Why you should buy an iPad or tablet

There is an old saying that you should not buy version 1 of anything. Products are rarely perfect when they are first launched and it often takes several generations of improvements before they become really good and worth having. The original product, whether it is hardware or software, computer related or otherwise, often has flaws or limitations and the people that buy these early versions are really just acting as guinea pigs. They try the product in real world situations, discover the problems, and help manufacturers to iron out the bugs. Subsequent versions are much improved. So with the Apple iPad, HP Slate and other tablet computers about to be launched, should you buy one, given that they are version 1? Yes and here's why.

I didn't like the original iPod and I didn't buy one. However, by the time it had reached version 3, it was a great music player and it had all the features and functions I desired in an MP3 player. I went out and bought one. The iPhone didn't look that impressive on launch day, but after some useful hardware improvements, such as a faster processor and better camera, and app developers had written a huge number of great apps, the 3GS is now a fantastic mobile phone/pocket computer/gaming device.

The thing is, what would have happened if no-one bought the original iPod or iPhone, or version 1 of any other hardware or software product? With poor sales, the manufacturer might have concluded that there wasn't a market for it and they might have abandoned development. Those enthusiastic early adopters who buy brand new products as soon as they come out provide the encouragement that companies need to go on to develop their not-quite-perfect products into great ones that everyone can enjoy.

The Apple iPad, HP Slate, and other tablet devices that are coming out this year are not perfect and they have lots flaws. However, buying them will encourage the manufacturers to improve their products and create even better ones. This version of the iPad isn't going to revolutionise the world as some people are predicting because it has too many limitations, but future versions just might and all the company needs is a bit of encouragement to improve it.

Of course, this presents a dilemma. Should you buy a product that's not perfect or wait until it is perfected? That's a tough decision.