple has to alter this thinking. The iPad needs something exclusive… and I think it has found it – iPad-only News App should do the trick.
The main difference between a tablet and laptop is that the former offers better mobility, accessibility and display effect. Such capabilities are best for reading. Plus, the iPad can store numerous stacks of newspapers and books and still weigh as light.
iPad-only Content
You probably would have heard about News Corp CEO, Rupert Murdoch’s plan to launch an iPad-only news publication. I personally feel it is an ingenious move. The Daily, as it is called, will have no website or print edition. Each new edition will cost $0.99 to download. No wonder Apple is eager to see this project succeed. Virgin Group Chairman, Richard Branson also initiated an iPad-only digital magazine focusing on entrepreneurial content. Both moguls clearly have the same vision. By supporting publishers to produce content exclusively for iPad users, Apple has created more reasons for non-tablet owners to buy an iPad.
Everyone needs news. It is one of the habitual ways to keep us updated and connected with the world. Two iPad-only content applications may not be appealing enough. But it will be almost irresistible if most major publishing companies were to launch their own iPad-only publications after witnessing Murdoch and Branson’s success. Like how we willingly pay for our newspaper subscriptions, the iPad adopts the same structure with content in digital form.
The iPad could be today’s newspaper and that makes it more like a need than just a want.
If Rupert Murdoch's bunch knew anything about attracting and keeping an online following, then I would agree with some of your comments. Why would anyone limit their product to one platform? That's nuts, to say the least. Neither News Corp nor Virgin are important enough to cause people to suddenly buy an iPad simply to get exclusive content. As if anyone can really create exclusive content these days, anyway. People want content delivered in the format that is handy to them at the point in time when they want the content. That might be at work on their desktop, or on a laptop in a hotel room, or smart phone while in the taxi. Seriously, what could possibly be so compelling that people would start believing that they 'need' an iPad?
Are you suggesting I get a MBA instead? lol
So… pay walls haven't been all that successful on the internet, but now the new idea is pay $400-600 for a new platform THEN $0.99 a day for news?? Don't know that I speak for the masses, but count me out of that one.
Hi ClayDuda
Here's my reasoning:
1. tablet provides mobility
2. we pay for our papers everyday.
3. your $600 investment can do more than just reading newspapers
Just theory and pov, might not be representative to the mass too.
I agree with number 1 & 3, but not number 2. Truth is, most don't pay for news anymore. I'd love an iPad for a variety of reasons, the least of which is to access news (and this coming from a journalist). I think The Daily is really going to have to push to make themselves something more than just a digital newspaper – especially if they expect people to dish out $0.99 everyday for its content. How they will stand out remains to be seen.
Again, this is theory and whatnot, but as a business model it seems much too limited.
Thanks. You have a point. Let's see.
For me the value of iPad is already obvious. The iPad is not going to replace a laptop work machine. But if all you use your laptop is for reading and web browsing, the iPad is clearly a much better device. It turns on in 1 second, lighter and has much better battery life. This is better than any iPad-only content.
For me the value of iPad is already obvious. The iPad is not going to replace a laptop work machine. But if all you use your laptop is for reading and web browsing, the iPad is clearly a much better device. It turns on in 1 second, lighter and has much better battery life. This is better than any iPad-only content.