Does the iPad Replace the Need for a Smartphone?

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Clik here to view.We’ve covered the Apple iPad several times on CenterNetworks. The device appears to be launching next month and I believe it will be a game changer. Andreas discussed how he sees the device being used in the home and I agree with him that a whole new set of consumers will join the Apple camp when the iPad tablet hits the market. Whether you buy an iPad or one of the other 50 tablets that will launch this year, one thing is clear: all of them will have some level of Internet access built in. Some may have WiFi only, some may have wireless connections only and some will have both.

I use Sprint for wireless service and have been very satisfied with the call quality and reception I’ve received no matter where I travel to. I’ve started to wonder if I purchase an iPad (or another tablet) if there is even a need for a smartphone anymore. For normal Internet users, the tablet will give them access to the Internet when needed and they could potentially move to a basic phone and save money on their mobile costs. It’s something that I am seriously considering once my contract is over.

Naturally if I moved to a simple phone and a tablet, it would require that I carry the tablet with me wherever I go. What makes this more interesting are some of the billboards I’ve seen around NYC that show mobile carriers offering unlimited talk, text and web for $40/month. I don’t know who the actual service provider is for some of these plans but with a phone that can do all of those things, it makes not having a full smartphone even better.

Apple should offer current iPhone customers a discount on the AT&T service on the iPad. Without a discount, I wonder if the new customers that will be attracted to the iPad will shy away from purchasing a smartphone, and potentially an iPhone.

I only write a few texts a month and mainly use my mobile device for checking and replying to emails. Something I could easily do on the iPad or a basic phone when I don’t have the iPad with me (e.g. out for the evening, parties, etc.)

Another interesting note – the more people I talk to about their mobile usage, the more I hear one thing…that they barely use the voice feature on the phone. I fall into the same camp — I receive 500 minutes a month and barely use 30-50 a month. Perhaps a pre-paid plan could work very well to keep my expenses down even further.

If you are purchasing an iPad, do you plan to keep your smartphone as well? Could you see mainstream consumers that purchase a tablet computer moving to a more simplified and less expensive mobile service and device?

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