Sorry, misquoted & inaccurate info...

[Fingolfin269]

Per Engadget, and not surprising at all, he meant to say netbooks. (i just assumed this was the largest factor driving down otebooks as a whole but I guess he decided to clarify specifics.)

 

[SAWYER]

The original story wasn't accurate
http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/17/ipad-has-halved-laptop-sales-claims-best-buy-ceo/
Update: It did seem weird to us that the mighty laptop would be that vulnerable to the iPad, and sure enough, our queries with Best Buy were met by the following response:

"The paraphrase that was used in the WSJ wasn't really an accurate reflection of what Brian said to the reporter.

What Best Buy CEO Brian Dunn said was that we had no firm numbers, but that we speculated there was some replacement of netbooks by iPads going on. We did not provide specifics because we do not presently have the hard numbers on which to base those specifics."

So, Brian was not only talking about netbooks, but his words were exaggerated too. Phew, and we were just about to start selling our shares in Dell and HP. You can find his full clarification on this issue after the break.

 

[Fingolfin269]

Thanks for the link man. Phone wasn't cooperating with me earlier.

 

[Glitchny]

Should probably update the OP as to it being netbooks and not laptops. Makes sense the ipad would eat netbooks though; I've always felt netbooks were an odd market segment better filled by tablets.

 

[dguy6789]

I think Netbooks definitely have their place. They are cheaper than the iPad by $200 in many cases and they do infinitely more. Of course they are not as fun to use as an iPad but in terms of functionality and practicality they are a great choice.

Edit: Just saw an article on the iPad running the iOS 4.2 beta. Looks very nice so far.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/15/ios-4-2-on-ipad-preview-video/

 

[corkyg]

iPads are more suited to entertainment - not really good for real work unless you attach an external keyboard. But, if you do that, you are better off with a laptop as a portable work tool.

 

[Pliablemoose]

I edited the title, the CEO mis-spoke and was misquoted, my bad.

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

I edited the title, the CEO mis-spoke and was misquoted, my bad.

I think it was more of a case where he was backpedaling what he said because he didn't want to get in trouble with his suppliers. But it could be just as misinterpretation of what he said.

 

[preslove]

iPads are more suited to entertainment - not really good for real work unless you attach an external keyboard. But, if you do that, you are better off with a laptop as a portable work tool.

I was playing around with one at a local Best Buy today and the keyboard dock sucked. I don't know if it was just a run down display unit, or what, but typing with my right hand shook the iPad a lot.

 

[zerocool84]

Yes definitely makes sense for netbooks NOT notebooks. Netbook people just want something easy and small to use so tablets are an easy replacement. Tablets in the foreseeable future will NOT replace notebooks.

 

[kaerflog]

Apple store has a bunch of ipad refurbished for $50 cheaper.
$449 for the 16gb model, $549 and $649.
Sadly no 3G refurbished.
I had it in my cart for the last 2 days now wondering if I should pull the trigger.
Worst cases scenario, I'll bring it to Vietnam with me and sell it off when I leave.
Even that, I can't force myself to pull the trigger.
I have an iphone for apps and I have the HD2 for surfing the web.
I think if the ipad had just a simple USB port or memory expansion, I would have pull the trigger already.
(Yes I know there are adapters but I should have to carry one).