The reason I think that is because of the following research I have done on the iPad. I think it should be noted that the iPad 2 is about to come out and appears to improve in many areas where the iPad might have lacked.
Before I begin my analysis I will give a brief definition of the iPad that can be found at CNET Review’s website. "The iPad is a touch-screen tablet computer, roughly the size of a magazine, with three models that connect to the internet strictly over Wi-Fi (16GB for $499, 32 GB for $599, 64 GB for $699) and three that use a combination of Wi-Fi and AT&T’s 3G wireless (16GB for $629, 32 GB for $729, and 64GB for $829--pay-as-you go for the data subscription)."
Concerning the values outlined in the rubric for this assignment my analysis is as follows:
Convergence:
Access: Dr. Randal Chase defines access as, "The ability to obtain desired products and services, which is one of the terminal values for consumers." In my mind I think why buy an iPad when I, and likely so do millions of other Americans, already have an iPod and a laptop? One reason for owning one is because of access. According to CNET Reviews the iPad is the first tablet that is able to combine multiple aspects of multimedia into one “affordable” tablet (Bell, 2010). You can get an iPad anywhere from 16GB to 64GB with wi-fi, 3G connectivity or neither. This is all primarily dependent upon what you can afford money wise or maybe more importantly what you can't afford not to have in the business world.
Utility: This aspect of convergence can be described as a product with meaningful and sometimes superior uses. Once again I ask the question, “Why buy an iPad?” I have a computer for gaming and a Kindle for reading and a laptop for Internet use. The answer is its utility. In my mind this is the best thing the iPad has going for it. You can use it as an e-reader, a gaming device, to surf the internet and multiple other beneficial things. Bell (2010) says “In an act of aggressive tech convergence, Apple has consolidated your netbook, e-reader, gaming device, photo frame, and iPod into an elegant, affordable supergadget. Features such as Bluetooth, 802.11n Wi-Fi, movie rentals, 10 hours of battery life, optional 3G wireless, and the most celebrated App Store on the planet have us pretty worked up.”
Basically what can’t the iPad do? “The Apple iPad is an unprecedented device. It doesn’t shoot rainbows or make puppies, but this roughly 8X10-inch tablet computer melds your laptop, smartphone, gaming console, and iPod into a single, affordable, unfortunately named thing” (Bell, 2010).
Fair Value: I have already touched on this somewhat, but the reality is that the iPad is very affordable for all that it does. The best part about its price is that when the iPad 2 comes out the prices are going to remain the same for a better product. As I stated earlier in the corporate world it is likely a question of what you can't afford not to have.
Consumerism:
Choice: This is another value that the iPad has going for it. I've mentioned above the multiple options that consumers have when selecting the iPad. It ranges from 16GB to 64GB and with or without Internet capability. If the consumer chooses the Internet capability then they have the option to go with Wi-Fi or 3G connectivity with AT&T's wireless plan.
Convenience: Chase (2010) describes it as the ability “To obtain a product or service at a desirable time and place. The two most important aspects of convenience are timing (‘Can I use it at a time that is convenient for me?’) and location (‘Can I use it at a place that is convenient for me?’).”
Depending on what you would like to use the iPad for is what will determine each person’s answer to those questions posed by Chase. But if the consumer chooses which iPad he wants correctly then he should be able to answer both questions in the affirmative. If you want to use it as an e-reader than you can download the book you want to read when you are in a Wi-Fi hotspot or if you have 3G then essentially anywhere and you can read it wherever and whenever you want provided the battery is adequately charged. That explanation goes for all aspects of the iPad. But when it comes to the iPad’s convenience with the Internet I would suggest following CNET Review’s advice, “If you have no plans on regularly using the iPad outside of your home, you’d do just as well to save some money and stick with a Wi-Fi model” (Bell, 2010).
Performance: Apple is known for producing quality products that perform far superior to any other comparable technology. The iPad is no different in that aspect. What I am looking forward to though is when Apple releases the iPad 2 which will contain the A5 chip, which they say will make it twice as fast as the original iPad with graphics and games processing up to 9X faster. When I saw that I couldn't believe it because the iPad already is incredibly fast for its size and is only going to get better.
Interactivity:
Individualism: This can be defined as being able to be used by unique individuals who want to use the product for their unique needs. If you haven't been able to tell already the iPad can be used as a gaming device, e-reader, Internet browser, photo frame and many other useful things. The promo for the iPad 2 includes better ability to use garage band with your own instruments or by using the instruments built into the tablet. Teachers will have the ability to connect it to any HDTV and use it for their presentations. Individualism abounds with the iPad tablet and the soon to be released iPad 2.
Control: This is where the iPad might lack. The consumer doesn't necessarily have control over what applications they have on their iPad. Clarifying that statement can't dream up an app and have it exist. They have to go with what is available. But every comparable object has this same problem. Bell (2010) says, “Apple is encouraging developers to create new apps specifically for the iPad.” But he continues, “If you want to buy new software for the device, you’ll need to go through Apple’s integrated App Store, which displays only applications deemed acceptable by Apple.”
Security: Everyone knows that Apple is known for not having viruses. Security isn't an issue with the iPad, because you can password protect everything and as I said Apple does an excellent job of making sure that its products are secure.
Discussing other questions in the rubric for this assignment, developers are making sure they increase the ability of their products when consumers access the Internet. When the iPad 2 comes out the improvements appear to be vast from the original iPad and others will follow suit or are already on the case to improve their own products.
