Apple iPad and the Mobile Web
Even before its highly anticipated release last week, there was much talk about Apple’s tablet. Since then the iPad has people in the mobile web industry talking.
Will the iPad browser be considered regular PC web or mobile web? It has “desktop-like capabilities” but runs the iPhone OS…so, does that mean we will be viewing the PC or mobile web?
Will the iPad replace the need for a smartphone? Will it get rid of the desire to use a computer at all?
An article on pcworld.com states that people won’t have a use for either their iPhones or PCs. This new tablet, the iPad, will takeover for both. But, I’m not so convinced…
I believe that people will continue to use their iPhones. Why? Because you can’t use your tablet as a phone. And why would you want to, even if you could? It’s huge!
So, will people get rid of their fancy smartphones to go back to a cheaper basic phone? No, I can’t see this happening either. In my opinion, there will always be a use for a smartphone because the iPad is too big to fit in a pocket and too small to carry around like a laptop. And that’s where your smartphone comes in. It fits in a pocket and goes everywhere you go. So unless you have a big purse or bag that you will be carrying the iPad in every day, I don’t think the new tablet will be replacing smartphones any time soon.
The other question: is there no longer a place for PCs? I don’t believe this either. People will still want a bigger screen if they can have one. I just can’t see the world using only tablet computers, when they can have a big screen/desktop, keyboard and mouse. It may come down to personal preference, but for now, I think PCs will still be used.
So, what’s the answer? Will the iPad be considered mobile or PC web-based? I’m leaning towards mobile because it runs on the iPhone operating system, it’s wireless, and it’s an “on-the-go” device, like a cell phone. Though, I don’t see it replacing smartphones any time soon.
Do you have any thoughts about how the iPad will impact the mobile web and PC web?