The way of the iPad

Companies create new products for two reasons:

1. There is a gap in the market with unfulfilled customer needs

2. The company simply wants to create a new product

Apple's introduction of the iPad is a great example of reason number 2. The iPad is a great example of a product that is created, not because there is an unfulfilled customer need, but because Apple wanted to create it. There was no need for the iPad. When the iPad was first introduced, I though "What a waste! When would you actually use an iPad?". What is the point of the iPad when we have the iPhone and laptops. I mean, the iPad is just an oversized iPhone. But, as the iPad is an Apple product, of course sales were high with Apple lovers buying it simply because it was Apple. Even when I saw people using the beautiful piece of technology, I was still cynical as to the point of the iPad. I saw it as a toy, and nothing more.

It is only now, 5 months after the initial release in Australia, that people are finding uses for the iPad. Although I still see it as a useless product for individuals, it has become a great tool for businesses and industry. Some of the great uses for the iPad that I have heard about include:

• Hotel concierges using iPads to be able to remotely help customers rather than being tied to their desks
• Participants at a seminar this month for Financial Planners under 40yrs will each be given an iPad upon entry, with the iPad being integrated into the seminar with participants being taught to use the iPads when meeting with clients, and for day-to-day activities
• From January next year, a trial will be run in hospitals where graduate doctors and nurses will be given iPads to use when on their rounds

There have been many new business apps that have also been developed, making the iPad more than just a nice accessory, but a functioning business solution. Some business apps that have been introduced include: GoodReader (enables viewing of Word, Excel and PDF documents), FlightTrack Pro (gives updates about flight times and notifies you of delayed flights), Bloomberg (provides financial news, stockmarket prices, currency changes, etc), and many more business apps.

So although I still dont see the iPad as a useful device for individuals, I think that the new ways in which it is being used for businesses is fantastic. The iPad is a great example of creating a product and then only after the introduction of it, finding uses for it. I see the iPad as the way of the future for businesses, making them more portable and technologically adaptable.