iPad a disappointment? iPad price, specs and cons

The unveiling of yesterday's first-of-its-kind tablet computer from Apple has brought cheers and jeers from the tech world. Known simply as the "iPad", people are already questioning the value of such an item that allows for listening to music, reading digital print, surfing the web and watching movies or videos on a 10" touchscreen that weighs under 2 pounds. Many are saying it's just a larger version of the iPhone or iPod Touch. (see iPad here) So is the iPad a disappointment?

First off, there's the iPad price. It will range from $499 to $829, depending on whether you go for the regular WiFi model or the WiFi plus 3G model. The higher priced models will be those that have access to the 3G network which gives internet access almost anywhere, and with that you'll be paying an additional $15-$29 a month for the continuous internet service. Tech site Engadget estimated that consumers who buy the unlimited data plan with the iPad can expect to spend $1500 over a 2 year period.

The iPad specs including Apple A4 chip are decent, but some of the early cons pointed out include the fact that there is no ability to shoot videos or pictures with this device. Also, just like the iPhone and iPods, Flash isn't supported, which leaves Adobe and a lot of the websites which operate with Flash, in the dark. There's also reported problems from A&T's service in metro areas, which would lead you to believe you could be getting ripped off with the monthly data service plans. The fact that 3G models cost even more money has also been scrutinized.

All that said, Apple tends to release version after version of each of its tech products until it starts to get it right. The iPhone and iPod have been through multiple variations already, each offering improvements over the last. So is the iPad a disappointment? Only if you look at the iPad price as outrageous rather than affordable. And it's hard to say a first-of-its-kind product is really a disappointment, as this is something that will continue to develop with each new version.