Earlier this week, Apple announced their upcoming product, the iPad.

The iPad is like a larger version of the ’smartphone’ iPhone combined with the idea behind a portable netbook–a smartbook, so to speak.

And, while there have been mixed reviews about the product–those against the product because it’s lack of camera and those for the product because of ‘it’s potential to aid the journalism industry‘–ultimately, the consumer conversation about the iPad has been positive. 35% positive and 48% neutral, to be exact. The Apple brand established a reputation for both superior and revolutionary products. As such, even among the  most negative of reviews,  consumers will be apt to purchase the product. The Wall Street Journal predicts 1-5 million iPad purchases in its first year.

What I’m getting at is this: Apple has made such a successful reputation for itself for being the leading technology product company, that Apples’ overall reputation is what’s going to give this product launch a successful turnout. We see time and time again that a corporate brand is the culmination of several factors–and that successful companies strive to create a unique and consistent overall reputation. Apple is the poster child for this lesson. And, even if the iPad is a failure, their reputation won’t be tarnished for good–perhaps it may even be strengthened because of their commitment to being innovative technology product leaders; You have to risk big to gain big–right?