Analysts give iPad a lukewarm reception

Apple's new iPad has received a lukewarm reception from analysts, even though the tablets have shown successful sales so far.

Apple reported selling 300,000 units on the first day of availability, but analysts have generally warned business users to wait before adopting the new system.

One exception is Forrester Research chief executive George Colony, who believes in Apple's marketing message that the new iPad is the next-generation device.

Colony argued that the iPad signals the future of software as it functions in a similar way to the iPhone by using software loaded on the device to communicate with services available on the network.

He added that businesses should be aware of the opportunities and cost efficiencies that the iPad can bring.

"As chief executive you should be aware of the possibilities that the iPad is presenting to change how software works within your company and to change the way your customers will connect to your company," he said in a blog post.

"The first could lower costs and promote efficiency, while the second could increase revenue."

However, fellow Forrester analyst Ian Fogg urged caution on Colony's advice, saying in a blog post that Apple has pitched the iPad as a new class of device to be used alongside mobiles and PCs, and that data integration with these other devices is key to its success.

Fogg raised the possibility that the devices will not be used that much, which will dissuade developers from creating iPad applications. This would make the device a less useful tool for businesses than Colony anticipates.

"Unused devices are not an addressable market for app developers, and unloved devices do not lead to follow-on device or accessory sales," he said.

Gartner analyst John Pescatore maintained that iPad uptake by businesses is likely to be slow because of security concerns.

"Security should be defining the risks of use, stating what can be mitigated and what cannot, and letting the business side accept the risk or not," he said in a blog post.

"We already know the trajectory the iPhone has followed with its slow addition of enterprise support. It is a no-brainer that the iPod will follow the same arc."

Meanwhile, Forrester analyst James McQuivey disagreed with reports claiming that the iPad will be bad news for Amazon's Kindle.

The analyst argued in a blog post that the Kindle's continued success is guaranteed because Amazon has a book store with year's worth of reviews and comments. Also, e-books bought from Amazon are compatible with more devices than the iPad titles.

"Would you rather buy it on the iPad and only be able to read it on the iPad, even if you have a MacBook or an iPhone, or would you rather buy it from Amazon which gives you the ability to read that book on your iPhone, BlackBerry, PC, Mac or, yes, Kindle, wrote McQuivey.

"Amazon will score technical points with the judges each time an iPad owner logs in to browse, buy or read a Kindle book."