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on Browsing: I think alot of it has to do with the type of browsing you do. The majority of my browsing is forums, news articles, school related materials and work related materials. In hindsight, if I was a different person with different uses for the web, I might not appreciate the iPad as much as I do now, which only affirms the fact that it is a different kind of product, that is meant for a particular audience, and even that particular audience will not like it if they are anticipating something else.

on Luxury item: Duh. My lampshade doesn't turn into a helicopter, but it's still useful. The majority of what we have are luxury items, the necessities make up so little of what we own. It has it's practical purposes, but it's also nice. I'm a Pastor, the majority of my professional use of the computer revolves around word processing, powerpoint, papers and e-mail communication. The kind of stuff that my dusty old 366MHz Laptop will do. That didn't stop me from using my dual core laptop I'm using right now, it's a practical convenience. The iPad also helps me in that way, e-mail correspondence is nice on it, plus doing research for schoolwork and even for my sermons is very nice by flipping through things with my fingers.

on It's-Not-A-Mac: You're right. So go buy a Mac if that's what you want.

on Flash: The response to Apple's push of HTML5 has been good, more and more websites (even YouTube) are headed towards HTML5. Apple says their number one support call comes from issues surrounding Flash, and that the number one reason Macs crash is because of flash. I would venture to say that the number one reason my dual boot laptop (Ubuntu 10, Windows XP) crashes, is flash, in either OS. Part of Apples product model with iOS is a user-friendly no-brainer device. When we download or buy software for our PC's we need to make sure it's safe, and that it's not going to crash. Apple does that for us. Now, that can be good or bad- bad because it restricts what we can and can't do by allowing Apple to block workarounds (such as the MiWi app for Jailbroken iPhones, which allows the user to work around AT&T's restricted use of a persons own data, by tethering outside of what is built in.) so it's a give-and-take thing, but it's not going to change. Apple says that the main reason they reject apps is because they cause the device to crash, or because it might not work with future OS updates (Custom API's), Flash would easily be denied in the app store. This can only turn out good in the long run, as it will at very least, increase the amount of HTML5 content on the web, to appeal to the iMarket.

on Screen Size: I don't care who you are, nobody can be as productive with an iPhone screen as they can be with a 10" iPad screen. It's a two-handed immerse-yourself-in-whatever device. The iPhone is convenient and small, and can probably do anything the iPad can do, but without a doubt there are things the iPad can do faster, and for the user, easier.

-John
 
And you can make calls with your bathtub and carry it anywhere in your pocket. ;)

The point I was trying to make is those arguments are STUPID. I guess a camera on an iPad would be cool but the lack of doesn't make it a faulty product. My laptop doesn't have a 5mp rear facing camera either. It also doesn't make calls. My wallet doesn't turn into a helicopter, and my dresser doesn't double as an oven. It's a different kind of device, I know I'm beating that into the ground, but the fact remains it's not an iPhone OR a laptop, so the people who think it's one or the other are going to find silly faults with it.

Facetime would be cool I guess, but I see NO practical use for a rear facing camera, I'd rather pull out my iPhone.

EDIT: Meant to quote above, but you posted too quick for me, didn't even notice you had said the same thing I was about to say!!
 
Didn't even bother reading the other 4 pages worth of posts after reading this page. Too much crap. Yawn no one cares. If you don't like the iPad don't wonder this part of the forums :p
 
Oh, I am sure the extra .5 g the rear camera adds will really break your arm. Who said people feel the iPad is useless without a camera? If apple adds a camera, I am sure some people will use it. The best camera is the one you have with you. Therefore, I repeat myself: If the next iteration of iPad has a rear camera and you don't like it, don't use it.

1) Unless the iPad gets Helium balast tanks then it's current weight will not change much in the next iteration. Therefore it will remain heavy and unsuitable as a camera.

2) Maybe you are new to the forum, but go and read some of the dozens of threads speculating on the next iPad, as well as the many threads about the current one, where many claim that the lack of cameras (plural) was/is a "deal breaker".

3) All I said was that if a rear facing camera was included, then many of those who wished for one to be included will be dissapointed. I never said that it shouldn't be included otherwise I will cry and cut myself like some Emo kid, but I probably won't use it just like I don't use the mute switch because neither address my needs.
 
Yes I´ve used one plenty (my friend has one) and I have the iPhone 4. So I know the iOS mobile web experience very well. It´s ok for the iPhone. But for an device size 10" it is unacceptable. It´s just a bad bad experience.

That´s why I do most of my web browsing on my iMac.

If the iPad would have the full web experience that the Macs have, then I would surely think of buying one!

Why do you feel that browsing the web on an iPad is an "unacceptable" experience? I, and many others, would hugely disagree with you (laptop web browsing has become clunky for me since using my iPad so much), but I'm interested to hear your reasons.
 
1) Unless the iPad gets Helium balast tanks then it's current weight will not change much in the next iteration. Therefore it will remain heavy and unsuitable as a camera.

It is 1.5 lbs. That is not exactly heavy for periodic casual use.

2) Maybe you are new to the forum, but go and read some of the dozens of threads speculating on the next iPad, as well as the many threads about the current one, where many claim that the lack of cameras (plural) was/is a "deal breaker".

No, I am not new here. I've read plenty of the comments in forums. While I don't agree with all of it, I still think the iPad would benefit from a camera. Even if all you want to use if for is to quickly snapshot a diagram during a lecture, it is better to have the option than not. It is a shame that apple didn't include a camera of some kind on the first iPad because I am sure people would find it useful even if only from time to time.

3) All I said was that if a rear facing camera was included, then many of those who wished for one to be included will be dissapointed. I never said that it shouldn't be included otherwise I will cry and cut myself like some Emo kid, but I probably won't use it just like I don't use the mute switch because neither address my needs.

And some people seem to be squawking quite the opposite sentiment (they will be upset if the iPad 2 includes a camera). All I am saying is "yes to features that are useful".
 
Yes, Flash is of course the biggest problem. Without it I will not be able to use Youtube, Myspace, Facebook and bunch of other main sites that I use frequently. At least not enjoyable at all! The iPad´s web experience is just plain bad experience in this department.

Without Flash you're unable to access YouTube? You do know that iOS devices have built in YouTube player, and iPad supports in-browser YouTube playback via HTML5/H.264, don't you?

Bob, I will be honest here.. every one of your posts in this thread is a giant bag of fail. You're full of arrogance, ignorance, and misinformation. You confuse facts with your misguided opinions. Your analogies are full of holes and don't make much sense. It is clear that you don't like iPad, and that's perfectly fine. Why do you insist on continuing to post in iPad thread - I do not know. Do us a favor, and let us have a discussion about iPad that is free of your posts?
 
Without Flash you're unable to access YouTube? You do know that iOS devices have built in YouTube player, and iPad supports in-browser YouTube playback via HTML5/H.264, don't you?

Bob, I will be honest here.. every one of your posts in this thread is a giant bag of fail. You're full of arrogance, ignorance, and misinformation. You confuse facts with your misguided opinions. Your analogies are full of holes and don't make much sense. It is clear that you don't like iPad, and that's perfectly fine. Why do you insist on continuing to post in iPad thread - I do not know. Do us a favor, and let us have a discussion about iPad that is free of your posts?

A quick mention on the HTML5, my laptop can barely muddle through 720p youtube videos (it can do it better under linux, however). 1080p, audio plays and video runs at what I would guess to be 8-12fps. I clicked on the HTML5 beta, and watched a video using the HTML5 H.264 version of youtube, watched a full 1080p video smooth as silk (outputting onto a 1080p monitor both times). Additionally, video from my Canon DSLR (H.264) is fine, but most other formats my ol' laptop can't handle. Yet another reason why I don't miss flash on the iPad (yes, some websites aren't very pretty, and some are frankly unusable, but in MY Specific case, I haven't come to a point where I couldn't finish what I was doing because of a lack of flash support. Most websites that I use that use flash, also offer a free app, such as facebook).

-John

(P.S., before anyone says anything, I'm not saying flash is ultimately bad, I'm just saying HTML5 is just ultimately better, a format that adds functionality to an aging system ain't no small feat.)
 
I'm not saying flash is ultimately bad, I'm just saying HTML5 is just ultimately better

Yep. After 10 minutes of Flash playback on my MacBook Air - it would get as hot as a frying pan, with fans roaring at 6200rpm. iPad plays YouTube videos without breaking a sweat - it's a much more pleasant experience.
 
I have a Macbook Pro (early 2010) I have on loan from work. I use it for surfing, iTunes base station, and some basic iPhoto. It's free, so why not? I also just purchased a 27" iMac for video editing, and to use it for a media server, iTunes base station, etc. So I have almost phased out the Macbook pro. I was looking at doing away with it all together with an iPad purchase. But for web surfing and such, how do you all hold the thing? Obviously the Macbook pro sits well on my lap top with a laptop pad with the screen at a slight angle. It's comfortable for a few hours of surfing. But since the iPad does not open like the laptop screen, how is it comfortable to use? Silly question I guess, but I was curious how folks hold it for hours of use, not minutes like my iTouch.
 
That's what I thought until I got to use one at school. Now hopefully I'll get one in about a month. ;)
 
Yep. After 10 minutes of Flash playback on my MacBook Air - it would get as hot as a frying pan, with fans roaring at 6200rpm. iPad plays YouTube videos without breaking a sweat - it's a much more pleasant experience.

Yeah same here, flash intensive content (such as watching shows on Hulu) heats my laptop up so much I have 3rd degree burns on my legs, dark spots on my dresser and my bed caught fire. These are all exaggerations, but the thing is... Just barely. Web browsing of any sort shouldn't push the performance envelope of a PC, lol.
 
I have a Macbook Pro (early 2010) I have on loan from work. I use it for surfing, iTunes base station, and some basic iPhoto. It's free, so why not? I also just purchased a 27" iMac for video editing, and to use it for a media server, iTunes base station, etc. So I have almost phased out the Macbook pro. I was looking at doing away with it all together with an iPad purchase. But for web surfing and such, how do you all hold the thing? Obviously the Macbook pro sits well on my lap top with a laptop pad with the screen at a slight angle. It's comfortable for a few hours of surfing. But since the iPad does not open like the laptop screen, how is it comfortable to use? Silly question I guess, but I was curious how folks hold it for hours of use, not minutes like my iTouch.

I don't hold it. I am laying down, on my belly, and the iPad is laying flat. I also prop it on the arm of the couch, or if I am at my desk, it lays flat on the desk.
 
I have a Macbook Pro (early 2010) I have on loan from work. I use it for surfing, iTunes base station, and some basic iPhoto. It's free, so why not? I also just purchased a 27" iMac for video editing, and to use it for a media server, iTunes base station, etc. So I have almost phased out the Macbook pro. I was looking at doing away with it all together with an iPad purchase. But for web surfing and such, how do you all hold the thing? Obviously the Macbook pro sits well on my lap top with a laptop pad with the screen at a slight angle. It's comfortable for a few hours of surfing. But since the iPad does not open like the laptop screen, how is it comfortable to use? Silly question I guess, but I was curious how folks hold it for hours of use, not minutes like my iTouch.

Full Disclosure: I don't have mine yet, but I have used a colleagues and another friends alot.

Think of it like reading a book or holding a piece of paper. Web browsing, ebook reading, everything is that sort of experience. That's kind of the dividing line between whether or not you will enjoy it. Beyond that, there is the dock among certain cases that would allow you to "prop" it up to watch videos and things, and I'm even comfortable pulling my knees towards my chest and resting it on my lap, and I'm a big guy.

I find myself most of the time though, sitting the bottom edge of it on my lap and holding it up, but I think each person will find the most comfortable way for them to use it. If you don't think any of those ways would be comfortable or would feel awkward, you might be better off keeping the MBP. If you are lucky like me you might find a friend who will let you borrow it for a day so you can use it for a good period and see if you like it.

-John
 
It is 1.5 lbs. That is not exactly heavy for periodic casual use.

For the odd snapshot it may be fine, but not for extended photography sessions or filming, where the weight of the iPad held at distance from the face (around 30-40cm from the eyes in order to be able comfortably view the screen as a viewfinder in its entirity) would become bothersome, unlike a heavier DSLR or camcorder where you benefit from the effect of leverage as it is often held much closer or directly against the face, or easily mounted onto a tripod. I didn't think I needed to spell out this possible ergonomical issue, but obviously I do.

No, I am not new here. I've read plenty of the comments in forums. While I don't agree with all of it, I still think the iPad would benefit from a camera. Even if all you want to use if for is to quickly snapshot a diagram during a lecture, it is better to have the option than not. It is a shame that apple didn't include a camera of some kind on the first iPad because I am sure people would find it useful even if only from time to time.

I didn't dispute the benefit of the addition of a camera (in particular a forward-facing camera), I disputed the perception of benefit many indivduals have expressed as unrealistic in consideration of my point above.

And some people seem to be squawking quite the opposite sentiment (they will be upset if the iPad 2 includes a camera). All I am saying is "yes to features that are useful".

I don't care about those individuals screaming bloody murder at the thought of the addition of a camera, nor do I share their sentiment. I just question if the iPad warrants the inclusion of a camera capable of 720p at 30+FPS (as some claim they need). As I mentioned, if it is a feature that does not add to my usage experience (because my needs, like everyone elses, are unique), then I am ambivalent about it, except that the possible greater cost of the unit would then factor in to my purchase consideration and so its other features would need to be interesting enough to warrant my expenditure.
 
Yep. After 10 minutes of Flash playback on my MacBook Air - it would get as hot as a frying pan, with fans roaring at 6200rpm. iPad plays YouTube videos without breaking a sweat - it's a much more pleasant experience.

I have the same experience - my laptop gets just as hot playing a "simple" Flash based game on Kongregate or using a Flash based website, as it does when I play Battlefield 2 :eek:
 
When the iPad was announced, a guy that I know said, "it's just a big iPod Touch: it looks like Apple has run out of ideas". Ha!

I got my 3G iPad the day that it became available, and I've been using it for most of my personal computing needs except for Quicken and photo management/tinkering. I remember people saying how that the iPad's weight and form factor made it kind of uncomfortable for extended reading. Now, I find holding a book to be more unweildy and cumbersome than holding an iPad.

Having a powerful computer by my side that's instantly ready to go at all times is just so handy and useful.
 
I wasn't going to buy one and a week before black Friday I was walking out the apple store with a 16GB 3G... got back $43 gift card on black Friday & I haven't put my ipad down since. At least 1 Co-worker a week comes in with one since seeing me use mines at break.
 
From the beginning I saw the potential for the iPad from a business point. Instead of buying everyone in my office laptops, I can buy them iPads and they can use them in and around the office for notes, meetings, to display demos and stay connected to their emails while away from their desktops. We can pipe new meeting changes via iCal to them and they can connect to their MacPros at the end of the day.

The iPad saves us a ton of money when compared to buying a MacBook Pro and are cheap to replace if one gets damaged or dies. It is a no brainer hardware purchase for small - large companies.
 
Why do you feel that browsing the web on an iPad is an "unacceptable" experience? I, and many others, would hugely disagree with you (laptop web browsing has become clunky for me since using my iPad so much), but I'm interested to hear your reasons.

10" device isn´t anymore a "mobile" device as the iPhone is. It´s practically same size as the MBA = a laptop. So a mobile phone OS on a 10" device/laptop is ridiculous. Would you like iOS on the MBA? It´s practically the same thing.

MBA is perfectly able to handle the full web experience. So why can´t we have that on the iPad? Instead we have this terrible mobile web experience.

RIDICULOUS!!!
 
10" device isn´t anymore a "mobile" device as the iPhone is. It´s practically same size as the MBA = a laptop.

Since when is a laptop not a mobile device?

So a mobile phone OS on a 10" device/laptop is ridiculous. Would you like iOS on the MBA? It´s practically the same thing.

It isn't a mobile phone OS. It's an OS designed for multitouch input. Makes perfect sense to have a multitouch OS on a multitouch device.

Microsoft has tried to push an OS designed for mouse input to tablets for 10 years. Apple sold more iPads in 6 months than every Windows based tablet sold in the last 10 years.

MBA is perfectly able to handle the full web experience. So why can´t we have that on the iPad? Instead we have this terrible mobile web experience.

Is that a euphemism for no flash player?
 
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