Is the iPad a computer or a big iPod touch?

This is a great question, and like all great questions, it is open to debate.

Add your opinion below:

Similarities to the iPod Touch:

• It shares its WiFi, App Store and iTunes capabilities
• It shares its multitouch and accelerometer capabilities
  
• It has home, screen lock, and volume, buttons
  
• It DOES have multitask capabilities on the new iOS 4.2
  
• It has an on screen QWERTY keyboard
• It shares the same operating system (iOS)
• It shares the same A4 processor in the iPod Touch 4 and iPhone 4.
  

Differences from the iPod Touch:

• It supports 3G networks.
• It has a bigger screen (9.7 inch) compared to the iPod's 3.5 inch display
• It supports an external keyboard that you can plug in.
• It does not have the crisp retina display of the iPod Touch 4 or iPhone 4
  
• It does not have the front/rear cameras of the iPod Touch 4 or iPhone 4
• It has a microphone that 1-3 generation iPod Touches doesn't
• It has higher quality and louder speakers

Similarities to a Computer:

• It supports customized Apple office software like iWork
• It has a 10 hour battery life
• It has built in speakers
• It supports multitasking and wireless printing
• It supports an optional physical keyboard
  

Differences from a Computer:

• It does not support Flash or Javascript on webpages
• It runs a mobile operating system and not a powerful desktop operating environment like Mac or Windows.
  
• It only supports applications and softwares that are approved by Apple in the app store, and you cannot install 3rd party software without a jailbreak
• It does NOT support pen input like other tablet PCs.
  
• It does NOT have a USB or Firewire port for external devices
• It does NOT have a port for Ethernet cables
  
• It does NOT have a CD or DVD drive
• You cannot upgrade the hardware
• It is not, and should not be viewed as a standalone computer, as you need ANOTHER computer to sync your iTunes library to.
  

Other comparisons:

• The 3G model requires a monthly fee to use its 3G capabilities
  
• It is a main competitor to the Kindle and supports eBook reading.
• It's a bit of both. You can also watch TV shows and movies.
• On the iPad you can't display anything flash. You CAN multitask for reading books on the iPad but you have to have PERFECT lighting or the glossy screen will make it nearly impossible. The battery supposedly lasts up to 10 hours, which would be great if you could buy a replacement battery so that you wouldn't have to wait 12 hours for it to charge. So, the iPad is pretty much like a big iPod Touch.
  

Conclusion:




The iPad is more or less identical to the iPod Touch, with the exception of a bigger screen. They both natively possess the basic functions of a mainstream computer, (web browser, email client, photo viewer, music player, video player, calculator, calender, notes program, etc.) and you can install 3rd party apps like office software, photo/video editors, games, instant message clients, productivity suites, etc.

Regardless of the fact that it runs programs like iWork, the iPad was designed for the same purpose of the iPod Touch, and that's to be an entertainment medium. It should NOT be considered a viable substitute for a notebook or desktop PC, simply considering the fact that you need another Windows or Mac to sync it with. Tablet computers like the iPad and the Samsung Galaxy Tab that runs mobile operating systems like iOS and Android is different from tablet PERSONAL computers like the HP Touchsmart tm2 or the Fujitsu Lifebook.

It all comes down to your intended purpose. If you are looking for a simplistic, easy to use, entertainment device adding on to your personal computer(s) and don't think the price is too demanding, go for it. But say you are going to college or planning on purchasing a device for business, then you have no choice but to side with a true notebook or tablet PC.