Since its launch, the iPad has been presented like it’s gonna “change the world”, but now that the honeymoon is over for a lot of the early admirers, they start wondering where the device stands. Where do you use the iPad? How much can you do with it? Can it really replace a computer? Can my mom use it instead of her computer? Lots of questions that so far are not so easy to answer.

First of all, everyone agrees that the iPad is a new kind of device that introduces a new way to use a computer. Reviewers explain that Apple filled a gap, but I’d rather say they created a need. Is the iPad a necessary device? Absolutely not. Do you REALLY need an iPad? Probably not.
Though, Apple made the iPad such a cool product that everyone wants one. It’s always the same with every new Apple gear. That’s definitely what gets everyone very excited about it. But what surprises the most is that the iPad is really fun to use.

However, compared to a computer, the iPad lacks a couple things. First one is file handling. Most people need to share files, and the iPad is pretty locked when it comes to file management. It doesn’t support printing as well, so you need a computer to print files.
But what can be a real deal-breaker for many is the lack of camera. Someone who wants to use Skype for video-conferencing will have to turn to a netbook for that.
Last but not least, the iPad does not support multi-tasking yet. I bet that when OS 4 will be released for iPad this fall, its sales will increase quite significantly.
It is hard to rely solely on the iPad unless your computing needs are very basic (web browsing, email, music…). If someone has the choice between an iPad and a netbook as a one and only computer, I think they will choose the netbook simply because they can do more, and for less money.

Regarding its use, Steve Jobs introduced the iPad sitting in a comfortable chair, and all the ads show people manipulating it in a calm environment. And indeed, as I’m writing these lines on my iPad, I’m just moving away from my desk to sit on my couch, it just feels more natural. The iPad is a product you want to use while relaxing. I also found myself using it in the metro and cafes, and every time I go out with a bag, my iPad comes with me as it’s easy to pop out and take notes. However, after using it for a long period of time, the neck starts to hurt by looking down. It’s clearly made for casual use and definitely not a machine to work on all day.

So in the end, the iPad is an amazing and very promising product. It has a tremendous potential, especially when it will run OS4. But still, it needs hardware and software improvements to be considered as a real replacement for a computer. It currently stands between a mobile phone and a computer. And most people right now think of it more like a nice gadget, like the iPhone when it was released 3 years ago. It’s a nice-to-have, not a must-have… yet.