Link: http://www.apple.com/ipad/

While many Apple fanboys and technophiles are still wetting their pants after the initial unveiling of the new iPad, I find myself joining a growing segment of technology enthusiasts that find themselves wondering, why?

There is no doubt that Jobs and Co. have had their fingers squarely on the pulse of successful innovation ever since the beginning of the iPod phenomenon. And the Mac OS continues to maintain the standard for beautiful, simple and functional UI design in an operating system. But has success after success finally set Apple up for a very vicious self-inflicted wound? Or does the product have enough buzz and name recognition to continue the steamroller-esque trend? Based on initial marketing research and survey information alone, it looks as though the iPad is set to exceed the iPhone in initial demand. But what actually happens when the product actually becomes available is really anybody's guess.

From my perspective though, the iPad is a severely overpriced dissapointment. Basically a scaled-up iPhone/iTouch, it offers no real justification behind its $500-$830 price tag. To give a point of reference, here are some of the core Apple-provided specs for the iPad:

Dimensions/Weight
Height:9.56 inches (242.8 mm)
Width:7.47 inches (189.7 mm)
Depth:0.5 inch (13.4 mm)
Weight:1.5 pounds (0.68 kg) Wi-Fi model; 1.6 pounds (0.73 kg) Wi-Fi + 3G model

Screen
9.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen Multi-Touch display with IPS technology
1024-by-768-pixel resolution at 132 pixels per inch (ppi)

Storage
16GB, 32GB, or 64GB flash drive

Wi-Fi model
Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR technology

Wi-Fi + 3G model
UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz)
GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
Data only2
Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR technology

So based on the specs, what you are basically getting is a more fully-featured e-reader platform with 3G support (for an extra cost). And for this type of device, the more memory the better, which means that if you want to max out at 64GB, you're looking at a hefty $699 (wifi only) or a wallet-busting $829 (wifi/3G).

Are you kidding me??? I'm simply shocked that Apple thinks that this is a value for consumers. For a few hundred less, I can get a Windows-based laptop that will do everything this product does and much more. If I wanted to go the Mac route, for the same price or a little more I could just as easily get a MacBook. I mean, really, the thing doesn't even have USB support and you're still restricted to synching via iTunes! And I'm sorry, but as much as some people rail against it, still no Flash support? Simply ridiculous.

I guess in the end, this device will appeal mainly to Mac fans or those wishing to be on the 'cutting edge' of new hardware releases in order to have a new toy to show off. Because anyone else with at least half of a working brain can see that the value of the iPad is dismal considering how much it costs. Sure, it looks awful pretty. But $500-$800? Sorry guys, either drop the price or build greater flexibility and/or functionality into it!