This chart has become one of the most discussed on the topic of iPads vs. netbooks.
Many pundits and commentators are debating whether or not the iPad is eating into netbook sales. Some studies indicate the iPad is the stake into the heart of the netbook (see here and here.) Others say this is typical Apple-inspired hyperbole (here and here).
Getting to the truth is tricky because tech commentary lately sounds too much like our political system: polarized into overly dogmatic camps who talk at, instead of to, each other. On the one hand are the Apple fanboys, who find Apple devices as items of worship and take pronouncements from Steve Jobs as if the Pope were speaking ex cathedra. Yet there are also the Apple haters, who compare every Apple product to a Fischer Price toy and think all Apple innovations were stolen from someone else.
Instead of listening to these warring factions we should interpret the data. It is fair to infer the massive growth experienced by netbooks is probably declining because most who wanted one have bought it. Most new products that achieve popularity have a spike in sales and then eventually decline.
So where does this leave the iPad? It would be naive to suggest the iPad is having zero effect on netbook sales. Many surveys and other anecdotes are suggesting that people are using it as a laptop replacement. The Apple haters refuse to acknowledge this is possible, but anecdotal evidence suggests also suggests it is so. Many conversations I have with those who see and use one are impressed with the form factor and ease of use. It especially makes sense for many consumers who use their notebooks for mostly consuming content instead of creating it. With the right applications, and an external keyboard, productivity is possible from the iPad.
My own experience is the iPad does some productivity well, though it’s far from where I would like it to be. For example, this entire blog post was written from the WordPress app on my iPad. The virtual keyboard isn’t bad with some practice, but I did use the backspace button more than I would on a physical keyboard. Also, I needed to hop on my Windows 7 desktop to add the necessary tweaks from the web version of WordPress before publishing. It’s a good example of how the iPad fares as a notebook replacement: close, but not quite there yet.
I just bought a NetBook, despite the protestations of my Apple-obsessed boyfriend. We’ve tried out iPads in the store, and I prefer my Netbook because it’s less expensive and it’s easier to type on (as a writer, ease of typing is key). Plus, my Netbook can handle Flash and iPads can’t. But both gadgets have their limitations. For the foreseeable future, I probably wouldn’t rely on either one as my primary computer.
I understand the dilemma. Typing on the iPad isn’t ideal, so if you plan to do lots of writing on the go then a netbook is probably your better option. I am looking at getting the Apple keyboard also for this purpose. But I also have a Windows laptop along with my desktop, but that is just because I am a geek with entirely too many electronic devices.