I’ve been watching iPad comments and reviews from Pundit-Land with ongoing interest and some laughter. Here’s my hit on how the iPad will impact current Mac sales.
I work with and talk to a lot of new Mac users. Many are in their 50’s and older. Many of these have come to computing as a result of pressure from friends and family to use email. This leads to exploring the internet and sometimes on to managing some Photos. They may want to write an occasional letter.
The problem they face is the complexity of the Mac OS. They need to learn a whole new visual and technical language. Then there are all those mouse movements. On top of this, many don’t type well — a definite handicap on a computer.
The iPad is a perfect solution for these people. The function set is a perfect fit. The OS is perfect. This is going to be a huge success with this group of people and cut MacBook sales to this user segment.
Another segment of current Mac owners I think the iPad will impact are people with an iMac and MacBook. Many of these people will be content and maybe better served with an iMac and iPad.
And then there are current low-end Macbook users who do email, internet, photos and writing. When it’s time to replace their computer, many will choose the iPad. It’s more feature rich via the App Store, costs less, is easier to carry around and totally meets their needs.
None of this takes into account the vertical markets where the iPad will be huge: education, publishing, medicine, sales, etc.
I can’t wait to be able to play with one!
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Wyn Matthews is new to the FoleyPod Digital-Life Coach Blog. He comes to us with decades of Mac and PC troubleshooting experience, and is an expert on both systems.
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