The buzz about the iPad is ebbing, but the conversations are still heated.  Like a lot of categories that are highly competitive, you'll find loyalists that will fall on the sword for "their" brand.  Apple and Microsoft have battled for eons, but if you watched TV within the last few years, you know Apple's advertising has been aggressively comparative, to put it lightly.  

While this post isn't about the effectiveness of the the "I'm a Mac" campaign, I mention it because it has been a direct result from and also contributed to fueling the Mac vs. PC fire.  As a marketer, what I absolutely love about the consequences of this aggressive comparative advertising is it pushes people off of the fence.  In other words, it makes us as consumers "pick a side."  You might think, "wait, but why would I the want to create anti-Apple consumers?  Why doesn't Apple want everyone to be an Apple loyalist?"  Actually, it enjoys creating anti-Apple consumers, and it does not want everyone to be an Apple loyalist.  Think about this: if there was no competition, no good vs. evil, no underdog, I assure you there wouldn't be as many Apple loyalists out there.  Furthermore, without going into an entirely new blog post, price would become a stronger part of the purchase decision.  

What does this have to do with the iPad?  A lot.  When I said conversations are still "heated," I mean there are articles, blog posts, tweets, etc. that predict the iPad will change the world.  Literally.  While there are other articles, blog posts, tweets, etc. that call the iPad worthless and a huge letdown.  How can the spectrum be so wide?  And, why do so many people want to "put their 2 cents in?"  I contend that it is directly tied to the Mac vs. PC battle, or should I say "war."  The iPad is just one small battle that is being waged right now by Apple.  They have allies and enemies, both big and small (Adobe, I hope you recognize another shot across your bow).  And Apple has effectively enlisted you and me, the consumers, to help fight.  It's ironic, Apple has positioned itself as the leader in technology, while still making people feel like Apple is the underdog.  Seriously, who really roots for corporate America?

So, as you read all of the content and opinions out there, it's important to recognize that a lot of buzz is emotionally charged.  "Fanboys," as they are sometimes called, will always post glowing reviews for the brands they love, while fanboys of the competition will bash those same brands.  And in a lot of cases, the comments, articles, and reviews are unsubstantiated rants that lack good evidence.  I can think of at least 10 blog posts that could follow up this one.  Everything from how online customer reviews have forever impacted products to the Internet's role in the eventual downfall of journalistic integrity.  My own personal thoughts on the iPad?  Well, that'll be the next post and I promise that I'm not a fanboy of either side.