Analyst: iPad Set to Evolve like iPhone

· by · Apple Stock Watch

Apple's iPhone grew into more than just another smartphone after it was launched, and that's exactly what UBS analyst Maynard Um thinks is about to happen with the iPad, too.

"We believe there has been heated debate as to how well the iPad will sell given its lack of Flash capability for web browsing and questions as to whether its screen is superior to other ebook readers," Mr. Um said. "However, we believe the utility of the iPad will evolve materially just as the original 2G iPhone evolved to become more than just an iPod with phone capabilities."

Since Apple's App Store is already in full swing, and the iPad will be able to run almost all of the apps that are currently available for the iPhone, the iPad will ship with a long list of software titles ready to go. As developers release iPad-specific versions of their apps, the potential usefulness of the iPad will likely rise, too.

Apple introduced the iPad in January, and announced on March 5 that it will ship on April 3. Pre-orders for the iPad will kick off on March 12.

Mr. Um is maintaining his "Buy" rating and US$280 target price for Apple's stock. Apple is currently trading at $217.94, up 7.23 (3.43%).

Jeff Gamet

Jeff Gamet

Jeff is the Mac Observer's Managing Editor, and co-host of the Apple Context Machine podcast. He is the author of "The Designer's Guide to Mac OS X" from Peachpit Press, and writes for several design-related publications. Jeff has presented at events such as Macworld Expo, the RSA Conference, and the Mac Computer Expo. In all his spare time, he also co-hosts the We Have Communicators podcast, and makes guest appearances on several other podcasts, too. Jeff dreams in HD.

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3 Comments

mrmwebmax

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I’m convinced the killer app for the iPad will be task-planning software (think Franklin-Covey, DayTimer, etc.). I’ve used a Franklin Planner for over 15 years. It is the “classic” size planner, which is also the most popular regardless of brand. And I got curious and checked its dimensions against those of the iPad: They’re nearly identical. (A classic-sized page measures, on the diagonal, about 9.7 inches, the same as the screen on the iPad.)

If a really, really good task-planning app comes out, I’ll seriously consider the iPad. The form factor is perfect.

DaddyG

Franklin-Covey already has a couple of apps for the iPhone called FCmobile Tasks and Goals. They tie into your desktop software. Just in case you didn’t know.

mrmwebmax

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Thanks for the tip. I’ll definitely look into it.

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