Apple Ipad

[AppleBonker]

The iPad is NOT a tablet computer. It's a smartphone.

Not quite, as it doesn't make calls.

Having said that, it still fits their target audience. Beefing up the processor would almost certainly result in larger power draw. So at that point, battery life or weight would suffer. It's unfortunate, but the average person doesn't care about the power of their computing devices. They're also uneducated enough to try to run system-intensive processes, so Apple caps them (ie no multi-tasking). As you know, the lightweight OS can make lesser hardware perform like a champ, once again explaining the decision there.

Either way, I'm still considering the iPad, but only because it fits some of my specific needs. Frankly, I don't need a full OS. If I'm doing anything like that, I'd pull out the netbook/laptop/desktop (in that order depending on power needed). I'm basically looking for an e-reader, and this would fit the bill. Only a bit more expensive than the kindle, but far more capable. Yes, I realize it's less capable than my netbook, but that is why I already own a netbook.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Not quite, as it doesn't make calls.

No, but it has a sim card slot and uses 3G wireless, so it is at least more than a giant ipod touch...cellular web access is what makes the thing useful. Which is why people who keep quoting the $500 base price need to pull up apple's website and learn that you have to spend $630 for the cheapest 3G-capable one.

[AppleBonker]

Which is why people who keep quoting the $500 base price need to pull up apple's website and learn that you have to spend $630 for the cheapest 3G-capable one.

Very true. Not to mention that the 3G version isn't even available yet. Also, for anyone still interested, keep an eye on the news as there have been numerous reports of people having problems with the wifi on their iPads.

For me, if I end up ever getting one, it certainly wont be the 3G model. I already pay enough for a web-enabled phone. Wifi is acceptable for any portable device I own other than the phone.

[HashiriyaS14]

It IS a computer, technically, but so is an ECU. The term "computer" is insufficiently descriptive.

A netbook is a "computer", it's just a less capable one than a full-featured laptop or desktop. The iPad is a computer too, but even less capable.

The nomenclature will have to change eventually. The iPad is really an internet appliance.

I'm starting to want one, but I'd never pay more than $300 for one and I want it to be able to multi-task and I want the bugs sorted out, so I guess I'll buy one in 2011-2012.

Tablets are nice because you can take what you're working on, put it on a more convenient form factor, and then take it mobile and show people what you're doing. A laptop/netbook doesn't work as well for this.

[RCA]

A netbook is a "computer", it's just a less capable one than a full-featured laptop or desktop. The iPad is a computer too, but even less capable.

In that case, a calculator is a computer, but you can see the diffrence...

Apple's marketing team is the best I have ever scene..They can manage to sell things that aren't special (many alternitives available in the market) for astronomical prices and they manage to sell out completely.

[AppleBonker]

Apple's marketing team is the best I have ever scene..

I would argue Bose or Monster trump Apple.

Say you're in the market for an e-book reader, would you take the Kindle/Nook over the iPad?

Kindle/Nook pros:e-ink (supposedly easier on the eyes)battery lifecost

iPad pros:way more uses (browse web, music, movies, whatever apps you specifically like)color (much better option for magazines, comics, cookbooks, etc)LCD screen (can read in the dark)

It's a close call for me. If the iPad were a touch cheaper, I would've bought one already (and I'm not saying the price is a ripoff - in fact, I'm surprised how low the margin is on it).

[RCA]

I would argue Bose or Monster trump Apple.

Say you're in the market for an e-book reader, would you take the Kindle/Nook over the iPad?

Kindle/Nook pros:e-ink (supposedly easier on the eyes)battery lifecost

iPad pros:way more uses (browse web, music, movies, whatever apps you specifically like)color (much better option for magazines, comics, cookbooks, etc)LCD screen (can read in the dark)

It's a close call for me. If the iPad were a touch cheaper, I would've bought one already (and I'm not saying the price is a ripoff - in fact, I'm surprised how low the margin is on it).

Well I agree that Monster has the edge over Bose because markup percentage. But Bose doesn't doesn't compare to Apple because it doesn't move as many units as Apple.

If you're in the market for a E-Reader then there are many that cost less then half of the cheapest iPad. Are the iPad's features worth the extra $360 - $250? With a price point at $500 you should rightfully expect a gadget that does more then an E-Reader, but now compare it to a tablet in the same price range. The HP Slate is set for $549-$599 and it comes with boat load more options then the iPad. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/...0.asp

The only thing I can see going for the Apple is the battery life, but even then, since when was adding battery life and removing power something you can charge extra for? I could understand if Apple beefed up the iPad and maintained the great battery life, but they made it very similar to the iPod touch and yet they charge a premium for this awesome battery life. Charge me $850 for an iPad with Snow Leopard, 1.5Ghz processor and 1GB ram and some real inputs/outputs not $500 for a iPod with a huge screen.

I think it is a good idea to wait before getting an iPad, this way A) Apple can fix any bugs and B) so you can see what other products will soon follow suit.

[alphapig]

Oh my, the pictures people posted have made me literally laugh out loud, and I'm in the library

The deal breaker for Macs is that you cannot reasonably build one.

Yes, I've read articles on how to do it. 10 page articles.

It took me one trip to Fry's and a pirated Windows 7 Ultimate and my home build desktop runs like a champ.

Please try Windows 7 before you judge Windows quality and "flow." It never sputters, looks amazing, and is MUCH smaller and streamlined than the bloated Vista monster.

[Jesda]

Apple, to me, is and always will be the company that makes the Mac OS. I consider crap like iPad the junk for the public that funds development and keeps my favorite operating system going.

I guess its how Porsche loyalists see the Cayenne.

[AppleBonker]

But Bose doesn't doesn't compare to Apple because it doesn't move as many units as Apple.

This is probably true, but ask the average person on the street and they'll tell you Bose is at the top when it comes to audio (which most audiophiles/enthusiasts would disagree with). If that's not phenomenal marketing, I don't know what is.

Please try Windows 7 before you judge Windows quality and "flow." It never sputters, looks amazing, and is MUCH smaller and streamlined than the bloated Vista monster.

I would agree that Windows 7 runs better than Vista. I've used both (currently Vista at home and 7 at work) and I even ran the 7 RC on my netbook (which is certainly less powerful than my home computer). But, 7 is still definitely bloated in comparison to iPhone OS, any Android OS to date or even most distributions of linux (I'm currently running Ubuntu on the netbook and it blows the 7 RC out of the water for performance). Running 7 would require more powerful hardware than the iPad has to offer, which will increase strain on the battery and generate more heat in the device. The only way around this, is increasing the pricing on the unit. Not to mention, I am unsure how a touchscreen controlled 7 will work. I know how touchscreen Android and iPhone OS work (both quite well).

Once again, I don't need the computing power. The slate doesn't even really match up against my netbook. If I'm doing anything that an iPad couldn't, I don't think I'd want to be doing it on the slate either. I'd much rather pull out the netbook or the laptop or even move to my desktop.

[initial_jc]

You can always make you own, or have it made, touchscreen mac with Mac OS X Made by Axiotron

But then again you will propbably say its wack because it doesnt have Windows 7(which i have installed in my MBP but NEVER use).

Im waiting until christmas for the 3g version, so i can see how the apps for it develop and what the Iphone os 4 has to offer.

I also heard a whisper that in Iphone OS 4 there will be a way to print and possibly multitask. Can I also Ask what is so great about netbooks? I dont think i would enjoy scrolling around that much, and the ones i have seen the screens are garbage.

[Red coupe]

This is probably true, but ask the average person on the street and they'll tell you Bose is at the top when it comes to audio (which most audiophiles/enthusiasts would disagree with). If that's not phenomenal marketing, I don't know what is.

I would agree that Windows 7 runs better than Vista. I've used both (currently Vista at home and 7 at work) and I even ran the 7 RC on my netbook (which is certainly less powerful than my home computer). But, 7 is still definitely bloated in comparison to iPhone OS, any Android OS to date or even most distributions of linux (I'm currently running Ubuntu on the netbook and it blows the 7 RC out of the water for performance). Running 7 would require more powerful hardware than the iPad has to offer, which will increase strain on the battery and generate more heat in the device. The only way around this, is increasing the pricing on the unit. Not to mention, I am unsure how a touchscreen controlled 7 will work. I know how touchscreen Android and iPhone OS work (both quite well).

Once again, I don't need the computing power. The slate doesn't even really match up against my netbook. If I'm doing anything that an iPad couldn't, I don't think I'd want to be doing it on the slate either. I'd much rather pull out the netbook or the laptop or even move to my desktop.

Windows 7 has built in support for multi touch.

Did you really just point out that windows 7 is more bloated then the iPhone os?

[AppleBonker]

Windows 7 has built in support for multi touch.

True, but I have a hard time imagining how I'd control a full desktop OS on a touchscreen. I run Win7, and I don't think it would be seamless and fluid to control without a mouse and keyboard (at which point, again, I'd switch to the netbook

Did you really just point out that windows 7 is more bloated then the iPhone os?

I guess that is a bit humorous. But, when comparing the Slate and iPad, I think it's a valid point. The iPad doesn't have the powerful hardware because in the current implementation, it's not required. The OS is restrictive enough that it functions well on "lesser" hardware.

Can I also Ask what is so great about netbooks? I dont think i would enjoy scrolling around that much, and the ones i have seen the screens are garbage.

Portability. I wouldn't want one as a main computer, but for light-duty travel it works and is easier to carry than a full-size laptop.

[initial_jc]

AppleBonker if you get one let me know

I wont until after i graduate

[AppleBonker]

I feel like I'm talking myself into one, but I don't really want to spend the cash yet. Hopefully, more details on the Slate will come out soon and that will help me make my decision.

[mRodiek]

Why am I not surprised you made this thread Juan?

There is no way Im reading through 7 pages of this but from what I hear the iPad idea started as a way to read books digitally and just kind of exploded from there.

Which is kind of stupid, we have LIBRARIES for a reason.

[initial_jc]

why arent you surprised?

[initial_jc]

MULTITASKING WHOOP WHOOP!!!

[AppleBonker]

I can confirm nico work well on the iPad.

[AppleBonker]

Unfortunately, my typing does not...

[PoorManQ45]

I can confirm nico work well on the iPad.

Cool, it also works on my MyTouch 3g... Yey...

[MinisterofDOOM]

ANY HTML (by which I mean no flash or other major plugins required) website will work on the mytouch. It has a real browser. Of course Opera Mini 5 is a lot better than the default browser. But I'm really looking forward to Opera Mobile 10.

[PoorManQ45]

ANY HTML (by which I mean no flash or other major plugins required) website will work on the mytouch. It has a real browser. Of course Opera Mini 5 is a lot better than the default browser. But I'm really looking forward to Opera Mobile 10.

Yep, Im using Opera Mini as it compresses everything on their servers before sending it to you. iphonespeedtest shows my connection as 14000kbps!!! Compare that to the regular browser at ~700

Unfortunately Opera mini doesn't support flash lite. I'm running a Cyanogen rom which integrated flash in to the system

[szh]

I can confirm nico work well on the iPad.

I have a site where Safari on the iPad breaks (although Safari on a Mac works just fine, and all other browsers are fine too). Delightful!

Go to any site that has pull-down menus designed using Joomla (one of the more common web site IDE's available). The menu itemss will not stay "pulled down" and will not allow you to click on the individual items on the menus.

Z

[AppleBonker]

Oh, there's plenty of stuff I could throw at the iPad that it wont be able to handle. But, this can be said of any of my computing devices (from my phone to my desktop). But they all fill a particular need that I have. In reality, I could do nearly any task on any one of my devices, but some do certain things better than others.

From my (albeit very limited) experience, it seems like the iPad is selling well. When I went to the Apple store, they had about 9-10 on display that were never at rest for more than a few minutes. Every one passing by felt the need to stop and pick one up to play. Also, during the ~45 minutes I was at the store, I watched them sell at least 3 iPads. I even saw one older woman receiving what looked to be an instructional session (I can only assume paid) on how to use her new iPad (I guess it's tough for some people?).

As I've said, I certainly don't believe this is a "perfect" device. It merely fills a need that I, personally, have.

[PoorManQ45]

I don't get it. Why not get a Netbook?

[AppleBonker]

I'll answer and try to read your mind on future questions.

I don't get it. Why not get a Netbook?

I already have one. Along with a laptop, desktop, HTPC and smartphone (yes, an iPhone, but I'm almost at the end of my two-year contract, and there wasn't really any other good option 2 years ago - my next phone will be on verizon, so likely running android).

Why not use the netbook/laptop?

They are ever so slightly bulkier. Plus, they generally reside on my computer desk in my "home office". I want a device that sits near the couch. Currently, when I get an email, need to check IMDB/weather and so on I turn to the phone. Not ideal for performing these tasks, but ok in a pinch. Getting the netbook takes a lot longer (and the required task generally takes far less time than actually booting the netbook).

Also, have you ever tried to read an e-book on a netbook/laptop in bed?

Why not get a kindle/nook?

Magazines and cookbooks look like hell on black and white e-ink.

Why not wait for the HP Slate (or other random tablet PC)?

Honestly, battery life is a concern. I don't need a tablet device that powerful, as any more hardware intensive tasks will be done on one of my other computers. Sure, they can do more, I just don't need my device to.

I am generally fairly unique in my wants/needs. I think the iPad is a perfect fit for what I'd use it for, but I would certainly agree that 99% of the people buying it would be better served by a different option.

[RCA]

Some more issues with the iPad...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/tech...eview

[Red coupe]

Also, have you ever tried to read an e-book on a netbook/laptop in bed?

Its closer to 2 pounds... Not heavy but not light if you are planning to hold it out in front of yourself for the length of time you would spend reading an e-book. I would WAY rather read on a laptop, which can rest on my stomach and stand up on its own, rather then having to try and hold some relatively heavy thing over my head for an hour or so.

[AppleBonker]

Some more issues with the iPad...

I'll try to keep this short, but I'd like to offer a counter argument to some of that columnist's points (they are all valid, but I feel most are a bit of a stretch).

No clock: a legit beef. Though every phone I've had in the last 8 years has had a clock with an alarm that I use when traveling. My phone always travels with me, so it's a non-issue for me. Also, why would she be trying to replace her iPod with an iPad? An iPod is way more portable, thus making it a much better mp3 player. You'd have a hell of a time putting an iPad in your pocket and walking around while listening to music.

No calculator: an interesting omission for sure, but hardly a deal breaker. Need a calculator, use google?

No tactile feedback on the keyboard: I didn't even think about this. I also don't know that it would benefit me much. I don't plan to type novels on the iPad or any other tablet for that matter. Yes, a normal keyboard would be better, so use a laptop/netbook.

Doesn't charge while syncing: well, it doesn't take too long to sync, so it shouldn't be a problem. I also haven't tested this either, but I thought I read the charging on USB was limited to ports that could supply the power. Maybe it would charge if you turn the screen off while syncing?

Size: yeah, I would say the size is right. It is a bit heavier than I expected. I haven't tried reading for an extended period of time on it, so I don't know how that will affect me.

No flash: probably the biggest problem. I am not planning on using it to browse flash dependent sites. But if this is a deal breaker for you, then you're not getting one. No argument from me.

Since I have one, this is all based on my personal opinion thus far. If anyone has any questions on how it functions on a particular task, let me know and I'll give it a trial run and let you know the results.

I would WAY rather read on a laptop, which can rest on my stomach and stand up on its own, rather then having to try and hold some relatively heavy thing over my head for an hour or so.

Kind of an insane argument. I can easily rest the iPad on my lap. Just because it is a tablet does not mean I must hold it above my head. I haven't tried reading in bed yet, but I will soon. The weight may get annoying (though I wouldn't say 1.5 pounds is closer to 3), but I won't know that until I try it. I may have to try resting it on my chest while reading in bed, but once I test it out I'll give better feedback.

For the record, this entire post was typed on the iPad. It would've been faster on my netbook, but I typed while watching the hawks on tv. Either way, it is doable.