iPad?

[Ken H.]

The iPad – Revolutionary, ho-hum or destined to be a bust?

[David]

Are you kidding? It'll completely change the netbook industry and force others to modify their offerings.

 

It'll be as ubiquitous in the netbook world as the iPod is in the music world. Especially if they quickly fix some things with the original concept (screen resolution, video conferencing, etc.).

[Ken H.]

I gather that's a, "revolutionary" vote then?

 

[Ken H.]

What about speed of use for in particular typing? Will the on-screen touch keyboard be acceptable to those who need to input a lot of information, such as one might do on a standard notebook, laptop? Or will this be more of a passive use device? E.g. reading stuff not inputting stuff/information/work.

[David]

I would think the QWERTY keyboard would be passable for moderate use. Also available will be a keyboard dock or a wireless bluetooth keyboard for more extensive use.

[Ken H.]

Which, to continue to carry on a conversation with myself, brings to mind the question - why hasn’t predictive typing made it into traditional PC/MAC software? E.g. MS Word? Word does a little bit of it, but nothing like an iPhone, Crackberry, etc. Seems like it would be a great idea/add.

[beemerman2k]

I'm with David on this one. Put me down in the "revolutionary" column.

 

I'm kinda off the deep end with respect to the iPod. I own a 120GB iPod Classic and a 32GB iPhone 3GS. I love them both, but my only complaint with the iPhone/iPod Touch is that it doesn't link up with a keyboard. Therefore, I can read all day, but I don't like it enough to post comments on this forum or to answer Facebook and email posts.

 

Along comes the iPad. It has a built in keyboard on the screen, or you can get an external keyboard for it. It is also an iPod, which means it runs all those apps and plays music and movies. I see it definitely as a consumer laptop/netbook killer.

 

No bootup time issues, no virus issues, no configuration issues, no bloatware issues -- what's not to like? I gave my 3 daughters iPod Touch's for Christmas even though they asked for netbooks. They love the iPods and they are happy. I am happy too. Guess how many tech support calls I have had because the computer is not working right? **** ZERO!!!!!!!*****

 

That's why the iPad will ultimately kill the netbook PC. It works it works it works. Tech support needs? ZERO!

[AviP]

Are you kidding? It'll completely change the netbook industry and force others to modify their offerings.

Not in the current model offering of the iPad. Based on the specs...

 

- It does not have 16:9 ratio for movies.

- It does not have a USB port! So buy a lot of accessories to hook up your camera, printer, blah.

- It does not have a built-in webcam.

- It does not have GPS in the base model, only in the 3G model.

- It does not have a real keyboard. I for one can't type without that tactile sensation of a keypress.

 

Most of these (other than GPS) are standard on most netbooks for less than the $500 base price of the cheapest iPad.

 

I love Apple products but this seems to be a 10" iPhone without the phone.

[marcopolo]

While it's no doubt another slick Apple product, it's no more a netbook killer than a Mac is a PC killer. Apple has always been, and likely will remain, a niche producer (albeit a profitable one). I have several iPods and love them, but I've only ever had PCs, now including a netbook. PCs are cheaper and there's more software available for them (at a lower cost because of the size of the PC market as compared to Mac). For graphic designers and the like, Mac is the only way to go, or if you just like a very slick product and don't mind paying somewhat extra for it.

[cali_beemer]

Put me down in the ho-hum category. I already have an iphone and a laptop. I dont see how this really fits into my lifestyle. Its too small and doesnt have the capability to do what my laptop does. Its too big to be portable and doesnt serve any more function than my ipod for my use. I understand I am not the target clientel for this product so maybe it will do well for others. Once I play with one I may change my mind but for now I just dont see a home for one in my house.

[David]

While it's no doubt another slick Apple product, it's no more a netbook killer than a Mac is a PC killer. Apple has always been, and likely will remain, a niche producer (albeit a profitable one). I have several iPods and love them, but I've only ever had PCs, now including a netbook. PCs are cheaper and there's more software available for them (at a lower cost because of the size of the PC market as compared to Mac). For graphic designers and the like, Mac is the only way to go, or if you just like a very slick product and don't mind paying somewhat extra for it.

 

If you think Macs are primarily for "graphic designers and the like" you really aren't in touch with that market. No offense intended, but it has very little to do with that. Wander an Apple store and you'd be hard pressed to find a single graphic designer there.

 

And look at marketshare trends.

 

I wish threads in this forum didn't purge themselves for two years, because I'd love to pull this one back up then.

[OoPEZoO]

It seems to be nothing more than a big iPod Touch. If it can't run MapSource it can't replace my Netbook. What about all the other programs people like to use on the road? MS Office comes to mind.

 

+1 there

 

I think the "potential" for the iPad is awesome, but if it can't run mapsource I wouldn't buy it. BUT.......I will say for anyone who has never had the chance to really use one of the Apple capacitive touch screens, they are a game changer. The resistive touch screens on most smart phones are a joke. I love the touch screen interface on my iPhone while surfing the internet on Safari. If I could replace my PC mouse with a similar full sized touch screen monitor, I would do it in a second. I'm sure the iPad uses that same interface, so I am intently keeping an eye on it.

 

Give me an iPad with the ability to run Mapsource and easily read PDF files and I would go buy one tomorrow.

[Allen Rowand]

The iPad is another consumer device that will make them scads of money, both in hardware and media sales. It will push the envelope of hardware development in the industry. I will still think it is a steaming pile of worthless crap in and of itself- it continues their trend of dumbing down their users and locking out those of us who want to "think different" with their products.

 

Their model is pushing the idea that you don't really own the things you buy; you get to hold them, but they'll tell you what you can and can't do with them. The sad thing is that so many people don't see the difference or understand why it's bad.

[BFish]

plan to own one when gen 2 arrives. it will be an enjoyable luxury for me whether at home, away or in the john!

[upflying]

I'm a bit of a Luddite when it comes to technology, so count me out.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo-Luddism

 

[SeanC]

I'm gonna buy one and wear it around my neck with a big chain, like Flavor Flav. Yo, look at me! I just bought the most expensive digital picture frame ever.

[James Clark]

The iPad – Revolutionary, ho-hum or destined to be a bust?

 

pass

 

link

[UberXY]

We have five macs at home, and I use an iTouch a lot. I was stoked about the iPad for months, but I have to say I am for the moment far less impressed than I thought I would be, at least so far. I was hoping for at least a usb port so I could upload photos from a pocket digital camera via some scaled down version of iPhoto. I was also hoping for swappable memory.

 

That said, the biggest improvement over the iTouch for me is low cost 3G, and the attendant GPS. The iPad/3G is useable in places other than public wifi hotspots like the iTouch.

 

I use iWorks Pages instead of Word so I was glad to see a light version of Pages show up on the iPad, and I like the fact that you can buy Pages separate from iWorks for only $10.

 

As for the ebook reader - I've been using a Kindle for 18 months, and I use it a lot more than my cell phone. The Kindle is pretty crude but workable, but I like the ease of book purchasing and selection on Amazon. If the iTunes bookstore turns out to be as good as or better than the Kindle bookstore, I would be inclined to go with the iPad, because the interface looks better.

 

I hope, but doubt, that we will one day see a very improved version of Mapquest on the iPad (if a USB port shows up on V2.0). The only reason I still keep an old PC running in the house is Mapquest.

[beemerman2k]

There is a Mapquest app for the iPhone, wouldn't that work on the iPad?

 

What am I missing with respect to Mapquest? It's a mapping program. Aren't there about a dozen of them not to mention online ones like Goggle maps? What does Mapquest do that the others don't? :confused:

[marcopolo]

While it's no doubt another slick Apple product, it's no more a netbook killer than a Mac is a PC killer. Apple has always been, and likely will remain, a niche producer (albeit a profitable one). I have several iPods and love them, but I've only ever had PCs, now including a netbook. PCs are cheaper and there's more software available for them (at a lower cost because of the size of the PC market as compared to Mac). For graphic designers and the like, Mac is the only way to go, or if you just like a very slick product and don't mind paying somewhat extra for it.

 

If you think Macs are primarily for "graphic designers and the like" you really aren't in touch with that market. No offense intended, but it has very little to do with that. Wander an Apple store and you'd be hard pressed to find a single graphic designer there.

 

I did not say that Macs are primarily for graphic designers; you said that. I said that for graphic designers, Mac was the only way to go. Not the same thing at all. That said, I have a couple of graphic designers in my immediate family, so I'm speaking from personal experience as to the extent to which they, and their colleagues, use and like their Macs. And by the way, I've wandered through many Apple stores, not that I think that's particularly relevant (last time I checked customers weren't wearing tags declaring whether, or not, they were a graphic designer). The fact remains that PCs outsell Macs by a wide margin because they're the overwhelming choice of the corporate world and government. By all means pull up this thread again in a few years. I don't think that will have changed.

 

I see the Mac vs. PC discussion is almost like an oil thread.

[Lets_Play_Two]

I am also in the ho-hum category. It looks like that in basic configuration, 16 gb and wi-fi, it will be a challenge to the Amazon product for reading books, newspapers and magazines. Adding more functionality really drives the price up and creates the same issue for me that Apple computers have---too pricey. Sure you can watch movies on the 9" screen if you have 30 year old eyes!!! The contacts and e-mail, etc are available everywhere as are the apps. I don't play computer games and really don't need a full function anything when I am away from home---gave that up with work!! I use CF cards for digital photography so this won't even be useful as a viewer or short term back up storage.

[beemerman2k]

I use CF cards for digital photography so this won't even be useful as a viewer or short term back up storage.

 

I'm not so sure about this. I would think that Apple, or some other company, could take that device that can connect a keyboard to the iPad, and produce a similar one that provides USB ports, CF/SD slots, and other connections.

[SeanC]

I'm curious as to why you think Mac is the only way to go for graphic designers? Are you saying there are tools available only for the Mac, which are indispensable to designers?

 

Or are you assuming that since a lot of designers choose Mac, it must be the only way to go?

[David]

I'm curious as to why you think Mac is the only way to go for graphic designers? Are you saying there are tools available only for the Mac, which are indispensable to designers?

 

Or are you assuming that since a lot of designers choose Mac, it must be the only way to go?

 

He doesn't know either way--he's just repeating something that was true a long time ago. It's so not true that I'm not bothering to argue.

[skinny_tom (aka boney)]

Yawn... It's too big to be ultra portable, and most stuff in it's size comes with a whole lot more hardware; you know, a keyboard, a DVD/CD drive, usb ports etc etc.

 

It's like a net-book, but without all the stuff you need.

[Lets_Play_Two]

I use CF cards for digital photography so this won't even be useful as a viewer or short term back up storage.

 

I'm not so sure about this. I would think that Apple, or some other company, could take that device that can connect a keyboard to the iPad, and produce a similar one that provides USB ports, CF/SD slots, and other connections.

 

Yes, you can buy the optional camera connection kit and download photos via usb directly from the camera or an SD card.

[marcopolo]

I'm curious as to why you think Mac is the only way to go for graphic designers? Are you saying there are tools available only for the Mac, which are indispensable to designers?

 

Or are you assuming that since a lot of designers choose Mac, it must be the only way to go?

 

He doesn't know either way--he's just repeating something that was true a long time ago. It's so not true that I'm not bothering to argue.

 

I'm not arguing one way, or the other, since this is drifting off topic. I'm not a graphic designer, nor do I play one on TV. The several graphic designers I do know tell me that they, and their colleagues, much prefer Mac for their work. That notion was reinforced last year when I toured (no, not a canned tour) a major animation studio and noticed they were all using Macs for whatever reason. I guess I didn't think someone here would parse every word and challenge this as being the definitive statement for the globe on the preferences of the graphic deign industry.

[David]

I'm not attacking you personally! I work full time advising graphic designers and advertising people, so I was just trying to correct your misstatement. It is true that they prefer them, but it's not true that they need them.

 

Most in-house departments by far run on no Mac at all.

[russell_bynum]

Yawn... It's too big to be ultra portable, and most stuff in it's size comes with a whole lot more hardware; you know, a keyboard, a DVD/CD drive, usb ports etc etc.

 

It's like a net-book, but without all the stuff you need.

 

True...but it's got the ultra-slick iPhone/iTouch interface.

 

I dunno. I think a bunch of it is going to depend on the accessories, and what Apple adds to the next generation one. I certainly wouldn't buy this first-gen device...for the reasons you listed. But...give it a USB port, a camera (for video conferencing), and a keyboard that can basically turn it into a traditional laptop and it really could be a killer device.

 

With the keyboard....it can't be some fragile thing that has to stay on a desk, or a wireless thing that requires you to balance the screen and the keyboard separately in your lap. The keyboard needs to physically attach to the iPad solidly so you can use it just like regular laptop. And it needs to fold up so keyboard and iPad are one unit for easy transport.

 

DVD drive would be nice, but not really necessary since you can get video content through iTunes.

 

Oh...and give it the option of tethering to an iPhone as a way to get 3G coverage rather than forcing you to buy another data plan.

[marcopolo]

It is true that they prefer them, but it's not true that they need them.

 

Well I think we agree on something.

 

Now back to our original programming...can you see yourself getting an iPad, now or when the next generation comes out?

[Joel]

Revolutionary. I think there's a niche for this now, kinda like a Kindle on steroids. I think Amazon should be concerned about that. I could see the iPad meeting many of the needs of casual computer users, but not really supplanting netbooks or anything larger. I'd like one as a toy, for reading, browsing, video, etc., but not as a tool.

 

As a motorcyclist, the factors I see working against it are that I like that my iPod conveniently fits in a small pocket, and my GPS easily snaps into a bracket on the handlebar, so an iPad would not be a suitable replacement for those devices.

[SeanC]

Okay, so you say you have no experience with Macs and no opinion one way or the other as to why people use them.... so what's your point then? With regard to the iPad, you mentioned that you don't see it as a netbook killer (just as the Mac wasn't a PC killer). Okay. But from everything I've read, I'm not sure it was intended to be. It's not in the netbook category, unless you define netbook as any device with a processor that's bigger than a phone but smaller than a laptop. In which case, do you consider the Kindle a netbook?

 

My questions aren't loaded. I don't really know what the Apple tablet is supposed to be (other than a Kindle with more internet and media features). It doesn't seem like anything I'd use in place of my MacBook (but that could change if someone could explain to me what it is now and what it will mean moving forward).

 

Prior to its release, I was expecting a large iPod Touch sort of device along with the launch of an expanded iTunes Store featuring eBooks, newspapers and magazines, etc. You know, something that could really breathe some new life into a declining industry.

[ghaverkamp]

Yawn... It's too big to be ultra portable, and most stuff in it's size comes with a whole lot more hardware; you know, a keyboard, a DVD/CD drive, usb ports etc etc.

 

Now, exactly which device are you referring to that comes with all of that at that size? I'm hard-pressed to find anything that's 1.5 lbs and 0.5" thick with a 10" display that comes with what you're suggesting it does.

 

It's like a net-book, but without all the stuff you need

 

It's like something that does what netbooks are generally intended to do, only it does those things without all of the cheap hardware, crappy operating systems, lousy user interfaces, and legacy form factors.

 

It's funny that so many of the complaints sound so much like so many of the typical complaints on new product releases, especially those from Apple.

[ghaverkamp]

I think Amazon should be concerned about that. I could see the iPad meeting many of the needs of casual computer users, but not really supplanting netbooks or anything larger. I'd like one as a toy, for reading, browsing, video, etc., but not as a tool.

 

What is it that you do on your netbook that you don't think you'll be able to do on this?

[Couchrocket]

All I know is that I WANT ONE AND I WANT IT NOW! With eight gigawitz of memory.

[David]

Now back to our original programming...can you see yourself getting an iPad, now or when the next generation comes out?

 

I'd like to think I'd be able to resist it, but I'm a weak man. I'll probably get it to replace my Kindle, which I've not liked. Plus, I probably need one for research purposes on the ePub side. Yeah, that's it.

[russell_bynum]

I think Amazon should be concerned about that. I could see the iPad meeting many of the needs of casual computer users, but not really supplanting netbooks or anything larger. I'd like one as a toy, for reading, browsing, video, etc., but not as a tool.

 

What is it that you do on your netbook that you don't think you'll be able to do on this?

 

If the on-screen keyboard is just a big version of an iPhone's onscreen keyboard, that would not be acceptable for me as a small laptop/netbook replacement. My biggest gripe with the iPhone is the touchscreen keyboard. It works remarkably well for what it is and considerably better than any other touch-screen keyboard I've used, but it's still terrible compared to a real keyboard with tactile feedback.

 

Not that it is useless just being a big iTouch...it should be able to do the media stuff (video and ebooks, in particular) of an iPhone/iTouch better since it's got a bigger screen. Kindle is toast, for sure. And why buy those small portable DVD players when you can have one of these? But IMO...an optional keyboard that snaps on and turns the device into a netbook could basically destroy the rest of the netbook market overnight. The more I think about it, the more I see that as this thing's big potential.

[Selden]

Good god, 4 pages of responses already. Considering that I bought my first Mac in May, 1984, I'm hardly an Apple hater, but I think Steve Jobs jumped the shark on the iPad. If it survives long enough to evolve to an OLED display, 24 hours run time, gets a camera and a built-in multi-format card reader, it may become more interesting to me. For now, the iPad (if they get to keep the name, since Fujitsu owns it), has great potential as an electronic clipboard for doctors making their rounds, an expensive toy for people who want to make a fashion statement, and possibly as an electronic textbook students.

[SeanC]

Doesn't the MacBook Air fit that bill?

 

But seriously, if Apple wanted to produce a netbook, they could easily make a smaller Air (the existing model is something like 13 x 9 x 0.75", whereas the tablet is something like 9.5 x 7.5 x 0.5")

[Hermes]

I wasn't paying that much attention to the man on the TV screen when he rambled on about some new i-Pad. I thought he was referring to a new feminine Hygiene product.

 

I think I would have been less disappointed.

[Joel]

I think Amazon should be concerned about that. I could see the iPad meeting many of the needs of casual computer users, but not really supplanting netbooks or anything larger. I'd like one as a toy, for reading, browsing, video, etc., but not as a tool.

 

What is it that you do on your netbook that you don't think you'll be able to do on this?

 

Haven't taken the netbook plunge yet. I suppose you'll tell me "there's an app for that," but to be a useful working tool I'd need to be able to edit, redline, and comment on documents in Word, Excel and Acrobat, and print Office docs to .pdf, without kludge (or no more kludge than the native environment).

[VinnyR11]

Ho-hum for me. I was anticipating the iPad for months expecting Apple to come out with a game changer similar to the iPhone. There wasn't a single item/app/interface/design on it that blew me away or made me think "I never would have thought of that." That's what always separated Apple from the pack IMO.

 

I really thought I'd be dying for one, but I'm in the "wait until they upgrade it" mode. If this was a Dell or Acer announcement we'd all be back to going about our business by now.

[russell_bynum]

Doesn't the MacBook Air fit that bill?

 

But seriously, if Apple wanted to produce a netbook, they could easily make a smaller Air (the existing model is something like 13 x 9 x 0.75", whereas the tablet is something like 9.5 x 7.5 x 0.5")

 

I dunno...I've never seen a MacBook Air.

 

I'm just saying...I think the iPad as is will definitely kill the Kindle but has somewhat limited use other than that. With a few things added like a camera for video conferencing and some sort of interface to let you manage photos and video from a digital camera, I think it'll start to get really interesting. And if I had the option of snapping on a keyboard and turning it into a netbook, it could really change the market. One device that could be a netbook, a portable video player, an ebook reader, and a big iTouch would be really awesome.

[SeanC]

That's another thing -- I don't really know what problem exists that netbooks solve, or why I'd ever opt for one when I have a 17" MacBook Pro.

 

But Vinny summed my position up nicely with regard to the tablet. Jobs pointedly used the words "breakthrough" and "magical" in his introductory speech. Even under the terms of poetic license, those are powerful words. I see nothing game-changing with the tablet, unlike the iPod and iPhone, which clearly were major game changers. But maybe I'm just not seeing the potential yet....

[Selden]

I wasn't paying that much attention to the man on the TV screen when he rambled on about some new i-Pad. I thought he was referring to a new feminine Hygiene product.

 

I think I would have been less disappointed.

 

I guess nobody at Apple watches

(January 2007).

[russell_bynum]

That's another thing -- I don't really know what problem exists that netbooks solve, or why I'd ever opt for one when I have a 17" MacBook Pro.

 

But Vinny summed my position up nicely with regard to the tablet. Jobs pointedly used the words "breakthrough" and "magical" in his introductory speech. Even under the terms of poetic license, those are powerful words. I see nothing game-changing with the tablet, unlike the iPod and iPhone, which clearly were major game changers. But maybe I'm just not seeing the potential yet....

 

I think the potential is going to be determined by what the accessories are like. As is, it's a Kindle Killer for sure. Probably a portable-DVD player killer...especially if they work out something like NetFlix where you can rent movies instead of having to buy them.

 

As for the purpose of a NetBook...I've got a small laptop and a big one. The big one is for doing real work...has a big screen, big disk, dock to drive dual monitors, etc. The small laptop (mine isn't a Netbook, but it's just a hair bigger) is for everything else..web surfing, watching movies, etc. It's what I usually travel with since it's smaller and lighter. It is easier to balance on one knee while you've got a toddler and a cat on the other knee, etc.

[OoPEZoO]

There is a Mapquest app for the iPhone, wouldn't that work on the iPad?

 

What am I missing with respect to Mapquest? It's a mapping program. Aren't there about a dozen of them not to mention online ones like Goggle maps? What does Mapquest do that the others don't? :confused:

 

Its not run of the mill MAPQUEST that we keep mentioning.......its MAPSOURCE (the Garmin program used to program routes into our GPS units)

 

I wouldn't even consider buying any sort of portable laptop/tablet that couldn't run it.

 

I've almost bought a netbook many times, but I've been disappointed that they haven't really improved much and the prices have stayed the same. I want something super thin that can run mapsource, interface with just about anything via USB, surf the internet easily without a mouse, check email, and do it all through both Wifi (when available) and a 3G/4G cellular connection.

[Mrs. Caddis]

Seldon, you beat me to it. Here is the NPR interview. http://www.npr.org/blogs/alltechconsidered/

 

So you really want something called an IPAD!!!

[VinnyR11]

Probably not many agree, but I'm not convinced this is going to kill the Kindle. I think there are 2 separate markets. The color screen is great, but the Kindle has no monthly fees, much better battery life, is cheaper, and IMO (I may be alone on an island here) I think the screen is much more appealing and easier on the eyes for long duration reads under a variety of lighting i.e. sunlight or high glare conditions.

 

For all the other stuff/apps, the iPad definitely wins, but I think there are a lot of people who love to read without anything else going on. Less could be more for some readers.

[ghaverkamp]

With a few things added like a camera for video conferencing and some sort of interface to let you manage photos and video from a digital camera, I think it'll start to get really interesting. And if I had the option of snapping on a keyboard and turning it into a netbook, it could really change the market.

 

They've already shown the keyboard dock, but they've also stated that it will, in fact, work with any Bluetooth keyboard. And from their features list: "And there are lots of ways to import photos: You can sync them from your computer, download them from an email, or import them directly from your camera using the optional Camera Connection Kit."

 

In the end, the apps are going to make or break this device, just as they've pretty much done for the iPhone. With Mac and iPhone developers combined working on apps for this device, I have a hunch we're going to see some pretty creative stuff coming around taking advantage of the form factor.

 

I still think calling it revolutionary's a bit silly, and that Jobs is nuts if he really believes it is the most important product he's done. But I see a lot of potential for it to establish what, so far, has been a failed class of devices.