Will the iPad be a notebook killer? A significant amount of people seem to think so. And that’s before most have even tried one – talk about optimistic.
But, of course, the first batch of iPad reviews have rolled hot off the presses, only to be devoured by the Apple hungry hordes, eager for any pip or scrap from the computer maker’s table [Tablet?].
Market research outfit, NPD, recently released results of a survey revealing that rather a lot of potential iPad customers saw a considerable amount of overlap between usage intentions for the iPad and the notebook.
The iPad, says NPD’s conclusion, “is aimed squarely at the heart of the notebook market.” This despite the iPad’s lack of certain features which one would think would prevent direct cannibalization. No Flash support? Not a big deal, apparently. No camera? Who cares, say NPD survey respondents. After all, the iPad can still take over much of what your notebook does, and do it more elegantly and more comfortably. Theoretically speaking, of course.
So, does the notebook industry have some serious soul searching to do? Should computer makers pack up and go home if they don’t plan on creating their own tablets? Will tablets be as destructive to the notebook market as netbooks appear to have been?
NPD notes that Windows non-netbook notebook pricing has fallen considerably since little netbooks arrived on the scene, and that even Apple has been forced to respond to consumer demand for lower-priced notebooks, with the firm seeing its ASP fall by $170 in the past year.
NPD’s research indicated that over 80 percent of all potential iPad users cared mostly about Internet and email access, something 90 percent of all computer users do as core functions.
So, the question “Why do I need a $1200 Macbook when the $500 iPad can do almost everything I need?” is a legitimate one. And moreover, it’s a question the PC community hasn’t fully come to terms with yet.
Is it in any way feasible Apple could sell enough units of the iPad to make up for both the trading down phenomenon and the price reductions the firm could be forced to take to keep Macbook sales up?
Sadly, we don’t yet have the answers. But the next few months should prove a wild ride. Fasten your seat belts.
