Introducing: The Apple iPad

[AGDee]

For all the hype and speculation that has been going on for months now, I have to say, I am disappointed. I really can't see any reason to own one of these, especially at the price. My phone can do apps and I already pay for that. I can get a netbook for $350 if I want to surf the net using my home wifi or available hotspots. The last thing I need is another monthly bill to access the Internet. I already pay for data for my phone and Internet access at home.

I'm disappointed, Apple. I was expecting more, especially for the cost.

[DaemonSeid]

My thoughts on the iPad are these:

While it may not be the game changing device that the media hype was shoveling us, I do believe that if anything, this is what Apple intends to use to compete in both the netbook and e book market.

I also think that with the release of the SDK kits on the same day this was announced that by mid year we may see some changes and innovations that were missed or glossed over yesterday.

One of my chief concerns about this device still is the lack of being able to multitask and considering the processing power, it should be doable. We still have no idea if or when OS 4.0 will be released and what it will do to change the functionality.

But I think in response to those that say that this is an overgrown iPod touch. What were you expecting? Is it something that you want right now? Not really. But let's look at this. The base unit is coming out at the same price that the iPod touch did back in 2007.

Differences? iPad is of course larger than the Touch, has more functionality and one of the biggest things in my eyes that I see is the ability to increase the storage capacity. Yeah...you forgot there is an SD card reader right? It wouldn't take much to pop in a 4, 8, 16 or if you can find a good one, 32gb card into that port and call it a day.

As far as the web browsing is concerned. No, it's not the 'best way to browse'. If it's the same style as the iPhone, it's not going to be better as tabbed browsing on the Safari is way better than having to flip pages. Also we all saw that web pages with Flash apps will. not. work.

So things like Hulu and Fancast is out of the window for now.

But still when it comes right down to it, I am still looking at this device more as a portable media device with some rudimentary business suites (iWork) as opposed to a device that is heavy on software like photoshop. Games will probably work and look better on here (again due to the processing) and anyone that's already an owner of an iPhone or iPod Touch will know that music and movies will work right out of the box.


Another plus is at least all that money you put into iPhone apps can be migrated and also work. The minus of course is that apps still has to go through Apple's draconian approval process to get on.

On a bit of a sidebar: to those that asked, "What about taking this to the beach, or someplace outdoors?" Look, sometimes it's best to leave some tech at home and just enjoy outside for what it is. How many people do you see on the beach on their laptop? If you really want to read your fave book...TAKE YOUR BOOK!

Apple knew what they were doing when they released this and we all know Apple, this gets released and within 2 years, they will find ways to make this bigger and badder than the original.

This is aimed at people that already have multiple devices (iPhones and laptops) as I don't see this as a Swiss Army knife of devices, so I wouldn't be too ready to give up all the ready of my gear to soley rely on this. So for those looking for that device I would say wait another year or two when they 'improve' the functions of this device just like they did the iPhone and maybe then you would be satisfied, but for now, it's a product that has everyone curious to see what other tricks Apple has up its sleeve.

Do I see myself getting one? I honestly don't know. But I am weighing options.

- larger screen which is good for watching movies and takes some of the strain off of my eyes and it's touted at being able to handle HD?
Sure.

- iBooks; I would want to see this in action and also if they get more magazine and comic publishers on board that would be a compelling reason to get one.

- Long battery life is great and they have already proven that to me in the newer line of Macbooks and if I am utilizing more media on it, it would reduce some of the work that I am putting on my iPhone.

- Storage which as I said, is expandable by simply buying an SD card and loading up your media and calling it a day.

- Weight, obviously since I don't carry my laptop everywhere.

One question that I do have for AT&T is this. Since I already have a data plan, would I have to purchase a SEPARATE one for this device?

How AT&T decides to handle this will be a determining factor in how existing smartphone (iPhone mostly) users will go about deciding which one they will purchase. Not to mention that I (as well as a few million customers) still see AT&T as a sore spot in network coverage and it's bad enough we put up with it on our phone and no way in hell we will put up with added pricing for another device.

So to summarize, there are things to like and not to like about this device. It is indeed overhyped but somehow Apple finds ways to imrpove on their devices and they have done so time and again and if you needed proof, look at the original iPod. If you have read any of the various message boards, the lines have already been drawn as to who will get one on Day one vs those who would rather wait or not get one at all. It really depends on what you have a use for and if it's something that you want.

[DaemonSeid]

Ok...I talked to a friend of mine at AT&T and asked about the data plan and he has confirmed that if you already have a device with a data plan and you decide to buy the iTab with 3G that YOU WILL have to purchase a separate data plan for the iTab. You cannot piggyback your plan onto this device with an existing plan.

Kind of makes sense just wanted to know for sure.

[agzg]

I still want it, but I'll wait for the second generation to come out.

I'm pretty sure they had me in mind for it, right up until they named it.

[DaemonSeid]

Difference is however is you're talking about a flash drive vs a conventional hard drive which is why the iPad (and for that matter iPod touch) is slimmer and more efficient on the battery than a netbook.

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

Difference is however is you're talking about a flash drive vs a conventional hard drive which is why the iPad (and for that matter iPod touch) is slimmer and more efficient on the battery than a netbook.

No, trust me - I understand that it's a solid-state drive (by the way - the 'efficiency' argument is somewhat specious, since use of wifi/3g should chop battery life in half, just like with the iPhone). However, since flash memory is still very expensive for larger chips, it's another example of the iPad being hardware-handicapped.

That doesn't mean it won't work well for sitting on the couch or riding the train - but it's really, really limited, both in scope and scale.

[DaemonSeid]

Exactly...and that's why for me, it would work. I still also submit that if one was really pressed for more storage, SD cards are an easy and affordable answer...I mean on this device you aren't trying to pop Photoshop CS on here!

For instance, since I don't want to cramp my laptop with tons of movies, I have a 16GB card that I pop in the slot and voila! More music, movies and yep...photos.

Remember how much the iPod touch was a few years ago upon release...

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

Exactly...and that's why for me, it would work. I still also submit that if one was really pressed for more storage, SD cards are an easy and affordable answer...I mean on this device you aren't trying to pop Photoshop CS on here!

For instance, since I don't want to cramp my laptop with tons of movies, I have a 16GB card that I pop in the slot and voila! More music, movies and yep...photos.

Remember how much the iPod touch was a few years ago upon release...

SD cards are a pretty bad solution (short version: since the technology is similar to solid-state drives, the price will scale accordingly, so by the time large-scale SD storage becomes reality, it'll be outmoded by better internal drives, and so on), but yeah - here's the thing: anybody with enough "Power User" in them to be OK with swapping a few SD cards likely requires more than this rig can provide.

And it's not just that you can't load and run CS4 or crank out Matlab data - it's that you can't type on the word processor (which will be iWork, no Office, or even OpenOffice, equivalent) and send an instant message at the same time. You can't listen to Pandora while using the GPS to find a restaurant. You can't upgrade at all - it's completely closed-box - and you're limited to mOS4 instead of an OSX shell. It's not scalable. It's a throw-away device. And HD screens are TERRIBLE for eReading - that's why the Kindle went to eInk, HD leads to eye fatigue way too rapidly for everyday use.

It's cute, but I expected a LOT more functionality than it provides. And not "Power User" functionality - every f-ing day functionality. It's not there, and it isn't eminently clear that Apple has plans to even get it there.

Sure, I'll look like a bad ass when I walk into a client meeting and plug this into the projector and run the presentation off of it. That is, until the iWork presentation software starts to puke on something as simple as vector graphics.

That's the fatal flaw in Apple's "There's An App For That" marketing machine: your hands are tied by the very apps they're propping.

[DaemonSeid]

Originally Posted by KSig RC

SD cards are a pretty bad solution (short version: since the technology is similar to solid-state drives, the price will scale accordingly, so by the time large-scale SD storage becomes reality, it'll be outmoded by better internal drives, and so on), but yeah - here's the thing: anybody with enough "Power User" in them to be OK with swapping a few SD cards likely requires more than this rig can provide.

And it's not just that you can't load and run CS4 or crank out Matlab data - it's that you can't type on the word processor (which will be iWork, no Office, or even OpenOffice, equivalent) and send an instant message at the same time. You can't listen to Pandora while using the GPS to find a restaurant. You can't upgrade at all - it's completely closed-box - and you're limited to mOS4 instead of an OSX shell. It's not scalable. It's a throw-away device. And HD screens are TERRIBLE for eReading - that's why the Kindle went to eInk, HD leads to eye fatigue way too rapidly for everyday use.

It's cute, but I expected a LOT more functionality than it provides. And not "Power User" functionality - every f-ing day functionality. It's not there, and it isn't eminently clear that Apple has plans to even get it there.

Sure, I'll look like a bad ass when I walk into a client meeting and plug this into the projector and run the presentation off of it. That is, until the iWork presentation software starts to puke on something as simple as vector graphics.

That's the fatal flaw in Apple's "There's An App For That" marketing machine: your hands are tied by the very apps they're propping.

All the things that you said makes my argument. So I think we are in agreement. This is not a heavy duty box and it wasn't built to be a heavy duty box. It's only good for portable media. And also yes, while you pointed out some of those very same negatives that the press has been quick to also do, in a generation or 2 Apple will find a way to improve upon it.

As far as SD cards go, it's a short term affordable alternative solution until SSDs become an affordable standard.

Now you made a statement about using Pandora and a GPS simultaneously.

Good point but really who uses a GPS on an iPhone? It IS doable but I don't see too many people who uses it as a dedicated GPS. I know for myself that I wouldn't but understand I have never really been a big advocate for trying to put too many things in one box.

As a sidebar: I did try the AT&T GPS app on my phone along with listening to music with no problem but paying $10 bucks a month for their service as well as reading that small screen ALONG WITH draining my battery wasn't worth it so I bought a dedicated GPS.

Now also who is to say that within a few months when the OS X 4.0 upgrade comes out that won't change.

I will state again, when I first heard rumors about this machine, I already expected that this wasn't designed to be a 'power device' or a business user device.

Let me also add in too...while people bemoan that right now you can't multitask, what does multitasking on a portable device do? Drains batteries and slows down performance.


Just like I see the same with netbooks. When we do merit review meetings I am utterly amazed at how many reviewers struggle to get the same things done on those small underpowered systems (like loading up the gov't review page) that the rest do on a laptop and then winding up the next cycle bringing in a full sized laptop so they can keep up.

You also say that HD screens are horrible for e reading. What device have you seen has an HD screen and an e reader because I would like to see it for myself.

I don't disagree with you on some of your points, I just disagree if you was hoping for a heavy duty device.

KSig... say it "I HATE Apple!!" hehhehehehehehe!!!

j/k !

[Munchkin03]

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

Now you made a statement about using Pandora and a GPS simultaneously.

Good point but really who uses a GPS on an iPhone? It IS doable but I don't see too many people who uses it as a dedicated GPS. I know for myself that I wouldn't but understand I have never really been a big advocate for trying to put too many things in one box.

I do! I used the GPS when the boyfriend and I went on a cross-country road trip. It worked pretty well. I also use an application to track the distance, location, and pace of each run. That uses GPS and it's a pain in the a$$ not to be able to change songs mid-run without turning off the GPS. I have to start the music before I turn on the GPS. Craziness.

[DaemonSeid]

Originally Posted by Munchkin03

I do! I used the GPS when the boyfriend and I went on a cross-country road trip. It worked pretty well. I also use an application to track the distance, location, and pace of each run. That uses GPS and it's a pain in the a$$ not to be able to change songs mid-run without turning off the GPS. I have to start the music before I turn on the GPS. Craziness.

Sigh! Why do you have to be one of those minority people that actually used the GPS?? LOL

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

And also yes, while you pointed out some of those very same negatives that the press has been quick to also do, in a generation or 2 Apple will find a way to improve upon it.

Will they? Because these flaws seem endemic in the design - not in the idea. The execution.

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

Now you made a statement about using Pandora and a GPS simultaneously.

The point is that multitasking is important - the iPhone can get away with it because anything beyond the 'normal' phone (the Smartphone part) is essentially value-added, because it's a phone. This is . . . not.

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

Let me also add in too...while people bemoan that right now you can't multitask, what does multitasking on a portable device do? Drains batteries and slows down performance.

... but it doesn't HAVE to, and that's my point. Why doesn't this use OS X (or really any architecture that would allow for multitasking)?

Well, the cynics would say that making it app-based means Apple gets a cut of every piece of software sold for it, regardless of distributor. I'm inclined to agree with that. It provides no value to the consumer, and is generally a pain - it's the opposite of the Apple ethos!

And that's where you're doubly wrong: I'm not an Apple hater - in fact, in a lot of ways, I'm an aficionado.

I just expected more than this. Well, not "more" - just better.

You also say that HD screens are horrible for e reading. What device have you seen has an HD screen and an e reader because I would like to see it for myself.

There's a reason why you don't see them - they performed miserably in testing, to the point where Amazon actually sponsored research to develop something completely new instead. This is not opinion - there's a lot of hard research and focus grouping.

[DaemonSeid]

Originally Posted by KSig RC

Will they? Because these flaws seem endemic in the design - not in the idea. The execution.

(Believe it or not, this is fun having someone to talk to who actually knows what they are talking about and not just slamming Apple because it's Apple!)

Well a good for instance is look at the iPhone as well as the entire ipod line and see how it's evolved (quickly I may add) over the years. You know as well as i do that Apple is not used to resting on their laurels. What started off as a music player 10 years ago has now blossomed into a multimedia device and you can't really say that the iPad isn't part of that evolution.

For the sake of the argument, let's leave the ipad out and focus on the Touch and the rest of the ipod line. Look at what you can do NOW on the Touch that you couldn't do on the original ipod. Music, video, camera. Decreased sized and increased storage. This is why I debate the whole "Look as what it can't do' argument because in some cases, you don't need to do it or in the future, you probably will and in some cases, you rarely need to. Again, however, good point, this is why I cautioned about being an early adopter because next time around there will be a feature that comes out that your old device didn't have. I do believe tho, that Apple has this way of testing the consumer waters when presenting devices like these and saves the goods for later after they see what kind of return they get from the early adapters.

Originally Posted by KSig RC

The point is that multitasking is important - the iPhone can get away with it because anything beyond the 'normal' phone (the Smartphone part) is essentially value-added, because it's a phone. This is . . . not.

... but it doesn't HAVE to, and that's my point. Why doesn't this use OS X (or really any architecture that would allow for multitasking)?

No question. But this is why I state (and again I think we agree just we approach this from 2 different sides) when I first heard about this device, I really didn't get an idea that this was a device built for multitasking. I just don't see why people expected a full Mac OSX in this thing, I say again, look at where it's gotten netbooks, stripped down versions of what you could get for 1 or 2 hundred bucks more. However it seems beneficial to take the current OS and pump a 'powerful' processor in it to make it run smoother.

Back to your question about the OS X and multitasking...I still say again, let's wait and see what the next one does. Cut and Paste last year altho seemingly trivial was a huge step forward so maybe we get lucky and get multitasking?

Originally Posted by KSig RC

And that's where you're doubly wrong: I'm not an Apple hater - in fact, in a lot of ways, I'm an aficionado.


I just expected more than this. Well, not "more" - just better.

Dude I was picking with you!!! LOL


I think this has a lot to do with the hype machine and what you heard up to the release of info. I guess for me was the I just figured (correctly this time) to not expect a lot out of this machine and any extras will probably come around another time. Again, let's remember, Apple has never put its all in one device especially a device newly released, so again, no surprises here as far as the features that people were looking for. Now say if this didn't have video capability or lacked other things that current products had, yeah that would be a disappointment.

Originally Posted by KSig RC

There's a reason why you don't see them - they performed miserably in testing, to the point where Amazon actually sponsored research to develop something completely new instead. This is not opinion - there's a lot of hard research and focus grouping.

Well hey, it happens...

As to you rlast post, well I think now supposedly people are clamring for tablets now and supposedly the PC market may finally be ready to welcome tablets by the amount that was featured at the CES, so only time will teel if this is something that consumers want and can use.

I will say that my s/o has a tablet laptop (one of this with the swivel screen that converts into a tablet) and she likes it enough. But in the end, it's still a heavy laptop so her wish is if she was to get a fully functioning device, that it would have to be lightweight.

[Munchkin03]

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

Remember how much the iPod touch was a few years ago upon release...

Heck, I remember how much the regular iPod (not Touch, not Nano) was back when I bought it, in 2006. It was "top of the line" then, but not for long since Apple has a knack for constantly improving on a product to the point where a year later the iPod for sale isn't even remotely similar to the one you bought. It's still great, but I bought the actual iPhone 3 years later for half the price.

[DaemonSeid]

K Sig

this is probably what you are looking for.