iPad is Less about the Hardware, and More about the Platform.

Hey it’s iPad release day!!  This is kind of a cool day for Mobile Local Social, as we officially launched on site on the day that Apple unveiled the iPad.  It was a catalyst for us to start sharing our opinions on new technology, not only tech, but the ways in which information is searched for and distributed by.

There has been a lot of hubbub about the iPad’s hardware and it’s lack of a front facing camera and it lack of HDMI connectivity.  But to me, it really isn’t about the hardware, it is the fact that this new platform is changing digital media and the way it will be used moving forward.  It is an ebook killer.  The Kindle and Nook should just pack it up and call it a day.

The iPad has the luxury of being perceived as having the first mover advantage, as well.  He who launches first wins, right?  Well, personally, I think that the Notion Ink, Adam will be a better machine when it comes to hardware, but it isn’t released yet.  It also won’t have an army of developers developing innovative apps for the device.  This equals buckets full of win for Apple, at least in the short term.

Apple has this closed environment that makes developing subscriptions services for traditional media outlets so appealing to the old media companies.  Apple controls the message on its devices.  If you want an app that isn’t sanctioned by the Apple Gestapo, then you are out of gas.  This hasn’t stopped legions of programmers from trying to capitalize on the Apple App goldrush and it hasn’t stopped fanboys from jumping in and buying anything that Apple releases… and it also hasn’t stopped tons of PC fans from switching allegiances.

The innovative nature of the iPad is pretty cool.  Sure, it’s not perfect, but it is only the first rendition.  I’m certain that Apple will make continual enhancements to the iPad over the next couple of years, making it even more badass.  They have some really cool patents that will make the bezel a “smart-bezel” that will keep the device looking clean, but adding additional functionality.

With book companies coming on and creating custom learning experiences for the iPad, with movie companies customizing their media for the iPad, for magazines and newspapers creating a new subscription model for the iPad and other industries rushing in, it is more about the platform the Apple has created and less about the hardware.

So, don’t get hung up on the fact that it doesn’t have this, or it doesn’t have that… According to Guy Kawasaki, Apple has always used the philosophy of  “Don’t worry, be crappy.”  Launch it, and make it better… and continue to evolve it.  It will become better.  But, now, it seems cool enough to make HUGE waves.

Seriously, have you seen how KICK ASS some of these magazines and newspapers look on this?  This, this… GAME CHANGER!