The iPad Thread - keep the general chit-chat here. Thanks!

[the sheriff]

My initial reaction to this device was great, then I started to back off of it a bit - trying to figure out why I would want to shell out $629 for one (at minimum, cause you want to have 3g as an option at least).

I own an iPod, which I no longer use outside of my car - my iPhone has no taken it's place and given me a great smartphone. I've also got a 13" MacBook Pro as well. I love every single device and between the two, I can do everything that I'd want.

So, where does this fit in. Well, on a personal level - it comes in as a very handy device for road trips and short travel. I often take week long trips to the beach or inland to where I need a device better than my iPhone provides (email, internet). I don't always have wireless available but have 3g coverage - this device fills that void with the 3g option. I can stay on top of things while away without much compromise. The 3g options is great in airports/hotels/anywhere else where wifi, or free wifi is not available. The fact that I could load movies on it and have that available for my girlfriends 5 year old daughter to watch turns in into a mobile movie player. Not to mention the video out option for stuff I may want to view on the larger set while away.

Professionally......I work in sales and am out and about a majority of the time meeting with potential clients. This device would allow me to stay on top of e-mail with the 3g as well as log a catalog of our finished/installed products in a very professional way for clients to view in a reasonably large format on the spot instead of directing them to a website to where they may or may not go. With the apps available, it would also allow me to take deposits on the spot electronically via credit card versus paper check, cause lets be honest - who writes checks any more. It's just a much better platform that dragging out my laptop. It would also allow for real time quotes if i have web access......

Apps will be deleveloped more in-depth with the increased processing power and screen size.

10 hours of continuous use? 1 month of standby time? That's awesome!

If I was in a city where public transit was a large source of transit (Boston, NYC, Chicago, SF) - I'd be all over this, no question......

the huge kicker, and what I don't think Apple is getting enough props for is negotiating the contract so 3g service is on a month to month basis w/o contract......

[robbyb413]

Quote, originally posted by John A »

No it won't. There's no app store. For anyone who didn't watch the speech or isn't paying attention, I'll spell this out because maybe people aren't realizing the scale of things. People are downloading over 5.5 million apps, every single day. People are downloading more than 230,000 apps every hour. And this new product can use all of them on day one.

And? What does that matter? On any given computer that has a fully functioning operating system you can go to a browser, hit up google, and find a widget, program, script, browser extension, web-app, or whatehaveyou to do whatever you need to do until your heart is content, usually for free or for a nominal cost... not unlike an app store.. You just don't need an App Store. That's not revolutionary or a game changer, it's just a way to try to get you to buy more stuff.

[zhenya00]

I don't really care for handwriting recognition on any device I've used. I can type considerably faster and longer than I can write. I can see a use for being able to sketch and take notes directly on the screen though. I wouldn't be surprised to see 3rd parties offering a stylus. During the demo of the drawing program all I could think was how cool that would be as a sketch pad for those so gifted. I always have a notebook in my bag, so I'm really excited about the possibilities that this form factor can offer. Honestly though, I'm also a huge OneNote fan so I'd have to consider a windows model as well.

[punkassjim]

Quote, originally posted by zhenya00 »

How would you use this as a navigation device? No gps for one, where the heck would you mount it for two.

You make a good point, in that there is no GPS in the WiFi device, but there is GPS in the version that has 3G. So, even if you don't want to pay for 3G data service, the GPS will be there, and apps like Navigon don't need a network connection to provide turn-by-turn.

[Vision33r]

Another Trojan horse...

[Power5]

according to wiki, eink was bought by some company called prime view to speed the color e ink development. So, that argument will be moot, and the e ink will still have all of its other advantages over a typical backlit LCD.

[Art Vandelay]

Did anyone else think of the Macbook Wheel?

http://www.theonion.com/conten...onary

[zhenya00]

Quote, originally posted by robbyb413 »

And? What does that matter? On any given computer that has a fully functioning operating system you can go to a browser, hit up google, and find a widget, program, script, browser extension, web-app, or whatehaveyou to do whatever you need to do until your heart is content, usually for free or for a nominal cost... not unlike an app store.. You just don't need an App Store. That's not revolutionary or a game changer, it's just a way to try to get you to buy more stuff.

ah, that pretty much describes Windows Mobile before the iPhone. Theoretically could do almost anything you wanted, but good luck actually discovering the app you wanted. The entire platform was (is) so disjointed that every app had it's own ui quirks meaning actually accomplishing much was next to impossible. The App store is probably the most revolutionary thing in computing in the last decade.

[Power5]

I would like to see someone lie in bed and read on this. It weighs 2.5 times what the kindle weighs. Can you read the kindle at night? I was reading about it and it says it reflects light like normal paper. No lights, so I assume it wont work at night?

[John A]

Quote, originally posted by Swallow Doretti »

You're nuts. You clearly don't read, or hang out with people who read constantly. eInk doesn't wash out in sunlight, it doesn't reflect glare from overhead spotlights like on a plane, it doesn't light up a bedroom at night like a LCD screen would. You know what annoys a spouse/partner/significant other? A bright-ass computer screen in the bed while they're trying to sleep. Hell, eInk doesn't even use any power, which means (theoretically, at least), I can use a Kindle on taxi/take-off/landing. Good luck trying that with this thing.

My wife's a librarian. I'm confident that I burn through more books than the average person.

I'm not saying the iPad is going to be better in sunlight. It won't. I'm not saying it'll be easier on your eyes than eInk will. It won't be. I'm not saying it's the best for reading in a dark room (don't you need a clip-on light to read a Kindle at night? anyway...)

I'm saying that it'll be wildly successful, and will sell more in no time than Kindle and Nook have sold combined. You're right - that won't make it the best, but I think it'll put a damper on anyone else who is considering making a dedicated e-book reader.

[Matt D.]

Quote, originally posted by robbyb413 »

On any given computer that has a fully functioning operating system you can go to a browser, hit up google, and find a widget, program, script, browser extension, web-app, or whatehaveyou to do whatever you need to do until your heart is content, usually for free or for a nominal cost... not unlike an app store..

Or you can simply download an app in seconds while you're walking, tap your finger on that app and access the things you want. I'd like to see this done with ease and less fumbling on a typical computer, my friend.

[zhenya00]

Quote, originally posted by Power5 »

according to wiki, eink was bought by some company called prime view to speed the color e ink development. So, that argument will be moot, and the e ink will still have all of its other advantages over a typical backlit LCD.

how many colors though? Most people would prefer a beautiful full color screen with decent battery life over a poor screen with a great battery. Again, some people will still find room for a dedicated e-reader, but I bet devices like this are going to be the volume sellers.

[Swallow Doretti]

Quote, originally posted by zhenya00 »

The App store is probably the most revolutionary thing in computing in the last decade.

Limiting the software to what Apple decides is right for me (and what doesn't compete with them) is revolutionary?

[twerked]

Quote, originally posted by robbyb413 »

And? What does that matter? On any given computer that has a fully functioning operating system you can go to a browser, hit up google, and find a widget, program, script, browser extension, web-app, or whatehaveyou to do whatever you need to do until your heart is content, usually for free or for a nominal cost... not unlike an app store.. You just don't need an App Store. That's not revolutionary or a game changer, it's just a way to try to get you to buy more stuff.

and to the reading lcd vs e-ink thing, just my $0.02..

i always had to print out any articles i got online in college. i hated trying to read them on a computer. whether it was an lcd on a laptop or my old crt monitor, it hurt my eyes and couldn't focus on what i was reading. i think some of it had to do with on my computer i had so many distractions readily available (i guess that wouldn't be a problem with the ipad ), but for some reason, reading forums and other info, i have no problem staring at a screen. but when i really had to read, i went to a physical copy. i'd rather have book than an e-reader

[zhenya00]

Quote, originally posted by punkassjim »

You make a good point, in that there is no GPS in the WiFi device, but there is GPS in the version that has 3G. So, even if you don't want to pay for 3G data service, the GPS will be there, and apps like Navigon don't need a network connection to provide turn-by-turn.

no, there is a-gps which is gps via cell towers. There is no mention of dedicated gps. I'm sure someone will come out with a gps cradle, but I still don't see where you'll mount it.

[Art Vandelay]

Quote, originally posted by John A »

I'm saying that it'll be wildly successful, and will sell more in no time than Kindle and Nook have sold combined.

No one is arguing that. However, you said that eBook readers will be "dead" and implied that products like this will be what kills them, and that's just not true. They are not the same product. If eBook readers die, it will be because of DRM, or because people simply don't read real books anymore.

[zhenya00]

Quote, originally posted by Swallow Doretti »

Limiting the software to what Apple decides is right for me (and what doesn't compete with them) is revolutionary?

no, aggregatting all the apps in a single location where users can purchase with one click and putting a set of guidelines in place to keep the user experience consistent is. For those who don't like the limits, there is a 30 secon jailbreak, which not coincidentally is trying to model itself after te app store as is every other mobile platform.

[Texan_Brandon]

but can it do 3D?

[Power5]

Quote, originally posted by Matt D. »

Or you can simply download an app in seconds while you're walking, tap your finger on that app and access the things you want. I'd like to see this done with ease and less fumbling on a typical computer, my friend.

The store is very nice. But apple controls the market for ipod and iphone, no one else can make their own stores. Just think if I could open an e store and sell the same apps as the app store but at half price. How many app stores would their be? I could design my app store to work a bit different and better in my eyes and the eyes of my customers. The NEW app stores could then have all phones instead of just apple phones. I could shop for my wifes blackberry and my iphone at the same place.

[Matt D.]

Quote, originally posted by Swallow Doretti »

Limiting the software to what Apple decides is right for me (and what doesn't compete with them) is revolutionary?

There are tens-of-thousands of apps currently available and counting. Where is the real "limit"?

[bora.the.explora]

Quote, originally posted by zhenya00 »

no, there is a-gps which is gps via cell towers. There is no mention of dedicated gps. I'm sure someone will come out with a gps cradle, but I still don't see where you'll mount it.

A-GPS uses cell towers AND satellites.

[zhenya00]

Quote, originally posted by Art Vandelay »

No one is arguing that. However, you said that eBook readers will be "dead" and implied that products like this will be what kills them, and that's just not true. They are not the same product. If eBook readers die, it will be because of DRM, or because people simply don't read real books anymore.

I read more than 99% of the population and I'm not interested in an e reader mostly because their single purpose is too limiting. A second reason is the drm. Apple appears to have done away with both of these limits. (although I'm still not sure I'll be buying one. )

[Texan_Brandon]

One editors opinion at Engadget.

"There's no question that much of what the iPhone and iPod touch do translates nicely here, and there's no question that some of the tweaks made to native iPad apps are impressive, but nothing I saw made me sit up and think, "Wow, I need this." It's telling that the most intriguing user experiences shown off today were the iPad versions of the iWork suite. iWork? If Steve Jobs hoped to answer the question about why we need this third device, or how it's better than a netbook, he didn't make a compelling case. Where is video chat? Where is multitasking (honestly, only one app at a time for a device of this size and speed)? Why is the lock screen so embarrassingly empty? Why are there no active widgets to fill that huge homescreen space? Where is the expansion of the multitouch user experience? And seriously, where are the media partnerships?"

[Matt D.]

Quote, originally posted by Power5 »

The store is very nice. But apple controls the market for ipod and iphone, no one else can make their own stores. Just think if I could open an e store and sell the same apps as the app store but at half price. How many app stores would their be? I could design my app store to work a bit different and better in my eyes and the eyes of my customers. The NEW app stores could then have all phones instead of just apple phones. I could shop for my wifes blackberry and my iphone at the same place.

Perhaps there's an element of quality control. I know if I owned a boutique, for example, I'm not going to allow just any 'ol label to sell there. It is in my best interest to safeguard my brand. At least AAPL encourages peer development. Yes, the apps are scrutinized heavily. As a customer, I expect that.

[SSj4G60]

So is there anything besides Apps to put in the benefits column ??? other than that I don't see the point. I was expecting something better (didn't expect GPS ) more of a combo of Iphone Os and OSx abilities.

Apple's just riding off the success of the iphone w/ no real improvement to it. like osx.

[zhenya00]

Quote, originally posted by bora.the.explora »

A-GPS uses cell towers AND satellites.

I hope that's the case! Looking at the specs for the iPhone they also describe it as having assisted gps so it looks good. Did they mention anything about it in the keynote?

[Swallow Doretti]

Quote, originally posted by Matt D. »

There are tens-of-thousands of apps currently available and counting. Where is the real "limit"?

Apparently, anything that competes with Apple (Google Voice).

Apple has created the BMW X6 of computers, the car that's not a car, but is a sedan, that's not a sedan, but is a SUV, that's not a SUV, but is a sports car. The iPad is trying to roll a bunch of disparate capabilities into one device, but really isn't doing a good job mastering any.

Will it sell? Sure, I think lots of guys are going to buy these for their wives from the sounds of it. But selling a ton doesn't make it excellent at all. Unless you all have suddenly decided that the Toyota Camry is the best sedan on the market today.

[zhenya00]

Quote, originally posted by SSj4G60 »

So is there anything besides Apps to put in the benefits column ??? other than that I don't see the point. I was expecting something better (didn't expect GPS ) more of a combo of Iphone Os and OSx abilities. Apple's just riding off the success of the iphone w/ no real improvement to it. like osx.

over in the electronics forum we've been discussing the gps. It appears that the 3g model does have gps. It's described as assisted gps, but this is how the iPhone gps is described as well.

[theevilshiftkey]

Quote, originally posted by Matt D. »

There are tens-of-thousands of apps currently available and counting. Where is the real "limit"?

There are tens of thousands of variations of a fart button, and a few hundred useful apps. However even if all of them were great, there are MILLIONS of apps that run on your average Windows netbook, and millions more that will run on OSX. Not to mention two words which will apparently never run on iPhone/SuperiPhone: Google Voice.

[zhenya00]

Quote, originally posted by theevilshiftkey »

There are tens of thousands of variations of a fart button, and a few hundred useful apps. However even if all of them were great, there are MILLIONS of apps that run on your average Windows netbook, and millions more that will run on OSX. Not to mention two words which will apparently never run on iPhone/SuperiPhone: Google Voice.

but neither of those make a good platform for a tablet.

Google voice runs on iPhones already if you can download a program a click a button to jailbreak.

[Karma]

Quote, originally posted by SSj4G60 »

So is there anything besides Apps to put in the benefits column?

It's $10 more than the $489 Kindle DX
It has a color screen
It has a web browser (minus Flash)
It has 4x the storage space
It plays ePub books, in addition to Kindle books
You can watch videos, in HD
You can access your work and personal email
You can access your work and personal calendars
You can view and edit photos
You can watch YouTube videos
You can play your music
You can buy iTunes content
Then add in the 150k apps that do XYZ that the an e-ink reader will never do

But:
The battery life is worse
The screen won't work as well for reading books
You have to pay extra for 3G hardware and service

Both have their advantages. Both are niche devices. The comparative Kindle is just WAY more niche in this case and is now very overpriced. That is quite the feat when going against a damn Apple product

[Matt D.]

Quote, originally posted by theevilshiftkey »

There are tens of thousands of variations of a fart button, and a few hundred useful apps. However even if all of them were great, there are MILLIONS of apps that run on your average Windows netbook, and millions more that will run on OSX. Not to mention two words which will apparently never run on iPhone/SuperiPhone: Google Voice.

There are also a plethora of very useful apps that improve the quality of life for people. You will not acknowledge that. The netbook was created to encourage people like my mother, who have limited experience with technology, but want to experience it on a smaller scale for a cheaper price. That's pretty much it. I don't see people knocking out serious work on netbooks.

[Karma]

Quote, originally posted by zhenya00 »

Google voice runs on iPhones already if you can download a program a click a button to jailbreak.

Or you can just go to: m.google.com/voice

[Karma]

Quote, originally posted by zhenya00 »

over in the electronics forum we've been discussing the gps. It appears that the 3g model does have gps. It's described as assisted gps, but this is how the iPhone gps is described as well.

It's the ****ty GPS that bases it on cell towers which = pointless, it is not what is in the iPhone.

[Texan_Brandon]

As you play with your iPad on the sofa, make sure your cell phone is nearby to accept calls. Oh, and make sure your laptop is nearby so you can see what is going on with that web site that is showing you a product demo via Flash. Finally, keep some aspirin on hand for the migraine you'll get after attempting to read a book on that display.