Thread: Apple's next big thing the iPad....thoughts?

why do you hate tablet pc. I do not have one or know much about them. I am looking in to see if this may be a useful tool in what I am trying to do. Your insight would be appreciated sharper. thanks

In a mixed mind about this device:

1) Does an untested unproven product really require such press coverage? I have spoken to people who actually think this is the first ever tablet pc, and is somewhat of a revolution in portable computing. The Apple marketing team have achieved something special in order to create this hype over the brand.

2) Has anyone actually used a tablet PC before? They're actually pretty crap to use, and if there is one thing I trust apple with it's sleek interfaces and usability.

For reason number 2, my own curiosity and the fact I can claim it as tax deductible work expense I just put down £100 deposit for one. No idea of final cost here in the UK though or when I'll actually get it.

what is the ETA on these iPads

Originally Posted by LondonLife

In a mixed mind about this device:

1) Does an untested unproven product really require such press coverage? I have spoken to people who actually think this is the first ever tablet pc, and is somewhat of a revolution in portable computing. The Apple marketing team have achieved something special in order to create this hype over the brand.

2) Has anyone actually used a tablet PC before? They're actually pretty crap to use, and if there is one thing I trust apple with it's sleek interfaces and usability.

For reason number 2, my own curiosity and the fact I can claim it as tax deductible work expense I just put down £100 deposit for one. No idea of final cost here in the UK though or when I'll actually get it.

You just wasted your money. This isn't a tablet pc by any stretch of the definition. It doesn't even have a USB port. It's like carrying around a giant iphone/itouch...kind of like having one of those giant gimmicky TV remotes with the huge push buttons.

Originally Posted by LondonLife

In a mixed mind about this device:

1) Does an untested unproven product really require such press coverage? I have spoken to people who actually think this is the first ever tablet pc, and is somewhat of a revolution in portable computing. The Apple marketing team have achieved something special in order to create this hype over the brand.

2) Has anyone actually used a tablet PC before? They're actually pretty crap to use, and if there is one thing I trust apple with it's sleek interfaces and usability.

For reason number 2, my own curiosity and the fact I can claim it as tax deductible work expense I just put down £100 deposit for one. No idea of final cost here in the UK though or when I'll actually get it.

When the Iphone came out I was like Psst! no buttons no way. So I will hold off on judging the iPad until I can touch one. For sure the interface of the touch screen will be better then anything widely available today. I do think it needs an Eink screen for longer term reading which may make it difficult for sale of paid electronic subs to be large enough to subsidize the low price. It is funny the market was unimpressed until the price point was announced not that initial reaction means much.

Originally Posted by joeybags73

You just wasted your money. This isn't a tablet pc by any stretch of the definition. It doesn't even have a USB port. It's like carrying around a giant iphone/itouch...kind of like having one of those giant gimmicky TV remotes with the huge push buttons.

True. It's the love child of an ipod touch and an ebook reader. It has the functions of a tablet PC for my uses, but I agree it's not as fully functioning as the term would indicate. My mistake if it misled anyone.

Not a waste of money though. I personally don't carry a laptop with me unless I specifically need it, and existing small tablet pcs or netbooks are too fiddly, bulky, or un-user friendly for me to bother with. An iPad will quite happily sit in my bag without me noticing for those times when I'm sat in a cab or on a train and want some distraction.

Oh and I don't own an ipod touch or an iphone as neither suit my requirements, so there will be no crossover in functionality.

Originally Posted by LondonLife

True. It's the love child of an ipod touch and an ebook reader. It has the functions of a tablet PC for my uses, but I agree it's not as fully functioning as the term would indicate. My mistake if it misled anyone.

Not a waste of money though. I personally don't carry a laptop with me unless I specifically need it, and existing small tablet pcs or netbooks are too fiddly, bulky, or un-user friendly for me to bother with. An iPad will quite happily sit in my bag without me noticing for those times when I'm sat in a cab or on a train and want some distraction.

Oh and I don't own an ipod touch or an iphone as neither suit my requirements, so there will be no crossover in functionality.

Well in that case I think you made a smart move as you entered the market at the right time. I'm not really into gadgetry. I buy refurbished, old generation stuff...lol. Just an older guy who enjoys the more old-fashioned looks. For you, you can enjoy the functionality of the itouch/iphone without having had spent the cash on them previously. The only Apple product I own is an older generation nano. I don't really like the way Apple operates because the new products they introduce tend to render their previous ones obsolete. They almost force the consumer to have to buy their latest and greatest. That's just my opinion. Like I said, I'm a bit old-fashioned. I'm still using my 7 year old Dell laptop for god's sake.

Enjoy the ipad and keep us informed about how well you like it.

No USB ports? Fail!

Originally Posted by PhxMJ

No USB ports? Fail!

Yeah, no USB...

Full Specs: Apple - iPad - Technical specifications and accessories for iPad.


Hands-on Demo:

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JPTaoDwOz4[/ame]

Apple I-Pad [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFNQE_TzQNI&feature=player_embedded]YouTube - Apple I-Pad[/ame]
LOL

Originally Posted by CardShark

why do you hate tablet pc. I do not have one or know much about them. I am looking in to see if this may be a useful tool in what I am trying to do. Your insight would be appreciated sharper. thanks

this is what i was saying to myself when i was watching this presentation online

why does it have itunes on it?

a ipod touch and normal ipod are way more portable am i supposed to be carrying this thing outside with me?

why does it have iwork on it ?

who is really going to be writing long documents on it?

people are making a big thing out of this ibooks thing but there color e-book readers coming out...

why is it using the ipod sdk and just scaling things up to fit the ipad screen...........

oh and no tv out?!


sure for indoors, colleges and schools i see a use but elsewhere....

it just seems like everyone is going crazy over tablets!!!

Originally Posted by Russ H

That's what people said about no printer ports . . . or no CD-ROM drive . . . or no . .

MJ, what if Apple came out w/a backwards compatible hub that wirelessly connected all of your USB devices to your iTab? They already do this w/a hard drive that automatically backs up your data.

I mean, we're talking about having wireless *power* in the next coupla years, for Pete's sakes!

Not saying they'll do it. As has been pointed out, part of Apple's marketing strategy is to come out w/a 2nd generation piece that has more capability. So USB might just be on that menu.

Or not!

-Russ H.

Here's how the adapter looks like:

ipad does not replace a phone, does not replace a laptop. It is a color e-reader. If the whole ereading and epublishing thing takes off it will do ok but I don't see the big near term potential unless it is turned into a tablet PC.