iPad is the latest gizmo from the Apple stable which has got tons of free publicity. The sales of iPad is estimated in 7-8 million units for the first year. In this scenario, it will be a major impact on the computer and internet industry.

Impact on the pc hardware industry:

It is for sure that major computer manufacturers will be affected. A person who buys an iPad will most likely skip buying a laptop or netbook. The iPad is not like a personal media player which one can own and also a laptop. The iPad is capable of doing mostly everything when when compared to netbook or laptop except for multitasking. The competitors are already shaken into action with this high profile launch. They can be expected to launch related tablets asap including Google with its Chrome OS.

Impact on the gaming industry:

The iPhone and iPod Touch are major competitors in the gaming console industry. A niche has been carved out of nowhere. Individuals buying these devices have a selection of thousands of games in the iTunes store, most of them free. The gaming capabilities of the iPad is much higher and offers many more possibilities compared to the iPod touch. Full screen gaming will be possible. Apple has also announced a Xbox like gamecenter service. Thus Apple will become a major player in the gaming industry since every gaming company will strive to bring its popular titles on the Apple platform.

Impact on the ebook business:

With the launch of iBooks, Apple has directly come into competition with Amazon with its Kindle. Apple has planned to provide thousands and thousands of ebooks on its iBooks store. Users who are considering to buy Amazon kindle will now compare it with the iPad. The iPad is slightly higher priced but offers hundreds of more features.

What sets the iPad apart is the access to the thousands of apps offered in the iTunes store. It’s this that will assistance iPad like hot cakes. Lets see what the future brings.