Seems to be a gimmick to me. Bulky and much less functional than a netbook.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
Quote:
Originally Posted by TrevorW
to pricey as is all apple gear
Of course it's pricey Trevor - it's brand new technology.
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.
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.
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 My ipod touch will have to suffice for now.
Feel free to send me one though if you would like
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.
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.
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
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
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. 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?
LOL! Thanks Paul I guess that my divorce has changed a few things about me - and one of these is 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. 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.
I'd rather my life back, but that wont happen. Oh well.. more gadgets!
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?
Oh well Chris, while there are gadgets, there is hope
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
)
My ipod touch will have to suffice for now.
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. 
