Question : your opinion on one of the limitations of iPad's OS

[Jules242]

Hey there everyone,

I'm curious about what you all think about this limitation of the iPhone/iPad OS:

Being unable to use your disk space for whatever you may wish. This seems to be a much bigger limitation to the iPad than the iPhone. I cannot imagine how someone could argue that the iPad can replace a conventional laptop when it doesn't allow you to download a file and store it through a "finder" interface or some implementation of this general concept. Sure, I can view a PDF on my iPhone, but why shouldn't I be allowed to download a .zip file from safari and STORE it on my device if I have free space? Again, you might argue that this is unfavorable for a cellular provider, but what about the Wifi functionality of the iPad? It seems absolutely incredible to me that you can't browse files and download stuff to keep on the go in some sort of storage place. It seems to be such a massive limitation to the iPhone OS devices that can be fixed so easily.

Please, don't think that this is iPad hatin' ... just want to know if you guys have discussed this issue before, and what you think that it means in the context of the argument that the iPad can replace a tablet PC or Mac/Windows laptop for consumers.

(to sum up, it seems that the iPad can view existing files but that it is very limited in its app-specific functionality to save certain file types)

[Jules242]

Oi, nobody has an opinion on this? Am I just a bumbling loonie who thinks that this is troubling?

[yyy]

Apple considers the iPad a "restart", that is, if today's computers are too complicated for customers the iPad is supposed to be easier to use. I guess customers who know what files and folders are aren't the target audience for the device whereas customers who use the device mainly for web browsing and apps shopping are more than welcome

[shakenmartini]

Originally Posted by yyy

Apple considers the iPad a "restart", that is, if today's computers are too complicated for customers the iPad is supposed to be easier to use. I guess customers who know what files and folders are aren't the target audience for the device whereas customers who use the device mainly for web browsing and apps shopping are more than welcome

The iPad is also a work in progress.

OS 3.2 is obviously a stop gap and by summer I am certain apple will implementment a unification of the local disk and iDisk and may have a few other tricks up their sleves.

Already iWork.com work well (although not perfect).

I get the feeling apple is releasing the iPad OS3.2 about 2-3 months earlier than they I intended.

This isn't bad, I'm quite happy with the iPad. Just a few improvements and the iPad will be killer.

[rtay]

Originally Posted by yyy

Apple considers the iPad a "restart", that is, if today's computers are too complicated for customers the iPad is supposed to be easier to use. I guess customers who know what files and folders are aren't the target audience for the device whereas customers who use the device mainly for web browsing and apps shopping are more than welcome

Do you honestly think people are that dumb they can't understand files and folders. I have not met one person who doesn't know how to do this. I am not a techie person that knows how to develop or do anything complicated on computers, i don't kpnow anyone who does either. And I have not had pone problem with that system. How can it be easier? Put your documents into folders sorted by spuabject, class, etc. Pictures Into pictures, etc., etc... Tell me, how is that is complicated in the least bit?

I think apple will release some major upgrades in 4.0 when they see how people are using this and want to use this. I don't see how people can be satisfied with the restrictions and say they expected it. That's why iPhones still don't multitask, everyone is fine with it and convinced themselves they don't need it.

[H00513R]

My desktop will do just fine for whatever hardcore stuff I need to do - but for 99% of people using laptops, surfing the web, listening to music and watching movies is just fine.

[rtay]

Originally Posted by H00513R

My desktop will do just fine for whatever hardcore stuff I need to do - but for 99% of people using laptops, surfing the web, listening to music and watching movies is just fine.

Do you consider downloading files off the internet hardcore? That's the only thing iPad is missing that is preventing it from becoming my full time computer. And i dint think many people would want this to watch movies instead of a bigger commuter screen. I never itch them on my 15 inch laptop caused i think it's too small.

[Eso]

Originally Posted by rtay

Do you honestly think people are that dumb they can't understand files and folders. I have not met one person who doesn't know how to do this. I am not a techie person that knows how to develop or do anything complicated on computers, i don't kpnow anyone who does either. And I have not had pone problem with that system. How can it be easier? Put your documents into folders sorted by spuabject, class, etc. Pictures Into pictures, etc., etc... Tell me, how is that is complicated in the least bit?

Shh!

You are talking to people who think that computers are too complicated because grandmothers who have never used one before (*gasp*) don't know how to use them! They don't understand that people have to learn things that are new to them, even if they are simple.

They believe that an iPad is so intuitive that anyone can pick it up and know how to use it right away. Yet, two weeks ago I was with a girl who had an iPhone and her 23 year-old friend. Her friend couldn't find her own cell phone so she grabbed the iPhone to try and call it. She couldn't figure out how to even dial a number (despite us telling her to "push the phone button") and ended up just throwing it at her friend to do it. Can you imagine this same girl trying to set up a WiFi connection?

If a computer is "hard" for a person to use, it's only because try refuse to learn how to use it. It's no different for an iPad or iPhone.

[Spudracer]

Originally Posted by rtay

Do you honestly think people are that dumb they can't understand files and folders. I have not met one person who doesn't know how to do this. I am not a techie person that knows how to develop or do anything complicated on computers, i don't kpnow anyone who does either. And I have not had pone problem with that system. How can it be easier? Put your documents into folders sorted by spuabject, class, etc. Pictures Into pictures, etc., etc... Tell me, how is that is complicated in the least bit?

I think apple will release some major upgrades in 4.0 when they see how people are using this and want to use this. I don't see how people can be satisfied with the restrictions and say they expected it. That's why iPhones still don't multitask, everyone is fine with it and convinced themselves they don't need it.

Another one who doesn't get it. They're not dumb. They want an information appliance that delivers content with a minimum of fuss. Think of it like a television. People just want to pick it up and use it. If you want folders and and access to storage buy a laptop or desktop.