I’m not a big fan of change. I’ve lived in the same city all my life. I go to the same supermarket every week. I read the newspaper every day. I drive non-hybrid American cars (thank God). I watch 60 Minutes every Sunday. And I think the Who looked just fine at the Super Bowl, O.K.?
I don’t like change in my personal life. And much of the time, I hate it when things change in my business — especially when that change lessens productivity and boosts my costs.
Which is why I’m not especially happy about the imminent release of the Apple iPad. It seems like a really cool device. Apple does a great job innovating new products. I love my iPod. My first computer was a Macintosh. My kids love their MacBooks. I get it. Apple is a great company with a history of great products.
The iPad may become another great product — for consumers. Not businesses. Apple admits this. It and AT&T, which will provide the wireless connectivity for the iPad in the U.S., are targeting the iPad to at-home users.
Not Seeing the Limitations
Yet for me, as a small business owner who sells software and related consulting services, the iPad is destined to become a pain in the rear. Some of my clients are already talking about buying one. So are some of my employees. They’ll start using it at home. Then they’re going to want to bring their toys to work.
Clients are going to ask me why I don’t recommend it for their business. My employees are going to get frustrated when I tell them to leave their iPads at home. They’re all going to call me names and accuse me of living in the Dark Ages. A few of them will probably make fun…