With the much-hyped Apple iPad finally going on sale Saturday, the projections about how the device will fare are still a mixed lot – while, on one hand, there are doubts about the ‘practicality’ of use of the tablet, especially with the existing availability of an array of devices performing the same functions as the iPad is supposed to; on the other hand, the device is being visualized as a potential game-changer!

Though there is still evident skepticism about whether the iPad will be able to carry forth Apple’s super-success legacy, most analysts opine that the device will transform the technology industry.

Noting that the iPad is a “pretty transformative device,” and predicting its sales to touch nearly 5 million by 2010-end, Michael Gartenberg, a partner with strategy consulting firm Altimeter Group, said: “It does appear Apple has another hit on its hands.”

However, some other analysts have pointed out that for the iPad to be deemed a success, it should be able to become a mass market product – finding the requisite acceptability beyond the niche market that essentially comprises the die-hard Apple fans and tech geeks.

Saying that the second- and third-year sales will actually determine iPad’s success, Forrester Research’s Charles Golvin said: “If Apple is able to take credit for pointing the light in the right direction, then it will be able to claim success. But realistically, it's all about the numbers.”