What does the iPad mean for web designers? What about users?

With Apple’s new product the iPad coming out in April, there has been a lot of discussion about the product itself like the intricate details of the OS and some new technology that is getting introduced (for example the IPS display that gives you 178^o viewing angle with bright, elegant color / contrast) but more often than not, the reviews for the iPad are less than positive.

For Designers the iPad is interesting as a new toy to consider when creating mobile versions of a website or developing web applications since its intended use is relatively unique. Having a device that is more or less a large smart phone (sans phone, of course) is interesting when you consider how useful modern smart phones like the iPhone and Android devices are. The “advancement” for lack of a better word, with the iPad is the opportunity for a more spread out user interface that will let people access more information easily through one screen.

For Consumers it’s a little harder to think of reasons to buy an iPad for myself because it isn’t really something that I would find useful. It’s in this strange area where it doesn’t do much more than my iPhone, but does a lot less than my laptop (which really isn’t that much more difficult to carry around if need be). I could see this taking off for people that mainly use a few specific apps everyday for fun / entertainment or as a less expensive alternative to a laptop if you’re just looking to go on Facebook while you hang out in the living room.

That is kind of an oversimplification of the features. I haven’t even mentioned the fact that it is a new type of e-book tool as well that could compete in the market of online book readers that already have an iPhone and want to take their app usage to the next level. It also makes use of a large number of office and home tools like calendars, iLife and iWork applications. It has a doc that doubles as a stand making the iPad a digital picture frame while it charges, something parents and grandparents will definitely enjoy.

Despite the fact that there are some other interesting features and accessories, the big thing that stands out for me, being a web designer and all, is the new types of interfaces that can be created to make web browsing and sharing information easier than before. Will I buy one? Probably not, although I do not doubt that it will be a useful tool for others that do not require as much power out of their home machines and want something a little more convenient.