Who do I think I am fooling? iWill be buying an iPad

I updated my post about the Apple iPad and nook replacement and stated that I would probably not be replacing my nook with the iPad for a couple of reasons. I then read Joel's post on why he can't justify it. We then spent all of MobileTechRoundup show #195 talking about the Apple iPad. I was a bit unfocused yesterday during the Apple announcement while caring for my wife in the hospital, but after focusing on the device and its features and specs I have to say I will definitely be buying an iPad as soon as I can. I am sure my Twitter followers and readers here already expected that I would anyways, right?

I was really expecting Apple to show off some cool new technology or functionality none of us were thinking about, but we did not really see any of that with the iPad announcement. I honestly think the two main compelling parts of the iPad at this time are the price and the 3rd party application support. If the iPad was running OS X then I would not be interested since I already have an excellent MacBook Pro. The low price, huge selection, and high quality of iPhone applications are much more useful for a device like the iPad where you are consuming media and data more than creating content. I can't wait to try out all of my Bible study applications, news and sports apps, games, and more.

I now need to figure out which model I will buy and have already eliminated the 3G models from consideration. I have a Verizon MiFi that lets me use multiple devices and will use this with the iPad as well. AT&T service has issues and I don't think adding more devices is going to help, but the fact they through in access to their WiFi network is helpful. I have a 32GB iPhone 3GS with some movies, apps, and music, but since I do not have a huge personal music collection it is only about half full. Thus I don't see a need for the 64GB model. The 16GB model seems a bit too limiting though since there may be some large sized games and apps optimized for the iPad and I don't want to have to manage the apps I use due to space constraints. Thus, the 32GB iPad is my most likely purchase at $599. This is actually about the same I have been paying for Nokia smartphones so is not unreasonable at all.

As Kevin mentioned on the podcast this morning, we may also see the iPad launch or be updated shortly after launch with the next version of the iPhone OS that supports some multi-tasking and other advanced functionality. I would love to stream Slacker Radio in the background while surfing and hope we do soon get some limited multi-tasking support for 3rd parties.

The iPad may not replace anything for me since you will still need some kind of mobile phone for out and about usage and it won't replace my MacBook Pro for writing extended writing and content creation. I commute on the train 45 minutes each way every day so the iPad may be a wonderful tool for checking websites, performing some communications tasks, and enjoying the ride. Honestly, the iPad may actually replace my nook too since it will let me read in bed and have access to even more ebook content than even my nook. The one unknown here is Apple. If they decide to shut down all the ebook stores but their own, then that will be a problem and I don't think Apple will want to initiate that fight.