Is there going to be office applications for the iPad? More specifically, word processing, spreadsheets, etc.? Or am I way off on its 'purpose'. If it does have these applications then its a computer right? What was the all around goal for a 'tablet' versus the laptop? Having a docking station and keyboard makes it a laptop but now less convenient right? I guess if we are online, Google Aps takes care of the whole office productivity issue, and with many apps the iPad is computing disguised as a new media experience???
Apple is releasing there office suite (iWork) for the iPad. You should check out Apple's iPad site for the details. There are also rumors that Microsoft will be releasing Office for the iPad.
The cool thing is, they are offering it ala carte. So each segment will be in the app store for $10...so if you don't need presentation (how many people will) you can save $10!
I was running it while doing work as well and was basically zoned out until they brought up iWorks. At that point it got my full attention. I do think that was the "WTF Awesome" moment of the whole keynote.
Haha, I know I will- I'm a PhD student starting from next year, and will have to deal with giving classes to undergrad, etc. eventually- and the iPad feels like a great device for just plugging it in on the projector and giving the lecture without having to carry around a big laptop. And yeah, I'm pretty sure we can expect office apps from third party companies. Omni is going to release Omnigraffle, their diagram software from the mac, onto the iPad- it's widely popular amongst engineering people, project managers, etc.
Which is my point, Presentation will be a VERY niche app. And I commend them for not forcing it on users. I am a freelance visual fx artist and I tend to mostly work onsite at studios, so I will probably only get the spreadsheet app for invoicing.
I agree, selling the apps individually is great plan. Not only does it let the consumer pick and choose, it will hopefully establish the pricing structure for future apps. IOW, if Apple is selling a high quality app for $10 maybe others will sell at the same price point. If Apple had sold iWorks as a package for $30, I think we would be more likely to see $20-$30 apps from other developers. One of the great things about the iPhone is you can get good quality apps for just a few bucks. I really hope the iPad continues along that line.
I think iPad app pricepoints will be low but higher than iPhone on average. I think games will start getting pricier with good reason....think about some real games on iPad....console quality, with story lines and real production value. They are coming, but they will have a steaper price. I would say average game prices will be $10-15 and higher end games could start selling for as much as $30...it only makes sense! Why should the iPad be exempt from profitable games...I would gladly throw down $30 for a fully fleshed out game like I would get on a PC or game console!
