Fool Blog: The iPad's Failure to Launch

It's Christmastime for comedians.

When Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) CEO Steve Jobs unveiled his company's long-awaited tablet computer, dubbed the iPad, I had a thought I've never had before while watching Jobs present:

"I am sooooooo watching Saturday Night Live this week."

I'll be stunned if Andy Samberg doesn't star in yet another classic SNL Digital Short, this one about using technology for days when you just don't feel like yourself. Oh, wait. the cast of MADtv already did that. They also lampooned Apple's entire "i" line of products. Not that any of this will stop SNL; "iPad" is too easy a target for ridicule. The cast is going to have all sorts of fun with it.

Yeah, I get the connection to the iPod and the (ahem) synergy and brand equity that exists there. I've got news for the fanboys: Funny trumps brand every single time. It's why kids still laugh at Kraft Foods' (NYSE:KFT) Grey Poupon Dijon mustard, as if it were made for a Bart Simpson prank call.

The iPad is cut from the same mold. Expect SNL to make hay. The show should enjoy strong ratings this weekend, pleasing its corporate masters at Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA) and General Electric (NYSE:GE).

Look for them. They'll be the ones laughing all the way to the bank.

Apple is a Motley Fool Stock Advisor selection.

Fool contributor Tim Beyers is all out of black turtlenecks. He had stock and options positions in Apple at the time of publication. Check out Tim's portfolio holdings and Foolish writings, or connect with him on Twitter as @milehighfool. The Motley Fool is also on Twitter as @TheMotleyFool. You can call the Fool's disclosure policy Aaron Burr for the way it's dropping Hamiltons.

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