Basically.

I’m typically not much of a brand-loyal type. I guess the closest I’ve been recently is my Nikon-exclusivity as a photographer, but that’s more a product of economics and convenience than loyalty. (I happened to choose a Nikon as my first DSLR, so all my lenses and accessories fit my Nikon. I can’t afford to replicate the same equipment just to have a Canon.)

I’m more loyal to individual pieces of gear/gadgetry that do what I need them to do and meet my needs as a geek and consumer. Over the past year, I went from loving my Windows Mobile smartphone to swearing I’d never go back after I had my first taste of Android heaven. If a device solves a problem of mine or makes my life easier, I’m all about it. If it’s less expensive than its competitors or alternatives, I’m about it even more.

With that said, I don’t “get” the iPad hype. To clarify – I can see how *some people* might find it interesting and/or useful, but I’m not one of those people, and especially not for over $400.

Someone said today that the iPad is a middle ground between the iPhone and a netbook. If that’s true, that explains why I have absolutely no desire to have one. I am currently using an Android smartphone. There is not a single core smartphone feature an iPhone has that my Android does not. In fact, there are several features mine *does* have that an iPhone doesn’t. I also pay a lot less money per month than iPhone users do. As far as a netbook is concerned, I have never once had an occasion where I said, “Wow, I sure wish I had a much smaller, less powerful laptop on which to surf the web and type uncomfortably.” I also don’t use a Kindle or similar device, so the “it’s the Kindle-killer” draw doesn’t get me either.

To Apple fanboys, this is blasphemy. I must not have ever used an Apple product, otherwise I’d be hooked and putting in my iPad pre-order right now. They retort that I’m just an “Apple hater.” False. Let me say that I really like my husband’s Macbook, and I wouldn’t mind having one of my own. I think they have the best all-around notebooks on the market. I don’t hate Apple.

It’s just that I would rather use more affordable technology that works better (for me) than jump on their bandwagon “just because.” For example, Rhapsody is far superior to iTunes for many reasons, not the least of which is unlimited music for $14 a month. I cannot use Rhapsody with an iPod or iPhone in the way that I can with my Sansa player. I don’t want an iPod Touch or any other product that’s dependent on iTunes for music.

I mean yeah, I like to go into the Apple store and tinker around sometimes, and I’m sure I’ll try out the iPad for giggles… but to pay for it? Not for me. I guess I just haven’t found the Apple device that will make me spend more money to get what I already have.