Help, I have an urge to buy an iPad.

[techgnome]

A sage once told me that to live happily, I should avoid creating scenarios that justify that need for something. It's like this way... Can you really not live without reading manga, is it an absolute need or did you conjure up this need to read manga to justify the buying of an iPad?

I don't read manga ... but I read books. I don't *need* to read them, but they do help me to keep my sanity and provide a means of momentarily escaping reality. It also provides a means of passing time to prevent boredom from setting in when I travel. It's very rare that I do not have a book within reach. Does this mean I *need* an iPad? No, it certanly does not. I doubt any one *needs* one. It's not about need. Most people want one... for what ever their reasons are. I am not one of those. For the same reason I don't own an iPod/iTouch... I don't need them. When I got an mp3 player, I made a list of my wants and can't live withouts. The iPod didn't make the cut (in fact it was eliminated on the first requirement - FM Radio) Then I went out and found one that did fill all of the requirements. Cost me $60. I've done the same for eReaders... I know right off the bat that iPad won't work for me (I read outdoors a lot, so any screen needs to be viewable in summertime noon sun high in the sky sunlight.) Since I'll be reading books, color isn't imperative. WiFi is nice but not necessary. Expansion port is also nice, but not necessary. Came down to Kindle and Nook. both are the same price and virtually the same features. The Nook just happens to have a couple extra features the Kindle doesn't.

Oceanbelle is right about one thing... don't impulse buy. Give it a couple months. Then buy an iPad, cheap on eBay as everyone tries to dump their junk, I mean toy.

-tg

[oceanebelle]

Hmmm, but I think it's just an obvious niche that Apple addressed and marketed aggressively. An obvious niche that I'm surprised nobody has exploited before.

The idea that some people might want a screen that can be both landscape (movies) and tall oriented (for reading books and comics).

The Tablet PC's yes, but they were full computers, too expensive to be media consumption machines. Also there was no convenient shop for app/book/comics.



Apple is overpriced & restrictive. I probably will end up waiting for Google OS Tablet.

But no one can argue with Apple's and Steve Jobs' ability to be innovative, and create something convenient & cool that users want to use.

They did it with fully developing the first GUI and now they're doing it with the iPhone and iPad's touch interface and an app store that makes buying easy, and screens out buggy / malware applications.

Only downside, is of course inflexibility, arbitrary censorship and being overpriced.

But I argue that's actually good for a large section of casual consumers.

I don't disagree with your finer points of course.. it's just that most if not all of the casual people that I know (except you that is) that are willing to buy an iPad have no particular specific need that can be targetted by the iPad.

The notion I get of affluent people that can afford to buy iPad, wants to buy it because it's hip and it's hot akin to a fashion accessory to be discarded when a new apple product comes out of the production line,

while those that can't buy it wants an iPad because it's the latest fad and that would make them quite popular if ever they have it. My sisters for instance know nothing of PCs and computers but know the latest news about apple products its annoys me.

I guess I can't really blame them.

There are several points that I can think of where iPad might be a star:
1. If you don't have a TV and want to watch episodes from iTunes on a small screen.
2. If you like to have all your books and comics whatever in one small device (e-book)
3. If you want a super portable device for light surfing and/or gaming

Funny, these points would make me want to buy an iPad myself to be honest.

[Shaggy Hiker]

I agree. The tablet PC has been the "next big thing" since the early 90s, at least. Some company would hype it up...and it would fall flat. Because tablet PCs were totally stupid for a long time. Apple hasn't come up with anything new here, they have just hit on a combination of things:

1) A fanatical fan base that will buy anything they sell, even if they have to make a use for it.

2) A rising tide of silly little apps that can run on such a thing. Sure, some of those apps are really convenient, but most are things that we lived well without until it came out on a gadget.

[MaximilianMayrhofer]

The german Wepad is way cooler.

[dbasnett]

Did you see that AT&T is changing the data plans?

[abhijit]

Did you see that AT&T is changing the data plans?

Yes. They have found out that 98% of their customers do not go beyond the 2 GB of data. That's what a manager at work told me yesterday.

So instead of unlimited data, you can now have a 2 GB per month for a slightly lower rate. Cheap data plans aren't new, t-mobile has had one for years. I wish t-mobile had a better signal than AT & T or Verizon.

[Icyculyr]

My mum owns a 64GB WiFi iPad, I've played with it a lot. It's very good, and it does have exception battery life. Once funding permits, I'll be grabbing myself a 64GB 3G iPad.
I've tried the Marvel comic reader app, it's quite good. I'm not much of a comic reader myself, but it's very nice. Coupled with iOS 4 for iPad later in the fall (multi-tasking, etc...) it'll be fantastic.

[MaximilianMayrhofer]

Noone likes you.

[Icyculyr]

Huh?

[NeedSomeAnswers]

My mum owns a 64GB WiFi iPad, I've played with it a lot. It's very good

Very good at what ?

[Icyculyr]

Very good at what ?

I was speaking overall. Aside from all the third party apps, its great for emailing, surfing the net, music, reading, and video. All the other apps are very well designed, I don't use them that much (photos, maps, calendar, address book etc...), then again, it's not mine. I've got Pages on it, and it's a pretty amazing word processor. I imagine keynote and numbers will be equally impressive. Battery life is as advertised, sometimes better, 7-12 hours.

[dilettante]

I wonder how many end up as expensive electronic picture frame gadgets?

[baja_yu]

Amazing word processor? With a 10" screen with an onscreen keyboard?! On a device with a curved back that teeter totters when you put it on a flat surface??

[mendhak]

Amazing word processor? With a 10" screen with an onscreen keyboard?! On a device with a curved back that teeter totters when you put it on a flat surface??

Yes, it has a great word processor, but not if you want to do some word processing.

[techgnome]

In other words... it's a great app... as long as you don't try to use it.

-tg

[Icyculyr]

Amazing word processor? With a 10" screen with an onscreen keyboard?! On a device with a curved back that teeter totters when you put it on a flat surface??

Yep, the screen is large enough to write comfortably in landscape, portrait works just fine too, but landscape is best (assuming you're sitting it in your lap or on a bench). Personally, I prefer the virtual keyboard over a physical one for a slate. And the curve is very slight (just so you can get a finger under the edge of it on a flat surface) and it does not teeter totter whatsoever.

Yes, it has a great word processor, but not if you want to do some word processing.

In other words... it's a great app... as long as you don't try to use it.

I'm guessing neither of you have ever used Pages for iPad. It's a brilliant word processor, and it's perfectly fine to type on... unless you have some issue with virtual keyboards.

[stlaural]

I currently own an ASPIRE ONE 532h (299$) and wouldn't replace it for an iPad. I do like the gadget side of the iPad, or any other Tablet PC but right now I think the prices are still too high for what we get. I kinda understand people who get an Iphone or an Adroid Phone as you can carry it in you pocket, I do have an iPod Touch myself and find it usefull when a WiFi network is available, but for anything bigger as the Ipad or the Netbook I'd still go for a netbook.

[baja_yu]

I have to agree with Mr. Gates on this, tablet PCs are fun and interesting, but when it comes to practicality they will hardly replace netbooks. It's hard to replace a physical keyboard, no matter how small the device, plus they give you a combo of a screen and a keyboard in device of almost identical size. And yes iPad (and tablets) can use an external keyboard, but if I'm going to lug that around I'll rather have a full sized laptop.

[GaryMazzone]

10" is big enough? You must be joking... I have a 14" work laptop and consider that size to small to work on comfortably.

[NeedSomeAnswers]

I was speaking overall. Aside from all the third party apps, its great for emailing, surfing the net, music, reading, and video.

Right so basically it's great for doing all those things that i already do on my computer !

And how much do they expect me to pay again to be able to do all those things that i can already do on my computer ?

[techgnome]

People, people, people.... you have to remember WE are NOT the target audience for something like the iPad... the target is the millions (apparently 2 million and counting) out there that just want a simple interface, surf the web, read/send email and listen to their music. People like us don't get it because we aren't supposed to. And I'm sure that Jobs is fine with that.

-tg

[NeedSomeAnswers]

the target is the millions (apparently 2 million and counting) out there that just want a simple interface, surf the web, read/send email and listen to their music.

While i agree that we are not the target audience for this device i cant help but think those that are in the target audience are being conned and in the end they are not buying it for any functionality at all really but because it is by Apple & Shiny.

[baja_yu]

Actually they aren't being conned, they just can't admit that they are buying it because it apple, shiny and fashionable, so they try to 'explain' how great and functional it is too (even though it's not).

[techgnome]

The only part about it I'd feel conned about is the "thousands of pre-existing apps" .... which were originally for the iPhone and look like carp on the iPad.

-tg

[Max Peck]

Buy an iPatch instead.

It will be a lot cheaper and a lot more fun (you will get to play pirate whenever you want).

*shakes head in disgust...I can't believe the garbage this younger generation finds to spends its money on*

LOL Hack! I totally agree!

-Max

[capsulecorpjx]

Buy an iPatch instead.

It will be a lot cheaper and a lot more fun (you will get to play pirate whenever you want).

*shakes head in disgust...I can't believe the garbage this younger generation finds to spends its money on*

The iPatch will cost $200, and will only work with Apple's iHook and iPegLeg, sold separately.

Also overtime, the black dye will evaporate, so you'll have to either buy a new iPatch or send it into Apple to redye it for $50 + shipping.

[Shaggy Hiker]

The only part about it I'd feel conned about is the "thousands of pre-existing apps" .... which were originally for the iPhone and look like carp on the iPad.

-tg

REALLY?!?!

I'd have to say that there is something decidedly fishy about that statement, (though I must admit that it does make me almost consider thinking about getting one of these). Frankly, I hear plenty of people carping about the iPhone, so I'm not all that surprised to hear that people are carping about the iPad, as well. After all, you fish for carp with balls of dough, and Apple fishes for iUsers with balls of dough (and brains of jell-o, but that's different).

[Icyculyr]

If you guys don't want or see the point of an iPad that's fine. But it's nonetheless a great device. There are no other slates like it, and there will be no other slate with an app store as large (or IMO a slate as good, Apple have had years of experience from the iPhone). Once I get mine I'll use it often, I'll be able to travel around and have a fully functional computer-like device, no it isn't capable of doing any of my work, but it covers everything else.

Right so basically it's great for doing all those things that i already do on my computer !

And how much do they expect me to pay again to be able to do all those things that i can already do on my computer ?

Sure, they expect you to pay $499 - $699 (+$130 for the 3G model) for a WiFi iPad (16/32/64GB), for the ability to do those things on a multi-touch 9.7" slate that you can carry around anywhere.

While i agree that we are not the target audience for this device i cant help but think those that are in the target audience are being conned and in the end they are not buying it for any functionality at all really but because it is by Apple & Shiny.

It's an amazing piece of tech, but even the consumers that buy it would return it if it didn't do anything they wanted.

[Shaggy Hiker]

If you guys don't want or see the point of an iPad that's fine.

I see it, it's in the upper left, beside the P, and above the line of the I, right?

But it's nonetheless a great device. There are no other slates like it, and there will be no other slate with an app store as large (or IMO a slate as good, Apple have had years of experience from the iPhone). Once I get mine I'll use it often, I'll be able to travel around and have a fully functional computer-like device, no it isn't capable of doing any of my work, but it covers everything else.

Ok, I'm not an early adopter, and I certainly have my quirks (even sat phones don't work so well in many of the places I go), but I do have a question for you: You mention that it "covers everything else". What do you expect to actually use it for? I realize that there are dozens of apps out there, but what will you use? I used to program for PDAs, but I was hard pressed to figure out what was actually useful. I heard that the most popular PDA program was one that blanked the screen so that it could be used as a mirror. I don't know if that is a true story, but it certainly fit well with my experience. I ended up with only two apps that I was actually using, other than games, and one of those two was utterly superflous. When I got rid of the PDA, I moved one of the programs to a computer, where I can still use it, and the other one I simply abandoned. I was using it because it was there, not because it was necessary.

So what apps do you expect to actually use? How often? And why?

[Icyculyr]

I see it, it's in the upper left, beside the P, and above the line of the I, right?

Lol ^_^

Ok, I'm not an early adopter, and I certainly have my quirks (even sat phones don't work so well in many of the places I go), but I do have a question for you: You mention that it "covers everything else". What do you expect to actually use it for? I realize that there are dozens of apps out there, but what will you use? I used to program for PDAs, but I was hard pressed to figure out what was actually useful. I heard that the most popular PDA program was one that blanked the screen so that it could be used as a mirror. I don't know if that is a true story, but it certainly fit well with my experience. I ended up with only two apps that I was actually using, other than games, and one of those two was utterly superflous. When I got rid of the PDA, I moved one of the programs to a computer, where I can still use it, and the other one I simply abandoned. I was using it because it was there, not because it was necessary.

So what apps do you expect to actually use? How often? And why?

Well, with the Apple apps:
I'll use Safari very often to do the same things I do on my computer (facebook, reading articles or threads on forums, checking out game sites, making theoretical computer builds on NewEgg and whatever else etc.), except I can do them anywhere. If I want to sit outside in the sun, watch some TV, sit on the sofa, have something to eat, I can.

I'll also check Mail frequently, I rarely ever send e-mails, just read them.
I'll use Photos to have a look and play around with my photos from time to time.
I'll use Calendar often to check what I've got to do etc... or add new events.
I'll use Address Book, Maps, and the like when the time comes. For example, I'm not going to use Address Book everyday, I'm going to use it when I need to add someone's contact details. Maps, obviously when I'm travelling in an unfamiliar area.

I'll listen to music often on my iPad instead of my iPhone with exception to the rare occasion that the iPad would be impractical in such an occasion (I.E headphones, walking around somewhere, unless they were bluetooth and the iPad was in a sling).
I'll watch movies on my iPad when the TV is impractical, I.E when I'm not at home . Likely when I'm waiting around for something, I.E on a plane.
I'll use Notes often to make notes, shopping lists, to-do's and jot down idea's.
I'll use iBooks to buy and read books when good ones come out in my country. Only the US has good books at the moment, other than a few old freebies they include.

And, obviously, when travelling or staying with friends I'll use most of these a lot more frequently.

Although I like the ability to, I don't really buy music from iTunes. I have bought plenty of movies, apps, and if there are some good books in Australia in the future, probably a few of those too.

I have little use for Pages, Keynote, and Numbers at the moment. But, if the need ever arises, I have a fully functional presentation program, word processor, and whatever number does, graphs or something. If anyone ever emails me a word, excel or powerpoint document, I can open it on my iPad.

In terms of third party apps (excluding games), I'll use iMockups for creating mockups of websites (I could even show a client a mockup for their website), applications or iPhone/iPad apps.
I'd also use Brushes and Sketchbook Pro time to time for fun, and any fun little utility apps.

The US has a lot more apps that aren't available in Australia... like Netflix, I'd get that in a heart beat. Hopefully the Netflix site will go international at some point.
In terms of games, there are too many to list. From RPGs to FPS, puzzles, board games, heaps of games... even online games.

I'm willing to fork out plenty of money for one, it has value for me. It's a remarkable device, but nonetheless if you don't like it, then it has no value for you. With iOS 4.0, multi-tasking and app folders will make it even greater.

[NeedSomeAnswers]

Sure, they expect you to pay $499 - $699 (+$130 for the 3G model) for a WiFi iPad (16/32/64GB), for the ability to do those things on a multi-touch 9.7" slate that you can carry around anywhere.

Splutters !!!!

It's an amazing piece of tech, but even the consumers that buy it would return it if it didn't do anything they wanted.

Its not that amazing on a technical level there is nothing in the IPad that is particularly ground-breaking.

What is amazing is Apple's ability to package lots of tech that already exists into a nicely designed package and convince a few million people that they need one !

[Icyculyr]

Splutters !!!!



Its not that amazing on a technical level there is nothing in the IPad that is particularly ground-breaking.

What is amazing is Apple's ability to package lots of tech that already exists into a nicely designed package and convince a few million people that they need one !

It's not ground-breaking, but it's still amazing. You've got a piece of hardware with up to 64GB of storage, a 1GHz A4 chip, in a device that is about half an inch thin that weighs ~700g (~1.5 pounds), with up to 12 hours of battery life at lowest brightness (which is comfortable to view), that is multi-touch. The competition for this doesn't even exist yet, and the competition that does come out will likely fail miserably, Apple has had years of experience with the iPhone, thus they are able to produce this very well the first time.

Apple doesn't need to convince anyone they need an iPad, because, every one of those two million people (in about two months) that bought an iPad, could have taken it back if they didn't like it.

[NeedSomeAnswers]

So you,

- Browse the web
- check Mail
- Look at Photos
- use Calendar
- Address Book
- Listen to music
- watch movies
- make notes,
- Read books

So nothing that cant already be done on a laptop, which supports the fact that they are being bought for there design rather then any practical use.

[Icyculyr]

So you,

- Browse the web
- check Mail
- Look at Photos
- use Calendar
- Address Book
- Listen to music
- watch movies
- make notes,
- Read books

So nothing that cant already be done on a laptop, which supports the fact that they are being bought for there design rather then any practical use.

No, it doesn't support that "opinion". It's being bought for its form factor. You can do all of those things on a desktop computer, does that mean it's impractical to do them on a laptop? -- no. The iPad is capable of doing all of those things very well, just in a different way (touch).

[techgnome]

The iPad is capable of doing all of those things very well, just in a different way (touch).

And so does my convertable laptop (touch too) ... and with 500GB storage (not just 64) ... AND it can do two things at the same time. Like rub its belly and pat its head. iPad still can't do that.

Also, just because some one hasn't returned their iPad (and to be honest, we don't know how many of those 2mil have been returned) doesn't mean that it isn't gathering dust somewhere. Plus that 2mil sales is going to include some amount that were bought for reviews and are now gathering dust somewhere.

Touch screens are nothing new. They've been around since the 80's at least. So once again, nothing truly ground breaking there. Just like most things now a days, there's no new advances being made... all that's changing is the cost of the technology and the marketing that surrounds it. And not every one likes the iPhoney-interface. I've tried using my wife's iTouch... and it only reinforced why I don't have one.

-tg

[baja_yu]

You've got a piece of hardware with up to 64GB of storage, a 1GHz A4 chip, in a device that is about half an inch thin that weighs ~700g (~1.5 pounds)

So do the Nexus One and HTC Evo 4G cell phones, and they are drastically smaller. Isn't that more amazing?!

[techgnome]

I had my hand surgically replaced with the one from Inspector Gadget... after a recent upgrade, my thumbnail now actually gives me a thumbnail view of the web and I can use my palm to navigate with (complete with tactile feedback!). Now THAT is amazing.

-tg

[Shaggy Hiker]

I can certainly understand why someone would want to be able to do those things with a more mobile, instant on, device than a laptop. It doesn't suit me for a variety of reasons, but I do recognize that there are other people out there with less demanding needs, and it IS a step in the right direction, just not a big enough step for me.

Roughly speaking, I don't want the ability to do those things anywhere. I don't want to deal with e-mail when I'm out and about, I don't use a calendar, since my brain still has sufficient memory for that app, I don't make notes in that fashion, I don't want to see a movie on a 10" screen, and I don't listen to music when I'm mobile. But I know other people who do any or all of those.

There would be a use for such a device for me, but the iPad is too heavy, the battery life is too short, the cost is marginal, and the keyboard is inadequate. That might surprise people, but the use I have in mind is: Coding while hiking. If I could get a reasonably durable, sub-16oz system that ran .NET with great battery life (or possibly a solar charger), then I would seriously consider it. I happen to be a good, and fairly fast, touch typist, so keyboards are kind of important to me. The thought that an on-screen, 10", keyboard would be considered adequate for any normal person is kind of laughable, but I recognize that it is unlikely to get a normal keyboard for a device as small and light as that. Perhaps a projection keyboard could be added? Still, I would get by with the smaller, cramped keyboard, and the necessary hunt-and-peck style of coding, if the weight and power was right.

[MaximilianMayrhofer]

Yes, I can see how there would be a huge market for people who hike and code. Simultaneously. While chewing gum.

[NeedSomeAnswers]

I can certainly understand why someone would want to be able to do those things with a more mobile, instant on, device than a laptop. It doesn't suit me for a variety of reasons, but I do recognize that there are other people out there with less demanding needs, and it IS a step in the right direction, just not a big enough step for me.

That sentence pretty much sums up how i feel about smart phones & tablets as a whole. They are improving but they are not quite what i would like them to be yet, but that is probably due to me reading far to much Science Fiction.

When they make a device with which i can view the Web through my Contact Lenses, control it with a few simple facial gestures or hand twitches and have storage that is so small that it come in-built into my clothes and is clever enough to converse with me then i will be starting to get somewhere :0)