The iPad Thread

[Chris Blount]

Apple is set to release a tablet on Wednesday. How much do you think it will cost?

[Chris Blount]

I am guessing $699 or $599. Those would be good price points.

[Stuart Sweet]

I said $799 but I would not be surprised if there was a subsidized version (presumably from AT&T) that was lower in price but required a data plan commitment.

[Stewart Vernon]

I'm not sure.

On the one hand, the top-of-line iPhone is about $500... so one would think the tablet would have to be more than that... BUT if it gets too close to $1000, I think it would lost out to folks willing to spend a little bit more for a full-fledged notebook.

On the other hand... the cheaper the tablet is, the more expensive proportionally the iPhone will seem... so if the tablet comes in at $700... the iPhone at $500 will start to look too expensive.

Personally, I'm hoping for $750 or less for the tablet AND a price drop on the iPhone line.

[Grentz]

$799-$899 is my guess. I think it should be more in the $599 - $699 range though personally.

[drded]

If it is like everything else Apple, too much...but that won't stop hoards of people from wanting and getting one.

Dave

[Grentz]

If it is like everything else Apple, too much...but that won't stop hoards of people from wanting and getting one.

Dave

That is the thing, I already know it will be priced above what I think is fair for it. Their products are always overpriced in the beginning and sometimes continuing on as well.

[Marlin Guy]

If it is like everything else Apple, too much...but that won't stop hoards of people from wanting and getting one.

Dave

What he said.

Initially, it will cost twice what you can get it for if you wait 6-8 months. :nono:

[Chris Blount]

Look, I really don't want this to turn into yet another Apple bashing thread. We all know about the "Appletax". If more than 80% of the posts in this thread are going to be about how Apple stuff is overpriced then there is no point in having this discussion as we have covered that ground before.

I just thought it would be fun to see who can say "I told you so" on Wednesday. :)

[davring]

To justify the iPhone's $599.00 price tag the tablet would have to come in substantially higher, $799.00 or more.

[BubblePuppy]

Even though I voted for $699, I think it will go for closer to a grand, at least for a while.

[Marlin Guy]

I just thought it would be fun to see who can say "I told you so" on Wednesday. :)


Then why did you stop at $999?
I was thinking it would be higher than that.

I submit a write-in vote for $1150.

[Greg Alsobrook]

I voted $699.

[Chris Blount]

Then why did you stop at $999?
I was thinking it would be higher than that.

I submit a write-in vote for $1150.This poll is for the low end model. I really doubt it will be over a grand when you can get a Macbook Pro for $1199.

[Stuart Sweet]

I guess it depends if they see it as a replacement for a MacBook. I mean, Apple's pulled some stuff out of their hats before... maybe they can create a device that makes typing on the glass as comfortable as typing on a keyboard.

[RobertE]

<Dr. Evil>
1 Million Dollars
</Dr. Evil>

Since that's not an option, I went for $999 ;)

[BubblePuppy]

I guess it depends if they see it as a replacement for a MacBook. I mean, Apple's pulled some stuff out of their hats before... maybe they can create a device that makes typing on the glass as comfortable as typing on a keyboard.

From my experience Apple didn't do it for me with the iphone. I like real keys. But it very well could be that Apple learned from it. I will be interested in seeing this device. They have set high goals before.

[Hansen]

I'd say $899.

[Chris Blount]

I said $799 but I would not be surprised if there was a subsidized version (presumably from AT&T) that was lower in price but required a data plan commitment. I forgot about that. I can see a subsidized version going for about $499. Unsubsidized maybe $999 or slightly less.

[dave29]

I think it will come out at $699.

[Lee L]

I guess between $899 and $999 retail. Subsidy could knock it down to $599 though.

[DCSholtis]

Rumor I saw on a Mac fan site was that in Germany it will sell for 899 Euros with a 199 Euro per month T-Mobile data plan.

[tcusta00]

One dollar, Bob! :p



$699.

[P Smith]

Apple is Apple. $999

[Nick]

I say more than $999 but I checked that.

Game Changer: Heard on MSNBC this morning that CNBC's Erin Burnett did an interview with the CEO of McGraw-Hill Publishers yesterday and he said that the iTablet will function as an ebook and they have a consortium of education publishers ready to convert textbooks to Apples ebook format. He also said that M-H already has 95% of their publications ready in electronic format.

This is going to be huge (not hugh) in the .edu and business realm, but my question is, if I'm a student and I'm already carrying an Apple laptop in my backpack, why can't I download my textbooks to my LT?

[ncxcstud]

I say more than $999 but I checked that.

Game Changer: Heard on MSNBC this morning that CNBC's Erin Burnett did an interview with the CEO of McGraw-Hill Publishers yesterday and he said that the iTablet will function as an ebook and they have a consortium of education publishers ready to convert textbooks to Apples ebook format. He also said that M-H already has 95% of their publications ready in electronic format.

This is going to be huge (not hugh) in the .edu and business realm, but my question is, if I'm a student and I'm already carrying an Apple laptop in my backpack, why can't I download my textbooks to my LT?

if i remember the interview, i think he said 95% of their electronic formats are ready for the iTablet or whatever apple will call it today...not 95% of their entire publications, but I could be wrong...

[Nick]

It was from memory, but perhaps I should have said 'compatible electronic format', the point being that making textbooks available electronically, whether on an apple tablet or on an e-reader like the Kindle DX, is a HUGE game changer, a quantum leap, if you will.

[Lee L]

Well, we will probably know is a few minutes, but supposedly reliable sources have said $999 with a $200 discount for signing up for 2 years of Verizon service.

[Chris Blount]

Poll is closed. Lets see what happens.

[trdrjeff]

That sounds horrible...

[BubblePuppy]

http://www.timesasia.net/apple-ipad-tablet-pc-video-revealed-11291187.htm

http://live.gizmodo.com/

[houskamp]

does it come in a bright pink box? :lol:

[trdrjeff]

CNBC is showing it now...

[trdrjeff]

does it come in a bright pink box? :lol:

lol, men will be embarrassed to go out and pick one up for their wives

[BubblePuppy]

does it come in a bright pink box? :lol:

No but there are strings attached. :rolleyes:

Oh sorry, that is the ipon.

[trdrjeff]

1GHz Apple A4 chip, 16GB, 32GB and 64GB flash memory. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Battery life is 10 hours

[Stuart Sweet]

Still waiting on a price...

[trdrjeff]

and will it involve a 'contract' ?

[ncxcstud]

I'd still use a laptop to do everything that the iPad does.... Sorry, call me a 'apple hater' but I'm not really impressed...especially for playing games.... It looks like it is made for two hands, but I can't imagine playing a game with two hands on, effectively a piece of paper...

[dpeters11]

and will it involve a 'contract' ?

No mention yet of a cell connection, just 802.11n and bluetooth.

[trdrjeff]

iBooks introduced, direct attack on Amazon now...

[Curtis0620]

based on the stats: 16GB, 32GB & 64GB of memory, this can not sell for much more than an iPod touch.

I'm guessing 16GB $259-$299
32GB $359-$399
63GB $459-$499

Only competing with NetBooks and eReaders (e.g. Kindle).

[Greg Alsobrook]

iBooks introduced, direct attack on Amazon now...

He did give Amazon the credit they deserve though.

[LarryFlowers]

based on the stats: 16GB, 32GB & 64GB of memory, this can not sell for much more than an iPod touch.

I'm guessing 16GB $259-$299
32GB $359-$399
63GB $459-$499

Only competing with NetBooks and eReaders (e.g. Kindle).

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: :lol::lol::lol::lol:

Starting price will be $699

[dpeters11]

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: :lol::lol::lol::lol:

Starting price will be $699

Yeah, this is Apple. You have to pay into the Turtleneck fund.

[Stuart Sweet]

At this point price will be a major factor. This would be an incredible hit at $299, a total miss at $1599 and anything in between... should be interesting.

[Greg Alsobrook]

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/01/apple-creation-0369-rm-eng.jpg

[trdrjeff]

"some" models will have 3G

[Lee L]

OK, how are they going to justify current iPhone data plan pricing? Lots of people would kill to save 50% on data for 250 gig a month.

If they do another ATT exclusive deal, it really will put the fire to ATT and Apple since this is just another data hungry device that ATT can;t support on its crap network.

Then again, if the rumors bout iPhone to Verizon or true, it may free up some bandwidth for them. ;)

Ok, here comes the pricing. Says they were very agressive on price goals.

[Greg Alsobrook]

Starts at $499

[ncxcstud]

Pricing starts at 499...

[Lee L]

Wow, starting at $499.

Holy moly, 3g harware is expensive! Add $130 for it.

[trdrjeff]

If AT&T is having BW issues with iPhone users how does something streaming HD video help that?

I don't see how a lot of people are going to pony up for data service at home, their iphone and now again for their iPad?

[Curtis0620]

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: :lol::lol::lol::lol:

Starting price will be $699

Then they won't sell many.

$700 for nothing more than a bigger screen on an iPod touch, no thank you.

[Greg Alsobrook]

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/01/apple-creation-0378-rm-eng.jpg

[bobnielsen]

and the price is...$499

[spartanstew]

Starts at $499

I believe that's what I voted (but might have been $399).

[Greg Alsobrook]

"We will be shipping these in 60 days. 3G models will ship in 90 days."

[spartanstew]

Wow, starting at $499.

Holy moly, 3g harware is expensive! Add $130 for it.

Check your math.


doh: Ninja edit.

[Lee L]

I believe that's what I voted (but might have been $399).

You voted category should be italicised if you want to check.

[ncxcstud]

So, they have a keyboard dock...essentially giving you a 9.7 inch desktop computer....

[Lee L]

Check your math.


doh: Ninja edit.

Sorry about that, I hit the wrong key. ;)

[P Smith]

3G support

[dpeters11]

OK, how are they going to justify current iPhone data plan pricing? Lots of people would kill to save 50% on data for 250 gig a month.

If they do another ATT exclusive deal, it really will put the fire to ATT and Apple since this is just another data hungry device that ATT can;t support on its crap network.

Then again, if the rumors bout iPhone to Verizon or true, it may free up some bandwidth for them. ;)

Ok, here comes the pricing. Says they were very agressive on price goals.

250 meg a month for $15. Big difference. How many HD movies is that? :)

[Lee L]

Tell me the rumors of two dock connectors are true. THe keyboard dock just screams out to allow landscape mode.

[spartanstew]

You voted category should be italicised if you want to check.

Yep, $499. I win.


Do I win a free Ipad, Chris?

[Lee L]

250 meg a month for $15. Big difference. How many HD movies is that? :)

Oops, still, 250 meg a month should do for lots of people if you have access to wifi most of the time.

[Stuart Sweet]

I think Apple may have a winner here. Solid shots across the bows of Acer and Amazon. Pricing puts it a little out of my reach right now but I think the students will eat it up.

[Greg Alsobrook]

I must say... I'm pretty disappointed that this thing doesn't seem to have any sort of built-in camera... Specifically a front facing one for video chats... Which is something I find really lacking with the iPhone.

[trdrjeff]

The real price is $630 if you want to take it out of the home. $499 is more of a tease IMHO

[harsh]

Well that was an enormous disappointment.

Many were expecting a capable computer and what they got was a big iPod Touch. Wireless phone apps are not my idea of practical applications software.

Certainly it has a place among the gadget freaks, but as an alternative to a notebook computer, I submit that it is a non-starter.

[ncxcstud]

I think Apple may have a winner here. Solid shots across the bows of Acer and Amazon. Pricing puts it a little out of my reach right now but I think the students will eat it up.

If it has a chewed on apple, the students will always eat it up...

[Stuart Sweet]

Yep you're right.

Here's the way I see it...

Your average netbook is about $300. For that you get a bigger screen, faster processor, 10x the hard drive, and a real keyboard. It still runs iTunes and the Kindle app for e-books. It also runs a zillion PC apps.

On the other hand, you get an OS that's not really optimized for a small form factor device, and that's where Apple really excels. I have to give them credit for their industrial design and usability. You also don't get a touchscreen of any kind.

This is a very cool device, it does look like you need to spend about $700 for one that really does what you want, but it is very cool. And cool sells, especially if you're under 30 and single.

[dmurphy]

This is a very cool device, it does look like you need to spend about $700 for one that really does what you want, but it is very cool. And cool sells, especially if you're under 30 and single.

Crap, that explains it all!

I'm over 30 and married.... I guess that's the male equivalent of menopause? :)

[ncxcstud]

Yep you're right.

Here's the way I see it...

Your average netbook is about $300. For that you get a bigger screen, 10x the hard drive, and a real keyboard. It still runs iTunes and the Kindle app for e-books.

On the other hand, you get an OS that's not really optimized for a small form factor device, and that's where Apple really excels. I have to give them credit for their industrial design and usability. You also don't get a touchscreen of any kind.

This is a very cool device, it does look like you need to spend about $700 for one that really does what you want, but it is very cool. And cool sells, especially if you're under 30 and single.

Apart from the eBook feature, i'm not entirely impressed. It is a big iPod.

As a 'gamer' I'm not impressed with the input device for it, the touchscreen controls on some games aren't that responsive and I'd rather press a button than tap with my finger (of course, I've yet to play with one, which i almost certainly will when they come to the Apple Stores in the next few months).

I certainly wouldn't want to type on it, at least not like I would on a keyboard, that think will kill my back, lol.

Two areas where I see a device like this excelling are in limited (though profitable) niches. Medicine and school text books. Though, I wouldn't be surprised if textbooks were still ridiculously expensive...

At the moment, there is no mention of multitasking, no Flash support (apparent at the moment from their presentation), which is weird since doesn't Apple own Adobe now?

[Stuart Sweet]

Don't forget that you can get the Kindle app for an iPhone or laptop. There's your e-book reader.

[ncxcstud]

True Stuart, I forgot about that.

I truly don't see a need for this product, it's niche at best.

I like the iPhone, but it is too expensive /month to own. My laptop does everything the iPad does, and from what I can tell, more comfortably because it has a hinge and a full keyboard (mine is only 14.3 inches, so it isn't much bigger screen wise than the iPad).

if you already have an iPhone, the only thing the iPad over it is screen size, the iPhone has phone calling over the iPad (i'd rather make calls).

[harsh]

At the moment, there is no mention of multitasking, no Flash support (apparent at the moment from their presentation), which is weird since doesn't Apple own Adobe now?Apple and Adobe aren't really even much of friends anymore much less one owning the other.

[Garyunc]

The apps are going to make it or break it.
Can you imagine watching your home tv on it via sling player on the big screen? That would be cool.

What about working remotely using
https://secure.logmein.com/products/ignition/iphone/? I use this product now sometimes and I could see myself using a full screen version of it. The iphone version is hard to use but a full screen version would be much easier.

I wonder what the 3g data plan charge will be for it?

One problem I see is that they would be way easier to steal than a laptop. It's need some kind of fingerprint security on it that could not be overridden even after a reinstall to reduce theft. (I know that will not be on there but the people who buy them better make darn sure they are secure and with them at all times and avoid bad places to use them :)

[ncxcstud]

Apple and Adobe aren't really even much of friends anymore much less one owning the other.

I'll admit, I don't stay on top of Adobe/Apple that much, heck all I know about Adobe is their Flash player (or really any for that matter) doesn't work in 64-bit environments, which sucks for the work that I want to do with a Powerpoint Presentation for Confirmation classes...

I remember a rumor that Apple was going to buy Adobe a few years ago, I guess it turned out to be just a rumor after all ;)

[ncxcstud]

The apps are going to make it or break it.
Can you imagine watching your home tv on it via sling player on the big screen? That would be cool.

What about working remotely using
https://secure.logmein.com/products/ignition/iphone/? I use this product now sometimes and I could see myself using a full screen version of it. The iphone version is hard to use but a full screen version would be much easier.

I wonder what the 3g data plan charge will be for it?

One problem I see is that they would be way easier to steal than a laptop. It's need some kind of fingerprint security on it that could not be overridden even after a reinstall to reduce theft. (I know that will not be on there but the people who buy them better make darn sure they are secure and with them at all times and avoid bad places to use them :)

14.99/month for less than 250 MBs/month

29.99 for unlimited data

All through AT&T

[Stuart Sweet]

I'll admit, I don't stay on top of Adobe/Apple that much, heck all I know about Adobe is their Flash player (or really any for that matter) doesn't work in 64-bit environments, which sucks for the work that I want to do with a Powerpoint Presentation for Confirmation classes...

I remember a rumor that Apple was going to buy Adobe a few years ago, I guess it turned out to be just a rumor after all ;)

I can run the flash player just fine on my Core 2 Duo laptop (PC) as well as my Core Duo Mac. I don't think it runs on 64-bit Internet Explorer, but few plug-ins do.

Adobe was started with seed money from the Apple founders, many years ago, and the relationship was rosy for a long time. These days Adobe seems to feel there's a much larger market out there.

[ncxcstud]

I can run the flash player just fine on my Core 2 Duo laptop (PC) as well as my Core Duo Mac. I don't think it runs on 64-bit Internet Explorer, but few plug-ins do.

Adobe was started with seed money from the Apple founders, many years ago, and the relationship was rosy for a long time. These days Adobe seems to feel there's a much larger market out there.

No, i can watch Flash through FireFox fine....however, i cannot watch embedded flash videos in a powerpoint presentation at all on Windows 7 64-bit.

I have to open the file up (or associate flash programs to) with Firefox in order to view them.

It's annoying ;)

[ncxcstud]

I also realized that (obviously without knowing pricing for textbooks) this device could end up costing students MORE money in the long run than just buying textbooks (but it sure won't be advertised that way ;))

You'll have to buy the iPad for anywhere between 499-829. If you get the 3G version you'll be paying 14.99-30 a month... then you'll have to buy your text books on it as well. As opposed to just purchasing ridiculously expensive textbooks that Amazon and other used booksellers have already made much cheaper for students :)

[Earl Bonovich]

Okay, I just done my first round of reading up on the new iPad.

Is it me or basically:
iPad = Larger iPod-Touch, with a Cellular Data Connection option?

I mean it is running the iPhone 3.2 OS (the current demo version).
Single App thread (no multiple applications running at the same time)

So obviously the larger screen is going to bring it's benefits from a reading and web browsing point of view, but you lose all the convience of having it in your backpocket.

Not sure if it is worth the $$$ they put on it, as you really can't use it as a practical audio device.

[Greg Alsobrook]

From Engadet's "hands on":

* It's not light. It feels pretty weighty in your hand.
* The screen is stunning, and it's 1024 x 768. Feels just like a huge iPhone in your hands.
* The speed of the CPU is something to be marveled at. It is blazingly fast from what we can tell. Webpages loaded up super fast, and scrolling was without a hiccup. Moving into and out of apps was a breeze. Everything flew.
* There's no multitasking at all. It's a real disappointment. All this power and very little you can do with it at once. No multitasking means no streaming Pandora when you're working in Pages... you can figure it out. It's a real setback for this device.
* The ebook implementation is about as close as you can get to reading without a stack of bound paper in your hand. The visual stuff really helps flesh out the experience. It may be just for show, but it counts here.
* No camera. None, nada. Zip. No video conferencing here folks. Hell, it doesn't have an SMS app!
* It's running iPhone OS 3.2.
* The keyboard is good, not great. Not quite as responsive as it looked in the demos.

[P Smith]

Apple did try to make new own niche, same time cutting pie from netbooks and eReaders.

[Earl Bonovich]

Apple did try to make new own niche, same time cutting pie from netbooks and eReaders.

IMHO, I think maybe they can make a dent in the eReader area.
But Kindle already has the biggest advantage, Amazon and a two year head start. I know my grandmother just purchase a kindle, and no way she is going to drop $500 on an iPad


As for the netbooks: I don't think it is going to do much to the netbooks.

You can get netbooks for sub $200, and while slower in most cases, they can do more are are closer to a traditional laptop, then it isn't. And at sub $200, if it gets lost/stolen/broken it is an easier pill to swallow then a $500/$700 unit.

And make no mistake, those iPad's are going to shine out "steal me", just like iPod's and iPhone's do today.

[BubblePuppy]

I don't think it was well thought out ergonomically. The screen is going to be very hard to read when it is laying flat on a table. Just put your laptop screen perpendicular to you line of sight, almost impossible to read. And then to type on it, it will have to lay flat, you will have to use two hands on a screen you can barely read, certainly will be hard to type on it holding it up at angle with one hand trying to type with other. This thing had better be light.
The iphone-ipod touch is far better suited for this. Bigger isn't always better.

[Greg Alsobrook]

I don't think it was well thought out ergonomically. The screen is going to be very hard to read when it is laying flat on a table. Just put your laptop screen perpendicular to you line of sight, almost impossible to read. And then to type on it, it will have to lay flat, you will have to use two hands on a screen you can barely read, certainly will be hard to type on it holding it up at angle with one hand trying to type with other. This thing had better be light.
The iphone-ipod touch is far better suited for this. Bigger isn't always better.

Supposedly the screen is easily viewable from all angles... So I don't think laying it on a table is going to cause problems. If it's anything like the screen of an iPhone, it definitely won't be an issue.

[trdrjeff]

* There's no multitasking at all. It's a real disappointment. All this power and very little you can do with it at once. No multitasking means no streaming Pandora when you're working in Pages... you can figure it out. It's a real setback for this device.

That kind of kills the idea it can be a netbook killer

[dpeters11]

That kind of kills the idea it can be a netbook killer

Jailbreak, install Backgrounder.

But we shouldn't have to do that.

[BubblePuppy]

Supposedly the screen is easily viewable from all angles... So I don't think laying it on a table is going to cause problems. If it's anything like the screen of an iPhone, it definitely won't be an issue.

I'll be interested in seeing the device. Not going to buy one though, I have a iphone at my disposal.

[BubblePuppy]

That kind of kills the idea it can be a netbook killer

The iphone doesn't multi-task either. Don't know about the ipod-Touch. What is Jobs thinking?

[ncxcstud]

The iphone doesn't multi-task either. Don't know about the ipod-Touch. What is Jobs thinking?

the iPad is essentially an iPod Touch XL. The only thing it (iPad) can do that the iTouch can't is iWork at this point...

[Stuart Sweet]

So I''m thinking that iPad 2.0 will need a few more tweaks before you all accept it. Frankly I'm surprised at the negative feedback, but also quite pleased that it seems most people realize a netbook is a better bet.

So, iPad 2.0 should be half the price but have:

True 720p screen
Multitasking/multiple apps
Forward-facing video camera and app support for popular programs like Skype
Haptic feedback on the keyboard
ability to be used as a phone


That would do it for me...

[BubblePuppy]

And a app for this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsjU0K8QPhs&feature=player_embedded#

[jsmuga]

I can't wait to purchase one as soon as it is released.

[Greg Alsobrook]

It appears that Gizmodo doesn't care for it: http://i.gizmodo.com/5458382/8-things-that-suck-about-the-ipad

:lol:

[Tony Chick]

I'm a mostly-happy iPhone user but this still has all the things that bug me about the phone:
No external flash memory slot - you have to pre-choose the amount of memory and can't upgrade.
No removable battery
No multi-tasking - the OS can do it, but they won't allow it for non-Apple apps.

And at least the phone fits in my pocket.

[Earl Bonovich]

I can't wait to purchase one as soon as it is released.

Really? Please explain why...

That is a serious question, as I just can't see a compelling reason to get v1 of this device, especially at the price point and the feature set that has presented so far.

[cygnusloop]

I actually pretty impressed. To me, the large format display is a major upgrade. I love the iPhone, but I hate the tiny screens.

This is the type of device I always pictured my kid carrying into school with him after I drop him off in my flying car. ;)

[BubblePuppy]

It appears that Gizmodo doesn't care for it: http://i.gizmodo.com/5458382/8-things-that-suck-about-the-ipad

:lol:

And I think that I have covered two of the items in two of my pots: [quote]
Touch Keyboard
So much for Apple revolutionizing tablet inputs; this is the same big, ugly touchscreen keyboard we've seen on other tablets, and unless you're lying on the couch with your knees propping it up, it'll be awkward to use.

The Name iPad
Get ready for Maxi pad jokes, and lots of 'em!
:lol:

[jsmuga]

Really? Please explain why...

That is a serious question, as I just can't see a compelling reason to get v1 of this device, especially at the price point and the feature set that has presented so far.

I have used a couple of netbooks and was not impressed. I like the size and design especially for surfing the web. I also like using the apps from itunes. I have a couple of laptops so this will serve as a device between my iphone and laptops.

[dpeters11]

ability to be used as a phone
[/LIST]

That would do it for me...

VOIP would be killer. It does support Bluetooth after all. It's big, sure. But at least it's light.

Maybe another jailbreak app.

[Grentz]

This thing is very interesting. I was at first very excited at the price, but then I saw what it actually does (and lacks)...very disappointing from Apple. The HUGE bezel also looks like crap IMO. They really should have slimmed that down.

IMO it needs a better resolution screen (ok, maybe the current one is ok), multitasking, more focus on big boy apps (not just ipod/iphone apps (no flash is a PITA again too)), and then we would really be cooking. I guess I am just disappointed that this is less of a real OS and more of just another iPod/iPhone device. I was hoping for a OSX netbook version type OS. This is no where near a netbook or independent machine, it is again based on single tasks and no power user type use. In comparison to the HP slate, this is a toy sadly. Without even simple file management there is no way to use it as an independent machine. You need to load everything into the proper apps from your big rig back home.

The 3G plans sound awesome though, nice that you can get a good discount on them. But a rip that they charge so much for the 3G addon initially IMO.

[Steve]

I wasn't surprised it's just an iPod with a larger screen, as you can see from another discussion (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=2278841#post2278841) we had back in the fall. I am disappointed there isn't a better "keyboard" solution for students, tho.

As far as who will win the "book" wars (iPad, Nook, Kindle, Sony), it should be whoever has the most college textbooks available.

[spartanstew]

The Name iPad
Get ready for Maxi pad jokes, and lots of 'em!
:lol:

There's already at least one funny video on youtube if you search for ipad.

[Grentz]

I wasn't surprised it's just an iPod with a larger screen, as you can see from another discussion (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=2278841#post2278841) we had back in the fall. I am disappointed there isn't a better "keyboard" solution for students, tho.

As far as who will win the "book" wars (iPad, Nook, Kindle, Sony), it should be whoever has the most college textbooks available.

and kindle already has quite a few. The problem is greedy publishers charging so much for them that you might as well get the paper versions to sell again.

Students also need more of an OS where you can save files, work on Word Processing documents, save pictures, etc. The way the iPod/iPhone/iPad OS is you need to constantly connect back and sync to move files around and preload them into programs (like photos). Even Windows Mobile has file management and can act as more of an independent OS...I really don't get why Apple does not try to meet a middle ground between full OSX and iPhone/iPod single app simplisticville.

[Rob77]

I was at first excited about this.....BUT...no camera....no flash software....no multitasking....etc. :nono:

[Steve]

and kindle already has quite a few. The problem is greedy publishers charging so much for them that you might as well get the paper versions to sell again.Good point. Someone needs to investigate this "monopoly", IMO.Students also need more of an OS where you can save files, work on Word Processing documents, save pictures, etc. While far from perfect, I think "cloud" computing, like Google Docs, can address this need satisfactorily. It's the keyboard that really needs addressing, IMHO.

[cygnusloop]

... It's the keyboard that really needs addressing, IMHO.

Steve, did you see the keyboard dock?

From here:
http://live.gdgt.com/2010/01/27/live-apple-come-see-our-latest-creation-tablet-event-coverage/

[Chris Blount]

I will be getting one mainly for reading. Right now reading our local newspaper on the Kindle is a joke. The iPad will pretty much take away the whole reason to receive a printed newspaper and magazines.

Quite frankly I'm excited.

[ncxcstud]

Steve, did you see the keyboard dock?

From here:
http://live.gdgt.com/2010/01/27/live-apple-come-see-our-latest-creation-tablet-event-coverage/

doesn't that destroy the whole 'mobility' of what the iPad touts itself to be? at least with a netbook or laptop, I don't need separate docks to do stuff.

If you're going to get that keyboard dock, you might as well just get a macbook or pc laptop...

[cygnusloop]

doesn't that destroy the whole 'mobility' of what the iPad touts itself to be? at least with a netbook or laptop, I don't need separate docks to do stuff.

If you're going to get that keyboard dock, you might as well just get a macbook or pc laptop...

I understand where you are coming from, *stud. But, the netbooks that I have had the opportunity to use have all been clunky, slow, and very cheap feeling. If the multi-touch technology just isn't for you, then yes, why not just get a laptop.To me, the keyboard is something that stays at home, for occasional use.

I don't know how old you are, but I know that I'm not the target demo for this device. My kids are.

I guess I'm looking at this device more for what it can be 5 years from now, instead of what it is today.

[Steve]

Steve, did you see the keyboard dock?

From here:
http://live.gdgt.com/2010/01/27/live-apple-come-see-our-latest-creation-tablet-event-coverage/Thx. I didn't see that. I was expecting something built-in tho, for classroom notetaking, e.g. I'm not sure what, but something that might make me say "Wow!"

As ncxstud points out, if you have to schlep all that around, you're probably better off with a $299 netboot.

[BubblePuppy]

And a app for this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsjU0K8QPhs&feature=player_embedded#

There's already at least one funny video on youtube if you search for ipad.

See post #92

[davemayo]

I will be getting one mainly for reading.

+1

This is the only reason I would get one. I don't have an iPhone; I'm a BB guy, but I do have 1st gen iTouch that I could replace with this.

[cygnusloop]

Thx. I didn't see that. I was expecting something built-in tho, for classroom notetaking, e.g. I'm not sure what, but something that might make me say "Wow!"

As ncxstud points out, if you have to schlep all that around, you're probably better off with a $299 netboot.

Not clear if you saw it, but there is an onscreen keyboard, and when Jobs was demonstrating it, he seemed to have no issues with it. (Clearly, he is a very experienced demonstrator, so read into that what you choose.) From what I know about Jobs, if it didn't work, it wouldn't be released.

And again, I see it as an educational tool, for those much younger than me. The "touch" keyboard is much less off-putting to my son than it is to me.

[Steve]

Not clear if you saw it, but there is an onscreen keyboard, and when Jobs was demonstrating it, he seemed to have no issues with it. (I understand he is a very experienced demonstrator, though)I did see it, but I'm a touch-typist and can't see myself being able to keep up with a prof while taking notes. That said, in all fairness, I should really give it a try before disparaging it. :)

[davemayo]

Boy Genius Report is speculating that there could be an updated OS version on the iPad when it is launched that might include multi-tasking.

http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2010/01/27/is-the-apple-ipad-os-unfinished/

[cygnusloop]

I did see it, but I'm a touch-typist and can't see myself being able to keep up with a prof while taking notes. That said, in all fairness, I should really give it a try before disparaging it. :)

Again, *I* agree with you. But this is the "new world".

Having spent much of the last decade as faculty at the U. of Colorado, I can tell you kids don't "take" notes anymore. Class "notes" are typically downloaded as ppt or pdf files before class from the class website. Completed assignments are often uploaded on the class website. Graded assignments are then available for download, as well.

Now, with a device like this imagine sitting in class, and the lesson is an interactive one, presented in real time with real feedback on your own personal connected device. Progress and understanding are tracked in real time, and lesson plans are adjusted on the fly. Assignments are automatically beamed into the device, and automatically retrieved. Real time progress reports are available to parents. And so on...

This type of device is being designed by our kids, and they ain't designing it for us, buddy. :eek2::eek2:;)

[RunnerFL]

Considering I was looking to shell out around $600 for a netbook and a "Nook" I see the iPad as a great alternative. I'm pretty excited as well and will probably pick one up in 60 days.

The only thing I wish they'd do is with the 3G data plan. I wish they'd just let us that already own an iPhone with a data plan pay say $10 extra a month instead of a full extra $30.

[RunnerFL]

I did see it, but I'm a touch-typist and can't see myself being able to keep up with a prof while taking notes. That said, in all fairness, I should really give it a try before disparaging it. :)

There is also a case for it that they are showing on apple.com that allows you to put the iPad down on your desk at an angle so you can use the built in keyboard in landscape mode. Looks really slick.

The same case will also allow you to stand it straight up, in landscape mode, for watching movies.

[Steve]

[...] This type of device is being designed by our kids, and they ain't designing it for us, buddy. :eek2::eek2:;)Wow... way to make me feel like an old fart! :lol: It's been so long since I've been in school, I had no idea!

[Stuart Sweet]

This type of device is being designed by our kids, and they ain't designing it for us, buddy. :eek2::eek2:;)

And well it should be.

I only hope that the device doesn't become more entertaining than the lecture...

[Steve]

There is also a case for it that they are showing on apple.com that allows you to put the iPad down on your desk at an angle so you can use the built in keyboard in landscape mode. Looks really slick.Ya. I just saw that, which makes me think even more I really need to try it before I knock it.

[Grentz]

I understand where you are coming from, *stud. But, the netbooks that I have had the opportunity to use have all been clunky, slow, and very cheap feeling. If the multi-touch technology just isn't for you, then yes, why not just get a laptop.To me, the keyboard is something that stays at home, for occasional use.

I don't know how old you are, but I know that I'm not the target demo for this device. My kids are.

I guess I'm looking at this device more for what it can be 5 years from now, instead of what it is today.

You need to try better netbooks then. The iPad is slower than any decent netbook and will run much less software (thus is really ultimately much less powerful). Netbooks are just mini laptops running a full OS still, this is nothing close to that. There also are some very nice netbooks out there. I have the Lenovo S10-2 which is a great little machine. ASUS also has some higher end netbooks and the samsung ones are very nice as well.

The biggest issue is the keyboard for ANY type of note taking or anything official (even word processing). An on screen keyboard will never be as quick as mechanical keys even for "new generations". I am a 100 wpm+ typer and there is no way on screen is going to get to be that quick any time soon. The addon keyboard is ok, but frankly that whole package is bulkier than my netbook which is more powerful, can run a full OS with all the programs I need, and is fully independent if I need it to be. The hilarious thing is that they are really just copying ideas from Tablet PCs that were out 5-10yrs ago. The detachable keyboard concept is nothing new, and I had tons of people pitching me Tablet PC cases with keyboards built into them. These old tablets were a bit thicker and not as nice to look at, but they ran a full desktop OS and were more powerful than the iPad. The iPad is not forecasting any real future as this device leads to Tablet PCs which have been done in thousands of shapes and forms. Frankly to stay competitive it needs to keep in its niche, or else move up to be the thing most have been anticipating which is a full blown OSX tablet like the Modbook.

I was hoping this was going to be an Apple take (and expansion/new direction) on the netbook, but this is really not comparable at all for many. Even the web is more limited in that you can run 0 flash content. Don't get me wrong, it has its place like Chris is talking about using one for, but this is not the students best friend by any means (a student would need to have another computer to back this up and $500 + another machine is not a good price for most students). I can see already how this is going to be compared to netbooks and it really should not be, it is not a desktop OS, it is not a full computer, and it really is its own segment right now. The interesting thing will be where the HP Slate comes in as far as pricing as it really is a much more powerful device running a full OS.

The iPad is closest to an internet tablet, but with the future of having many more mobile apps put onto it.

[Grentz]

Boy Genius Report is speculating that there could be an updated OS version on the iPad when it is launched that might include multi-tasking.

http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2010/01/27/is-the-apple-ipad-os-unfinished/

That would help a lot, might bring it back into my consideration.

At this point Apple really did nothing but take the current OS and input a higher native resolution. Heck even the program icons are not sized correctly and limited to that huge spacing as some editors have reported. They really just scaled up the current OS and added nothing too amazing.


For the record I might sound a bit pissy because I am disappointed. I thought I finally had my mobile device. Crunchpad got killed, and now this darn thing without even flash is just annoying me.

[cygnusloop]

... but this is not the students best friend by any means (a student would need to have another computer to back this up and $500 + another machine is not a good price for most students). I can see already how this is going to be compared to netbooks and it really should not be, it is not a desktop OS, it is not a full computer, and it really is its own segment right now. The interesting thing will be where the HP Slate comes in as far as pricing as it really is a much more powerful device running a full OS.

The iPad is closest to an internet tablet, but with the future of having many more mobile apps put onto it.

I guess I just disagree about where information technology is headed. No need for a backup. Nothing important is trusted to storage on the local device. Nor do I see the need (in the future) for another computer. Devices running a full OS will be less and less necessary. And, in my experience students don't "write papers" anymore, they create presentations. Yes, the standard keyboard has it's place, but not necessarily in the classroom.

I guess it comes down to whether or not you buy into Ellison's cloud, or Uncle Bill's model.

Don't get me wrong, I don't think this particular device is the end all, be all. I do, however, think it is a good indicator of where things are going.

[Grentz]

I am a student, and I can say that is dead wrong on the student perspective. Not trying to argue, just saying how it is. ;)

Your take on the cloud computing could be true though, for the general population. The issue still comes in with things that are larger that for the foreseeable future will still need local resources and usage. The thing is that by closing out all of your local resources you are just limiting yourself especially now. A device like this is not the wave of the future to replace everyone's laptops and mobile gear, it is just way too locked down.

Tablet PCs, whether you love or hate MS, were much more futuristic than this. All Apple did that I can see so far was put the iPod touch in a device with a bigger screen and faster processor.

[RunnerFL]

All Apple did that I can see so far was put the iPod touch in a device with a bigger screen and faster processor.

Can your iPod Touch run iWork? The iPad can...

Just an example... The iPad is a little bit more than just a bigger iPod Touch.

[Grentz]

Can your iPod Touch run iWork? The iPad can...

Just an example... The iPad is a little bit more than just a bigger iPod Touch.

Ok, I saw that as well. But, what do I do with the files? Where do they get saved (I am sure everyone will say cloud...but still)? How can I print them without transferring them to another computer? It still is extremely dependent on the machines around it.

I have been on a quest for the ultimate tablet mini machine for many many years and seen many a design, and I am telling you now this thing is far from a revolution or show stopper. It is a cool device, packaged with the backing of the App Store which will deliver a wide assortment of neat touch apps and things made just for it, but it still is in the iPod/iPhone/iPad zone. The fact that it still is dependent of iTunes of all programs is enough proof of that.

There is going to be a big new push of slate Tablet PCs this year from the rumors (HP, Dell, Lenovo, and others are already at work on designs supposedly), and they will all be running a full Win 7 OS that can do everything a full desktop or laptop can do. Depending on the price points, that is going to be a tough competition for the iPad (which originally I thought was going to be very competitive with these type of devices and blow them out of the water with an awesome Apple design).

This is more what I thought they would be going for:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/halerons-ilet-10-inch-tablet-starts-cheap-gets-expensive-ship/

But with their own Apple take that would make it be more sleek and such obviously.

[harsh]

That would help a lot, might bring it back into my consideration.Updating the O/S does nothing to address the apparent hardware deficiencies.

Connectivity and interoperability with real computer stuff seems to be absent.

How about some Bluetooth or USB support for grabbing images from cameras, printing stuff or flash drives?

I didn't expect to need a full-blown computer to "deposit" files on the device via a SMB share.

It should be interesting to see how the installation of a data modem impacts the ergonomics of the iPad.

[Grentz]

I would think that the 3G modem would be fully integrated. I bet there is a little space for it where they just either click it in or don't.

[RunnerFL]

Ok, I saw that as well. But, what do I do with the files? Where do they get saved (I am sure everyone will say cloud...but still)? How can I print them without transferring them to another computer? It still is extremely dependent on the machines around it.

For all we know, and I haven't seen any info either way on this, there will be a way to setup a printer so you can print via wi-fi, or maybe even an app. And there are apps now that allow you to transfer files to/from an iPhone. You can also transfer files to/from an iPhone while docked so I see no reason why you couldn't with the iPad.


I have been on a quest for the ultimate tablet mini machine for many many years and seen many a design, and I am telling you now this thing is far from a revolution or show stopper.

Show stopper? No, not really. Great way for me to get a netbook and "Nook" at the same time for less? Absolutely!


There is going to be a big new push of slate Tablet PCs this year from the rumors (HP, Dell, Lenovo, and others are already at work on designs supposedly), and they will all be running a full Win 7 OS that can do everything a full desktop or laptop can do. Depending on the price points, that is going to be a tough competition for the iPad (which originally I thought was going to be very competitive with these type of devices and blow them out of the water with an awesome Apple design).

I honestly don't see them being in the same ballpark pricewise as the iPad. They'll be in the upper hundreds to over a thousand dollars.

[RunnerFL]

How about some Bluetooth or USB support for grabbing images from cameras, printing stuff or flash drives?


Bluetooth support is there. And there is already an adapter you can use to hookup an SD card or even a camera to transfer files.

[RunnerFL]

I would think that the 3G modem would be fully integrated. I bet there is a little space for it where they just either click it in or don't.

If you go to apple.com and view the pics of the "Wifi" and "Wifi+3G" versions you'll see there is a bit of a hardware difference when it comes to the back of the unit. What that difference is, who knows...

[houskamp]

Lets see if I got all this...
1 no flash-no utube
2 no card reader for pics
3 no usb
4 no real storage for pics/music (can it play MP3s?)
5 no way to print stuff you type on it or web pages

[Grentz]

RunnerFL, I am not saying it is not a cool device. Heck I might still want to own one if the web surfing is good enough.

All I am saying is that it is not a netbook killer and is not some revolution for the future of computing in general. Both of those are pretty clear to me and I have experienced a lot of devices around this segment.

For the right person, that knows its strengths and limits, it could be an excellent fit.

[BubblePuppy]

Lets see if I got all this...
1 no flash-no utube
2 no card reader for pics
3 no usb
4 no real storage for pics/music (can it play MP3s?)
5 no way to print stuff you type on it or web pages





If it has wifi then why couldn't it send print files to a wifi enabled printer? My laptop can do that.

[Grentz]

[/B]





If it has wifi then why couldn't it send print files to a wifi enabled printer? My laptop can do that.

Have to have the drivers/support for it.

[dennisj00]

There are a couple of 'agendas' with the iPad and even the Touch . . . one is eBooks. The Touch/ iPhone have Kindle reader to stake a claim in that market. There own line of eBook publication will be huge. And it's positioned to make a real impact in the current demise of the publishing industry.

Second is another stream of Apps through iTunes . . .not only capitalizing on the current 140,000+ apps, it will be again, huge!

And Third, is the iTunes stream of $$ for music and video. . . probably bigger than huge!

And I must say, iTunes is the worst user interface for a major piece of software that I've ever seen. Directv2PC is kludgey but iTunes doesn't make sense.

[cygnusloop]

I am a student, and I can say that is dead wrong on the student perspective. Not trying to argue, just saying how it is. ;)



And I finished a second degree in '05 and taught classes among other things at major University most of the time since then. So, I guess we just have to agree to disagree on that. Different Universities, different practices.

I can tell you that the University of Colorado has spent a great deal of money over the last decade to enable the digital classroom. Instructors are required to maintain class websites (in some departments). Whiteboards are digitally captured and available for download. All 1000 and 2000 level Physics classes have all their problem sets as an interactive server-based application. They also use an interactive in-class system to support lecture (all students are required to purchase a remote control device that allows them to answer in-class questions in real-time).

So, "how it is" is open for debate, IMO.

That said, it's not the iPad, per se, that I am excited about, it's what it portends.

[dpeters11]

Have to have the drivers/support for it.

Not really. There's an app for that :)

Nothing perfect, but there are at least options.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2352101,00.asp

Though most require a computer, not direct printing.

[Stewart Vernon]

I'm surprised that so many people are surprised that it is largely a bigger iPod Touch.

I pretty much thought that would be what it would be...

I admit, though, that I'm surprised they didn't keep the video camera like the iPhone 3GS has. That seems like a missing feature that people will ask about.

I'm not running flailing my arms to buy one... but it seems like it is what it is, and should be a successful unit for those people who buy it for what it is intended to be.

It's not intended, clearly, to be a laptop/netbook killer... but rather an all-in-one to cover a few things like the iPod Touch + Kindle eBook. Once more apps are out that fully utilize the better graphics, there is some good potential for the iPad (though I might have liked a different name).

I also wouldn't be surprised to find some future cool ways to use the iPad as an input device for an iMac... AND I already was thinking of a cool way to use an iPhone as an input device to an iPad... Think how you could use an iPhone as the game controller for a game running on the iPad. People who buy multiple "i" devices from Apple could be rewarded with some unique and neat interactivity.

[dpeters11]

Actually, I think the biggest positive is the battery life. 10 hours straight video playback? That's very good. Heck, the 30 days standby is better than the Kindle.

[Grentz]

And I finished a second degree in '05 and taught classes among other things at major University most of the time since then. So, I guess we just have to agree to disagree on that. Different Universities, different practices.

I can tell you that the University of Colorado has spent a great deal of money over the last decade to enable the digital classroom. Instructors are required to maintain class websites (in some departments). Whiteboards are digitally captured and available for download. All 1000 and 2000 level Physics classes have all their problem sets as an interactive server-based application. They also use an interactive in-class system to support lecture (all students are required to purchase a remote control device that allows them to answer in-class questions in real-time).

So, "how it is" is open for debate, IMO.

That said, it's not the iPad, per se, that I am excited about, it's what it portends.


It portends Tablet PCs to be perfectly honest. Something we have had for years. Maybe not as sleek as this form factor, but like I said earlier they are working on sleeker Tablet PCs that would honestly be a lot better for a student as it could be their only device.

I guess I was expecting a OSX Tablet PC, which is why I am so crushed in many ways.

Not really. There's an app for that :)

Nothing perfect, but there are at least options.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2352101,00.asp

Though most require a computer, not direct printing.

I said you have to have support/drivers...that is what you posted. So what I said still stands true. ;)


I'm not running flailing my arms to buy one... but it seems like it is what it is, and should be a successful unit for those people who buy it for what it is intended to be.

It's not intended, clearly, to be a laptop/netbook killer... but rather an all-in-one to cover a few things like the iPod Touch + Kindle eBook. Once more apps are out that fully utilize the better graphics, there is some good potential for the iPad (though I might have liked a different name).

I also wouldn't be surprised to find some future cool ways to use the iPad as an input device for an iMac... AND I already was thinking of a cool way to use an iPhone as an input device to an iPad... Think how you could use an iPhone as the game controller for a game running on the iPad. People who buy multiple "i" devices from Apple could be rewarded with some unique and neat interactivity.

I agree with all you are saying and it is what I am trying to get across in a sense. Everyone is comparing this thing to netbooks and laptops, yet it is not close at all to being able to function in the same way. But for its niche, it could be great for some people.

[Stewart Vernon]

Earlier today, before going out for some errands, I was reading on macrumors as the event was happening... and I was surprised at the surprised reactions from some who seemed to be expecting something much different.

I can definitely see wanting more... but expecting? I think the only real disappointment for me is the lack of camera. The iPad is actually cheaper than I thought (I voted $699 for entry-level model)... so that was a pleasant surprise that makes it almost tempting.

I'm an oddball in some ways, though, because I didn't really want a laptop... so this is actually something more exciting to me than if it had tried to be a more functional laptop replacement.

[Grentz]

Well the rumors for a long time (not necessarily recent rumors) have been a full tablet of sorts ala Modbook but more refined.

I think a lot of us wanted to believe that Apple still had us in mind with this and the fact that this had supposedly been under design for years and years supported those ideas a bit more.

I am happy about the price as well, but there is no doubt this thing should not have taken/did not take years and years of design to come up with. The processor is about the only unique thing, but still should not have been years of design to come up with.

[cygnusloop]

Everyone is comparing this thing to netbooks and laptops, yet it is not close at all to being able to function in the same way. But for its niche, it could be great for some people.

I agree that it's not a netbook, nor laptop (whatever the real difference is there, and for what it's worth, Jobs spent the first part of his presentation comparing it to a netbook).

I'm just of the opinion that the general purpose PC or laptop is a dying breed. And, what's to come is going to be based on an architecture that makes the OS heavy, processor heavy, expensive computer obsolete. Well not obsolete, but a more specialized kind of device. As the iPad is really a specialized kind of device, as is the iPhone, the Playstation, the network enabled display or AVR, and lest I forget where I am posting, the DVR.

I wouldn't argue that the iPad or the like is the only device that anyone (student or otherwise) will have, but that it or something like it will take over those tasks for which it is particularly well suited. I am of the further opinion that education is one area in which the iPad or like device can shine.

P.S. I really enjoy this discussion. We are all, in a way, trying to peer into the future. The best it will ever be is blurry.

[Grentz]

What you really are describing is embedded closed systems. Which exist a lot in the corporate and big business world but not so much in consumers grasp. The main reason being that most are tailored and customized to specific needs and usages without much or any flexibility to the end user. (sound familiar?)

I get what you are saying, I just don't see the real advantage of it in many cases vs. having an actual full computer. What you are describing is the reverse process in many ways of what we have been trying to obtain with all in one devices (computers) which can do so many things for us and that we customize ourselves to do those things. Think about how a computer can do so much depending on how we set it up, even with just Windows or OSX you can access entertainment, work, communication, news, etc. and any mixture of those. Yet no two people seem to set it up in the same way as everyone has their own needs and desires.

Personally I feel the future is refinement of software and features on computers as they are now which to many consumers are a cluster mess of things. We see this happening already with the new direction Vista/Win7 are taking with many features and the way Apple is taking things like Automator/Time Machine/iLife suite. Computers (for the most part) are solid hardware wise and solid in what they can do, the issue is software to make them come together as a seamless and easy to use platform for the consumer. Sadly the idea in many devs mind was to push as much advertising and bloat out there to attract attention, but as we are seeing now with companies like Google, simplicity is being more and more appreciated by the general public. Which in the end is the deciding and motivating factor.

The fact and reason why computers in their raw form (Laptops and Desktops) continue to sell so well is that they are so adaptable to all the uses one could have for them. Amazing when you consider most use either Windows or OSX, just 2 main pieces of software that are so adaptable and customizable to fit into everyone's needs and lives.

[cygnusloop]

^^
All very good points.


I get what you are saying, I just don't see the real advantage of it in many cases vs. having an actual full computer.

The one key advantage, in my mind, is simply cost. I see a future with multiple, simple, cheap, specialized devices.

Most likely, that which will define IT for the next couple of decades is something we have yet to imagine. And, to me, that the best and most exciting reason to stay tuned.:)

:goodjob:

[Grentz]

That would be an advantage if someone could bring the costs down.

I think netbooks had a good run at that though, I mean for <$300 you can get a machine that will work for many peoples needs. There also are full laptops that are sub $500 and quite amazing at how much power you get.

Most seem to not remember the days 5, 10, or even 15 years ago and how much technology was then for how little you got. $2k+ for a PC used to be the norm. This is getting into another topic, but frankly it is part of the problem. A lot of the furthering of computer technology has been hit hard by the fact that most are not willing to pay over $1k for computers anymore and all expect everything cheap cheap cheap! It is not good for progressing technology by any means. You would be amazed the difference in sales between even just $999 and $1099. That $1k point is a huge barrier in the computer industry now ever since it got broken back when. This exact same thing has hit the TV industry very hard lately and it is why brands like Vizio have done so well.

[ncxcstud]

That would be an advantage if someone could bring the costs down.

I think netbooks had a good run at that though, I mean for <$300 you can get a machine that will work for many peoples needs. There also are full laptops that are sub $500 and quite amazing at how much power you get.

Most seem to not remember the days 5, 10, or even 15 years ago and how much technology was then for how little you got. $2k+ for a PC used to be the norm. This is getting into another topic, but frankly it is part of the problem. A lot of the furthering of computer technology has been hit hard by the fact that most are not willing to pay over $1k for computers anymore and all expect everything cheap cheap cheap! It is not good for progressing technology by any means. You would be amazed the difference in sales between even just $999 and $1099. That $1k point is a huge barrier in the computer industry now ever since it got broken back when. This exact same thing has hit the TV industry very hard lately and it is why brands like Vizio have done so well.

I agree with this, though it still amazes me how many people are willing to spend 1000+ on a MacBook when they can get a PC Laptop for around 500 that does the exact same thing. I'm amazed and awed at Apple's advertising power.

I agree with Grentz though, I want an all in one device/full computer. I'm still not confident in cloud computing. I'd rather my hard drive fail in my computer than have a server farm fail and lose all my papers and such. When it is 'my fault' I'm much more able to handle it, if it happens on someone else's watch, I think I'd get more upset because they 'should have prevented it.'

I think the two biggest proponents of making things 'simple' for the general public are Apple and Google, and so far (in my circles) both of their latest announcements have been received lukewarm at best... (Google Wave and now the iPad).

Also, I'm a 27 year-old student (with expendable cash) as well, so this product is essentially marketed to me and others in similar situations and apart from using it as a text book, I don't see much use for it. Also, I wish I could do more presentations than write papers (which cygnusloop alluded to in an earlier post).

Ugh...I've taken notes on PCs and with pen and paper, and for me, nothing beats pen and paper...I remember and recall what I write more easily when I physically write it out as opposed to typing it out. Heck, I'm a weird techie in that I still 'write out' rough drafts before typing them out, it is just how my brain works.

Though, I'm definitely 'negative' towards the iPad, it doesn't mean I don't want to play with it when it finally debuts in the Apple store :)

[Stewart Vernon]

I kind of like the idea of multiple specialized devices that can interconnect to provide additional services.

I'm not sure this will ever happen... but extending my thoughts on using an iPhone as an input to an iPad... I also would like to see the iPad used as an input to an iMac (like the Wacom tablet for example).

The cool thing here... is you can have standalone devices that can be used entirely on their own for a variety of features... then take any 2 or 3 of them together and you get entirely new and additional function.

I'm not sure if this is the future of computing... but I wouldn't mind if it were.

Also, IF it did become the way of the future... then the cost certainly would come down.

[Greg Alsobrook]

I agree with this, though it still amazes me how many people are willing to spend 1000+ on a MacBook when they can get a PC Laptop for around 500 that does the exact same thing. I'm amazed and awed at Apple's advertising power.

It isn't that they do the same thing... It's the way they do them. Use a Macbook for a week... You'll understand why people pay $1000+ for them. ;)

[cygnusloop]

...
I'm not sure if this is the future of computing... but I wouldn't mind if it were.
...

You know, it's part of it. At least the concept is.

After getting a look at it, I'm starting to think about things you could do with one of these things around the house. I've gotta give it to Apple, you just want to curl up in bed with it.

At $499 (16G/wireless N) it would make a really slick home automation/entertainment control sytem, but more than a control sytem. It's something that would be on the beside when you put it down after reading the latest Carl Hiaasen novel until you fell asleep. After it wakes you up at the agreed upon time, it will put some appropriate music on the sweet B&W in-ceiling speakers in your bedroom until you get it together enough to get to the shower. (It's able to do this because you have some combination of these (http://www.hometheatermag.com/convergence/multiroom_magic_with_sonos/index.html) really cool gadgets from Sonos. And yes, there is an app for that.)

Once you're downstairs, you set it on it's stand in the kitchen, and because you also have one of these (http://www.silicondust.com/) gizmos, you tap, and you're watching the local news while you make breakfast. (I'm assuming it already started the coffee once it knew you were up. ;)) Of course, you quickly remember that the local news sucks, and sit down to eat and read the increasingly mis-named "paper". If you happen to live there, or are just an Apple owning snob you can even read the New York Times (I kid, I kid). I saw Steve Jobs do it today. Tap again, and start some music in the kitchen. (Because once you got the Sonos system and saw how cool it was in the bedroom, you got another node for the kitchen.)

You hear a noise outside, you tap and see (via the Wi-Fi lipstick camera on the front porch) that it was just the UPS guy dropping off a package. Oh, you also remembered that you ran out of Belgian Waffle mix when you were making breakfast, so you zap that to the grocery list (which is of course on the iPhone). Which reminds you that you need coffee creamer, too.

You hear the baby cry, but when you tap to view the baby monitor, you see your wife is already in there getting her up. But, it reminds you that you need to order diapers from Diapers.com (yes, there is such a thing, and it's the only way to go).

You figure it's time to wake up the boy, so you start some music of your choice in his room. (Yes, you put a Sonos node in there too, but no way you sprang for the sweet B&W's.) When that doesn't work, tap, and you can turn his lights on, open his east facing curtains, or anything else you care to automate. ;)

Once he comes down to the kitchen, you put it back on the stand for him to watch whatever it is that he watches off the DVR or HTPC, because that is the only way you can get him to sit still long enough to eat a damn bowl of cereal.

Hey, that's a lot of stuff, and it's not even 8am yet. Granted, you can do all of this stuff with your iPhone or Touch, but the large format screen seems great for around the house. Plus, how nice is it to have a common interface on your pocket sized version.

[TBlazer07]

]

The Name iPad
Get ready for Maxi pad jokes, and lots of 'em!
:lol:

Speaking of the data plans:
$15 dollars for the light data months and $30 for the heavy data months. :)

[Grentz]

You know, it's part of it. At least the concept is.

After getting a look at it, I'm starting to think about things you could do with one of these things around the house. I've gotta give it to Apple, you just want to curl up in bed with it.

At $499 (16G/wireless N) it would make a really slick home automation/entertainment control sytem, but more than a control sytem. It's something that would be on the beside when you put it down after reading the latest Carl Hiaasen novel until you fell asleep. After it wakes you up at the agreed upon time, it will put some appropriate music on the sweet B&W in-ceiling speakers in your bedroom until you get it together enough to get to the shower. (It's able to do this because you have some combination of these (http://www.hometheatermag.com/convergence/multiroom_magic_with_sonos/index.html) really cool gadgets from Sonos. And yes, there is an app for that.)

Once you're downstairs, you set it on it's stand in the kitchen, and because you also have one of these (http://www.silicondust.com/) gizmos, you tap, and you're watching the local news while you make breakfast. (I'm assuming it already started the coffee once it knew you were up. ;)) Of course, you quickly remember that the local news sucks, and sit down to eat and read the increasingly mis-named "paper". If you happen to live there, or are just an Apple owning snob you can even read the New York Times (I kid, I kid). I saw Steve Jobs do it today. Tap again, and start some music in the kitchen. (Because once you got the Sonos system and saw how cool it was in the bedroom, you got another node for the kitchen.)

You hear a noise outside, you tap and see (via the Wi-Fi lipstick camera on the front porch) that it was just the UPS guy dropping off a package. Oh, you also remembered that you ran out of Belgian Waffle mix when you were making breakfast, so you zap that to the grocery list (which is of course on the iPhone). Which reminds you that you need coffee creamer, too.

You hear the baby cry, but when you tap to view the baby monitor, you see your wife is already in there getting her up. But, it reminds you that you need to order diapers from Diapers.com (yes, there is such a thing, and it's the only way to go).

You figure it's time to wake up the boy, so you start some music of your choice in his room. (Yes, you put a Sonos node in there too, but no way you sprang for the sweet B&W's.) When that doesn't work, tap, and you can turn his lights on, open his east facing curtains, or anything else you care to automate. ;)

Once he comes down to the kitchen, you put it back on the stand for him to watch whatever it is that he watches off the DVR or HTPC, because that is the only way you can get him to sit still long enough to eat a damn bowl of cereal.

Hey, that's a lot of stuff, and it's not even 8am yet. Granted, you can do all of this stuff with your iPhone or Touch, but the large format screen seems great for around the house. Plus, how nice is it to have a common interface on your pocket sized version.

The funny thing is that there are some sweet tablet remotes for doing this already. They are more expensive, but the support hardware surrounding it is expensive as well and better integrated than just an app.

Still cool though and the iPad is sleeker than any of those remotes as of right now.

[Stewart Vernon]

I'm also wondering/hoping AT&T will offer that half-price limited data plan to iPhone customers. I know I mostly use WiFi and only use 3G/Edge when I absolutely have to... and there are more and more free WiFi hotspots popping up every day. Heck, McDonald's free WiFi alone covers a lot of territory!

Also snuck in under the radar... the Apple Web site says the iPad has b/g/N WiFi. That's cool, as the iPhone did not have "N" WiFi.

Another thing I saw by reading the Apple site... there are slightly more differences in the 3G vs non-3G model. For instance, only the 3G model iPad has GPS.

[Grentz]

Well it does not have real GPS, it uses assisted GPS which is why it only comes with the 3G model (it uses 3G and Wifi to get a position, not GPS sats).

[ncxcstud]

Well it does not have real GPS, it uses assisted GPS which is why it only comes with the 3G model (it uses 3G and Wifi to get a position, not GPS sats).

Is that the same thing that the iPod touch uses to find your 'location'? And when you move your router to a new city, it still thinks you're back in South Carolina? What is it called? Skyhook or something like that?

Or does the iPhone/3G/3GS/iPad 3G a different system?

[Grentz]

Is that the same thing that the iPod touch uses to find your 'location'? And when you move your router to a new city, it still thinks you're back in South Carolina? What is it called? Skyhook or something like that?

Or does the iPhone/3G/3GS/iPad 3G a different system?

It is that plus cell site using the 3G, so it is a bit better. But still far from an actual GPS.

Wifi location sensing is BS IMO, it works in so few places and usually only large cities with lots of known hotspots. 3G sensing is better though since it can use cell towers.

[trdrjeff]

I think this will end up being as successful as the Newton ;)

[Steve]

I think this will end up being as successful as the Newton ;)I have a Newton wrapped up somewhere in my basement! I'm hoping some day it will become a collector's item. :lol:

[dpeters11]

I'm also wondering/hoping AT&T will offer that half-price limited data plan to iPhone customers. I know I mostly use WiFi and only use 3G/Edge when I absolutely have to... and there are more and more free WiFi hotspots popping up every day. Heck, McDonald's free WiFi alone covers a lot of territory!

Also snuck in under the radar... the Apple Web site says the iPad has b/g/N WiFi. That's cool, as the iPhone did not have "N" WiFi.

Another thing I saw by reading the Apple site... there are slightly more differences in the 3G vs non-3G model. For instance, only the 3G model iPad has GPS.

N was mentioned at the event, it was on the slides they showed.

The 3GS doesn't have N, but the latest Touch could. It has the hardware, just not the software. Apple could basically turn it on with an OS update (for the low price of $5.)

[Greg Alsobrook]

This is pretty funny. Wired posted this on Twitter. Read the reactions of people on the MacRumors forum when the iPod was announced in 2001. At least read the first page... You'll get the idea...

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=500

[Galley]

The MLB.com app looks amazing! Everyone with an MLB.TV subscription can watch games for free on the iPhone and iPad.

[tcusta00]

This is pretty funny. Wired posted this on Twitter. Read the reactions of people on the MacRumors forum when the iPod was announced in 2001. At least read the first page... You'll get the idea...

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=500

That's pretty funny. ANOTHER mp3 player?? :lol:

[Grentz]

This is pretty funny. Wired posted this on Twitter. Read the reactions of people on the MacRumors forum when the iPod was announced in 2001. At least read the first page... You'll get the idea...

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=500

To be fair the first ipod generations did not take off much. Thanks also to them being stupid and limiting to Mac only for the first Gen and sticking with firewire for a long time. Plus they were expensive, very expensive.

The 1G/2G iPod was never that great, I had a few friends and family with them at the time and there were better players IMO at the time. The Mini and 4G really killed the competition of the time though and that is when the iPod really took hold of everything IMO.

[ncxcstud]

It isn't that they do the same thing... It's the way they do them. Use a Macbook for a week... You'll understand why people pay $1000+ for them. ;)

I used a Mac every day in college. I still prefer a PC and Windows :). Their use for me, doesn't justify spending over 1K to almost 2.5K for a laptop.

My $500.00 laptop works great and I don't have to worry about compatibility issues or using virtual machine software at all.

[Chris Blount]

This is pretty funny. Wired posted this on Twitter. Read the reactions of people on the MacRumors forum when the iPod was announced in 2001. At least read the first page... You'll get the idea...

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=500That really is very funny to read. Sometimes I think that people who don't understand or can't afford Apple products tend to knock everything Apple does.

I think the iPad is the first generation of products that will completely replace printed commercial media. I would bet that thanks to the launch of this product (and the Kindle), 10 years from now you will be hard pressed to find magazines, newspapers and some books in paper format.

[Steve]

[...] I think the iPad is the first generation of products that will completely replace printed commercial media. I would bet that thanks to the launch of this product (and the Kindle), 10 years from now you will be hard pressed to find magazines, newspapers and some books in paper format.Actually, Sony can arguably (http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=2619) go down in history as the pioneer of the concept, much like they pioneered the concept of portable, personal music players back in the 1979.

[Chris Blount]

Actually, Sony can arguably (http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=2619) go down in history as the pioneer of the concept, much like they pioneered the concept of portable, personal music players back in the 1979.Fair enough but my point is that Apple has the knack of making concepts markeatable to the point of mass adoption.

[dpeters11]

To be fair the first ipod generations did not take off much. Thanks also to them being stupid and limiting to Mac only for the first Gen and sticking with firewire for a long time. Plus they were expensive, very expensive.

The 1G/2G iPod was never that great, I had a few friends and family with them at the time and there were better players IMO at the time. The Mini and 4G really killed the competition of the time though and that is when the iPod really took hold of everything IMO.

I'd actually forgotten about all that, the Mac only stuff and such. The problem was that it would have been pretty much impossible to see from the first iPods where it would end up. I'm not interested in iPad 1.0, but I'm willing to revisit it after a few generations.

The web experience won't be that great until either 1. it supports flash, or 2. sites stop using flash, and go with something else, like HTML5 etc. I would not be upset if a plugin were no longer needed.

[Nick]

Mass adoption? Somehow that reminds me of "Brangelina".

What's that??? They are? :eek2:

Never mind...back to your regularly scheduled topic! :p

[dennisj00]

As a long time Apple resistor but iPhone / Touch adopter, I'm interested in the iPad and would be very interested if they had included multi-tasking and a cam. Possibly V2 or iPad+?

I do agree they're well positioned for the demise of print media.

[Stewart Vernon]

Dumb question..

I see a lot about disappointment in no multi-tasking with the iPad, and the iPhone as well.

So the question is... just what kinds of multi-tasking are people wanting to do on these devices?

I've had my iPhone for nearly a year now... and I can't think of a time when I needed to run more than one app at the same time.

[Grentz]

Dumb question..

I see a lot about disappointment in no multi-tasking with the iPad, and the iPhone as well.

So the question is... just what kinds of multi-tasking are people wanting to do on these devices?

I've had my iPhone for nearly a year now... and I can't think of a time when I needed to run more than one app at the same time.

Music in the background. Switching between a web browser and iWork document, leaving apps open so they dont completely restart when you switch to something else for a second, etc.

[harsh]

As Grentz suggests, sometimes you just want to check on something else while you're deep into something (like reading a page-turner). Whether you need to check your schedule or confirm an address. Maybe even checking how far past bedtime it is getting to be.

Some of these things could be accomplished using a simple task switcher, but being able to play background music requires something considerably more sophisticated.

[Grentz]

As Grentz suggests, sometimes you just want to check on something else while you're deep into something (like reading a page-turner). Whether you need to check your schedule or confirm an address. Maybe even checking how far past bedtime it is getting to be.

Some of these things could be accomplished using a simple task switcher, but being able to play background music requires something considerably more sophisticated.

The funny thing is that the tech is already there as Apple uses it with their own stuff at times. It just needs to be opened up more to allow the devs to use it.

[Stewart Vernon]

I guess I just don't get the need for multi-tasking like that on a small portable device.

I wouldn't knock it if they enabled multi-tasking... but I don't see slamming it for not allowing. I have other computers that I use when I need to multi-task.

[LarryFlowers]

Read the Fine Print..

There's a good reason you can't pre-order an iPad yet... small thing.. it's not legal!

The FCC approvals for the device are not in place.

"This device has not yet been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.”

Read More http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2010/01/wondering-why-you-cant-pre-order-the-ipad-it-isnt-legal-yet/#ixzz0e8nFvGnl

[dennisj00]

I can live with the iPhone or Touch not multi-tasking, but the Pad really needs it to be the laptop / netbook killer. Not only do I have many, many multiple tabs in my browser(s) at the same time, I want the ability to run ANYTHING in the background. . . music, video, an open doc, anything!

[Greg Alsobrook]

Music in the background. Switching between a web browser and iWork document, leaving apps open so they dont completely restart when you switch to something else for a second, etc.

Music in the background works on the iPhone, as long as the source is the iPod app. I assume the same will be true on the iPad. It would be nice if it could be Pandora as well though. Also, with push notifications for apps such as AIM, the need to have them run in the background on the iPhone is pretty nonexsistent. The iPad however is a different story.

[jsmuga]

Music in the background works on the iPhone, as long as the source is the iPod app. I assume the same will be true on the iPad. It would be nice if it could be Pandora as well though. Also, with push notifications for apps such as AIM, the need to have them run in the background on the iPhone is pretty nonexsistent. The iPad however is a different story.

The rumors are that the SW 4.0 release will allow apps to run in the background.

[Lee L]

I guess I just don't get the need for multi-tasking like that on a small portable device.

I wouldn't knock it if they enabled multi-tasking... but I don't see slamming it for not allowing. I have other computers that I use when I need to multi-task.

I think the main thing people really want is stuff like Pandora in the background. Given the crappy battery life the iPhone has already, anything more would be suicidal for actually using the thing.

[Galley]

Regarding battery life:
Mossberg also inquired about battery life on the iPad, and Jobs revealed the device will offer "140-something hours" of continuous music playback with the screen off, or nearly six days.

[Greg Alsobrook]

I'm excited by the rumors of it possibly having a camera. My thought is that maybe it has something to do with the FCC approval they have yet to receive. Maybe the camera was going to be a possible rejection point... so they went ahead and just left it out for now... and if they have to ditch it at the last minute, no harm... or if they get to keep it, even better... Another selling point.

http://www.cultofmac.com/did-steve-jobs-ipad-have-an-isight-camera/28696?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+cultofmac%2FbFow+%28Cult+of+M ac%29

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/02/01/ipad_photos_show_slot_for_forward_facing_video_cam era.html

http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/02/apple-ipad-rumor-roundup-abraham-zapruder-edition/

[Chris Blount]

Apple started accepting pre-orders today. I got my iPad Wifi + 3G all lined up. Can't wait until the end of April. :)

[HDJulie]

Please let us know when you've got it & what your impressions are. I'm particularly interested in the ergonomics of it -- how easy is it to hold & use.

[P Smith]

And how often you should recharge it in real life ?

[cool_beans00]

Yup reserved mine! the cheapest one of course. I'm excited

[Stewart Vernon]

I'm going to wait for the Apple store to actually get them in store and out for demos... so I can play with one myself to see how badly I might want one then.

[cool_beans00]

I'm going to wait for the Apple store to actually get them in store and out for demos... so I can play with one myself to see how badly I might want one then.

that's what i wanted to do. but you can reserve one and not have to pay until you pick it up. and if you never pick it up, it just get sold someone else. no risk!

[Chris Blount]

that's what i wanted to do. but you can reserve one and not have to pay until you pick it up. and if you never pick it up, it just get sold someone else. no risk!
That's my philosophy. I am gambling on the fact that when release day comes, there will be limited supply. At least this way I have a good chance of getting one. If I don't like it, I can always return it.

I hate going into the Apple store and wanting to buy something only to find out they won't have them for 3 weeks!

[Grentz]

There are a LOT of tablets coming out this year. I am going to have to wait and see what the competition comes up with before jumping on something like the iPad.

[Stewart Vernon]

My budget is likely to be limited... and while I think I want an iPad... I might also want to wait and see if there is a new iPhone this year. I didn't get a 3GS model last June... so I might want a new iPhone this year instead of an iPad.

[dennisj00]

Wifey ordered a wifi 64g model today. . .supposed to be delivered to the house 4/03. .

[phrelin]

Wifey ordered a wifi 64g model today. . .supposed to be delivered to the house 4/03. .+1 although I don't know about that delivery date.

For most of our 30 years of computer ownership, we tended to try some new things that seemed to have possibilities in our world. Sometimes the magic worked, sometimes it didn't. I bought my wife the original Sony Reader which, though it was clever, never was a comfortable replacement for paperbacks. We did not do the most recent update.

And though we have a busy Amazon account, the initial Kindle just didn't seem much better and 3G with Sprint was an offense to my sensibilities. (Go to the Sprint coverage map (http://coverage.sprint.com/IMPACT.jsp) and plug in my zip code - 95490 - and you'll see why. What is offensive about Amazon's choice is that Sprint cherry-picks coverage and always has - no cell phone coverage close by, much less 3G. Amazon and Sprint are recovering that "no monthly fee" 3G capability cost somehow.)

Maybe the iPad will not become the Reader replacement plus more we will be raving about, but its display is the same diagonal size as a Kindle DX and it is a multipurpose microcomputer in the same price range. We didn't have to pay for a 3G option (nobody has 3G within 20 miles of our house).

It will be our first Apple product. And it appears that it will effectively replace those Tandy TRS-80 Model 100's from the early 1980's.

http://phrelin.com/Computers/images/model100.jpg

:D

[P Smith]

As I'm aware Kindle-2/DX can support EVDO (3G) and 1xRTT (2G) connections.

[CraigerCSM]

I like the HP Slate because it has Windows 7 with Flash.

[Karen]

Wifey ordered a wifi 64g model today. . .supposed to be delivered to the house 4/03. .
Did wifey order one of these too?

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41296440

[phrelin]

I like the HP Slate because it has Windows 7 with Flash.How's that Adobe Flash Player on your Internet Explorer 64-bit version on your nifty new Windows 7 computer? Oh that's right, you can't use the IE 64-bit version because Adobe apparently missed the 64-bit evolution on my four 64-bit HP Windows 7 computers. Glad HP is touting Flash for what is still vaporware while they are unable to provide it on the principle browser on all their new computers. Good partnering there HP guys.:rolleyes:

We are significant users of HP products in our home with four desktops (two with Win 7) and three notebooks (two with Win 7) available (yeah, for two retired people, it is conspicuous consumption).

But we decided on the iPad (see above) partly because of the Flash issue.

I have to accept the fact that Adobe owns the uniform standard for document archival software. Partly because they have made the Reader available for free and partly because you can buy Adobe 9 Professional for under $150 per computer and partly most business software today has an Adobe "printer" function I can live with that.

But while the Flash interface for browsers is free, Flash Pro CS4 is over $400 per computer. That's just too much for a "standards" application. I agree with this reviewer (http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/191153/hp_slate_vs_ipad_focus_on_flash.html) who in discussing the two offering's differences noted: As a platform for multimedia content on the Web, Flash has definitely served a purpose and it's hard to argue with how ubiquitous Flash is on the Web. Just try to browse the Web without installing a Flash plugin and you will see just how much Web sites rely on the Adobe technology.

However, that is not necessarily a good thing. HTML5 is establishing itself as a vendor-agnostic standard (http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/188500/is_it_time_for_the_web_to_abandon_flash.html) capable of delivering much the same experience users have come to expect from Flash. Web content based on a free Web standard makes much more sense than multimedia content requiring proprietary software to create it, and requiring users to install a proprietary plugin to be able to interact with it.We don't have to use the iPad for work nor would we be prevented from accessing a site's content because we're locked into the Apple mobile world. Even away from home, we will likely be only a short distance from one of our HP notebooks.

As an advocate for html, for mozilla based products and for java based products - in fact, everything that supports open source - I'm not overly thrilled with all things Apple because they are so proprietary. We don't and won't have an iPhone or an iPod.

But I thought the iPad will be interesting, it can replace our old Sony Reader, and it's an opportunity to poke the Adobe bear.;)

[harsh]

How's that Adobe Flash Player on your Internet Explorer 64-bit version on your nifty new Windows 7 computer?Who offers a 64 bit tablet computer?

Once you've figured that out, who uses IE?

[harsh]

And it appears that it will effectively replace those Tandy TRS-80 Model 100's from the early 1980's.Now there's a practical electronic notepad. The press absolutely loved those things.

[phrelin]

Who offers a 64 bit tablet computer?

Once you've figured that out, who uses IE?Nobody in their right mind uses IE, except apparently a lot of people other than me. My comment has to do with HP from whom I buy my computers now that I'm just too old or lazy to build them. When CraigerCSM said this... I like the HP Slate because it has Windows 7 with Flash....my reaction was having Windows 7 on what amounts to a whole new way of computing is irrelevant. And HP, which should know better, is selling "having Windows 7 is good because of Flash."

I've been processing in a Microsoft environment for 26 years because no truly viable alternative was consistently available for that full period given my business software requirements.

My hope is that maybe the iPad will ease the way to you saying 20 years from now something like...Now there's a practical electronic notepad. The press absolutely loved those things.Of course it won't be the press, but then again we used our Model 100's for many business uses with ROM's to create spreadsheet and database files on the go, as well as text processing.

I have no idea whether the iPad will be the next big flop or the next true revolution in computing, but I'm curious and I'm getting too old to wait five years. And, God, I hope that revolution won't be taken away by a mundane Microsoft OS.

[RunnerFL]

Wifey ordered a wifi 64g model today. . .supposed to be delivered to the house 4/03. .

I ordered one as well, don't need 3G. Is it 4/3 yet???

[redfiver]

As an advocate for html, for mozilla based products and for java based products - in fact, everything that supports open source - I'm not overly thrilled with all things Apple because they are so proprietary. We don't and won't have an iPhone or an iPod.

I don't see how this is true, except for Apps, on the iPhone or iPad. They are not using proprietary applications for web browsing (Java or Flash). They are embracing the HTML5 standards. Sure, with Apps they have a closed environment and control what can be put on the devices and I won't argue that point, but will point out that it's a big reason no one has had a virus or malware on their iPhone (that wasn't jailbroken) primarily because no application is allowed access to the root system. Despite the grumblings of some developers, the App store has been highly successful for Apple and many many developers. It's also super easy to use which is what they're going for. The iPhone and iPod before it were about ease of use for the everyday consumer. People have long argued that the iPod was an inferior MP3 player because it didn't do A and it didn't do B... but it still won the race because it was simple and elegant.

And flash on my iPhone? Don't really miss it. Flash is the program that crashes my browser and/or computer more than any other program out there. Drives me crazy.

[phrelin]

Don't forget that you can get the Kindle app for an iPhone or laptop. There's your e-book reader.Well, it took me while to understand this, Stuart. Guess I am in my dotage and it took this Amazon unveils Kindle app for iPad (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10469894-37.html) for me to understand that on April 3 my wife is getting an Apple iKindle DX that can do other stuff and isn't in any way acknowledging the completely inaccessible-to-us Sprint 3G network.:D

[dmurphy]

Well, it took me while to understand this, Stuart. Guess I am in my dotage and it took this Amazon unveils Kindle app for iPad (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10469894-37.html) for me to understand that on April 3 my wife is getting an Apple iKindle DX that can do other stuff and isn't in any way acknowledging the completely inaccessible-to-us Sprint 3G network.:D

Keep in mind that the "Global Wireless" Kindle (both the standard & DX models) are GSM-based using the AT&T notwork.

As for the Sprint model... to get a true coverage picture, you need to overlay the Verizon Wireless map on top of the Sprint one. Sprint has roaming agreements with VZW - anywhere Sprint doesn't have coverage, their devices roam onto the VZW network.

[dennisj00]

Received UPS shipping notice that it shipped yesterday from China.

[Sparky Scott]

I am and have been a mac user for quite some time. I think the ipad is very cool and interesting. I love my i touch ipod, and I love my imac i7. But, that said, I really don't see the niche for the size. It's sorta in between. With that said, I will probably still purchase one myself... I can't believe they sold out and long waiting list is so big.
My imac i7 was pre-ordered 2 1/2 ahead of sales and still waited on top of that... I wonder how long it will be on back order?

[barryb]

Looks like the iPad will have "Slingability"

http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/sling-working-on-player-for-ipad-windows-phone-7-series/

[tcusta00]

Looks like the iPad will have "Slingability"

http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/sling-working-on-player-for-ipad-windows-phone-7-series/

The iPad just became much more interesting. :eek2:

[barryb]

The iPad just became much more interesting. :eek2:

I figured a few here would appreciate the possibilities. 10 hour battery life makes for some serious sling time.

[phrelin]

So we might be watching TV from our Slingbox Pro and it runs Kindle books. Looking more and more like it could turn out to be an interesting experiment. I guess my wife may have made a smart buy.

Oh yes, and she too got her UPS shipping notice from Shenzhen, China, but apparently they've already screwed the pooch on that one with this notice: THE SERVICE SELECTED IS NOT AVAILABLE TO THE DESTINATION ADDRESS / DOWNGRADED, FORWARDED TO CONSIGNEE, SELECTED SERVICE IS NOT AVAILABLE We do not get one day air, however we do get two day shipping. Sigh, the difficulties of living rural.

[barryb]

Sigh, the difficulties of living rural.

....but the views outside the windows seem to somehow make up for it phrelin.

I opted for the 3G model (I travel a lot), so I have to wait for an "unknown date sometime in later April".

[Chris Blount]

....but the views outside the windows seem to somehow make up for it phrelin.

I opted for the 3G model (I travel a lot), so I have to wait for an "unknown date sometime in later April".Me too. I don't mind the wait though. I was thinking about going to the Apple store or Best Buy to get my iPad fix for the month. LOL

[wilbur_the_goose]

but iTunes still stinks

[barryb]

Me too. I don't mind the wait though. I was thinking about going to the Apple store or Best Buy to get my iPad fix for the month. LOL

I am waiting for my case to be delivered. At least that age old question is answered Chris... "what comes first: the iPad or the case?"

I might have to walk around with that empty case so I can look like the cool kids. :D

[barryb]

but iTunes still stinks

Rumor has it that iTunes works very well on a MAC... go figure. I cannot comment as I speak in PC, and with that... I agree.

[tcusta00]

I am waiting for my case to be delivered. At least that age old question is answered Chris... "what comes first: the iPad or the case?"

I might have to walk around with that empty case so I can look like the cool kids. :D

Don't worry, there's a pdf for that! You can now print your very own iPad to go in your fancy new case while you wait:

http://articles.akgfx.com/2010/02/printable-ipad-template-pdf/

:p

[barryb]

Don't worry, there's a pdf for that! You can now print your very own iPad to go in your fancy new case while you wait:

http://articles.akgfx.com/2010/02/printable-ipad-template-pdf/

:p

Thats hot.

[Grentz]

My favorite case company just came out with their iPad lineup...yum:
http://techislands.com/Blog/Entries/vaja-ipad-lineup.html

Stupid things are ridiculously expensive though :(

[Steve]

Here's the New York Times's David Pogue on the new iPad: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/01/technology/personaltech/01pogue.html?hp

Interesting tidbit:

"If you have the cellular model, you can buy AT&T service so you can get online anywhere. (Cellular iPads aren’t available until next month; I tested a Wi-Fi-only model.)

But how’s this for a rare deal from a cell company: there’s no contract. By tapping a button in Settings, you can order up a month of unlimited cellular Internet service for $30. Or pay $15 for 250 megabytes of Internet data; when it runs out, you can either buy another 250 megs, or just upgrade to the unlimited plan for the month. Either way, you can cancel and rejoin as often as you want — just March, July and November, for example — without penalty. The other carriers are probably cursing AT&T’s name for setting this precedent."

[Grentz]

Sounds pretty sweet even though it is still expensive (though discounted and not abnormal for cell carriers) data rates.

The thing that is annoying me is how greedy the subscription people are getting, $18+/mo for subs to things like WSJ? That is insane!!! The print edition is $10/mo and the online is around $8.5/mo!

[Marlin Guy]

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/4/2010/03/ipadshattingflowchart.jpg

[barryb]

Netflix anyone?

http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/01/netflix-abc-and-1-348-more-ipad-approved-apps-revealed/

[dennisj00]

BAD NEWS!!! Just got UPS Exception email that shipment is being held (in Customs) and rescheduled delivery of 4-05.

I hope it's wrong. . . there's going to be a lot of unhappy geeks! (including the wife and I)

EDIT. . . Hopefully it's just details . . from theiPadguide.com. . .

"The good news is that UPS has indicated that iPad shipments are on schedule for delivery on Saturday in areas where weekend delivery is available. Best estimates indicate that iPad shipments are currently in transit between Ghaungzhou and US locations now, and customers will likely begin to see domestic arrival scans in the near future."

[Chris Blount]

BAD NEWS!!! Just got UPS Exception email that shipment is being held (in Customs) and rescheduled delivery of 4-05.

I hope it's wrong. . . there's going to be a lot of unhappy geeks! (including the wife and I)

EDIT. . . Hopefully it's just details . . from theiPadguide.com. . .

"The good news is that UPS has indicated that iPad shipments are on schedule for delivery on Saturday in areas where weekend delivery is available. Best estimates indicate that iPad shipments are currently in transit between Ghaungzhou and US locations now, and customers will likely begin to see domestic arrival scans in the near future."I think thats happening with everyone.

[Steve]

I expect that Samsung, HTC, Moto et al are furiously working on their own tablets. I say this, because I'm pretty sure Google won't want to cede Apple the same exclusive lead time with this product as Apple enjoyed with the iPhone. Hopefully by the start of the next school year there will be more affordable alternatives to choose from.

I also have no doubt that at the 2011 CES, Steve Balmer will be showing off a prototype Zune tablet. :p

Will be fun to watch developments. Competition is good! :)

[RunnerFL]

BAD NEWS!!! Just got UPS Exception email that shipment is being held (in Customs) and rescheduled delivery of 4-05.

I hope it's wrong. . . there's going to be a lot of unhappy geeks! (including the wife and I)

EDIT. . . Hopefully it's just details . . from theiPadguide.com. . .

"The good news is that UPS has indicated that iPad shipments are on schedule for delivery on Saturday in areas where weekend delivery is available. Best estimates indicate that iPad shipments are currently in transit between Ghaungzhou and US locations now, and customers will likely begin to see domestic arrival scans in the near future."

They were held in GUANGZHOU, CN because Apple didn't provide the customs paperwork to UPS. It is Apple's way of making sure no one gets theirs before 4/3. They left China yesterday, according to my tracking # and should be on time.

[phrelin]

My wife finally got her "ooops" notice with the explanation that since UPS doesn't deliver on Saturday, but she'll get it on Monday. It's current status is:
ANCHORAGE, AK, US 04/01/2010 9:13 P.M. ARRIVAL SCAN My guess is we are not the only residential address to which UPS has never provided Saturday delivery service. But if you lived with Steve Jobs you probably get Sunday-right-before-brunch service. Why else would they have picked a Saturday for delivery?:rolleyes:

[barryb]

LETS GET NEKKID!

http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iPad-FCC-Teardown/2197/1

[RunnerFL]

My wife finally got her "ooops" notice with the explanation that since UPS doesn't deliver on Saturday, but she'll get it on Monday. It's current status is:
My guess is we are not the only residential address to which UPS has never provided Saturday delivery service. But if you lived with Steve Jobs you probably get Sunday-right-before-brunch service. Why else would they have picked a Saturday for delivery?:rolleyes:

My area has Saturday Delivery, I didn't know not all areas has UPS Saturday Delivery, but my tracking still only has it leaving China as the last update.

I'm just wondering why they didn't use FedEx which has Nationwide Saturday Delivery.

[dennisj00]

I hope it's not a bad scene to not get delivery tomorrow. Everything during the promotion and ordering process said delivery tomorrow or pick up at store. . . .For us, I thought about the choice, but delivery at home with coffee made a lot more sense than driving 45 minutes. . .

But it could be a major faux pas for Apple / UPS. . . .

[njblackberry]

Sounds pretty sweet even though it is still expensive (though discounted and not abnormal for cell carriers) data rates.

The thing that is annoying me is how greedy the subscription people are getting, $18+/mo for subs to things like WSJ? That is insane!!! The print edition is $10/mo and the online is around $8.5/mo!

Download and install a fantastic program called Calibre; it formats newspapers and magazines from the web and loads them to the device.. I know they have a Windows and Mac versions available and I use this extensively on my Kindle. Overpaying for periodicals is absurd.

[Grentz]

Download and install a fantastic program called Calibre; it formats newspapers and magazines from the web and loads them to the device.. I know they have a Windows and Mac versions available and I use this extensively on my Kindle. Overpaying for periodicals is absurd.

Fair enough, but that is still against the main point.

The iPad version is overpriced when in the past the idea behind it was to get cheap subscriptions that still were making money for the content owners, but also providing viewers with a new way of viewing the content.

[Chris Blount]

Just picked one up at Best Buy. Couldn't stand it. I have the 3G version on order so will probably give this one to my daughter or sell it next month. :)

I will say one thing, it's well built. Feels solid in your hands.

[RunnerFL]

UPS just dropped mine off about 20 mins ago. The guy was actually saying "Your iPad is here" as I was walking to the door. :lol:

[Stewart Vernon]

Chris,

Do the stores (Best Buy or Apple) have demo units to play with?

I didn't pre-order as I kinda wanted to play with one first and see what I thought.

Still torn between the idea of the iPad and the thought of what might be the next iPhone release... and figuring I could only pick one.

For programming purposes (as I'm still learning) I might be better off with the iPad so I have one of each platform type... so I'm leaning that way.

[harsh]

Along similar lines, if the next gen iPhone is G4 as many suspect, why snap up the G3 iPad?

[harsh]

Do the stores (Best Buy or Apple) have demo units to play with?Some products sell better without a hands-on demo. ;)

[Chris Blount]

Chris,

Do the stores (Best Buy or Apple) have demo units to play with?

The Best Buy I went to had 3 on display.

[Chris Blount]

A nice little surprise I didn't know about. The Wi-Fi runs on both 2.4 or 5 GHz. It's blazing fast on my 5 GHz network!

[dennisj00]

It's Awesome!! Typing on it as I type!

Got it at 9:16 - first one off the truck. . .

then a 40 mile bike ride while wife got it settled in.

One big difference I've seen already --radar gifs on Intellicast work!

Off to load the Dtv app!

Edit: Dtv was already loaded from wife's configuration-- just had to login and it works GREAT!!

Now need DirecTv2iPad!!

[Chris Blount]

Typing on it right now. The keyboard takes a few minutes to adapt but not bad. I can see this as being a netbook killer.

The screen is definitely crisp and clear. HD YouTube looks fantastic.

IPhone apps blown up to fill the screen are quite acceptable. Even the Sling app looks pretty good.

So far not a bad device. Definitely a blast!

[phrelin]

Sigh. It's sitting at UPS facilities in nearby Ukiah.

http://www.phrelin.com/Dish/iPadprog.jpg

:(