Recption
Reception
On May 28, 2010, the iPad was released in Australia, Canada, and Japan, as well as several larger European countries. Media reaction to the launch was mixed. The media noted the positive response from fans of the device, with thousands of people queued on the first day of sale in a number of these countries.[112][113]
Reaction to the announcement
Media reaction to the iPad announcement was mixed. Walt Mossberg wrote, "It's about the software, stupid", meaning hardware features and build are less important to the iPad's success than software and user interface, his first impressions of which were largely positive. Mossberg also called the price "modest" for a device of its capabilities, and praised the ten-hour battery life.[114] Others, including PC Advisor and The Sydney Morning Herald, wrote that the iPad would also compete with proliferating netbooks, most of which use Microsoft Windows.[115][116] The base model's $499 price was lower than pre-release estimates by the tech press, Wall Street analysts, and Apple's competitors, all of whom were expecting a much higher entry price point.[117][118][119]
CNET also criticized the iPad for its apparent lack of wireless sync which other portable devices such as Microsoft's Zune have had for a number of years. The built-in iTunes app is able to download from the Internet as well.[120]
Reviews
Reviews of the iPad have been generally favorable. Walt Mossberg of The Wall Street Journal called it a "pretty close" laptop killer.[121] David Pogue of The New York Times wrote a "dual" review, one part for technology-minded people, and the other part for non-technology-minded people. In the former section, he notes that a laptop offers more features for a cheaper price than the iPad. In his review for the latter audience, however, he claims that if his readers like the concept of the device and can understand what its intended uses are, then they will enjoy using the device.[122] PC Magazine's Tim Gideon wrote, "you have yourself a winner" that "will undoubtedly be a driving force in shaping the emerging tablet landscape."[123] Michael Arrington of TechCrunch said, "the iPad beats even my most optimistic expectations. This is a new category of device. But it also will replace laptops for many people."[124]
PC World criticized the iPad's file sharing and printing abilities.[125] and Ars Technica said sharing files with a computer is "one of our least favorite parts of the iPad experience."[126]
The media also praised the quantity of applications, as well as the bookstore and other media applications.[127][128] In contrast they criticized the iPad for being a closed system and mentioned that the iPad faces competition from Android based tablets.[112] The Independent criticized the iPad for not being as readable in bright light as paper but praised it for being able to store large quantities of books.[127]
Recognition
The iPad was selected by Time Magazine as one of the 50 Best Inventions of the Year 2010,[129] while Popular Science chose it as the top gadget[130] behind the overall "Best of What's New 2010" winner Groasis Waterboxx.[131]