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I was a big fan of netbooks when they first came out.  They’re cheap, provide plenty of functionality, and make great traveling companions.  Despite the booming popularity of netbooks, I believe that the iPad will create a new market for tablet-styled devices.  Whether you’re an Apple fan or not, the iPad’s perceived ease of use, design, and portability will assure it has a place.  The question some are now asking is whether they should buy a netbook, the iPad, or a similar unreleased tablet.

The core of this question ultimately relates to the device’s purpose.  What exactly do you need to accomplish?  While it seems that the iPad is primarily a consumption device, there will likely be many available applications that make it a useful tool.  The iPad’s extra accessories such as the keyboard dock highlight that it will offer an extended experience rather than simply being a large iPod Touch.

Here is a simple comparison of the pros and cons for a netbook and the iPad.

Netbook

Pro Con
Low cost Usually lower performance
Size Often smaller, cramped keyboard
Battery life Small screen
Integrated webcam Lower build quality
Various OS choices Lacks Apple coolness factor?
Multitasking Impractical compared to full featured notebook

iPad

Pro Con
Low cost for entry unit Apple controlled App Store
Ease of use No physical keyboard (unless using keyboard dock)
Portability Lack of inking/pen support
Battery life Lack of webcam
iPhone OS iPhone OS
140,000 Apps Lack of multitasking

[Read the rest of this article at GottaBeMobile >>]