When Apple released their new iPad yesterday, I noted that amid all the excitement over the stunning new display, people were a bit confused about whether this updated device was called the iPad 3 or the iPad HD. It turns out I was wrong: it’s neither. Apparently, Apple is trying to ditch the numbering of their tablets, and consumers aren’t too happy about it.

CNN quotes one Apple spokesperson saying, “It’s just ‘iPad.’”

Hm. That doesn’t sound right.

“Hey Gary, I got iPad!”

“IPad good. Much display. What in app store for it?”

Fans made the valid point that the lack of a generational identifier could create confusion when trying to resell this and future devices, or when discussing compatibility with software and external hardware. What if you put down $499 for a “new iPad” on eBay, only to get an original iPad still in the box in the mail? (Buyer beware, friends.)

(And  how will those precious early adapters be able to show off how quickly they updated if their device doesn’t have a new name?!)

Of course, this will be a pretty minor concern for Apple and the millions of people about to buy a tablet regardless.

What might be a bigger concern is that Apple has just forfeited an important marketing and public relations opportunity. I don’t think the Internet hivemind will take kindly to a poorly and confusingly named popular device. Within weeks, I think this device will regularly be called the iPad 3 or the iPad HD- or perhaps something much less flattering, if users are displeased. Apple won’t have a choice in the matter, and they will look silly if they try to officially resist the name.

For a company that has built it’s reputation on telling consumers what they want before they know it, that could be an embarassing turn.

What do you think the latest generation of the iPad should be called?

[via CNN]

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