iPad vs. WePad - Giant vs. Newcomer

The iPad was announced a long time ago and finally on April 3, 2010 thousands of Americans besieged the Apple stores to buy the new iPad. Yes, already in the first few days thousands of iPads were sold. Because of the tremendous interest of the customers in the USA, sales start in Germany had to be delayed to the end of May. Actually, the iPad should have been available in Germany since the end of April, but now the vast number of German fans has to wait longer for the new gadget.

But what actually is the Apple iPad? Does it make any sense to buy this “magical and revolutionary product”, as Apple calls it? A lot of newspapers emphasized the problems of this tablet computer, for example the missing flash player. But not only the lack of programmes, but especially the non-existing USB and SED connection are the reasons for the criticism by the media.

Just a few weeks ago the German company Neofonie GmbH announced its tablet computer WePad. They worked together with many users of the well-known network facebook. The users could make suggestions and say what they would like to change about the iPad. As you can see the WePad was designed according to the wishes of the purchasers, for example the SED connection, which was added later. That’s also what “We” stands for as Helmut Hoffer von Ankershoffen (the leader of the company) implies. It emphasizes the collaboration with the prospective consumers.

Indeed, everything that was missing at the iPad is available on the WePad: there are a flash players, adobe air, Open Office, a webcam and much more. Furthermore, a cover is included in the costs of 499 €. Of course, the WePad has some shortcomings, too: It is slightly heavier and thicker than the iPad and the battery is not as strong as the iPad’s either, but this is certainly only a small disadvantage one could cope with.

All in all, it is your decision whether you want to buy the well-designed but imperfect iPad or the customer-oriented WePad of the not yet approved company Neofonie. However, there is a third option: doing without a tablet computer and using your old reliable PC.

Jeremia Eis and Michèle Völcker (10/2)