Apple Announces April 3rd Launch Date for Wi-Fi iPad in the U.S.

[MagnusVonMagnum]

right, so you want a full spec OSX touch screen tablet computer for about the price of an iphone.

What is the current rival at that price?

It IS a computer. The only things holding it back from being a full scale OSX machine is that Apple won't install the full version of the operating system and maybe throw in a USB port on the thing. The Mac Mini is also $600 and it's a full scale computer that's only larger in thickness and it has way faster hardware on it to boot and much larger hard drives. Throw a screen on that thing and you're done. Obviously, Apple can easily afford to make this tablet for well under $600 or they couldn't sell it for that much and make a profit. Given their profit margins in recent years, I'd guess the thing costs around $350 to manufacture for the $600 model. OSX already exists so the development cost there is negligent for a new model and they would not have had to modify iWork to run on it.

Now if you want a PC Rival, it depends on what you're looking for. They've had reversible notebooks that turn into tablets for may years now. They have sub-compact computers with similar processors that have full keyboards and can run full versions of the operating system. Of course, if all you are looking for is a book reader (dumbed down operating system), Amazon has Kindle2 for a couple hundred less.

Like I said, the iPad could easily run the full version of OSX for a neglible cost to Apple and they could run the iPhone OS on top of it like Front Row is the original Apple TV interface (more or less) running on top of OSX. Then users would have an actual CHOICE about what kind of experience they would like to have. The problem with Apple (since rehiring Steve) is that Steve is a control freak and he couldn't care less what customers actually WANT. Why is there no "theme" preference panes for OSX? Because that's how Stevie likes his Mac! There isn't even a button to switch to a 2D dock in OSX because Steve doesn't like it no more. It's out of date just like DVDs and especially Blu-Ray, which was DOA and a Bag of Hurt!

Meanwhile, the rest of the world is enjoying 1080p movies on their notebooks while Apple can barely play a DVD and Steve might just remove that support in the next OS since it's "dead". Never mind the SD movies on iTunes are sub-DVD quality and don't even have Dolby Digital sound. I'm sure Steve likes the superiority of monaural sound so OSX V10.7 (aka Tabby Kitty Touch OS) will showcase the superiority of mock vinyl 78's in iTunes played through miniature horn speakers because that's kool Daddy-O and Stevie likes that kitschy black turtle-neck "yeah" beatnik vibe (snaps fingers in front of microphone). You can get with it or get something square! (like that Bill Gates "geek in a bow tie" vibe Windoze thing

 

[wilvo]

It IS a computer. The only things holding it back from being a full scale OSX machine is that Apple won't install the full version of the operating system and maybe throw in a USB port on the thing. The Mac Mini is also $600 and it's a full scale computer that's only larger in thickness and it has way faster hardware on it to boot and much larger hard drives. Throw a screen on that thing and you're done. Obviously, Apple can easily afford to make this tablet for well under $600 or they couldn't sell it for that much and make a profit. Given their profit margins in recent years, I'd guess the thing costs around $350 to manufacture for the $600 model. OSX already exists so the development cost there is negligent for a new model and they would not have had to modify iWork to run on it.

Now if you want a PC Rival, it depends on what you're looking for. They've had reversible notebooks that turn into tablets for may years now. They have sub-compact computers with similar processors that have full keyboards and can run full versions of the operating system. Of course, if all you are looking for is a book reader (dumbed down operating system), Amazon has Kindle2 for a couple hundred less.

Like I said, the iPad could easily run the full version of OSX for a neglible cost to Apple and they could run the iPhone OS on top of it like Front Row is the original Apple TV interface (more or less) running on top of OSX. Then users would have an actual CHOICE about what kind of experience they would like to have. The problem with Apple (since rehiring Steve) is that Steve is a control freak and he couldn't care less what customers actually WANT. Why is there no "theme" preference panes for OSX? Because that's how Stevie likes his Mac! There isn't even a button to switch to a 2D dock in OSX because Steve doesn't like it no more. It's out of date just like DVDs and especially Blu-Ray, which was DOA and a Bag of Hurt!

Meanwhile, the rest of the world is enjoying 1080p movies on their notebooks while Apple can barely play a DVD and Steve might just remove that support in the next OS since it's "dead". Never mind the SD movies on iTunes are sub-DVD quality and don't even have Dolby Digital sound. I'm sure Steve likes the superiority of monaural sound so OSX V10.7 (aka Tabby Kitty Touch OS) will showcase the superiority of mock vinyl 78's in iTunes played through miniature horn speakers because that's kool Daddy-O and Stevie likes that kitschy black turtle-neck "yeah" beatnik vibe (snaps fingers in front of microphone). You can get with it or get something square! (like that Bill Gates "geek in a bow tie" vibe Windoze thing

I'm sorry, you talk nonesense, geeks often do as they fail to understand that just because you want to do something, doesn't mean the rest of the world does.

Your argument that Steve doesn't care what customers want is laughable. If that were true, Apple wouldn't be selling more computers and phones than ever before. Every new product Apple releases is criticized by geeks like yourself for being too restrictive and not having enough features. I can buy x for half the price and it can do 200% more, well buy that product then.

Apple will continue to make products that follow their philosophy, if the consumer wants them, they will buy them, so far the numbers speak for themselves.

 

[MagnusVonMagnum]

I'm sorry, you talk nonesense, geeks often do as they fail to understand that just because you want to do something, doesn't mean the rest of the world does.

You seem to be out of touch with reality. The device hasn't even gone on sale yet and you already assume it has a market. It could be a total failure. But you appear to be psychic so I guess I should buy some Apple stock right now.

Your argument that Steve doesn't care what customers want is laughable. If that were true, Apple wouldn't be selling more computers and phones than ever before.

Steve does well when what he thinks is cool aligns with the public. Other Apple devices has been total utter failures. You apparently don't want to talk about those. One I do like (Apple TV) is not doing well at all. I guess Steve isn't so in touch as you seem to think. If you'd like a list of Apple failures, I can give you one. Not everything Steve touches is gold and who is to say how many more Macs he'd sell if he'd listen to his audience instead of dictating to them. Or do you think maybe there's a reason why the Mac market has been less than 10% now for over 20 years (when it used to be closer to 20%).

Every new product Apple releases is criticized by geeks like yourself for

First of all, if you think someone is a geek just because they like computers, you must be living in 1984 or something. Secondly, flaming can get you banned on here so maybe you should think before you insult people.

 

[megadon]

It IS a computer. The only things holding it back from being a full scale OSX machine is that Apple won't install the full version of the operating system and maybe throw in a USB port on the thing. The Mac Mini is also $600 and it's a full scale computer that's only larger in thickness and it has way faster hardware on it to boot and much larger hard drives. Throw a screen on that thing and you're done. Obviously, Apple can easily afford to make this tablet for well under $600 or they couldn't sell it for that much and make a profit. Given their profit margins in recent years, I'd guess the thing costs around $350 to manufacture for the $600 model. OSX already exists so the development cost there is negligent for a new model and they would not have had to modify iWork to run on it.

Now if you want a PC Rival, it depends on what you're looking for. They've had reversible notebooks that turn into tablets for may years now. They have sub-compact computers with similar processors that have full keyboards and can run full versions of the operating system. Of course, if all you are looking for is a book reader (dumbed down operating system), Amazon has Kindle2 for a couple hundred less.

Like I said, the iPad could easily run the full version of OSX for a neglible cost to Apple and they could run the iPhone OS on top of it like Front Row is the original Apple TV interface (more or less) running on top of OSX. Then users would have an actual CHOICE about what kind of experience they would like to have. The problem with Apple (since rehiring Steve) is that Steve is a control freak and he couldn't care less what customers actually WANT. Why is there no "theme" preference panes for OSX? Because that's how Stevie likes his Mac! There isn't even a button to switch to a 2D dock in OSX because Steve doesn't like it no more. It's out of date just like DVDs and especially Blu-Ray, which was DOA and a Bag of Hurt!

Meanwhile, the rest of the world is enjoying 1080p movies on their notebooks while Apple can barely play a DVD and Steve might just remove that support in the next OS since it's "dead". Never mind the SD movies on iTunes are sub-DVD quality and don't even have Dolby Digital sound. I'm sure Steve likes the superiority of monaural sound so OSX V10.7 (aka Tabby Kitty Touch OS) will showcase the superiority of mock vinyl 78's in iTunes played through miniature horn speakers because that's kool Daddy-O and Stevie likes that kitschy black turtle-neck "yeah" beatnik vibe (snaps fingers in front of microphone). You can get with it or get something square! (like that Bill Gates "geek in a bow tie" vibe Windoze thing

Obviously Apple gear is overpriced at all levels. People use many different reasons to justify paying a premium for Apple gear. (I've never spend one dime on my Apple gear, except for my iPhone)
The reason I have an iPhone is because I can jailbreak it and make it do what it's capable of(something Apple does not want you to do), and I get free apps. Now if the next generation iPad has a web cam (another example of Apple screwing customers) and it's possible to jailbreak, then I would have enough incentive to purchase one because I could recover the premium I paid for the device by downloading free apps. (not to mention adding simple things such as multitasking)

 

[Journojulz]

The problem with Apple (since rehiring Steve) is that Steve is a control freak and he couldn't care less what customers actually WANT.

Yes - Steve makes the tech Steve wants to buy for Steve.

I wouldn't exactly describe that as the "problem" with apple - i would say that is more of a "problem" for the competition.

There are many companies run by geeks for geeks.
Good luck to them.

Since apple and steve both got their jobs back - the product line has been more geared to people who think a kernel is for making popcorn.

This appears to be working and funky gadgets are finding their way into the hands of ordinary folk - like our folks.

As the sig says - our parents have been waiting for someone to make tech for people who aren't techy.

People use many different reasons to justify paying a premium for Apple gear.

I like to use "honesty" as a reason for paying for legit stuff.

That and "paying someone today to develop great toys tomorrow".

Failing that there is always "courtsey".

If someone makes me a great meal - I like to leave a tip out of respect so they can carry on making more great meals.

But that's just me.

 

[MorphingDragon]

I like to use "honesty" as a reason for paying for legit stuff.

That and "paying someone today to develop great toys tomorrow".

Failing that there is always "courtsey".

If someone makes me a great meal - I like to leave a tip out of respect so they can carry on making more great meals.

But that's just me.

I dont 'get' tipping.

 

[Journojulz]

I dont 'get' tipping.

Neither did Mr Brown - and look what happened to him.

 

[MorphingDragon]

Neither did Mr Brown - and look what happened to him.

Ummm...
I'm not from America.

 

[Journojulz]

Neither am I - but karma tends to work globally.

 

[MorphingDragon]

Neither am I - but karma tends to work globally.

But youre already giving them your money.

 

[Journojulz]

Yes. same as if I go to a gig. I have already paid for a ticket. I don't need to do anything else.

But if you applaud after songs and buy t-shirt - they play better and come back to play again.

 

[MorphingDragon]

Yes. same as if I go to a gig. I have already paid for a ticket. I don't need to do anything else.

But if you applaud after songs and buy t-shirt - they play better and come back to play again.

Yes but thats not tipping, thats buying merchandise.

A tip is randomly leaving money for someone.

 

[Journojulz]

Yes but thats not tipping, thats buying merchandise.

tipping comes from the same family of gratuitous acts whereby you give something you don't have to, usually out of a sense of gratitude/respect.

That is why i don't mind paying more for products because i know that money is paying for someone to develop the toys I will be wanting next year.

Vim Fuego could play stairway to heaven at half the age Page did - who is the greater axeman?

The fact that products tend to be a little more pleasant to use and have a higher resale value in 2 years is just another reason to be happy to pay a premium.

Life is short and cash comes and goes.
Might as well reward those that put the extra effort in.
I certainly appreciate it when people express that they like what I do.

 

[MorphingDragon]

tipping comes from the same family of gratuitous acts whereby you give something you don't have to, usually out of a sense of gratitude/respect.

That is why i don't mind paying more for products because i know that money is paying for someone to develop the toys I will be wanting next year.

Vim Fuego could play stairway to heaven at half the age Page did - who is the greater axeman?

The fact that products tend to be a little more pleasant to use and have a higher resale value in 2 years is just another reason to be happy to pay a premium.

Life is short and cash comes and goes.
Might as well reward those that put the extra effort in.
I certainly appreciate it when people express that they like what I do.

Except the 'idea' you posted above is not really tipping, and the original concept of tipping has been wittled down to teenagers putting!

 

[mikelcroft]

can't wait to get one!

 

[Journojulz]

If I was an iPhone developer I would be extremely hesitant about porting any of my applications to iPad. The market is going to be tiny (a fraction of the size of iPhone) and without significant hardware improvements to the device it will remain that way indefinitely.

iPad sales to Jan. 18, 2011 - 14.8 million

 

[PopCulture]

Cool! I just got a Nook Color. I will definitely be putting that aside.

 

[MagnusVonMagnum]

This appears to be working and funky gadgets are finding their way into the hands of ordinary folk - like our folks.

As the sig says - our parents have been waiting for someone to make tech for people who aren't techy.

There's nothing wrong with making it less "techy". That doesn't mean they have to let the competition's hardware run circles around them. Easier to use but dog slow? There's nothing about OSX that says it needs to run on outdated hardware in the back of a monitor. That's a control choice that has to do with Steve's obsession with "thin" not usability.

 

[Journojulz]

That's a control choice that has to do with Steve's obsession with "thin" not usability.

His obsessions seem to be bearing fruit that appears to more than just geeks.

Besides - thin IS a function of useablity in a tablet.

My friends who have ipads came come to apple from iPhones.
None of my macbook/macpro/imac friends have one.

They love it because it is useable - and millions more agree.