{"id":266122,"date":"2010-02-02T15:27:03","date_gmt":"2010-02-02T20:27:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gigaom.com\/?p=96238"},"modified":"2010-02-02T15:27:03","modified_gmt":"2010-02-02T20:27:03","slug":"ipad-prognostications-what-matters-in-web-tablets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mereja.media\/index\/266122","title":{"rendered":"iPad Prognostications: What Matters in Web Tablets"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When it comes to Apple’s iPad <\/a>, the question for many is not if they will buy the device, but when. However, as detailed in our new report at GigaOM Pro<\/a> (sub. req’d), which presents the results of a survey of technology enthusiasts we ran in the run-up to the iPad launch, the answer may not be day one.\u00a0In fact, a significant number of people may end up sitting on the iPad sidelines for the foreseeable future as they weigh factors such as price, connectivity features and choice of wireless carrier.<\/p>\n

As can be seen in the embedded slideshow below, price and cost of broadband service ranked near the top of purchase considerations when it comes to web tablets. Given the extra $130 it costs to add 3G to the iPad, not to mention the monthly carrier access fees, such considerations will factor heavily into the success of Apple’s latest gadget.<\/p>\n

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When asked about what technical features mattered most on a web tablet, a nearly unanimous 98 percent of respondents ranked connectivity at the top, and 85 percent said an e-reader feature was a must-have. Video games, on the other hand, were only seen as important by 39 percent of our respondents.<\/p>\n

And is Apple the only game in town when considering a web tablet?\u00a0 According to our survey, it depends where your loyalties lie. If you\u2019re a confirmed Apple fanatic, there\u2019s no other choice. But if you\u2019re a general mobile enthusiast, there\u2019s a chance you\u2019d be open to a Windows or Android version as your web tablet platform.<\/p>\n

Bottom line? The iPad hit most of right notes and will see much of its early demand driven by the same early adopters who rushed out to buy the first-generation iPhone. But also like the iPhone, the price of the first-gen product and associated fees could keep some out of the game, at least for 2010.<\/p>\n

To read the full 33-page report on our web tablet survey<\/a>, head over to GigaOM Pro, where for just $79 a year you can access it and over 70 more in-depth research reports and insight pieces.<\/p>\n

Related GigaOM Pro Research:<\/strong><\/p>\n