Apple's $499 iPad you want it but do you need it? (2)

So far, so good. However, at first glance, the iPad has its own share of letdowns as well.

For instance, the iPad runs on the same iPhone OS, which means that it can't support multitasking. In other words, the iPad will surely freeze up if you open a dozen applications, watch a movie and listen to music at the same time.

Another letdown is that the iPad does not come with a proper physical keyboard which means you'd still need a laptop or PC at home. Also, unlike a laptop or PC, which can stand upright by itself, the iPad, like any other tablet PC, can't. In other words, it will be presumptuous to claim that the iPad will replace your standard PC, laptop or even a netbook for that matter.

Besides, though the iPad is being billed as an 'e-reader killer,' I seriously doubt whether it can actually do so. Why? Because a backlit screen is not as easy on the eye as one that uses digital ink like the Sony E-Reader or Amazon Kindle.

As for its price, well, it's another prickly subject. The iPad will will cost between $499 and $829 in the US. In the UK, the price tag of the device will range from £300 (entry-level 16GB version) to £500 (64GB version). Fancy 3G connectivity? Be ready to fork out an £80 extra. On the other hand, the e-readers cost much less (for instance, the 6-inch screen Kindle costs $259 and the 9.7-inch screen Kindle costs $489) and even some laptops and netbooks, which offer better features and performance, are way cheaper.

And, most importantly, it's a bit puzzling why Apple's aiming the iPad at you or me. Why? Because tablets like the iPad have been around since the early 1990s, but haven't seen much success in the mainstream. In fact, tablets have been, till now, used only in very specialised markets. For instance, it's used by retailers for stock taking. It's also used by logistics companies to monitor the delivery (and signing for) of post and stock. Traffic wardens also use them to issue parking fines. So if someone already owns a smartphone and a laptop or netbook, will he want to but the iPad too? Most unlikely, unless the person's a worshipper of the man in black turtleneck, jeans and tennis shoes.

No wonder, industry watchers feel that though iPhone will do well, it's doubtful whether a huge number of people - apart from dedicated early adopters - will be desperate for yet another device.

"It's (the iPad) clearly not a game-changer, (like) the iPhone," said Ashok Kumar, analyst at Northeast. "The killer application is missing."

In conclusion, Apple Inc.'s "latest creation" the iPad is definitely a sleek and sexy device and it provide a new platform for media companies to make money in the digital world. But unlike the iPod and iPhone, it isn't one that's going to scream out "you need me right now!"