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Does the iPad Replace the Need for a Smartphone?
We’ve covered the Apple iPad several times on CenterNetworks. The device appears to be launching next month and I believe it will be a game changer. Andreas discussed how he sees the device being used in the home and I agree with him that a whole new set of consumers will join the Apple camp when the iPad tablet hits the market. Whether you buy an iPad or one of the other 50 tablets that will launch this year, one thing is clear: all of them will have some level of Internet access built in. Some may have WiFi only, some may have wireless connections only and some will have both.
I use Sprint for wireless service and have been very satisfied with the call quality and reception I’ve received no matter where I travel to. I’ve started to wonder if I purchase an iPad (or another tablet) if there is even a need for a smartphone anymore. For normal Internet users, the tablet will give them access to the Internet when needed and they could potentially move to a basic phone and save money on their mobile costs. It’s something that I am seriously considering once my contract is over.
Naturally if I moved to a simple phone and a tablet, it would require that I carry the tablet with me wherever I go. What makes this more interesting are some of the billboards I’ve seen around NYC that show mobile carriers offering unlimited talk, text and web for $40/month. I don’t know who the actual service provider is for some of these plans but with a phone that can do all of those things, it makes not having a full smartphone even better.
Apple should offer current iPhone customers a discount on the AT&T service on the iPad. Without a discount, I wonder if the new customers that will be attracted to the iPad will shy away from purchasing a smartphone, and potentially an iPhone.
I only write a few texts a month and mainly use my mobile device for checking and replying to emails. Something I could easily do on the iPad or a basic phone when I don’t have the iPad with me (e.g. out for the evening, parties, etc.)
Another interesting note – the more people I talk to about their mobile usage, the more I hear one thing…that they barely use the voice feature on the phone. I fall into the same camp — I receive 500 minutes a month and barely use 30-50 a month. Perhaps a pre-paid plan could work very well to keep my expenses down even further.
If you are purchasing an iPad, do you plan to keep your smartphone as well? Could you see mainstream consumers that purchase a tablet computer moving to a more simplified and less expensive mobile service and device?
I’m with Denis. Only, even though I am a semi-techno geek, I’ve waited this long without a smartphone because I really want an iPhone, not any other smartphone, but can’t handle downgrading my carrier to AT&T. I believe my patience is being rewarded by having an iPad and a basic phone instead. Also with the month-to-month optional 3G service, I expect to save money in the long run.
Allen,
For me, the process went like this:
Currently, I use a Blackberry. It’s an adequate phone, and I like having all of my contacts up to date in the phone. But I am a Mac user, and Blackberry and Verison aren’t really Mac friendly. There is a Missing Sync app for the Mac to sync with a Blackberry, but it isn’t very reliable. A good portion of my email comes form lists that use HTML formatting for email, so a great deal of my email, while readable, isn’t very nice to read, because Blackberry doesn’t do HTML in the email. The Blackberry web browser, while it works, is really difficult to control, especially with the tiny screen. (My eyes are not as young as they were.)
My contract with Verison is just about up. For phone, I plan to stay with Verison, because they have coverage where I need it (our house is just outside ATTs coverage, for example). But, I have very specific reasons to want a tablet type device, and as I see it, having an iPad will provide me with my contacts, with web access, and all the other “smart” phone features. At work and at home, I can use wi-fi to stay linked, but when traveling, I can buy a month of G3 access as needed. For some of my traveling, I could leave the laptop at home, and I could certainly use the iPad in a cramped Coach seat on a plane, where my laptop is pretty worthless.
So, I plan to downgrade my wireless contract to basic phone service (and I know they will weep and moan), and get a 3G iPad. Between them I get all the features I need, in a form that works for me.
I also looked at using something like MiFi, and not getting the 3G version of the iPad. But, Verison charges $60 per month for “unlimited 5 GB” 3G access, where ATT charges $30 for real unlimited. Just four months of 3G covers the cost of the integration and removes one thing that needs connecting, not counting the $299 list for MiFi.
Seems simple to me.
You are right. Price does affect it. But for me If I get the same service then why carry 2 gadgets. Use one. It will save you money. I think in time it will replace the smartphone. New technology always does.
Rennel
It might be enough of a temptation for people to switch from another device, like a Blackberry for instance at the end of a contract.
Allen, at most, you represent .01% of the market. The iPad is not a smartphone replacement … not even close. Anyone looking to replace their smartphone with this thing is barking up the wrong tree. I wish you the best with trying to fit this ridiculous thing in your pocket.
Sounds crazy. But I’m holding out until the iPad has a camera. As someone who shoots video and does many conference calls via Skype, etc. then this is a huge thing for me. I use my iPhone for most video, but to have the iPad would be awesome. Also, it can’t replace my laptop, because all of my music software isn’t available with the iPad. But then again, I’m probably not their target market, although it’s a fantastic device.
It’s a good point, as an iphone user I don’t think the ipad would see me ditching it.
I think the ipad could become the commuters weapon of choice over the iphone though.
yea but you aren’t a normal Internet user :)
I wonder how other locations will fare as well like your UK, etc.
I think it’s down to price point. I have seen some crazy prices for the uk being thrown around.
If it’s going to cost £499 for the 16 wifi version then apple will have a lemon of a product in the UK.
another thing that might effect it here is the pricing of the 3g data deals because £15 a month is not a good deal, I pay 7.50 for 5 gig from three here in the uk.