iPad: Should Apple Bulls be iGlad or iMad?

Other commentators have said they can think of a lot better things to do with $500 in this uncertain economy, so maybe it's not really about the exact price point. Early adopters in the tech geek universe are always well ahead of the en masse consumer rush into a new technology, anyway.

Maybe the fact that 10% of the U.S. population is still unemployed has just made it an inopportune time to introduce a new toy -- though the success of Amazon's(AMZN) Kindle e-reader would suggest that finding an audience for the right product will not be a problem.

The range of comments about the iPad has been all over the place, with the New York Times even writing an article about the poor name selected for the tablet device, as it evoked feminine-hygiene products. The iPod/iPad dual branding attack seems obvious from another perspective.

iPad, iTab, iSlab, -- clearly, Apple enthusiasts did not all find the name iFab, and there's been a lot, maybe too much, iBlab.

More serious concerns have been voiced about the iPad's ability to create a revolution in consumer habits and computer application design. Will the iPad kindle a new way of thinking about consumer devices that ultimately destroys the Kindle?

iPad bulls say that the device will take what have been mere toys on the iPhone and turn them into full-fledged powerful applications. The opportunity has been created for designers to recreate every single desktop and Web software type.

iPad detractors argue that Apple hasn't found the sweet spot between the iPhone, the Kindle and the popular netbook with the iPad's launch. Consumers who want an e-reader first and foremost don't need the iPad, and consumers who want a tiny computer will still prefer the functionality of a netbook.

Thus, we ask the tech-savvy reader of the TheStreet, will investors be had if they bet on the success of the iPad?

Will investors be had if they bet on the success of the iPad?
	Apple will revolutionize technology yet again with the iPad. Apple has missed the mark with its latest gadget. The Kindle, the netbook and the iPad will be equal competitors.

-- Reported by Eric Rosenbaum in New York.

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