Lexington, KY -- WhatTheyThink, the leading news and information site for the graphic communications industry, announces the immediate availability of The iPad: What it Is, What It’s Not, and What it Means for Graphic Communication Professionals. This 101-page report provides an easy-to-read introduction to not just the Apple iPad, but to the concept of the tablet computer itself. What does this class of device do, and what potential impact will it have on the demand for print? What are apps, how does one develop apps, and, more importantly, why would one develop apps?

This primer report provides a “guided tour” of the iPad and its interface and features; some early data on its market penetration in a variety of industries, including the printing industry; a lengthy discussion of apps, both from a user and a developer point of view; current and emerging competitors to the iPad; and recommendations and implications for printers, publishers, graphic designers, and other communications providers. One section titled, “8 Ways that the iPad Will Affect Print” looks at how the iPad and future tablet computers have the potential to displace print and paper in a wide variety of applications. 

The report also quantifies—to the extent possible—current adoption of, or at least interest in, the iPad, as well as the extent to which it is taking over the lives of its users. For example:

• According to a Summer 2010 study of UK iPad users, 24% say it has already become their primary entertainment device; the TV is only at 19%.
• That same study found that the iPad was the most preferred delivery method for newspapers and/or magazines (31%), even beating out print (24%).
• According to InformationWeek, 65% of Fortune 100 companies have some sort of iPad pilot or deployment program in place.
• The WhatTheyThink Economics and Research Center’s June 2010 survey of the printing industry found that 20% of respondents said “We will add iPad capabilities as a strategy to draw new customers to our print capabilities”—but 58% were undecided about this.

The report also provides our outlook of the future market for content on the iPad, as well as advice for both printers and graphic designers looking to become involved in iPad content or app development for their customers. The report also looks at apps from a user standpoint; what are some compelling or useful (or just plain fun) iPad apps for printers and designers?

The report also looks at past Apple products and how they have changed entire markets and industries. To put things into context, an Appendix also looks at 10 Apple missteps, or products that didn’t quite live up to their promise, whatever that promise may have been...

The iPad: What it Is, What It’s Not, and What it Means for Graphic Communication Professionals is available for online purchase at the WhatTheyThink eStore in PDF format.

Researcher's Comments

“The iPad is not just about the iPad. It’s not about any specific device, but rather the changing approach to content and the user’s changing access to and interaction with content that are important. These issues will become even more important once competing devices appear on the market. It’s a potentially disruptive technology that, like past disruptive technologies—the Internet, the television, the telephone, even print itself—offers opportunities for those who embrace it, but can be seen as a threat by those who don’t understand it.”

Editor’s Note

Additional information pertaining to each report is available for editorial purposes. Please make inquiries directly to Cary Sherburne at 603-430-5463 or [email protected],  or visit www.whattheythink.com).

About WhatTheyThink

WhatTheyThink is the printing and publishing industry's leading media organization; offering a wide range of publications delivering unbiased, real-time market intelligence, industry news, economic and trend analysis, peer-to-peer communication, and special reports on emerging technology and critical events. WhatTheyThink also hosts webinars and live events that are timely and relevant o today's busy industry executives along with consulting and speaker services that leverage a talented pool of writers and industry analysts.

WhatTheyThink consists of flagship site WhatTheyThink.com, discussion forum site PrintPlanet.com, and industry blog PrintCEO.com.