Based on the market rumblings the iPad is not necessarily going to be the next device and revolutionize the communication industry. BUT it will come close to give the rivals a run for their money.

Better viewing experience for most.

A massive screen size of 700 x 580 pixels and the screen resolution of 135ppi with images displayed by default; and video support. Your email marketing is going to look better than ever. You know, I think of my parents here. They love to have their computer resolution so that the text is about 1/2 in size!

Apple focuses on using HTML5 rather than Adobe FLASH.

While the HTML 5 specification is not finalized yet, you can use it with any browser that supports it or any part of it. It is currently supported by Safari, Firefox, Opera, and IE 8. This opens the flood gate to even offer video in your email marketing messages. A big win for though designers who struggle with video content.

Another win for web designers is that much of the browser and email support is the same.

Thanks to Apple basically supporting the same “Webkit” engine that is currently used in Apple Mail and on the iPhone/iPod Touch. All the testing you do today is still pretty much the same for the iPad.

Contain your excitement (for now.)

I know all us designers will want to get all crazy and start developing for this new hardware and use all what HTML 5 will support. We must keep in mind, that not our viewers are going to run our to purchase this cool shiny gadget. Remember, we still need to develop for even that penny pinching old guy who refuses to upgrade his hardware and software. Most likely, he’s still using Microsoft Explorer 6.0 and Outlook on a Windows Vista computer. Yikes!