Apple unveils the iPad, but will it be a success?

Last Wednesday, after months of keeping loyal customers on the edge of their seats, Apple CEO Steve Jobs finally unveiled the latest Apple Product: a tablet computer. The new product, termed the iPad, hopes to achieve success similar to that of the iPhone, which transformed the cellphone as we know it. The iPad is somewhere between a smartphone and a laptop, and will be able to display anything from videos to full books on its sleek touch screen. Apple has even paired with several major publishers including HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster to provide ebooks as low as $12.99.

But although some are enthusiastic about the success of the iPad, others still remain skeptical. After all, isn't the iPad essentially just a larger version of another famous Apple product, the iTouch? It even lacks several important features that are available in most phones and laptops, most notably, a camera. So what makes the iPad better than other consumer electronic devices, such as laptops, netbooks, smartphones, or other e-reader products?

One benefit of the iPad over other laptops is its size and weight. The product only weighs 1 1/2 pounds and is a mere 1/2 inch thick, making it much easier to transport than the typical laptop. Its large screen (at 9.7 inches) also makes it much easier to watch videos and read books, while iPhone users may get frustrated with watching videos on the phone's tiny 3.5 inch screen. However, the iPad also has less storage space, which may frustrate many users with large volumes of pictures, songs, and videos.

So what do you think? Has Apple lost touch with consumers, or will the iPad be another success?