As I sit here writing this article about my first-generation iteration of Apple’s new iPad, I can’t help but think of all the negativity I’ve heard and read about the device. The iPad is actually a great tool and fills a gap that many won’t recognize until they’ve actually owned and used one. I think a lot of the bad vibes about the device stem from the bad feelings they have about Steve Jobs and Apple’s marketing scheme in general.

First of all, it’s an expensive unit, no doubt. Starting at $500 for the 16g model, it’s essentially a giant iPod touch. You could buy a laptop for that price today, and that’s a major argument against buying an iPad. Well, the iPad isn’t meant to replace a computer, in fact, you need one to sync to upload files anyway. iPads are for consumers who already own a laptop or desktop computer, so they essentially don’t compete with cheap laptops. That said, for $500 you’ll buy a cheap junk laptop; iPad is a high grade premium device.

The iPad doesn’t do everything I want it to do… no, it doesn’t. Again, it’s not meant to replace an entire computer. With predictions that cloud computing will dominate the future, having a slate computer, like the iPad, is a logical step in that direction. I use the iPad for light work, like writing these blog articles. I use it for multimedia like movies, Internet/YouTube and unique games. The intuitive web browsing experience is unmatched by anything a regular PC can compete with. iPod audio and the iBooks app make it a fantastic device. The iPad is super portable with great battery life. I easily move it from room to room, onto the deck, or out for the weekend, without giving much thought to battery levels or transport charges. Let me tell you, this is much easier to travel with than my old laptop, with its surprisingly heavy shoulder bag and poor battery life. For actual work at home here, I still use my desktop or laptop, but I’d say I spend more than 50% of my “computer time” on the iPad now. I can type with my thumb very fast when I hold the device in portrait mode. The “novelty” doesn’t seem to be going away. In fact, I’m considering getting rid of my laptop entirely.

The predictions I’ve read are that in the future, most people will only have a desktop and a slate computer (and a smartphone). This means that laptops could become largely outdated. As it stands now, the only purpose I see for a real “laptop” is if you need to constantly carry it around to school/work and home. Most of today’s laptops seem to be desktop replacements anyway. They are big and heavy and seem to stay in most homes. From a value standpoint, a desktop would be a better buy and you’d get a much bigger screen to boot. With the advent of “cloud computing,” the future desktop PC will be just a small box with minimal power and storage. It will basically be a workstation, from which you will be able to access all your files, which are stored online. Your virtual “desktop” will be identical whether you use the computer at work, school, or home. A current example of cloud computing is webmail. Our email used to be downloaded directly to our personal computer, making it inaccessible from any other machine. Now, for most of us, our email is stored online via webmail clients like Gmail or Hotmail, and can be accessed identically from anywhere in the world. So I ask, why would we need “portable” laptops? The fact that most slate computers will become a “laptop” anyway seals the case, in my opinion.

For some, having a smartphone, like the iPhone, is the only portable device they need alongside their regular computer. It’s much smaller and more portable than an iPad, and not all iPads have 3G wireless anyway. For me, the screen size of a smartphone is too small to be practically usable. I really don’t need to surf the web everywhere I go, and the contract costs are astronomical. A semi-smart phone with basic email access is all I’m willing to pay for. To that end, I want the smallest and lightest phone that can fit in my pocket—even the iPhone is too big to always carry around, in my opinion. I don’t have a purse.

The big complaint about Apple’s methodology is that they release a device that lacks features and functionality. They market it as a cutting edge dream machine and release it before any competitor can release their competing products. Everyone and their dog go out and pay a premium price for the units, and then complain that they can’t do this or that. Within a year, Apple releases the second generation, which addresses the shortcomings of the first version, and everyone rushes to buy the product again. They effectively create a market for their second release by releasing an “incomplete” first generation. An example of this is that there is no webcam on this first iPad… but do they have the technology…?

The other big complaint is the closed system that Apple operates with to make a profit. In the US, iPhone users and iPad 3GS users are tied to AT&T, a company many dislike. These devices are also linked to iTunes, and now iBooks, making it easy to buy from Apple and surprisingly annoying to use files from elsewhere. All apps must be purchased and approved by Apple. However, it is not inconceivable that Apple will sell the iPads etc. At a loss, and then they make money from apps, music, and contracts. This is how the market for video game consoles works.

However, the competition is coming. At my last check, there are about 10 competing slates due to be released within a year. These slates will have screen sizes ranging from 5″ to 12″ and are powered by a host of chips including Nvidia’s Tegra 2 and Intel’s Atom. Popular operating systems mentioned are Google’s Android and Windows Embedded 7. If you want a slate that has more features and user control, it may be worth the wait. The iPad is more geared towards users who like everything done perfectly for them, which has been Apple’s methodology. That said, there is some user control, such as having the ability to customize the wallpaper with an image of your choice, and there are so many apps available that you’re bound to find a solution to other shortcomings. No, the iPad doesn’t do everything I want it to do (like run flash websites), but it does enough and it’s been one of my best purchases.