A lot of folks know that I have the original iPad - certainly all the readers of this blog do. Fewer know that I bought it the first day it was available. I think most people looked at me a little askance after that - perhaps questioning my sanity or fiscal sense. Subsequently over 15 million people joined me in this experiment and I think that they have found, as I did, that it was worth it.
But now, the iPad 2 has been announced. Cameras. 2 of em. New design, faster processor and video performance. Lighter. Thinner. All of it impressive. But, in terms of usability, I find little difference. Don't get me wrong - faster is almost always better. But, I'm not clear that there is a compelling difference between the 1 and the 2. I'd like to think there is and I certainly intend on getting my hands on one. But, I'm skeptical that it will be as compelling of an experience as the first one.
I am quite sure however, that the device will be immediately compelling to those who do not have the first one. They'll be entranced by the dead simple functionality and the form factor, etc. I welcome all those who haven't bought one yet - you'll want one. But for those of us early adopters, it's more of a coin flip. And I'm not sure where I'm going to land.
