Apple Releases Another Ridiculous Gadget

Many of Apple's devices have a lot of appeal. I admit that. In fact, I wouldn't mind owning an iPhone or iPod Touch some day when I'm independently wealthy. But this...this is just gimmicky. Let me count the reasons that iPad is not that great:

• It's a weird size. It's not a laptop replacement, nor does it replace your iPod Touch (which, by the way, has similar screen space). It's more of a flashy, "Look what I can afford to buy from Apple" sort of device.
• It's expensive. Only $499 my foot. Try $399 or $349, Apple.
• It can't play flash or download programs that are not approved by Apple.
• It has no specific purpose (that I've seen). Why should I buy it? (Besides "It's shiny and made by Apple," of course.)
• And the list goes on.
  

I am sure there are numerous other features that I'll never know about. Then again, Apple has as much right as anyone to find a way to make some money as anyone. I still wish they had come up with something cooler.

Palette cleanser and clever analogy: