Secret to the iPad’s success: Business customers
Posted on | January 29, 2010 | 5 Comments
In the short and perhaps medium term, the iPad is going to sell relatively well. It’s multimedia and ebook-reading capabilities should help it sell well. But in the long term, Apple must cater to the business crowd if the iPad is to survive and thrive.
This is because there is no clear killer app for this device. It sits halfway between two well-understood devices (a phone and a laptop). Most people will use it primarily for surfing the web and email. In that case, it’s not much different than a netbook and some may argue that the form-factor for a netbook is better since netbooks have a physical keyboard you can comfortably type on as well as a screen that you can swivel to better view the contents on the screen.
People are comparing the iPad to the Kindle and other e-readers when they should be comparing it to netbooks or even full-blown laptops, as the comparison there is more appropriate. Every netbook or laptop can essentially do what the iPad now does except for the multitouch features and more easier reading of news/magazines/books (i.e., can hold the iPad like a thick set of newspapers or magazine). People who just want to read books, may opt for the Kindle or another e-reader product. People who just want to surf the web and email may opt for a cheap netbook. They may ask: why pay for a $499 tablet when I can get a “full” netbook for $200-$300?
But Apple still has the cool-factor going for it. The iPad is undeniably cool even with all of its shortcomings and maybe even some flaws (e.g., the awkward digital keyboard). It’s also very compact and simple to carry around, much more easily than a laptop/netbook. Battery life is also phenomenal assuming the 10 hour continuous-use extimate is not an exaggeration.
So, with all that in mind, Apple needs to take advantage of the situation and make this thing more acceptable to business users. In this case, I would say that Apple should take a cue from Microsoft. Go after the business customers and the rest of the world will follow. The implementation of iWork is a darn good start. Now you need to make sure that it is fully compliant with all of the requirements that IT departments usually spew out, such as security issues, compatibility with MS Exchange server, etc. Take it from a well-informed consumer who considers himself a well-rounded hybrid between a technie, business man, a loving father, good husband, and a discerning consumer…..make the device more business-compliant and you will see sales of this device skyrocket.
Finally, for goodness sake, make the back of the iPad flat so that it can be placed level on a business desk for easier typing!
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5 Responses to “Secret to the iPad’s success: Business customers”
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January 29th, 2010 @ 10:51 am
Follow Microsoft? Yeah, why not…it goes along with what Steve Jobs used to say, “Good artists copy, Great artists steal.” So, go ahead and cater to the business crowd. MS be damned.
January 29th, 2010 @ 10:54 am
At $499, the Max-iPad is too expensive. I’d rather get a cheap netbook to do everything with a full-sized keyboard. I’ll take the netbook to work and even with a 1Ghz Atom processer, will be able to do all of my office work easily as well as play some games on the side. Netbook is an ugly word. We should just refer to it as a cheap laptop.
January 29th, 2010 @ 10:55 am
I completely agree with this. The business crowd could very well drive the business for the iPad!
February 1st, 2010 @ 12:12 am
Or maybe kids.
Daddy. Will you buy me an iTunes gift card on your way home?
February 1st, 2010 @ 7:04 am
Kids…how can you argue with that?