Daniel Nations

03/05/10 06:13 AM -- Web Trends

The Apple iPad is off to a rocky start with reports that a production bottleneck will limit the initial run to merely 300,00 units. And with the April 3rd release date just around the corner, we might see a repeat of the Nintendo Wii, which left shelves as soon as it hit them and created an underground market for people jacking the price up and re-selling units on eBay.

The media has been rather mixed about the iPad. Some reports declare it a big win for Apple and the next step for the iPhone OS, while others are a bit more hesitant to back a product that doesn't pack any real 'wow' features. And my own poll showed readers with the same mixed feelings.

One thing that can't be ignored is the price. At $499 for the entry model, which only has 16 GB of storage and is limited to Wi-Fi connections, it could be very tempting for those teetering back and forth over whether to purchase one.

The recent announcement that AT&T would allow SlingPlayer Mobile to operate over 3G and the rumors surrounding a Netflix app that supports their streaming video service coming to the iPhone OS also add to the iPad attraction. Certainly, the iPad's bigger screen will be much better for movie watching than an iPhone or iPod Touch.

Check out more info on Apple's tablet computer at iPad Central.

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