iPad: initial reactions running 2:1 positive
Posted by Mark Pack at Thu, 28/01/2010 - 11:27am in Internet
This week's launch of Apple's iPad has generated a huge amount of media and online coverage (a cynic would say rather too much for a firm that has such a small share of the global mobile phone and computer markets).
In classic Apple fashion, the first version of their new product looks great but lacks several basic features which have been available on other devices for years, such as with the iPad's inability to run multiple programs at the same time. However, what can make or break a new device - and decide whether or not it has the chance to improve through future versions - is the initial reaction.
So how has the initial reaction gone for the iPad? One of the advantages of the move of so much news and views to the internet is that it is possible to very quickly trawl a wide range of sources to answer that question.
A look through reactions show far (using the Radian67 monitoring tool) shows that positive coverage outnumbers negative coverage by just under 2:1 (63% to 34%, with 3% mixed and excluding coverage neutral in tone).
That 2:1 ratio isn't bad, but it certainly rather muted given all the pre-launch hype and the very successful launch of the original iPod.
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Comments
"a cynic would say rather too much for a firm that has such a small share of the global mobile phone and computer markets"
Er, are you serious? Apple has an enormous share of the global mobile market. They were aiming for 1% when they launched (as in, 1% of all mobile phones in use in the world) and they're closer to hitting 3% now. Remember that the remaining 97% is diluted between about 100 other manufacturers. Furthermore about 15% of all mobile phones shipping in 2009 were iPhones.
I'd also suggest that if you're basing your estimate of success on units shipped then you're doing it wrong. Look at Q4 2009: Dell shipped many more computers than Apple, but their revenue was much less.
"In classic Apple fashion, the first version of their new product looks great but lacks several basic features which have been available on other devices for years, such as with the iPad's inability to run multiple programs at the same time."
I don't think the Kindle, the iPad's biggest competitor, is able to run multiple programs at the same time. Which devices are you talking about?
"That 2:1 ratio isn't bad, but it certainly rather muted given all the pre-launch hype and the very successful launch of the original iPod."
Actually the reaction to Apple's iPod launch was dreadful. It was almost universally decried as a flop waiting to happen. But we all know what happened there.
The iPhone was met with more acclaim because of the multi-touch technology, but people still had gripes. No 3G, detachable battery or hardware keyboard. What was it the CEO of Palm said? "We've been trying to get this right for years. PC guys aren't going to just walk in and get it right the first time out." But they did. iPhone was a runaway success, like iPod.
99% of the hype is generated by the 5% of the world who these devices aren't targeted at. If you're on the internet discussing the new Apple product on Twitter or a discussion group, then it's likely the iPad isn't aimed at you.
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