Goodbye Epson and Other Hard Drive/Viewers; Hello iPad

[Michael-IIIf]

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I must admit when I first saw it I was underwhelmed. But then I read Stephen Fry's column on his blog and I have to admit that is also how I felt about the iPhone when it came out and now I own one and wouldn't be without it.

 

Stephen Fry: why the Apple iPad is here to stay | Technology | The Guardian

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[stunsworth]

Michael, but even Fry doesn't say what it's _for_ in that article - other than reading periodicals/books - just that it's a sexy piece of equipment. I'm not denying that it looks good, and feels good to use, it's from Apple, that's taken for granted.

 

At this point to me it looks like a lot of "form" and not much "function". I - and remember this is only my personal opinion - look at it and think "That looks like a sexy bit of kit" and then think, given that I already have an iPhone and a MacBook, whatt will I actually use it for. That's where I'm stumped.

[menos I M6]

I never cared for a "iPad".

When the rumors got more substantial last weeks, I actually was thinking:

 

"Well, if Apple does make

- my 15" MBP smaller as todays 10" netbooks,

- cancels the keyboard,

- retains Firewire and USB,

- shares the same Magsafe connector,

- makes storage accessible/ upgradable

- and runs OS X in the same open, accessible structure as on my Mac, I buy one as a travel computer."

 

Apple instead got here an upscaled iPhone. Clearly not meeting my computing requirements.

The gadget fans will be happy with it for sofa surfing, ebook reading, gaming purposes, I guess.

 

My MBP is too bulky and heavy with a charger, to take it on certain trips with comfort.

Still looking for a good route for that issue (the smallest 13" MBP looks like the best option, Apple offers here atm. The MBAir is clearly too pricey and too inconnectable without FW, more USB ports and no DVD burner).

[Michael-IIIf]

Michael, but even Fry doesn't say what it's _for_ in that article

 

I can think of a use in my own life. I have a second home in France. At the moment I leave my ancient G4 Titanium there with my music on it. It really does need replacing and on my last few visits there I've carried my MacBook Pro (and charger) with me. I could see the iPad (what an awful name) being either a replacement device to stay there or being light enough to carry back and forth for those trips.

 

But, and it's a big but, 64GB is too small and the lack of a camera for Skype is a serious drawback. So, like Fry, I think I will be more interested in iPad 2.0 in due course.

[biglouis]

I must admit when I first saw it I was underwhelmed. But then I read Stephen Fry's column on his blog and I have to admit that is also how I felt about the iPhone when it came out and now I own one and wouldn't be without it.

 

Stephen Fry: why the Apple iPad is here to stay | Technology | The Guardian

 

... Stephen Fry is to iPad what Seal is to the S2... doesn't mean they won't both sink without a trace.

 

Actually, I suspect we will all be using iPad devices like this by the end of the decade:

 

LouisB

[Venkman]

If you watch the introductory video with all the Apple employees, they state exactly what the iPad is: "We have build a device that runs all apps." and "It features three build-in stores" and "There will be more apps created specifically for the iPad, so there's a gold rush for app developers".

 

It is a large iPod Touch (a device that I really like), but it lacks a purpose other than providing a platform for content developers (instead of being user focused).

 

The connectivity is Apple typical - virtually none without adapters and additional cables.

 

I wouldn't say it's a lemon, but it is nothing more than an oversized media purchase and playback device (and I guess that it does that very well).

 

Dirk

[cocker]

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A good antidote to the breathless and mindless enthusiasm for these things.

 

Palms, Kindles, Nooks, iPads – none are as cool as Gutenberg's gadget | Simon Jenkins | Comment is free | The Guardian

[Nicoleica]

And for those who think that having trouble with new media technology is a recent development.....In your home' support

[jsrockit]

Wow, this iPad hate is very similar to the original iPod's announcement...

 

Apple's New Thing (iPod) - Mac Forums

[h00ligan]

I don't really see a lot of hate here, compared to most other sites. I also think that there may be a higher median income on a Leica board - which is what is going to be needed to sell these, but yet even those with perhaps more income than many still aren't biting. People are talking about price - but... how many would buy the 16gb version. As a tablet computer, the upcoming MSI tegra 2 looks like it will be a MUCH better device - running android - as a couch computer. Again I do think that by rev 2 and when some major developers get on it, it could be good, which is what everyone is basically saying. I really don't think people are being unfairly harsh in their assessments here.

 

This seems to echo the sentiment of a good portion of apple's target. OhGizmo! Archive OhGizmo! Exclusive – Rumors And Spy Shots Of A Pocket-Friendly Version Of Apple’s New iPad (Adds Camera And Phone Capabilities!)

 

BTW - I boght a mac only ipod on day one despite not having a mac. I already had an in car mp3 player (basically a linux computer in single din format called the empeg car) and I couldn't have been more excited. I also waited in line for an iphone.. and held on to that for 2 years until the 3gs came out (to which I upgraded on launch day) I am absolutely the consummate early adopter for apple, and a huge cheerleader for them, and I'm still not sold on this device to fulfill MY needs.. although as I said before, I told my mom to get a 32 gig version instead of a laptop... but all she does is consume, limited creation - and she has an imac already.

[!Nomad64]

I'd rather see it as a potential great support hardware.

First thing I checked was whether iPhoto supports .dng files. It does.

Then, with the help of the card reader I could imagine to use this device whilst travelling to view, check and select pictures taken and saving them into a portable HD. Editing is best left to your PC at home.

Finally, using it for everything else: storing pictures online, checking emails, taking travel notes (and backing them up on a cheap SD card), listening music, you name it. It's light enough to not to burden one's luggage.

 

Cheers,

Bruno

[jsrockit]

 

This seems to echo the sentiment of a good portion of apple's target. OhGizmo! Archive OhGizmo! Exclusive – Rumors And Spy Shots Of A Pocket-Friendly Version Of Apple’s New iPad (Adds Camera And Phone Capabilities!)

 

As with the iPhone, it'll come down to the apps. Initially, the iPhone didn't have much going for it other than it being a phone and MP3 player that had internet access. However, once Apps started being built, there were a lot more uses for the device. Once Apps are built specifically for this device, people will get it (but maybe not buy it). Truth is, this type of computer will never be as ubiquitous as the iPhone or iPod was / is. IMHO, Apple was smart in making this device ensuring that it didn't cannabalize macbook sales. PC companies making new tablets based on Windows will fail again because they will be competing with laptops. However, maybe the ones based on a different OS will succeed.

[Jeff S]

Name dispute?...Japan's Fujitsu says it made first 'iPad' - Yahoo! News

 

Jeff

[menos I M6]

I am very interested, to see, what is coming up in the near future in PC based tablets, which can be hacked to run OS X smoothly, to give people, who wanted a open platform small form factor tablet a solution.

 

Actually, I played already with the idea of a small form factor "hackintosh" netbook. Until now, there were just no aesthetically pleasing products available, which were compatible to do so.

[h00ligan]

@jsrockit - I think we mostly agree. I do think it will get there, it will just take some time. I don't think it will be the bomb that is the apple tv, or the newton.

[jjb]

good discussion, everyone!

 

i am an outside observer, but once worked as a professional in the computer industry.

 

allow me to preface this by admitting that no-one knows if Apple has succeeded until we try out the goods.

 

but, count me among those who believe Apple have developed something very special here. i see at least 3 basic elements that support their claim for a new category. more importantly, i can envision the iPAD earning a place in millions of homes/businesses:

 

1) super-sized, capacitative multi-touch screen. should yield superior web-surfing and rich-media performance vs both smartphones and laptops. intuitive, smooth, reportedly super-fast, LED backlit, IPS technology. superior visual experience vs smartphones.

 

2) the iPhone OS, the fast motor behind the iPad, requires smaller fooprint/less power than a laptop, features a huge existing app store, and has an open SDK for software developers. this differentiates iPAD from laptops/netbooks. OK, it will not replace your laptop in every instance, but isn't that the point? iPAD needs a unique and powerful identity all its own, one which laptops cannot replicate. 140,000 apps and counting - very rapidly.

 

3) the decoupling of the mechanical keyboard from the unit, placing it on-screen in virtual form only when needed. this permits a sleek total package offering a more personal, nimble online experience than any laptop.

 

hey, i also welcome the aggressive price and the optional, pay-as-you-go 3G service. i absolutely hate subscription plans!

[abrewer]

Only Apple could take a 10" Jobo digital photo frame, inflate the price seven times and pronounce it the new latest, greatest wondertoy of the 21st century

 

Is anyone buying this nonsense???

 

 

[John Thawley]

Only Apple could take a 10" Jobo digital photo frame, inflate the price seven times and pronounce it the new latest, greatest wondertoy of the 21st century

 

Is anyone buying this nonsense???

 

 

 

Surely you jest?

 

I took a $2000 print order the first week I had my iPhone.... simply by showing a driver a shot of his car on iPhone. You bet I'll be showing my portfolio on an iPad.

 

Furthermore, it's hardly a 10" Jobo digital photo frame. I don't believe the Jobo has acceleration or compass technology... or can sense touch and gestures.

 

Nor will it display Google mapping GPS in a map size you can actually see... or zoom in on... or give screen of point-to-point directions.... even a street view to help familiarize you with where you're going. How about managing your contacts and calendar on screen that's the equivalent of proper day planner. Or allows you to purchase and play music or read books.... and the majority of major newspapers and journals. And lets not forget, ALL the major magazines will be delivered in e-format with full, rich-interactive content... and video. And I do mean delivered. They'll simply show up. This will finally allow publishers to monetize their content (which they are entitled to just as you and I are entitled to be paid for our work and intellectual property.) And of course, music, videos, movies.... all hi-res as you sit on a plane headed to your next destination. Quite nice, really.

 

And, gone will be the days of "downloading" and "storing" as we quickly move toward "cloud" computing. The aforementioned portfolio I will be showing customers will actually be my archive that ALREADY resides in the "cloud." As convenient as it has become to carry ALL of our music on an iPod, ultimately our content will be leased or stored and streamed from the cloud. Again, no reason to store it locally.

 

Just as radio didn't kill the news paper, television didn't kill the radio, the iPad will not eliminate the smart phone or laptop. However, paired with the Internet and ever increasing connectivity, it will provide a catalyst to finally deliver all forms of content via one device.

 

In the early stages, it's certainly fair to call the iPad a "Lifestyle" device. But you might want to consider it wasn't designed for the things you do today. It's designed for the things it will allow you to do tomorrow.

 

Again, with "cloud" computing, photos might be uploaded, then edited using a program similar to Google's Picasso. And, of course, transmitted or downloaded directly to customers, editors or publishers.

 

And, if you consider using Skype, you have the perfect interface for internet voice and video personal communications. So, I can hold my iPad in my hands and talk directly face-to-face with my 7 year-old son.

 

You must have loved when they took the horse from in front of your carriage?

 

It's not about what you're doing or what you've done. It's all about what can you do next?

 

JT

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[pop]

Only Apple could take a 10" Jobo digital photo frame, inflate the price seven times and pronounce it the new latest, greatest wondertoy of the 21st century

 

Is anyone buying this nonsense???

 

 

 

But then, only Jobo could take a 10" photo frame, inflate the price ten times and pronounce it the new latest, greatest wondertoy of the 20st century.

 

Did anyone buy this nonsense???

 

[discoscience]

But that's the thing...it's a jumbo digital photo frame that also lets you surf the web, listen to music, read email, etc. While I won't be buying this thing (at least not yet), there's no question in my mind that this will be a huge success for Apple. The price is right. I think people who are dismissing the iPad as just an overgrown iPhone aren't looking at the bigger picture. This is the evolution of computing. This is a device designed for everyone else...and by everyone else, I mean all those folks who have completely tuned out because of the complexity associated with modern computing. This is for your mother who calls you asking for help with viewing email attachments. Apple knows about this demographic, and they are going to do everything they can to capitalize on it. For many, this could be the first computer they actually understand how to use! Even for the more tech-savvy, the possibilities for such a device are endless. There's so much more screen real estate. Just think of what you can get from the app store today. Games, synthesizers, photo editors. It's going to be really interesting to see what developers come up with, now that they have quite a bit more room to work.