iPad or iPad Which One?

The thing with any new product launch, there is always this debate as to who will actually buy it.

Experience tells me the ones asking the questions are not the target market. The target market are the people who have already pre-ordered, queue up for three days beforehand, christen their firstborn child "iPad", etc, etc.

This is not a criticism, we all generally look at a product and see how it will fit into our life. I would guess that keen amatuer or professional photographers with a good grasp of computer literacy who require more from their machine than internet, email and a few applications (i.e. the forum members here) are not the target market.

What people forget though is there are a number of people who don't need anything more than interent, email and a few basic functions, have plenty of disposable income, want something in their lounge that looks nicer than a netbook, religiously buy anything with Apple on it, like to show off to friends, family and neigbours, and suffer from (LGBA - latest gadget buying addicition).

Think of it like this, if you were buying a new MP3 player solely on what gave the best audio performance, longest battery life, best value for money and most flexibility for file formats, there is no way on this earth you would choose an iPod. It is however, the best selling MP3 player of all time. Why is that? Because most people when buying something don't weigh up the pros and cons, procrastinate for weeks, try things out in shops (like I know I do, I'm what studies call a "maximiser"). Most people buy what they like the look of and change their habits around it, rather than find a gadget that suits what they currently do.

That’s easy; it is aimed squarely at the stock market.

The iPod and iPhone have been runaway commercial successes that have recently propelled Apple stock far above the highs even from the dotcom bubble in the late 90s.

However, the stock market is all about growth, and alas iPod sales have long ago reached market saturation and the iPhone is rapidly approaching that stage too. And with core Mac sales disappointing Jobs has been under severe pressure to bring out another category killer product to support the share price valuation and generally assuage market jitters.

I await the verdict of the real market on the iPad with interest but for now I am a short seller of Apple stock.

The example you give is not really relevant in the case of an iPad. You are talking about changing the formula of an already established product (like the Coke - New Coke debacle) which I agree is almost always a bad thing.

The iPad is a new product, aimed at new markets, and that's the point people seem to be missing.

In short, the majority of people.

And what market would that be then? Kiddies, gamers, smartphone enthusiasts or just those that have to have the latest toys out there? As for an e-reader, my bet is that Apple is going to really have to make a lot of cuts to be competitive with books they sell on iTunes. Again, not many bargains in that venture.

The Photomonk

As I wasn't privy to the meeting notes from the marketing discussions, I couldn't say with any certainty, but I would hazard a guess that included would be:

DINKY couples (an increasing percentage of the demographic)
Mid to high earning families who want a web browser/email retriever/entertainment device for one (or more) rooms
Technophobes who want a web browser/email retriever/entertainment device
Style concious individuals/couples, who want a tablet rather than a netbook for browsing, etc. becasue it looks nicer in their homes
iPhone users looking for a similar device for heavier/home usage
People intimidated/unable to use traditional keyboard and mouse inputs.
People who don't want to buy a separate e-reader and netbook
People that value impage and build quality over functionality
Kiddies
Gamers
Smartphone enthusiasts
People with more money than sens
LBGA sufferers

Etc, etc.

As I have said though, it is often difficult for people not in the target market to understand and identify who the target market are. Those that can earn a fortune in marketing.

RichardDay wrote [ among other things ]

OK so those of us who have been using Macs for some years are newbies and technophobes - yeah - right .

OK , so why do so many graphics folk use Macs ?

to all

Please could you tell me to which market is the iPad targeted ?

Well, we will have to see then, since this is Apple's second try at this sort of venture, a tablet. The last one was a miserable failure. Time will tell though.

The Photomonk

I think John hit the nail on the head earlier when he said about us liking Pentax but not necessarily seeing the need in our lives for every lens they make. This is exaclty the same.

I find it amusing the number of people all over the net who seem to have taken personal offence that this gadget isn't something they need or want, but say if it just did X, Y and Z it would be great.

I'm sure Apple had these very conversations (about whether it could/should do X, Y and Z) prior to release and came to the conclusion that this represented the best blend of functionality, price and build quality to achieve the sales they need.

Any firm could make something which suits anyone's exact needs, but this comes at a cost (often one which makes the prospective buyer less interested). This is why bespoke suits cost more.

I would actually feel glad if the iPad doesn't appeal to you, I know I do, it's one less thing to spend money on. Even better, the money can be spent on lenses, or beer, or a new TV, etc, etc

As I mentioned, that is something only Apple could give you an answer to.

I've had a stab in the post above yours.

Now we are talking, beer and camera equipment! But alas, this also could result in the same type of discussion.

The Photomonk

Well I know my iPad fund is going on an FA 43mm!

Look at the iPad like this.

A stunning (and expensive) digital photo frame, which you can pick up from a stand, and browse the web, retrieve your email, listen to music through, watch a video one, read a book on, plan your next journey, check your calendar, then return to it's stand where it carries on being a photo frame (and addmitedly expensive, but gorgeous photo frame).

I won't buy one (unless I find some of the fabled "really" spare cash), but there are millions who would. The same millions who don't realise there are cheaper, more convenient, but not as nice looking ways of doing the same things.

BEER - who said BEER

How did that enter the equation - not that I'm complaining mind you

I mentioned the beer!

It's just its the weekend and I haven't had one yet...