5 Reasons the iPad Won't Replace Your Computer

After a few weeks with the iPad, I must admit I am impressed. I initially thought it would have difficulty creating a major audience because it didn't cover a specific need that we have, as does the iPhone and iPod. But the potential is there, especially as a family device. The ability to browse the web, watch videos and play casual games makes it a great little entertainment device.

But can it replace your computer? True, many people only use their home computer to browse the web, check email and update their Facebook status. And the iPad can certainly do those things -- and from the comfort of your couch -- but there are a few reasons why the iPad can't completely replace the home computer.

1. World of Warcraft. The iPad is a great gaming device, but it doesn't have enough power to satisfy the avid gamer. Perhaps when paired with an Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, but for those who prefer the computer for playing games, the iPad simply won't cut it.
2. Hulu. The buzz around the iPad has gone a long way toward getting websites to convert over to HTML 5 video or simply creating an iPad app to play video, but a few video sites remain out of bounds for the iPad, most notably, Hulu. Apple's war with Flash will make anyone who loves streaming video think twice about ditching their desktop or laptop completely.
3. The Web. As ready as the iPad may be for the web, the web isn't ready for the iPad. Years of Internet Explorer being the dominant browser has taken its toll on the web's ability to be compatible with all browsers. So some websites simply won't work well with the iPad, and in fact, some websites cannot yet differentiate between the iPad and the iPhone.
4. iTunes. A big reason why the iPad won't be completely replacing the computer is because it still needs a computer. The iPad requires iTunes for the initial setup and to download new versions of the iPhone operating system. And because the iPad doesn't support USB, a computer with iTunes is the only way to back it up.
5. Printing. Even without being reliant on iTunes, the inability for the iPad to print (without a little help from a PC) would keep most people from dumping their desktop or laptop for the tablet computer.