The iPad will it oust the laptop?

A Wall Street Journal article ‘Laptop Killer? Pretty Close’ by Walt Mossberg was a very interesting comparison between the laptop and the iPad as well as what the future might hold for each.  He argued that if the iPad became just another gadget to carry around then its future was looking dim and would not make it. However, if customers saw the iPad as something that could replace laptops, then its future was bright.  The iPad is very versatile, small and light weight, making it ideal for a wide range of people. Mossberg goes on to list the pros and cons of Apple’s latest invention. Some the impressive features of such a small product, Mossberg lauded, was battery life, overall speed, and doing things like watching videos, listening to music, and reading books to name a few. Even with all the apps available approximately 150,000, the iPad is still not ready to take the place of the laptop.

In the words of Mossberg,‘All in all, however, the iPad is an advance in making more-sophisticated computing possible via a simple touch interface on a slender, light device. Only time will tell if it's a real challenger to the laptop and netbook.’

Do you think that the iPad will replace laptops?

Ads and the Super Bowl

It’s amazing how much companies are willing to spend for a few seconds of airtime (approximately 30 seconds) during the Super bowl. Companies are willing to spend millions for one of those 30 second spots.  It is estimated that there are over 100 million viewers and from a marketing point of view this is the perfect opportunity for companies to advertise their products. According to Superbowl -commercials website, Reuters reported that super bowl commercials will cost approximately 2.80 to 3 million dollars for one of those coveted spots depending how long the ad is. Although it's risky due to the price tag, the rewards outweighs the the cost for companies that participate - the bigger the risk the bigger the reward.
 According to Reuters website, Nielsen – television audience researchers, found that 51 percent of 2010 Super Bowl viewers watch the game more for the commercials than for the game itself.

 I must admit that I am part of the 51 percent but take it a step further and watch only the commercials. I am not remotely interested in the game.  



Here are some of the companies who has ads that will be airing at this year’s game:  Vollkswagen, Doritos, Coca Cola, Bud Light, and Snickers to name a few.
I mean who can forget the snickers ad with Betty White - talk about funny.

 How much would you pay for that opportunity?