The iPad is...

This advert for the Apple iPad is a recent advert, which a handful of similar adverts are on at the moment. The iPad is a tablet computer made by Apple. It was released earlier this year in America in April. The iPad seems to boast many practical features such as Internet browsing, word processing, and many other such activities that can be downloaded on the app store. The Use value is very obvious of a tablet computer, much like a laptop. It can access the Internet, its portable, you can use it anywhere really. It can take the place of a book, or a newspaper. Its a multi-purpose gadget that is supposed to revolutionize the way we interact with media.
The Exchange value of the iPad is probably quite drastic. Seeing as they are going for £450 for the average iPad, they were probably produced and manufactured for far cheaper. The iPad, even though a very American product (being produced by an American company, advertised to an American/worldwide audience) it has been manufactured in middle eastern countries such as Chine and Indonesia. This Exchange value, is very clear that Apple is gaining rather great profits. Whilst we all fall for it and buy this product. Helping the capitalist machine continue to run.
Finally the Symbolic value of the iPad is quite clear really. The images you associate with the iPad is the multi-tasking ability. The amount of money you spend on it, generally gives the impression you are quite well off. Well enough to throw money at the iPad. It also gives off the impression that having the iPad means you are pretty clued in on technology and are accepting this new portable computer that is revolutionising the portable computer market, as well as the medium of the Internet. And to be honest, if I had enough disposable money, I would most probably buy one. The iPad, is like the iPhone 4, people seem to aspire to have one, to be at the top of the technological pyramid.