Apple released the iPad and the debate instantly began to rage. Does it have enough features? Is it powerful enough? Is the screen too large or too small? Is this a game-changer?

My vision of the iPad legacy is not as a game-changer, but certainly a catalyst. Here’s why:

I don’t think the iPad has to be wildly successful to succeed. I think its legacy will be helping us decide what we really need from our devices. Does the portability of the iPhone/Android/smartphone outweigh the small screen size? Do we need the power of a laptop? Or are we in the middle, making the iPad the perfect device?

I’m reminded of the Newton.  By 99 percent of all accounts, the Newton failed. But without the Newton, it could be argued we would not have Palm, Handspring, Windows Mobile, Android or even the iPhone itself. The Newton was a catalyst. It helped us decide what was important, and what the possibilities were, even if we didn’t buy it.

I think in years ahead we’ll look back on the iPad much the same. Sure, it may sell more units than the Newton, but most of us will be saying “I love my smartphone!” or “I love my laptop!” because the iPad made us look long and hard at that decision.

Success for Apple? That remains to be seen. Success for a public trying to decide what’s best? I think you can count on that.

See the iPad in action in this Apple video: