'iPad as netbook-killer' concept ignites controversy

The suggestion that the iPad could displace the netbook has triggered a firestorm of criticism, as well as some passionate support. On could argue that Apple just introduced one of the first commercially available smartbooks to the masses. Did Cupertino just pull a fast one and corner the smartbook market before anyone else could get that market off the ground? Competing tablet makers are reevaluating their pricing strategy in the wake of Apple's iPad announcement, according to a rumor in the Digitimes. The article cites the usual unnamed sources in claiming that companies like ASUS and MSI had expected Apple's iPad to debut at $1,000, and were planning to undercut that price by 20 to 30 percent with their own, presumably Android-based offerings. But with the iPad base model coming in at $499—the price of a decent netbook—the companies are now going to have to compete on something besides price.