You're not going to buy an iPad.

On the day of Apple's big announcement, I confess to taking part in mocking the new iPad. But with a little time to process the news, I think I can finally forumlate a more mature response.

Although there is definitely something cool about the iPad, the new Apple gadget did not win me over instantly. Not like when the iPod Touch was unveiled. At that time, I saw a shiny new device that was nearly identitical to the iPhone and had all the features I wanted and needed. The high-quality display, easy music and video management, and perfect portability made this device an easy choice. The App Store and its convenient and affordable access to games was like an open invitation to the world. The quality of touch screen and accelerometor features along with high-end graphics and console like animation provided a rich playing experience that energized the entire gaming industry.

That said, there is certainly enough momentum generated by the iPhone/iPod Touch phenomenon to carry the iPad pretty far. But aside from the usual early adopters who love anything Apple produces, it's far too early to label the iPad as a game changer. One big question is who is going to buy this device? You may toss your Kindle aside but probably not your laptop or iPhone/iPod Touch. If early sales don't go well, will developers continue making apps specifically targeting the device? In my opinion, it's not the gadget but the momentum generated by an excited fan base that make it a successful product. People like their phones so it didn't take long to see iPhones in the wild, generating more interest with each sighting. Are we likely to see the same thing with the iPad?

There are certainly other questions. What is the need for this product? Are there particular demographics that the iPad will attract over another? Will gamers benefit the most or will it be people over 50 who normally need bifocals to read text messages on their iPhone? I really want to like the iPad. Unfortunately, I just don't see the practical need for it in my every day life. It seems like an extraneous purchase, which fails to eliminate any of the technology I already own. Since it can't replace my current laptop, it's hard to justify the cost of owning another device with features that are really more of a luxury than a necessity.

Despite my early skepticism, I do hope the iPad can push the limits of technology and challenge the existing paradigms we have about gaming. I'm not afraid of the inevitability that my iPod Touch will someday become obsolete. I hope the iPad can do for the gaming industry what the iPhone/iPod Touch has done in 2009. Prove me wrong. Prove it can spark another computer revolution and become the device everyone wants and needs. In the end, we benefit from product innovation and the competitive spirit that compels corporations to build a better mouse trap. I think I can speak for everyone at Touch iPhone Games when I say we are excited about this new product and eagerly await to see what it can actually do. An enhanced N.O.V.A. by Gameloft with specfic features developed for the iPad sounds great! There's no doubt that larger maps for real-time strategy games, more physical space to enjoy shooters, or enhanced graphics and processing power for racing games is a good thing.

But for now, I will play the waiting game and proudly jump on the bandwagon if or when it's appropriate to do so. My 2nd Generation iPod Touch continues to be my favorite and the most utilized gadget I have ever purchased. It serves my needs quite well. But a geek at heart, I always keep an eye to the future; letting my imagination run wild with ideas of gizmos we'll be using five years from now. If this new device offers just one thing that takes us closer to that future, then I am totally on board with the iPad...even if I don't plan to buy one.