Apple’s new tablet computer is finally out. We will compare in this article a few aspects of the netbook category and the new iPad.

iPad specs

• CPU: Apple A4, 1GHz
• Display: 9.7″ capacitive touchscreen, at a 1024×768 resolution
• Storage: 16GB, 32GB or 64GB
• Networking: WiFi, bluetooth
• Weight: 1.5 pounds (about 680 gr)
• Price: $499, $599 or $699 (for models with respective storage capacity)
• Optional 3G connectivity (for $130)

Interface

Apple has to be given credit for the development of their touch enabled interface. It is intuitive, simple, easy to use, yet beautiful and it made the iphone successful.

Netbooks, on the other hand, are powered by classic PC interfaces,  so any computer user will be familiar with his device.

Platform

I do have an iPod touch and most of my frustrations come from the closed nature of the software platform. Synching under Linux is complicated, and it doesn’t act as a mass storage device when connected to a PC.

The weakest point of the iPad is the lack of proper multitasking with the current firmware. Before I get a few hate emails, I’d like to state that I know there are a few apps that can enable some multitasking but the OS isn’t designed for this.

Productivity

The iPad has a few weak points that will give the egde to netbooks when it comes to productivity.

The touchscreen will never be able to compare to a proper physical keyboard. I like to have a feedback when I press a key.

Netbooks can provide the best from both opensource and closed source software without restrictions.

Entertainment

The main strength of the iPad is its 9.7″ display. Movie and TV fans will be delighted. However, flash based videos are not available, which will prevent streaming from a lot of online services.

Netbooks do benefit from a large amount of emulators. ION based devices can also achieve decent enough performances for a light gaming use.
The iPad touchscreen will be great for time wasting games, like the tower defense category, or real time strategies, RPGs.

What to choose

From a price/performance perspective, netbooks outperform the iPad. For half the price, you will get a great device, better suited for a productive internet and office mobile use.

When it comes to reading color ebooks, a netbook will be better suited than the iPad, since you can easily upload your books and you are not limited with formats. Neither netbooks, nor the iPad can compete with an ebook reader’s display when it comes to reading comfort.

If you are looking for a multimedia intensive use and you can invest more money, the iPad will provide a lot of entertainment. I would, however, wait for a hypothetic iPad 4G with an integrated webcam and a proper multitasking enabled OS. Not to mention the upcoming army of android based clones…