Eric Friedman – Marketing.fm

Today we finally learn the details about the device known as the Apple Tablet. Is it revolutionary? Evolutionary? A new category? A glorified iTouch? What does this mean for developers and providers? How will this marketplace dovetail with the current app store?

It is great to get details on a device that has received a ton of hype, press, speculation, and discussion – all before concrete details were even known. So is this a big breakthrough? Will this be the next device that defines a movement and rising tide that lifts the usability and product availability in the tablet space? Only time will tell. It reminds me of the commercial in the ’80s from Apple that broke the mold on thoughts of the day of what a computer should be – perhaps that is just the hype surrounding this event. I have not seen as much

Now after brief details have emerged online a few things are clear;

Apple has made major pricing deals with AT&T to get this device to market.

The price point is very low compared to estimates and the different models make it appealing to many.

The primary usage for the device seems to be home usage – but the 3G and data plans make traveling with the unit not a problem.

The business development and partner roll out is extensive and it seems companies have a lot riding on the potential revenue of the iPad.

I have mixed feelings on this device. It is sitting within the intersection of the Kindle, a large iTouch, and a closed mini macbook – but is that enough to create the demand. But in the end it seems like a glorified Apple iTouch with a 3G connection and major controlled partner capabilities.

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