Is anyone going to buy an Ipad?

[starlooker]

Seems to be a gimmick to me. Bulky and much less functional than a netbook. :confused2:

[TrevorW]

to pricey as is all apple gear

[Octane]

That's the thing, it's not supposed to be a notebook.

Think of it more as an intermediary between your mobile phone and your notebook.

I think it'd be more useful for business-people.

H

[Nesti]

Getting 4-5 of them.

I feel the market will swing to two types of computers;

1. Tower type PCs for static use.
2. Tablet (iPad) type PCs for mobile use.

Laptops will slowly disappear as the younger generations are into more simplistic usability. For mobility, you really don't need to have massive amounts of HDD space...it just has to do a good job while away, while on a plane or in a car. Tower type PCs need to have the grunt, and always will.

The iPad's use of a large screen for both display and keyboard minimises PC size.

I think the market pretty much made the future direction clear in regards to iPhone sales.

[bojan]

I would consider iPad, under condition it is a real PC.
Otherwise it is pretty useless for what it should do and too expensive (3G network... k$ !!!!)
There are tablet PC's on the market.. all you need is a wireless modem and you have much better machine than this gimmick.

One thing I hate most when those new technologies are put on the market are all those deliberately attached strings .. and there are simply too many hanging from iPad.

[Rokketboy]

Very well put.
I will be waiting for the 2nd Gen. ipad when most kinks will be worked out and hopefully a bit cheaper. From what I've seen and heard from friends who have one it's such a versatile do-hickey. I think some people look at things like this and say "Why would I want one of them?"
Then they get to use one just for a try and they wonder how they ever do without one.
I want one mainly as a reader for comic books.(The iPad is a huge kick in the pants for the comic industry. The push for digital comics to become more widespread - and therefore cheaper comics - has been a real gradual, painful path. Until the release of the iPad. Marvel have released their comics app the same time the iPad was released. Others were already there but now that Marvel has entered the digital arena on the iPad, the flood gates are opening. Im a comic geek:))
I get all giddy when I think about being able to carry my whole comic book collection around on one small piece of technology wherever I go. As well as being able to browse the internet, download and read any book (well not any, but thousands and thousans to choose from), music, podcasts all on a device about the size of a hardcover book
Just think about some of the best Astronomy apps on the iPad. More mobility than a laptop as well.
Can't wait.
And don't think other features or uses won't be found/included in the future that make it an even more useful device.

[Omaroo]

Detractors aside, I have my new iPad 64/3G now and am already hooked on it. It's amazing how many people are missing the point of this type of technology. Don't expect it to be net book if you're after a net book. It isn't one, and neither should it be. It's a truly portable display connected to the Internet that relies on an absolute plethora of applicable software to do some pretty amazing things for the way I live. For that, it absolutely shines. If you need a unit to run PHD, Maxim and other Astro software, stay with your laptop. I have this unit now - in ADDTION to my desktops and laptops. I'll take it everywhere with me, and with the keyboard stand it's actually a very, very good portable word processor. I don't see too many net books with portrait displays. Laptops have their uses, and if that's what you need, then maybe stay with them. I don't think that iPad users are going to go back to them because others disagree. :P

Bojan - it's not a gimmick I don't think, and it's not a "real" PC, thank goodness. "Real" PC's can't run what it does - the hundreds of thousands of apps designed for mobile use. Real PC's aren't designed to be truly mobile - and both Windows Mobile and Tablet are jokes. After using these for years, I sincerely believe that they're awful - modifed desktop O/S's that weren't designed from the ground up for the task at hand. Android will fill a big gap here for non Apple users, and it's catching on pretty quickly as a real alternative to iPhone/iPad application. Net books also don't allow you to dynamically scale the display to suit the task at hand like "pinching" on iPad/iPhone does. Again - if you're after a PC get one - but I think that it's unfair to judge the iPad in a direct comparison. It was never intended to be put there. 3G? It's just there for emergencies - in addition to 802.11, and is not the sole method of communication at all, which is what I think that you're possibly assuming. I run the 802.11 network all the time at home and in my office. No 3G required. On occasion, I'll be out in the field and download my email headers- about 200k on average. No big deal on 3G and not expensive. You don't sit there downloading movies via 3G... no-one is asking you to. :)

As far as waiting for the 2nd generation, why? This is already a reasonably mature operating system, with a mature app architecture that has been around for ages now with the iPhone. Multi-touch is familiar to most now, and there is no learning curve going from iPhone to iPad. It's a natural. Newer models will probably go faster, but at the end of the day its the external services that will need to mature in order to keep up. Telstra and other carriers need to see the light and offer unlimited download plans to users. This will really kick off the revolution - and I think that the iPhone, iPad and other HTC devices and such will see to that.

For my work (IT director) it is brilliant for remote control of my network, servers, email, documentation, spreadsheets, etc,etc. Fabulous. Screen real estate is ideal for business use. This device let's me get away from my desk with a unit that doesn't require a desk to sit it on.

What is really impressive is the way you can manage content on it. Applications like iBook, Zineo magazines, Early Edition (newspaper feed) make it incredibly easy to view all the content that you otherwise have to buy in paper form. I've just subscribed to National Geographic and SkyNews (Canadian astro magazine) for small money. I'm in advertising, and I dare say that the future of many magazine titles is in this type of device. Magazines that I've downloaded are full-featured and colored. They are absolutely LADEN with interactive content and links. It's a rush actually reading MacWorld, PC World, National Geo and others on this device - and going to off-site links and returning to right where you left off. Brilliant.

Do I think that it's a good buy, even at $1,048? Absolutely. It suits my needs superbly. I don't want USB ports and connectivity to my day to day doohickies. This lack of functionality wasn't an omission, it's good design. Caveat? You need to run iTunes, eMail or a remote internet disk storage account to make document transfers. Once you get your head around that and accept it, it's all too easy. Some don't like it, and simply refuse to embrace it. That's OK - there will be other devices for you one day soon. What iPad has done is open up new possibilities for the really mobile user. I can't wait to put it to use during an average business day. I've only had it 48 hours and can already se its potential. You do need decent WiFi comms around to get the best out of this machine, as the amount of data you'll be pushing up and down to satisfy the wildly graphical nature of this thing is substantial to say the least. If you depend on a modem to connect to the internet, then forget it. LOL!

Did I mention how well it runs a whole bunch of astro apps like Voyager? Wow. It also remotely controls my ArgoNavis via SkyFi, and my 40D via DSLRemote. I can set up a complete shooting schedule on my iPad and the camera responds - even sending back the photos to my iPad as they're exposed. Yes, it requires a net book to be connected to the camera to serve the local WiFi network, but it's there anyway running PHD. Roaming around the field talking to people and showing the public what's coming off the camera as it does is wonderful. The screen size makes it a natural for mapping too. Try TomTom or Navigon on this thing - the maps are phenomenal. Not too sure of many net books with accelerometer, compass and GPS built in...



Of course it's pricey Trevor - it's brand new technology.

[Miaplacidus]

I remember when the first cars came out. If you couldn't strip and repair an internal combustion engine — or if you were a woman — you weren't considered fit to own a car. Then along came Henry Ford. Wish I'd bought a Model T.

Then there was Leo Fender's strat, which early detractors derided as a flagrant appeal to meaningless aesthetics. Wish I'd bought one of those, too.

Twenty years ago most of us computer users (we were all techies then) lampooned the Macintosh OS as a "dumbing down" fit only for imbeciles. A flagrant descent into populism. "What was wrong with punch cards?" I said. But eventually Microsoft decided to develop Windows 3 anyway. Stupid copycats.

Remember the iMac. Girlie colours, for crying out loud. Sheesh!
Wish I'd bought shares then.

And then lots of those Palm and Blackberry people I know criticized the iPhone when it first came out. Eventually they gave in and bought one anyway, or stubbornly refused to switch while everyone cursed them for fools.

It'll be the same with the iPad. Until the next big innovation, that is. Which again, everyone will criticize.

Dumb as I ever was, dumb as I ever was...

Methuselah.

[Rokketboy]

The points you made are the reasons why I'm waiting. Also, I don't NEED it right now. I WANT it , but I can't justify the expense atm. By the time I have the money set aside then all those things you have mentioned should be much less of an issue. If I was in your line of work (as most of my friends are) I would have one by now as well. But being a landscaper (a not very well paid one at that) I can't justify spending the money right now. I will have to wait:shrug: My ipod touch will have to suffice for now.
Feel free to send me one though if you would like;)

[Kevnool]

Posts here about pricey but no one puts up the price :shrug:
Cheers Kev.

[Robh]

Prices on "nextbyte" website:
iPad with Wi-Fi
16GB $629, 32GB $759, 64GB $879

iPad with Wi-Fi+3G
16GB $779, 32GB $928, 64GB $1049

Regards, Rob

[Omaroo]

I know that my post was long, and I only mentioned the price for the model I bought.

Thanks Robh for the others.

[PCH]

Chris,

congrats on the new gadget - I was tempted to get one yesterday just for the hell of it. But as I bought the 3D TV during the week, I thought I'd better leave it for a fortnight or so :D

Anyhow, I have just one question for you. Without sounding like a patronising so-and-so, I've always been amazed at how much you know. And now, here you are again. These gadgets have been out barely 48 hrs, and just how do you know all this stuff about what they do/control/connect to. I'm truly amazed at how you've managed to check all this stuff out in the last two days. Presumably you do also sleep and do a bit of work as well :P

Anyhow, keep up the good work :thumbsup:

[Omaroo]

LOL! Thanks Paul :) I guess that divorce does that - I now have far more time to myself. I now sit up 'till the wee hours trying new gear, learning, working, learning, and trying to get to sleep. They're not complimentary, it doesn't work. :lol: I love the industrial design aspect of all of this new technology. Its evolution fascinates me I guess. It's amazing to me how many people buy this stuff and never really look beyond it's delivered configuration - and don't explore the possibilities that the designers envisaged for it all.

Congrats on the 3D TV. Are you enjoying it? Did you buy it for the State of Origin like many others did, or are you just upgrading as a matter of course?

[PCH]

Oh well Chris, while there are gadgets, there is hope :D

The 3D TV was just too irresistable for me. The store demo was a soccer match and it was just fabulous. I only bought the 40" model, as it was just to "replace" a perfectly good fat tv in our front lounge room. For $2400 I got the TV, the 3D BD player and four sets of the proper active shutter glasses. So even for a regular TV purchase, the price was ok. Now, I just have to wait for the 3D sports broadcasts and movies to start - as they surely will.

Cheers for now,

[Glenhuon]

Doubt that I will ever own one. Just an expensive toy IMO. Mind you, I think that about mobile phones with internet and camera.

Bill Ludd(ite) :)

[Omaroo]

That's cool Bill, unless you have need for it, (either business or sanity-saving) then anything like this is is just that. As are most people's telescopes, cameras and other fun astro stuff. I'm not sure how many here could claim that their telescope isn't anything more than a toy. :) Everyone has different interests. I'm a development manager, so I see the iPhone and iPad as indispensable tools in my clients business world that I need and want to see do well in the market. They're not toys, as such, to me. :)

[Wavytone]

Had a play with one today at Chatswood Chase, but no.

It can't replace my iPhone and it can't replace my MacBook Pro.

However for light users wanting to couch surf in the lounge, reading the news on the web, email and dabbling with other things - it would be perfect.

It would also make a great UI for controlling a scope at night (iPhone is a bit too small) if/when a bluetooth interface exists.

But I can see there are plenty of niches for these in the business world, married with the right app, and it's no wonder Apple has a huge hit with this.

In particular, anywhere you want a kiosk-style interface for public access to something, an iPad will be the obvious answer hardware-wise.

[Robh]

In my mind, the iPad is a hybrid system that will eventually see the convergence of mobile phones and personal computers. In the future, communication with such devices will be voice driven. Applications will be opened by verbal instruction and data accurately entered verbally (the end of the keyboard). Online applications will see the end of installed on-drive programs such as Office. Eventually, even the hard screen will make way for some form of holographic projection and the personal computer as we know it will end up being fully integrated with our mobile phone.

Regards, Rob

[starlooker]

The iPad is 24.3cm high. To me that's a bit too large to be called a mobile device.

I think the iPhone is probably the optimum size(or a bit larger) for a mobile internet device/ebook reader/video player.

[Omaroo]

LOL! In two days, I haven't turned on the TV or desktop computer. This thing has kept me busy preparing reports for end of month, web surfing, reading books and interactive National Geographic magazines, watching feature films & YouTube and emailing people. I'll download Skype for iPad when it available in a few days to hopefully receive and make calls as I'm using it. Can't wait to take it on the road. :thumbsup:

[bojan]

Chris, this all very nice you are talking about and I can certainly feel your excitement emanating from every word you wrote... but I am not sharing it and I do not like to be too dependent on any big guys.. being them Apple or MS or whatever.
This thing will not go into my house... unless I am forced to let it in by having no other choice.
To me, it simply stinks like a big monopoly....

[multiweb]

I think so too. I really believe Apple is onto something with their products lately and by the look of the success the iPhone/iPod touch had there's no point arguing it - the proof is in the pudding. They understood that user interface is king. iPads are not laptops - they're something else. I reckon they'll catch on fast and the formula will work.

[sejanus]

Is there any astro apps for them like starry nights or similar yet?

[Omaroo]

Huh? So, if a company becomes successful because it happens to design and produce equipment over time that is popular, you'd shun them. That doesn't make sense to me I'm afraid. :shrug: It's the big companies that usually get to design and manufacture the best stuff because they have the resources to do so. I'm not certain, but I dont think that they're here to suck our brains out and steal our children. ;)

[bojan]

Big guys are successful not because the product is necessarily good or harmless.. but because the users are dumb (and want to have gadgets, no matter what).
Apart from honourable exceptions... majority like this because it does many things.. in easy way.. so what ?
And do not get me wrong, I am not paranoid person and I have nothing against this product per se... for others..
My problem is it will eventually lessen MY choices.. by pushing other products out of market.
So, it will become the antithesis of what we in the western world want : freedom of choice (like MS managed to do, almost, and still trying)

[Omaroo]

Oh yes.. and good ones. StarMapPro isn't yet available for use on iPad (behind the times there! LOL!), but CarinaSoft's Voyager, SkyORB (a French offering from Realtech VR), Moon Atlas and several others are. My favourite is Voyager, as it talks via a dedicated WiFi network generated by a SkyFi unit to my Argo Navis.

Voyager, SkyOrb and Moon Atlas:

[Omaroo]

Ah, the globalisation debate. Well, this will likely go on for decades or even centuries. It's the way our world works these days I'm afraid. Resource clustering to make things affordable in manufacturing terms. Profit lines to match. Yup. The times we live in. :confused2: I also believe that the introduction of this device by Apple will do the opposite to reducing choice - it will spawn a veritable onslaught of similar devices from all manner of other developers. This can only be good for everyone concerned.

I'm not sure that people who like gadgets are "dumb". How does that work? :question: I think that people like devices like these because of the content they serve. Not everyone is a rocket scientist, and those will appreciate the device for different reasons. After all, the "gadget" itself is just a closed device, and is flat, small and otherwise benign. Nothing much to fiddle with there... even for "smart" people.

[bojan]

The problem is gadgets create "needs" that otherwise would not exist, being they really needed and useful or not. So those new needs are artificial.. self mushrooming.. (Facebook is another example of this - instead of really socialising, (some) people are sitting by computers in their rooms, in their virtual world. Is this good? Maybe.. but not for me.).
From the "positive" side this can be described as " creating new opportunities" as you mentioned (in different words).
Someone earlier said " I want it but I do not need it" and to me this tells all about this and similar gadgets and services.
As I said earlier, if I need something like this, I would rather go for a tablet PC (BTW, I have one, 15 years old Fujitsu Stylistic 2000, W'95, it even has hand writing recognition software , running in parallel with on-screen keypad). It is very slow of course.. because it has only 100MHz pentium inside.. but I can control it the way I know how.. I can even write my own applications of course (and you can't do it on iPad.. nobody except Apple can.. ).. So iPad is actually nothing new... apart from proprietary software. And lack of user ability to do anything with it without explicit Steve Jobs's permission.. if and when he is in good mood.
No thanks.

[adman]

Actually you can write your own software for it - it is just difficult to sell it via any means other than the App Store.

[bojan]

And it is under Apple's control right?
This is even worse than Microsoft.
Actually, Apple was always trying things like this, even back in Apple ][ days.. not to mention Mackintosh

[Omaroo]

:rofl: Well, as iPhone application developers, my company had better call him (if he's in a good mood) to see if it's OK to develop applications this week. :lol:

You have a old Stylistic? I have two of them - Fujitsu ST-5032's a couple of years old. They're both sitting on my bottom shelf, relegated to the trash. They're bricks. One has lost its stylus, so it's useless :rolleyes: LOL! A stylus? Come on... we've got fingers these days!

Anyone can write iPad applications once they download the development kit. It isn't difficult. To upload applications to the store for sale, you have to prove that the code is stable and works the way it should so that its a good "citizen" on people's devices. I don't see that as obtrusive - I see it as essential. :) I wouldn't download or run your unproven home-grown code on my device in a fit, unless you prove to me that it's wise to do so. It's Apple's way of protecting the "dumb", as you say, user base of tens of millions of iPhone/iPod/iPad owners. Every one of them must be stupid for there to be so many, no? ;) If you choose to find that obtrusive and sinister then we're probably not on the same planet. It's hard to talk to people with anti-anything agendas. :(

[sejanus]

gosh, can you find a bad side about everything?

[DavidTrap]

I like Apple stuff because it works.

I used to fiddle with PCs when I was at high school & uni, but now I don't want to fiddle anymore.

But as my signature says, I have to use XP for the astro software...

DT

PS. I haven't bought an iPad yet, but all good things come to those who wait.

[multiweb]

That would be the only thing I dislike about Apple. Just the way they do things. You can't fiddle with the gear really. Meaning that if it breaks or doesn't work then you're stuck. It's back to Apple store or bust. Spare parts are scarce (iPod bits) and there are internal differences in units sold in different regions/countires. Like mirrored connections or other subtle difference that make it real hard for the end user to replace components.

[bojan]

Good for you Chris... :D

This is a free county. So, I have every right to say what I think, right? Just like you do.
I even have a right to use stylus instead of my fingers.. a matter of manners by the table, I would say .. ;)

BTW, do you work for Apple, by any chance?

[GrahamL]

Arr.. so ..TOS /4 ..has gone south for winter then ?

And does our fascination with all these trinkets perhaps need a little more scrutiny than we are ever able to give it ?
http://business.asiaone.com/Business/News/Story/A1Story20100528-218984.html

I'd likely love one of these things if one came my way though :0

[erick]

Errrr.... can I just have a Kindle DX when they get a bit cheaper?

[Omaroo]

LOL!! It's ok to use your fingers in some cultures... :lol: no one is debating your right to your own opinion - we're just having a discussion. :)

No, I don't work for Apple. I used to work for IBM as a systems engineer back in the early 80's, but would never work for a multinational again. You're a number. I work for a relatively small advertising/development company designing workflow software for the print publishing industry.

[michaellxv]

Coming from the world of MS bloatware as I do I gotta wonder is 64Gb enough? After all hands up what self respecting geek doesn't have at least 1T of storage somewhere :rofl:

Actually as I rarely play games anymore the iPad looks like it could cover most of the apps I use by laptop for anyway. And I would love to get out of the cycle of patch and rebuild and having to run AV software to slow things down.

[Omaroo]

I'm just about to send my Kindle II to my mother. Nice machine for what it's intended, but the iPad makes reading books possible too. I do really like the e-Ink display on the Kindle though, and for black and white books it's fabulous on sore eyes. :thumbsup:

[Tandum]

A $1K for a battery operated device that you can't change the battery in ... not likey.

[Omaroo]

I've been using mine solid since 9:00am this morning Robin- and it still reports 35% battery left. That's 11 hours and counting! The LiPo batteries in the new MacBook and these units are phenomenal, so I don't think that it's a design omission. I don't think that I'd ever need more than this. :thumbsup:

Gee, I really am on the defensive today aren't I? LOL !! :) I guess that I can speak first-hand of it now, so please excuse my enthusiasm.

[Tandum]

My phone has Lipo batteries that used to last a week when new. 1.6 years down the track they last 3 days, 1/2 gone. When they last 2 days I'll either get a new battery or a new phone which ever comes first. I've already had an iPod that needed a $400 battery transplant after 13 months. The iTouch I bought the misses is also wearing out. It's happening again :( That thing cost a fortune .... It's not happening to me a third time. I don't want or need one.

[Miaplacidus]

It's okay, Chris, you go ahead and be enthusiastic. If it was a new scope or camera you'd just bought, we'd all be patting you on the back. Instead, its a device from Apple, and you'd be very naive to think you weren't going to open a can of worms.

Congrats. I love it when I make a purchase I can be enthusiastic about. (My most recent was a Cruzbike recumbent. Don't get me started...)

Brian.

[Tandum]

Exactly, there is no need to defend Apple. But we all know you love them :)

I'm excited about this :-
23-Apr-2010Hong KongThe item left Hong Kong for its destination on 26-Apr-2010
27-May-2010AustraliaArrived and is being processed
27-May-2010AustraliaPending customs inspection.
27-May-2010AustraliaIn transit.

Arriving this week by the looks :)

[Chillie]

Hey Chris. Can you watch NASA TV on the NASA site with your iPad?

I can't with my iPod Touch.

[gbeal]

Man, turn my back for a day, and look what happens. Heated discussion about Apple.
I confess to being in the same boat as Chris, I have an imaging PC purely at the scope, and purely because my Macs won't run the software I choose to use for imaging, nothing else.
Having had an iPad since they launched in the US, (so about a month), I can honestly say it is a wonderful device.
Voyager, controlling the EM200 is a breeze, and it other uses are great as well.
I agree there will be people who don't need one, and lots who don't want one, but to dismiss it simply because of it's success seems a little strange to me. Just my two cents worth.
Gary

[Bassnut]

Cant beleive theres no USB or card slot, to at least get pics in easliy, whats the thinking there?.

[Omaroo]

There is a new adapter set ($39) Fred that provides connectivity to both your camera via USB and SD (Secure Digital) cards. I'll be investigating that option soon. Not sure why Canon persists with the bulkier old CF format, but it won't be supported. I suspect that most cameras will be going wireless in time, and both Nikon & Canon have their WT-4 and WFT-E3A accessories to enable this now. Soon cables and cards will be old hat.

From Apple's website:

[Bassnut]

aah, thanks Chris

[Omaroo]

Hi Henry :)

From what I read, NASA is looking at updating their NASA App for iPhone 3GS to run on the new iPad real estate. My guess is that live streaming will be introduced at this stage. Given that it's a Quicktime (read: Apple) stream, I can't see that you won't have it.

[Omaroo]

LOL! I'm not here to prop up Apple Brian - it clearly doesn't need me to do so. :lol: I don't go giving my advice on Dell equipment, for example, because I have never owned any. Ask me about my experience with IBM, Apple, Sun, DEC, Pr1me, Honeywell and HP (high end) and I'll tell you.

Which model Cruzbike did you end up with? Recumbents have fascinated me for decades, as their mechanical advantage is very clear. I've always been afraid of taking one on the road for fear of invisibility where average drivers are involved. Do you run a flag?

[Miaplacidus]

Mine is the Free rider. My partner has the Quest with 20 inch wheels (which I can't ride because my heels keep hitting the quick release or the derailure). We also have an ancient Greenspeed trike, but I won't ride that in traffic on account of it making me invisible. The Cruzbikes are brilliant. You are actually on the same level as drivers, so you are eyeball to eyeball, and my experience is that they actually pay more heed to you because of this. It takes a while getting used to front wheel drive, and it took me about 30 km to feel relaxed (which is the key to the whole thing). Sort of like learning to ride again. I'm still improving, but now I can ride for about 100 metres hands free (something I could never manage for even 5 m on a regular bike). There are very many things to like about it, but not ever getting saddle sore is fantastic. Double whatever was your longest ever ride without discomfort, and that's how far you could comfortably ride this every day. However much fun riding a regular bike is compared to walking, well it's that much fun again to ride one of these. You have to spin more on the uphills, but that's okay. The main negative is you can lose traction more easily on steep gravel. Also, attaching pannier racks other than a seat stem rack can be a challenge. Otherwise, although they're not cheap, they're a hell of a lot cheaper than most other recumbants. I love it. Sue loves hers, too.

And no, I don't get any commission.

Cheers,

Brian.

[Satchmo]

I will buy the cheapest one some time mainly to play chess on, read the odd book and browse the web . Any other use I can find for it will be an added bonus :)

When I bought my Ipod Touch I was as attracted by all the Apps as the convenience to store all my music . Six months down the track and 100 Apps later I find the only one I really use is a conversion program and occasionally Flashlight. For all its promise most of the apps do something I didn't really need to do, and are limited in what they can do and the tiny screen often makes them novelty value .

On the other hand it has revolutionized my music listening habits and really brought music back in to my life. I have docking stations with speakers in almost every room . I love what the Ipod Touch was designed mainly to do .

I expect there will be some very nice apps to utilise the greater processing power and screen real estate, so I'm sure I will have more joy with Ipad apps.

I think what cheeses off the bulk of the computing community is not how many of these things sell , but how much hype surrounds what little it can do. I can really see the niche and am not an Ipad 'basher'. I look forward to seeing how it can enrich my experience in interfacing with computer technology. Its all good.

[Jaybee]

Tch! I honestly don't know what all the fuss is about, they've had these things on Star Trek for years! On all the different series even! There's always a tech in a red shirt, in the background, tapping away on on..Sheesh..:P

[Chillie]

I have the NASA App but I was referring to accessing NASA TV on www.nasa.gov (http://www.nasa.gov) using Safari.

Also I can't view a larger picture on IceInSpace either. Only thumbnails.

[Steffen]

But, but… that's in the fyootcha!

Cheers
Steffen.

[Octane]

Henry,

I think the video issue might have something to do with Flash not being enabled on iPod's, iTouch's, and iPhones. From memory, the NASA video streams are in Flash format.

H

[Chillie]

Humayun,

I heard about that. That's why I was asking about the Ipad.

For me, I can't see how I would get value for money with the iPad. Although it does have some nice features.

[Steffen]

Apple just announced that they've sold over 2 million iPads in less than 60 days.

http://www.macrumors.com/2010/05/31/apple-announces-two-million-ipads-sold/

Cheers
Steffen.

[Jaybee]

Well, Yes and no, My comment above was tongue in cheek as yours is, but its surprising that some of the tech we use today mirrors that of a sci-fi show set in the future but made in the past....
For instance:
Medical Tricorder -> MRI Scanner
Handheld Communicator -> Mobile Flip Phone
Phaser -> Military PHASR
Holodeck -> VR Headsets
Transporter -> Subatomic Transportation
Universal Translator -> Phraselator or Google Translate
Geordi's VISOR -> JORDY Headset for Vision impaired people
Uhura's Earpiece -> Bluetooth Headset
Forcefields -> Plasma Bubbles
and or course the PADD -> The Ipad (I bet the PADD didn't have a multi touch full colour screen :sadeyes:)

Obviously some of these are stretching the imagination or are still experimental, but some are almost spot on, which goes to prove that APPLE techs must be Trekkies!:lol:

Ohh, Sorry Chris for steering your thread off topic, lets get back to it Eh?

[Octane]

Henry,

Yeah, it's Apple policy across the portable devices that there's to be no Flash development on them. HTML5 and JavaScript is the way of the future, anyway.

H

[MrB]

NASA TV is Quicktime so should work, but doesn't.
Can watch video's thru the NASA app, but I've never seen 'live' streamed NASA TV in the app, only pre-recorded video's.

[SPUTNIK1958]

Yes you can watch NASA TV on the ipod and ipad just download Buzz Aldrin Space APP it has a streaming capability , this works on the ipad and Ipod touch 3 Gen.
Works great on my 3G ipad I watch the shuttle land in Florida on it at work. For about 2 years NASA has been streaming on Apple Compatable systems.

[bojan]

That's what Steve Jobs decided, then..
Not good.

In-advance restrictions like this can't be welcome by anyone, really..

[Octane]

They have their reasons, as Chris has outlined before.

It's not stopping them from selling 2 million iPads in a month, so, they're doing something right.

Times are tough, people aren't stupid to go around dropping thousands of dollars on useless things. Even sheep have some sensibility.

I'm far from an Apple fanboy, but, I reckon they're on to a good thing.

H

[bojan]

Yes, they know what masses will buy, and they deliver this + strings attached (which are not visible at the first glance, well masked additionally with shiny, impressive graphics and attractive packing.. and then they charge them for exactly those strings later.. ). This may be called "Good business strategy" but it is not good and it can't be beneficial for technology development, however strange this may sound to you..
Being not a sheep, I will not buy it.

[Octane]

What strings? Like after-market accessories both by the vendor and third parties?

Or the inability to play Flash content?

People know about both of these before they go and buy Apple gear. No-ones forcing them to.

Innovation drives inspiration and furthers development, not stifles it.

H

[Omaroo]

Actually, NASA TV (live) streams in either Real or Quicktime I believe. Given that, I think it's a small problem to overcome for either NASA or Apple. Watch this space.

[Omaroo]

There you go! :)

[Omaroo]

PLEASE don't! :lol: I'm just wondering why you're bothering to be part of this thread, Bojan, if it offends you so.. uhmm.. greatly? Jeez! Be happy with your old Windows tablet. :) No strings attached! Be happy with Flash taking up 60, 70 or even 80% CPU cycles just to render a menu. Oh fun!

[bojan]

You are sure about this?
Maybe you are aware.. but I bet majority of people are buying this only because it is a beautiful toy, knowing nothing about how things work inside (my daughter is one of them, unfortunately..)
Besides, it is not only restrictions on flash.

Look mate, I want my machine to be open to ANY application, at least potentially.. I don't want restrictions of non-technical kind, and I do not want to buy applications from them that will run on MY machine later - because if I paid for it, it is MINE, not theirs. However, Steve Jobs thinks otherwise.. and that is why I am not his customer.

Exactly the same discussion was going on couple of years ago during "browser wars" .. and during "java conflict" only then MS was on the stage, and Apple was nowhere near them in terms of power on the market..
What some of you guys are praising is not a free market.. and you should be aware of that as well.

[Octane]

If this is the case, then the majority of people are dumb if they don't read specifications before they buy. I personally don't think it's the case.

Secondly, I don't really care how the thing works. I am content that it just works. Not everyone is an engineer and is happy to take a black box approach, and enjoy the device for what it is and its enormous functionality.

H

[Omaroo]

Do they remotely need to? There are very FEW people who know how computers, cars, phones, TV's and elevators work. Does this, or should this, prevent normal people from using these? Does it make them any less useful? Come on. Please..

I'm just wondering where you've seen Apple tell the world that the iPad is, or was, conceived to be a new-fangled laptop replacement. I think this is where your own confusion is stemming from. It is designed, beautifully, within its limitations and makes no effort or promise to fulfil what you assume it must in order to be useful. So why judge it on those perceptions? :question: Its a device designed to consume content - which it does most admirably. It fills a niche, and has never been promised to do anything else. It does not WANT to be a laptop or desktop. Don't compare it to one - simple... :)

As Humayun said, it's a blackbox technology that does exactly as it promises. If you want a machine for other duties - go for those instead. Why deride this machine because you have no use for it? It doesn't make sense!

[bojan]

Chris, You are right..
I really do not know why I am part of this.
Perhaps because I do not like uncritical attidude some of you guys have.

And you do not have to be so.. well, personal about my Fujitsu Stylistic :-) I do not appreciate your sarcasm.
I did no mentioned it because I live in'70, you know.. I mentioned it because it was a new idea then, so iPad is not new today because of this.
And do not bother to reply to this.. I am out of this discussion anyway.

[Dennis]

Nice reporting Chris. Hmm, what am I missing out on?

We’ve never had a mobile ‘phone and we only acquired our first microwave oven a couple of years ago. We don’t do Face Book, My Space, Twitter, Blogs, etc.

I’m beginning to feel disconnected! :lol::lol:

Cheers

Dennis

PS - I do try to have at least one apple a day though;)

[Omaroo]

I think that you live the way I'd love to Dennis. Uncomplicated, at least in terms of having to be permanently "online" as I have to be in my professional duties. Unfortunately I have to be aware of and converse with people that do rely on Twitter, FB and other similar modes of interaction. I miss the good old pager. Beep me and I'll get back when I find a phone box.

I miss the good old days sometimes.

[Omaroo]

Then, kindly, do not refer to people who appreciate this stuff for what it is as "sheep".

[Steffen]

In that case you must be strongly opposing Linux as well, seeing that Linus Torvalds rejects kernel contributions written in Pascal or C#.

The owner of a platform may and must set limitations and boundaries to what goes on and what doesn't on the platform. You can't expect it to be a free for all, not even Linux is (and neither is a Hippie commune for that matter).

Jobs has put forward what many consider sound technical reasons for why Flash is not suitable (even harmful) for mobile computing devices, and hence wants to keep it off the mobile platforms Apple created. If that keeps you from accepting the platform or even accepting its right to exist then there isn't a lot in this world that you'd get along with.

Cheers
Steffen.

[Dennis]

Hi Chris

I should add that our choices are based on what is useful, needed, required, etc. for our lifestyle, not based on some austerity or anti-technology sentiments.:thumbsup:

However, I do have a PDA that controls my Tak EM200 via Bluetooth, so that should at least gain me an entry into the mobile hi-tech club!:):)

Cheers

Dennis

[Omaroo]

This is where the device will SHINE:

http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/jetstar-to-put-ipad-on-in-flight-menu/story-e6frfq80-1225873762673



This is neat too - the Norwegian PM uses one - LOL!:

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/features/newspaper-industry-betting-apples-jesus-tablet-can-work-a-miracle/story-e6frg6z6-1225872393035



Baaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! ;)

[sejanus]

I think it'd be fantastic to use near your telescope rather than a full on laptop.

huge battery length. small & light. decent screen.

[Satchmo]

I had a good play with the Ipad in JB Hi Fi today.

The screen is smaller than I expected. Functionality is the same as the Ipod.I do like the touch screen.

I've decided that I want PC style functionality/interfacability ( including ability to play Flash ) as it will make the device far more useful. I have loads programs that would be great to have on a tablet.

I will wait for the new generation PC Touchscreen tablets that will hit the market soon, like the Eee Pad which will run Win7 , have a model with 12" screen and include a USB port . Same battery life as the Ipad

http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/31/asus-eee-pad-official-intel-culv-processors-windows-7-and-a-1/

[Omaroo]

In the light of you wanting to run the loads of programs you already have Mark, of course a PC tablet would be more useful to you. Do you want to buy my Fujitsu ST-5032? Going cheap... and I mean this in all sincerity!

[starlooker]

Hey fanboy, wait until the novelty with the Ipad wears off. Then you will start a thread with the heading:

"For sale: Cheap Fujitsu ST-5032, includes FREE Ipad".

;) :P

[Omaroo]

Aahhha. Not sure what the fascination is in pronouncing Apple users as "sheep" and "fanboys". Being on the tech side of IT all my adult life (since 1979) I'm pretty sure I know my stuff.

It's "Brylcreem" by the way... ;)

[Omaroo]

It certainly does Dennis! :welcome:

What application are you running on the PDA? Starlink? Bisque?

[Dennis]

Hey Chris,

Even if you didn’t know your stuff, which clearly is not the case, how you choose to spend your money and invest your time and energy to both work more efficiently and also have fun, is really up to you – good on you for making those choices and sharing the results.:)

Cheers

Dennis.

[Dennis]

Hah – we must have just cross-posted. I’m running “The Sky Pocket Edition” and for sheer technical indulgence and fun, I have just started playing with “Astromist (http://www.astromist.com/)”.

Cheers

Dennis

[Miaplacidus]

You say that as though that's a bad thing.

[Robh]

Interesting review in the Australian today ...
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/executive-lifestyle/putting-ipad-through-its-paces/story-e6frg9zo-1225874019754

Regards, Rob

[starlooker]

Chris, don't worry, noone is knocking your formidable technical prowess. :)

A fanboy(or fangirl) is simply someone who is passionate about a particular brand, and the term is not reserved solely to Apple.

I can see how much you love the Ipad, so I was only joking about you getting bored with it and then giving it away for free with the Fujitsu. :)

[Octane]

phw0ar, I just noticed what Chris has as his background on his iPad in post #85.

Thanks, Chris. : D

H

[Omaroo]

LOL! Sorry Duc, I'm not really up with the term. :thanx: I feel all better now that I know everyone is a probably a "fanboy" in regards to their own preferences. Silly thing is, I'm also a fanboy, as such, of Windows (all flavours), Unix, Linux, OSX, VMS, PICK, AmigaOS and a swathe of other OS's - depending on job they're required to do. I don't have any real preference of one over another in terms of their ultimate roles, but my favourite desktop? My iMac - purely because it's Unix-based, (easier to manage remote Unix/Linux systems with resident Unix tools on tap) and it has a whopping 27" display which allows me several virtual desktops mounted all at once on the same screen.

And my iPad... :lol:

[Omaroo]

Thanks Humayun... hope it's OK with you. :sadeyes: Your beach photo is used on my lock screen. You really should submit them as system wallpaper to the manufacturers - they're fantastic!

[Octane]

That looks awesome, if I do say so myself. : D : D : D

H

[Omaroo]

Henry - looks like NASA have addressed this:
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/nasatv_live_iphone.html

[supernova1965]

I had a very short play with one today and I was very impressed the initial impression is very positive :thumbsup:

[Vartigy]

Certainly Apply are leading the way in marketing and techno-genuity.
Only difference is, there are dozens of other manufacturers who sit back wait, listen to the reviews, and come out with something cheaper $ and by far better in the months (sometimes a year or two) later.

i.e. android phones are starting to swallow the smart phone market en-masse. We've got an iphone and an android phone in my house and I must say, HTC have certainly upped the standard.
lol, but thats until the 4G iFlapperchat goes above and beyond the 'bar' again.
the technology game of leapfrog. what a pain in the a$$.

[Chillie]

Thanks for the link Chris.

I have checked it out and it's not bad but would look better on a iPad.

I went into an Authorized Retailer for the iPod last week to look at the iPad and was told they can't get them in. They said the closest place is Geelong.

[allan gould]

Have to agree with you on this. Im waiting for the same sort of device which would be excekllent next to a scope.

[AdrianF]

I was considering buying one but I looked at a friends first and not sure that it's for me. For what it is it looks good but right now I cannot justify buying one. Although if my employer gives me one to use at work I would graciously accept :D.

Adrian

[Omaroo]

It'll be interesting to see how well the Windows 7 tablets turn out - because MS themselves even state that as a tablet OS, Windows 7 just isn't. Windows users have had access to tablets for years now and they've done very poorly, so why all the sudden interest?

Multi-touch technology was originally developed as a CERN project in the late 70's, and was based on their capacitance touch screens developed in 1972 by Danish electronics engineer Bent Stumpe. Pierre Wellner published a paper in 1991 called "Digital Desk", which outlined the idea of multi-finger gesturing. It is probably Apple's successful deployment of this idea in the iPhone that has sparked all the new developments. Just like back in the Lisa days (pre Macintosh) when they successfully commercialised the mouse (which was essentially a Xerox PARC project in the 60's) Apple has again been the innovator here.

With an OS that is designed from the ground up to be operated by fat fleshy things called fingers, the iPad is discernibly better at doing what it does than the Windows machines for the moment. Even though Windows 7-based tablets have multitouch gesturing built in as a core part of the OS, the GUI itself is not designed well enough for screen elements to be controlled easily and smoothly by fingers, and this extends to mouse-bound applications that run on it - read: everything. There's a long way to go for Windows to catch up in this regard. So, what's important to you? Connectivity? Probably trade off GUI usability and go Windows. A mobile device that relies on pure finger control? iPad or maybe (and that's a big maybe yet) Android. A few more apps and it may get there yet.

[sejanus]

I've had mine for a few days now. I don't think they are the sort of device you can really appreciate by using it for a few mins - as you use it over a few days and you find apps that suit what you do, it becomes more & more useful. It's at the point now where I'm not even thinking of opening my laptop up.

[RB]

I'm not an Apple fan, never owned a single Apple product.
I've been considering an iPhone but haven't taken the plunge.

When the iPad came out though I was curious to see how good it actually is.
My wife (not a computer 'person' by any stretch of the imagination) said she'd use one if they're as easy to use as they look.

Well last week I bit the bullet and bought one.

We all love it !

My wife finds it very easy and intuitive to use, my eldest daughter is crazy about it and the kids love just mucking around with it.
And so far I've only installed a few (mostly free) apps.

I've got a few netbooks laying around and they hardly get used by the family but the iPad coped a workout since I got it for them.
Now whether it's just a fad with them remains to be seen but so far, non of the other computers have seen as much use, my family isn't really into computers all that much anyway.

I've downloaded Starmap HD because it looked ok and it was cheap, $1.19.
Love it !
Just hold it up and it will show you what's up there.
The display looks awesome on the iPad and even the kids have been using it to read about the planets etc.

We've only just begun to get a feel of how it all works, using iTunes etc, but I must say so far it's been great to use this gadget.
I may not get an iPhone but I'm certainly glad I bought an iPad, it has a lovely feel and look about it and the whole family gets to use it.
LOL I may even need to buy a few more iPads actually with the size of my family. :lol:

Bottom line: We're very happy with it and I'd certainly recommend it if you're thinking about buying one as an alternative to a netbook.

I know netbooks have other advantages, but honestly my netbooks have been sitting there not being used much except by me.
When I see someone like my wife enjoying to use this thing then I give it a thumbs up and say nice one Apple.

:)

[Omaroo]

A nice review Andrew. Your situation is what these devices were designed for. Consumption. Pure and simple. They are not designed to replace PC's.

Do you think that a Windows tablet would be used as much in your household for the things your family like doing with the iPad? I'm pretty sure of the answer. ;)

[RB]

:question: hmm, my wife might use it as a serving tray. :lol:

[Omaroo]

I've thought about using my Fujitsu tablet as a cutting board. :lol: It's just too hard to clean and isn't dishwasher safe.

[Omaroo]

LOL!!! One electronic cutting board for sale in the "Non Astronomy" section of Ice Trades....

[Spanrz]

The wife just bought one. I think she gets it next week.
Should be interesting, considering that we both have iTouch's.

[higginsdj]

Originally I thought that the iPad was just an expensive toy - just a larger version of an IPod Touch. But then I started looking at some of the apps on offer and realised that there might be some legitimate uses for it. So I tried a few apps on my iTouch like VNC remote control, Starmap Pro and found out that Astroplanner was also going to get a rewrite to move to the iPad. So now I have have one :)

Benefits for me.... I quit the local astronomical society because I couldn't get to the meetings. Why? because I had a choice - open my observatory or attend a meeting. Now I can do both....

I only have one fixed scope now so I also gave up going to public viewing nights. Now I can go AND show people what I do without having the equipment there. I could even interupt a session and target something of interest to the public, take a picture then email it to them on the spot.

Bojun, gadgets do not invent needs, they open up opportunities....

Cheers

[PCH]

Hmmm - so after reading all this interesting stuff on here, and after having been pestered by the kids for what seems like an eternity, I decided I'd get one of these beasties just to have a play with and see what all the fuss is about.

But what d'ya know ? No-one has them in stock. I'm happy to be an impetuous buyer and live with my purchase whether it's a mistake or not. But I could never put my name down on a list for an item that might come in 'sometime'.

Does anyone know where there are any in stock right now? Or aren't there any in Aus, period?

Cheers for any suggestions :thumbsup:

[higginsdj]

When I got mine last week, it was the last 3G model in Canberra. But why not try to buy from the Apple store online? I got my iPad cover from them. The site said 3-4 weeks delivery but it turned up on my doorstep the following morning...

Cheers

[Alchemy]

I got mine, great gadget. But can't upload images to IIS.

Go to youtube type in WILL IT BLEND IPAD ..... One tough little blender, plus after the initial fitting effort notice the screen still works.

[sejanus]

Paul try a few jb hifi stores they seem to stock a few models. I got my 64gb 3g one from there it was in stock.