11" vs 13" - 11" makes iPad feel redundant?

[mortenandersen]

Future main computer for "man" in general...

Travisimo wrote:

"Over time, I do think the tablet computer will become a person's main computer. But this Macbook Air goes a long way to prove that laptops are still not only useful, but stylish and innovative as well!"

I don't think that any device that doesn't have a physical keyboard in a clamshell way ever will be a person's main computer, because the way that the keyboard and screen are arranged or placed together is so natural, and it provides such an excellent man-machine interface for especially writing that nothing else can be conceived to be as good as this intuitive and practical solution - not in the future either, I think.

 

[DarwinOSX]

I love the iPad, had an iPad 1 pre-ordered and the same with my iPad 2. But the Air is so light and slim and has zero limitations that I could easily see not having an iPad. i do read a lot though so I'm hanging on to it for now.

 

[DarwinOSX]

the iPad is a cool device, but still isn't as advanced enough for me to spend several hundred dollars for an oversized iPod touch.

If you think the iPad is an oversized touch then you haven't used an iPad. Much more gestures, speed, and sophisticated apps.

"I don't think that any device that doesn't have a physical keyboard in a clamshell way ever will be a person's main computer, because the way that the keyboard and screen are arranged or placed together is so natural, and it provides such an excellent man-machine interface for especially writing that nothing else can be conceived to be as good as this intuitive and practical solution - not in the future either, I think."

There is nothing natural about a keyboard and clamshell. Direct Touch is natural. Keyboards are just the closest we've gotten to what works well for people. The iPad is certainly challenging that and within a few years may be successor.

 

[Sounds Good]

I use a usb high speed internet stick so I can get instantly connected similar to the iPad.

What is this? How's it work?

Better yet, got a link?

 

[mortenandersen]

"Traditional" keyboard and screen "set up" IS natural

DarwinOSX wrote:

"There is nothing natural about a keyboard and clamshell. Direct Touch is natural. Keyboards are just the closest we've gotten to what works well for people. The iPad is certainly challenging that and within a few years may be successor."

I disagree strongly, and I also think there is a contradiction is this quoted text: that "there is nothing natural about a keyboard and clamshell" and that "keyboards are just the closest we've gotten to what works well for people".

That is precisely the point, and there is no coincidence that the "traditional" way of setting up a keyboard where your hands and fingers naturally are, and a screen easily seen by your eyes, is "the closest we've gotten to what works well for people".

Direct touch on a screen lacks both the angle and tactility of such a "traditional" and indeed NATURAL way of setting up a writing device. So I a convinced that the "clamshell" models will be with us in the future also. This reasoning is so self-evident and obvious that is feels rather strange to have to argue for it.

 

[DieterRams]

i can't imagine having an iPad and a mba. i have the 11" mba (sold my 06' MBP to upgrade).

i can see if you own an iMac and need a portable device to couch surf, take notes, or just an internet solution on the go.

the iPad is a cool device, but still isn't as advanced enough for me to spend several hundred dollars for an oversized iPod touch.

my 11" mba is my main machine, travel solution, and my couch companion. also considering about buying an external, keyboard, trackpad, and speakers to double as a desktop setup to help with photo editing since i am getting into photography.

How do you use your 11" as a main machine? What do you do with it in terms of apps and usage?

Although, most importantly, how do you like typing on it and using the trackpad? I find that I need to curl my fingers back a little bit to type while still maintaining my wrists above the edge so that the edge doesn't cut into my wrists (for example, resting my fingers on the middle row of keys [f, j]) and the trackpad is a bit squat than even the 13"