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The iPad is a really bad name. Period

By: Staff Writer

28/01/2010 1:00 AM | Comments: 3

CALL it PMS -- Pad Mockery Syndrome.

The iPad is clearly not the best name Apple could have chosen for its new tablet computer.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the one-button, keyboard-free mobile computing device billed as a cross between a laptop and a smartphone.

But while the announcement caused excitement in the tech world, it also sparked a flood of jokes on the Internet.

The question being asked: "Are there any women on Apple's marketing team?"

The answer: probably not.

Here is a sampling of comments from Twitter:

LizB: iPad. was there a woman on this naming team? will there be different sizes? Mini iPad, maxi iPad?

elahater: Apple obviously needs some women on staff. Just so the words, "um are you sure about that, Steve?" could have been uttered.

Gelatobaby: And you can use the giant QWERTY keyboard to get your period on the #iPad !

herbadmother: Seriously, 'iPad?' There are too many of us for whom the phrase 'my pad just failed' evokes horror that should never be linked to technology

TimDillon: iPad sounds like a guy with a Boston accent trying to say iPod.

TwittsMcGee: I haven't heard this many period jokes since I was forced to watch The View last month.

kathycacace: Okay, just one more. The iPad: protecting your data from embarrassing incidents.

lady_justice: Did the prototype come with a belt?

Lymed: Does the Period Tracker app come free?

fauxfruit: If I order this, will my boyfriend and I have to worry if it comes late?

andBegorrah: If you and your friends all buy one, will they sync up?

vlvtjones: So will iffy Wifi coverage be called iSpotting?

babyruthless: Mac made an iPad. It's Mac's iPad. Say it with me. Mac's iPad. Seriously? No one said the name out loud?

morninggloria: Can I get a scented iPad for when my data feels not-so-fresh?

Mary McCarthyite: Everyone, just try to Stay(free) calm and Poise(d). It's Always nice to see a new product on the market. I Depend on Apple to come up with great ideas. Maybe we're taking this out of Kotex.

-- Compiled by staff

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition January 28, 2010 A2

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3 Comments

Posted by: Teacher44

February 2, 2010 at 10:02 PM

I am 65 years old, well past the age of having periods and using feminine hygiene pads, and not yet using incontinence pads, thank goodness. I also have a Master's Degree, and am retired after 35 years as an educator. I am not by any means a "childish immature" thinker, but by simple "word association," the first thing that popped into my mind when I heard iPad was "Kotex." I think iTab would have been more appropriate and just as descriptive of the product, unless it caused a copyright problem with a soft drink company.

iPad also sounds too much like iPod, causing confusion. I own an iPod and love it, and would someday like to acquire this new product, but I hope they rethink the name and get some women involved! OF COURSE none of the men on this naming team, nor any other men, made the association, as they have never used a pad for any other purpose than a place to write. They should have run it by their wives!

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Posted by: Denisio

January 28, 2010 at 12:49 PM

I agree with Farmerswife. The thought of a period or anything at all to do with menstruation did not enter my head when I first heard the name IPad on the news last night. The people on Twitter who had to share their "gems of wisdom" or what they thought was funny are the ones who are being laughed at. They are rather juvenile if they think they are funny. Grow up! (for God's sake) and get a life.