Price is certainly important for me when it comes to buying technology. However, I apply this rule differently for work and leisure.
When I buy technology for leisure, I am very price conscious. I think twice before I decide to buy something that I will use to entertain and to use as a hobby every now and then. At least, I look for cheaper deals.
However, my attitude for work related technologies is different. I do not bother with the price first. My first concern is 'will the product do what I want it to do?'. For example, I would not mind paying $2500-$3000 for a performance laptop that I will use everyday to work with as long as it does what I need it to do. Having said that I am not going to pay more than $3000 either because I know good enough alternatives do exist for less.
Regarding a cheaper iPad, I certainly cannot see a place for it on my workbench. I really don't know see how I can make use of it. The best application I saw for it in my line of business was a digital oscilloscope. The concept was great: small measurement tool with little cable clutter and little real estate requirements on the desk. Unfortunately, the bandwidth of the iPad application was quite limited and therefore it remained quite basic in terms of the functionality it offered. Since I also don't need to impress any execs or clients in a meeting room by showing off with the most recent model of an iPad as I flick through the pages of a marketing/sales presentation either, I cannot think of how I can make it useful for my work.
For leisure, I think I would buy a cheaper iPad. I don't need a huge RAM and a Quad processor for playing a few games, listening to music, browsing the web and watching videos etc. I don't even need a battery that will last for 10 hours. So why pay more?
@Barbara: I would consider purchasing the cheaper iPad - but I am in the population that currently doesn't have one at all. Your question seems ro be directed to current, larger iPad owners?
Thanks Barbara for the article. From consumer perspective bandwagon people would love to buy iPad for cheap price irrespective of features or additional functional parts. I bet you, normal ritual (queue) is likely to double by the time Apple launches its iPad 3
Android devices and tablets are coming out in all different shapes and sizes, specifically by manufacturers like Samsung, HTC, Motorola, and now ZTE, among others.It would make sense that Apple looks to provide additional form factors.I think a smaller tablet would be a good seller.
I might buy a cheaper iPAD if i don't have to pay through lower functionality, although i'm more of a nokia and android fan.
I find the news that iPAD sales was eaten into by iPhone sales, that speaks volumes, as efficient smart phones are just as good as tablets, except for screen size.
I think it all depends on the kind of customer: those who buy just for the fun or hype of it, and those who buy out of the need for such protable, smart devices.
for the later, a cheaper iPad, might just not make any difference, but for the former, it could make a big difference.
Would I buy a cheaper iPad? Many current Apple iPad users probably would if the form factor is different, that is, if it is smaller and can readily fit into a jacket pocket. But isn't the iPhone itself able to perform the same functions? Businesses might, though, and that is one set of buyers that Apple is targeting with a wide range of products.
I have no intentions of buying an iPad just because of the price. I have looked at tablet PCs over the last year and haven't quite decided why I should add one to the electronic products I carry around. I have a Samsung smartphone that is bigger than the iPhone, a Blackberry and a laptop. Why do I need another device? I believe my Samsung Galaxy phone qualifies enough as a tablet PC.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
To save this item to your list of favorite EBN content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
