When the innovative tablet made its mainstream debut on April 3rd, lines snaked around the mall as anxious techies clamored for the their first glimpse. As a bonafide early-adopter, I remain a huge Mac advocate, and usually wait impatiently for the newest product to launch. As the days dwindled to the unveiling for the iPad in retail stores, my feelings could only be described as lukewarm. I just do not see the intrinsic value of a large-scale iPhone – without the phone capabilities! I have my laptop for internet, email, word processing and the like. I have my Kindle or actual, real-life books for reading. My iPhone or Wii handles all my gaming desires. Never once have I thought, “Man I wish all these things could be in the same place! There must be a more efficient way!”

With that said, curiosity still has struck me. What’s all the buzz about? If the iPad is so revolutionary, do I really want to miss out? Maybe I do need all of my multi-media located in one place. Maybe it would completely change the way I feel about traveling on long train or plane rides for business. Or maybe it will be a colossal waste of money that really does not fit any niche in my life.

Simply put, I do not have $500 worth of curiosity for the iPad, more like $100 worth. So although I may have to retire my title as “Early Adopter,” I plan on waiting for the price to drop and the bugs to be fixed.

Stacy DeBroff

Stacy DeBroff, founder and CEO of Mom Central.com and social and digital consultancy, Influence Central, is a social media strategist, attorney, and best-selling parenting author. A sought-after expert for national media, she trend-spots regularly with national brands and speaks frequently to national and international audiences on a wide range of subjects, including influencer marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, and consumer trends. A passionate cook, gardener, reader, and tennis player, she adores this new chapter of post-college-age parenting.