Apple Posts January 2010 Media Event QuickTime Stream

[ddrueckhammer]

I'm disappointed and hopeful at the same time.

I think it's a little shortsighted and superficial to call this simply a large ipod touch. Yeah the homepages look the same, but the apps, just the few that were demoed, were much improved. Calendar, email, safari, photos, maps: all these were vastly different and more functional than those of an iPod touch. Imagine what other devs can do with their apps.

That Courier demo, which was awesome, can nearly be replicated on the iPad. Journal Apps, photo editing apps, video apps, etc can all be just as improved as the demoed apps.

That said, my disappointment lies in the fact that this is a docked device. Even if all I want to do is browse, email, music, edit/organize photos, game, and journal (all the BASIC things, that 90% of people do), I still need another computer. I can't sync my iPhone or iPod to it (that's a biggy!), I don't fully know if one can organize iTunes with it, and I don't know if one can organize photos (though there is an accessory for camera connection).

So I can't recommend this to my parents or even my girlfriend or other people that just need a computer for these basic things, which is most of us, because you still need another computer. And this confuses me because, when talking about the price-point, they said the wanted everyone to have one, but none of these people will need to get one because THEY STILL NEED A LAPTOP.

Fortunately, the fixes to make this a perfect, stand alone device that covers 90% of people needs, are simple: let people sync iPhones/iPods to it and include even a simple version of iLife that includes (if you can't already do it) the ability to organize music and photos. Done. That's it.

Though, I still need the ability to download torrents...

Maybe, and most likely, Apple doesn't want this to be a replacement for a mac but that's kinda what they seemed to imply at some points.

You make a good point. I wonder if you will be able do OS updates without another computer. As long as you are content with getting all your content from iTunes I don't see why you would need to dock it other than updates.

Maybe they will allow external cd or hard drives to connect through the dock and import into mobile iPhoto and iTunes in the future though...

It seem seems like a moot point though since I don't know anyone (although I'm sure there are some) who doesn't have access to some kind of computer and iTunes to set it up...

 

[vini-vidi-vici]

People don't know what to make of it

Most people spend most of their time doing really simple things on their computers - surfing, e-mail, etc. You can do this with the iPad, have the positive tactile experience of a touch screen... and it's fast. It's a lot faster to check your e-mail on this thing than it is to go over to your computer, boot it up, etc etc etc... and the iPod Touch is just limited by its size.

I think there's a big market with people who really only do e-mail and surfing. This is all they'd need. And there are a ton of people like that. You flip it on, it works instantly, and does what you need to do. All the people paying close attention today are power computer users, and not really the target market. These people might get one for kicks, but that's it.

 

[eastercat]

I really really want the keyboard dock with my iPhone will this work!!! I need to know!!!

Who's going to know the answer to that? You'll have to wait, like the rest of us--unless you know a tech writer with access to the dock.

it's just at times like this the failure of QT streams and Apple's lack of live video technologies really gets under my skin. I mean - 2010 - shouldn't they be streaming this stuff live by now?

Not if they're charging for attendance. Of course, I don't know if they do. If they are allowing people to come in free, then yes the lack of live stream is confusing.

 

[vvebsta]

I agree with everyone that is bummed about no new iPhone OS. I was really really hoping for an update. I hate that I have to wait 6 flipping months!!!!

For me the only interesting part about the keynote was the pinching photo stacks and maybe the new ibook store, everything else wasszzzzzzz.

 

[ddrueckhammer]

Most people spend most of their time doing really simple things on their computers - surfing, e-mail, etc. You can do this with the iPad, have the positive tactile experience of a touch screen... and it's fast. It's a lot faster to check your e-mail on this thing than it is to go over to your computer, boot it up, etc etc etc... and the iPod Touch is just limited by its size.

I think there's a big market with people who really only do e-mail and surfing. This is all they'd need. And there are a ton of people like that. You flip it on, it works instantly, and does what you need to do. All the people paying close attention today are power computer users, and not really the target market. These people might get one for kicks, but that's it.

You are right. This can also be a really nice photo editor/drawing pad and has a good looking office suite.

This isn't intended to replace a Macbook Pro or be used for content creation so I'm not sure what's not to like..

 

[ungraphic]

That said, I am selling my Kindle DX. Guess what will be replacing it?

The HP Slate?

 

[ddrueckhammer]

Who's going to know the answer to that? You'll have to wait, like the rest of us--unless you know a tech writer with access to the dock.

Not if they're charging for attendance. Of course, I don't know if they do. If they are allowing people to come in free, then yes the lack of live stream is confusing.

They used to livestream a long time ago it but I'm not sure why they changed to posting it at the end of the day. No sure why they changed, but is it really that big of a deal?

 

[LagunaSol]

Skeptics who think this is nothing more than a big-screened iPod touch really need to watch the video. Some of these apps look amazing, and the 3rd party folks had what, 2 weeks to prep a demo? Imagine the possibilities.

I really had hoped for some more elaborate book/magazine demos. Imagine the positive environmental implications if all my books and magazines can now be read on this device. Imagine if all my favorite catalogs can be sent to me as a digital app instead of paper copies that arrive in my mailbox.

 

[beez1717]

I have to say that after further thinking about this product I have concluded that this is gong to be the product that many Baby Boomers will get. They are of the age where they are not afraid of technology, yet they just want it to work. The ipad does this. I want one because it will just work and i'm 21 years old. I guess it's because the ipad does what it does at such a high level. I'd rather have it this way then having many features that seem half a**Sed

 

[ddrueckhammer]

The HP Slate?

Oh burn.

Seriously though. Have you been reading about the HP Slate. It uses a touch version of Windows 7 but the interface is very similar. In other words, it will be clunky as a touch device most likely. Also, there won't be anywhere near the amount of software for it as there is for the iPad, even if it is more advanced.

We will see but the HP Slate looks DOA to me.

I'm wondering if it will dock with Apple's case on it. I wonder if accessory makers like InCase already have designs for their products?

 

[danthespaceman]

My two cents...

1. I find it very unlike Apple to introduce SIX different models of a new product. Where's the simplicity in the line up?

2. I think it's clear that the success of the app store is what is driving Apple right now. The lack of hardware features (usb, camera, gps) is surely not because they couldn't figure out how to put it in, but instead because they wanted to meet the $499 price point. More customers with iPads = more revenue through the app store. If you remember, when the iphone was introduced, we knew nothing of the app store. It was all about multi-touch and how we interacted with the software. That was revolutionary. iPad maybe could have achieved this had Apple somehow incorporated good tactile feedback into the display. But instead, they opted to make an 'affordable' device that lacks any revolutionary features. I think if it as more of a good software update.

 

[LagunaSol]

Seriously though. Have you been reading about the HP Slate. It uses a touch version of Windows 7 but the interface is very similar. In other words, it will be clunky as a touch device most likely.

Thick as a brick. Sure to be more expensive than the iPad (unless HP is willing to take it in the shorts - and I suspect MS may help subsidize the thing just to save face against Apple's surprising iPad price points). Running an OS that is not really designed for touch control on a small screen, no matter what Microsoft tells you.

Slate will be as quickly forgotten as every other PC tablet device we've seen over many years. We could all say "We told you so" in a year, but the Slate will be so long forgotten by then that there won't even be a point.

 

[troller]

Its great, i love it....but without front facing camera i will not buy it.

 

[ddrueckhammer]

Its great, i love it....but without front facing camera i will not buy it.

If you come back this time next year it will probably have a couple of 5Mp cameras, Flash, and some form of multitasking.

For me though, these aren't deal breakers. I use Facebook not IM and Pandora is the only thing I can think of that needs multitasking really. Flash will come when Adobe designs a good mobile plug-in. Flash sucks even on MBPs anyway... The missing cameras are really the only disappointments and I'm wondering if you will be able to wirelessly transfer photos from an iPhone/iPod touch?

 

[HLdan]

My two cents...

1. I find it very unlike Apple to introduce SIX different models of a new product. Where's the simplicity in the line up?

That's the very thing Apple gets criticized for, too much simplicity with no choice. They are now offering choice of models for different people's needs. This is a good thing.

 

[b1wils1]

everyone needs to remember that the absence of multitasking right now isn't a big deal. its just a software upgrade away....as soon as 3.2 comes out, but if not, 3.3 or 4.0, etc.

 

[ddrueckhammer]

everyone needs to remember that the absence of multitasking right now isn't a big deal. its just a software upgrade away....as soon as 3.2 comes out, but if not, 3.3 or 4.0, etc.

The people screaming for this are the same people that screamed about the iPhone/iPod Touch not having Copy/Paste. It is a bullet point they can point to to make them feel better about having another device.

Besides Pandora and IM apps what other reason is there to have more than one App open? My iPhone already notifies me when I get an email or a Facebook message so why do I need those apps running in the background, taking up resources?

No free turn by turn Navigation App for the iPhone, Flash in the browser, or no camera would be the things I would choose to fixate on personally...

 

[cenetti]

everyone needs to remember that the absence of multitasking right now isn't a big deal. its just a software upgrade away....as soon as 3.2 comes out, but if not, 3.3 or 4.0, etc.

Yeah I was one of the first ones to get the original iphone. So I've been hearing about the "software upgrade" since 07... cut the BS! ~ still waiting on that multi tasking.. even after 3gs' faster processor still nothing...

We (myself and people I've talked to) wanted a full laptop experience on a touch screen. Not another ipod touch. I was willing to pay up to $2K...

Huge disappointment. There is no place in my life for another "useless" media browsing gadget. I have absolutely no need for it. The way I see it, vast majority see it the way I see it....

We already have ipods, iphones, netbooks, kindles, laptops and desktops...
We don't need another similar device. We needed one device powerful enough to eliminate some of those plus a new touch interface and a shiny apple logo.

In a nutshell... cut the fat, not add more...

After all the hype and waiting for "years".... bah! They got lazy. They feel like they can wrap this up and sell it anyway to idiots and shiny gadget who*es.

And what's up with the name ? IPAD... Jezzuz! Almost insulting.....

I think this was their worst. Worst than Macbook air and apple tv combined....

 

[ddrueckhammer]

Yeah I was one of the first ones to get the original iphone. So I've been hearing about the "software upgrade" since 07... cut the BS! ~ still waiting on that multi tasking.. even after 3gs' faster processor still nothing...

We (myself and people I've talked to) wanted a full laptop experience on a touch screen. Not another ipod touch. I was willing to pay up to $2K...

Huge disappointment. There is no place in my life for another "useless" media browsing gadget. I have absolutely no need for it. The way I see it, vast majority see it the way I see it....

We already have ipods, iphones, netbooks, kindles, laptops and desktops...
We don't need another similar device. We needed one device powerful enough to eliminate some of those plus a new touch interface and a shiny apple logo.

In a nutshell... cut the fat, not add more...

After all the hype and waiting for "years".... bah! They got lazy. They feel like they can wrap this up and sell it anyway to idiots and shiny gadget who*es.

And what's up with the name ? IPAD... Jezzuz!

So what exactly did you want to do with it that it won't do? It can do photo editing, drawing, word processing, spreadsheets, & presentations. Media creation (video editing/encoding, audio mixing etc.) wouldn't have been possible on a device of this price. If this is successful maybe we will see a $2000 Macbook Pro Touch or iPad Pro in the future but this device seems despite a few ommisions (camera) perfect for its intended audience...

 

[DMann]

Thick as a brick. Sure to be more expensive than the iPad (unless HP is willing to take it in the shorts - and I suspect MS may help subsidize the thing just to save face against Apple's surprising iPad price points). Running an OS that is not really designed for touch control on a small screen, no matter what Microsoft tells you.

The touch implementation (grafting) on W7 pretty much sucks all around - it is, for the most part, unresponsive, inconsistent, and clunky, at best.

The unforeseen price-point for the iPad will likely mean more pay-out for MS - once again, adhering to their perennial business model of selling units at a loss.

Might there be a Slate-Hunters ad soon to be coming out of the woodwork?

Slate will be as quickly forgotten as every other PC tablet device we've seen over many years. We could all say "We told you so" in a year, but the Slate will be so long forgotten by then that there won't even be a point.

Seems that the Slate(s) were forgotten the day after the inspirational CES keynote, after Ballmer kind of, indirectly, mentioned them, without even a hint of a demo, at the very end, as if even he knew - it was pointless, out of the gate.

 

[Augure]

I was an Apple addict, but not a stupid fanboy. The last keynotes are awful...

1. The iPad is very disappointing but not that bad. The price is going to go down and everything book, document and multimedia-related is a pretty good thing. I expect Brush to be more than that, why not an Apple graphic tablet extension?

2. Also a Magazine podcast or library would have been welcomed, it already exists and I would have gotten the iPad right away. Wouldn't it be great if we could have all ou magazine we have subscribed to, delivered automaticaly with each release right inside the pad?

3. Where the eff is iPhone OS and multitasking ? People who say we don't need that are Apple c$$k sucker, because obviously they didn't try other phone or even jailbreaked their iPhone. Apple is getting very late

4. Where the eff is the Macbook Pro update ? My whole office will switch off from MAC because a lot of us need fresh new laptop hardware, and Apple is just not following the stream anymore

5. iWork, iLife and iTunes updates would have been welcomed too.

Apple is the new Microsoft, "period". Analysts won't tell you this, but I've hear a lot of them saying that by focusing on the mass public and relaying on the iPhone success will begin switch off movement especially with Microsoft coming back with a least of evolution, and Google...I agree with them and as I said I used to be an Apple addict, not a c$$ksucking fanboy...

 

[maplestar]

Dude...

What do you guys want...

I can understand the wants; I mean, of course having a complete multitasking system and a camera and whatnot would always be cool, but seriously take a step back!

What was before this? The HP Slate, announced at CES, doing absolutely nothing special except running a simple Windows 7 operating system. It has no fancy well-tooled apps to go with it, no book system, no anything. Before the iPad, the best tablet we could possibly get is a full size laptop one, which doesn't really count as a portable and mobile device.

Out comes Apple with a new iPad, complete with all the features the iPhone had and more. Some can call it a fancy big iPhone, but the fact is it LOOKS like a bigger iPhone. But it ACTS like an iPad. Based on the videos and initial reviews, the slate is MUCH speedier than the iPhone because of its ability to have better specs, and this will never change because the Pad just has that much more room to fit better parts. It has apps that were COMPLETELY retooled for the larger screen, apps that work WELL with the increased screen real-estate and multitouch system, and apps that will also never be on the iPhone because of its weak processor and small screen. It has an entire eBook system that will probably soon include publishers from all over the globe, introducing an ecosystem of reading, which admittedly can be ported to the iPhone, but the larger screen on the iPad just make the reading that much more pleasurable.

So what do we have now? The first TRUE tablet. The first real computer that at least, in a basic sense, bridges the smartphone to the laptop. YES it's not a complete Mac with a full-fledged OS, and YES it is not the iPhone with a "basic" OS. It is something in between, bringing in the basic features of a computer, browsing, video watching, document making, within a very great package.

For those who complain that the tablet doesn't have OS X. Why would you want it? As Steve Jobs stated in the Keynote, the primary reason why netbooks don't bridge the above gap is that it would basically be a weak, slow, small portable computer. If you want a light and small Apple laptop get a Macbook Air! You have on the tablet the full suite of document apps, which can be synced to your computer. You have the Appstore, with more applications organized neatly than you could ever find for the actual OS X. The only thing you lack is multitasking, which is COMPLETELY software and may come with a simple software update in the future. (And at worst you have to pay $10, boohoo).

For those who complain that the tablet is just a bigger iPhone, you obviously either haven't understood what the tablet can do, or you don't understand the principles of equality. Can the iPhone EVER run a full fledged Word, Excel, Numbers app that is easy to use and fully functional? (With the full mess of functions for Excel, a whole formatting system etc.?) Will you ever have enough screen-estate for the crazy things developers will probably do to utilize the space (Obviously not, size factor probably won't change).

The tablet fits a niche that the iPhone does not. The iPhone has dissolved into a personal life viewer, a portal to VIEWING THINGS, including all messages, all tweets, all emails. The iPad has taken the role of composing messages, tweets, emails, reading books, and serving as a portal for DOING THINGS on the go. Is it for everyone? Of course not, some people can just use the iPhone to type up their essays, or don't care about taking their laptop everywhere they go, fine. But is it definitely a defining product that has its niche? Probably yes. Any complainers are perfectly fine, as long as you acknowledge that the feature you want is not something that the iPad LACKS (In that it should have had it but didn't) but one that it NEEDS (In that it would be a bonus for the future). The iPad lacks NOTHING, you just expected too much.

EDIT: Actually, for those who wanted a "dream machine," an awesome tablet multitouch computer similar to this one with a OS X -like Operating system, syncing everything on the go, with an entire user operated file system, USB Drives, a Camera, AND all the things included on the current iPad, . Of course all that would be amazing, but you are expecting too much. This will only come in time as the iPhone OS and Mac OS X, or Cocoa versus CocoaTouch slowly blend together. Why would Apple make an entire Cocoa based OS (So OS X) tablet, lose their app store, lose the huge group of people with knowledge of how to use the iPhone like device, and basically create an entire new ecosystem of apps? (When they already have one?)

 

[Ryano AU]

First - I am a bit of a fanboy with Apple. However...

Completely underwhelmed by this - no multitasking/proper cameras/flash smacks of stubborness rather than good design.

It doesn't exactly reinvent the wheel like the iPhone did - I don't even understand how this will be useful to anyone as a productivity tool - in my house, I'd much rather use my MacBook Pro which is more than capable.

 

[adztaylor]

2. Also a Magazine podcast or library would have been welcomed, it already exists and I would have gotten the iPad right away. Wouldn't it be great if we could have all ou magazine we have subscribed to, delivered automaticaly with each release right inside the pad?

3. Where the eff is iPhone OS and multitasking ? People who say we don't need that are Apple c$$k sucker, because obviously they didn't try other phone or even jailbreaked their iPhone. Apple is getting very late

These are the two things I was really hoping for. Some option for a magazine subscription would be brilliant. Hope that gets incorporated soon.

The lack of multitasking is okay to live without on my iPod Touch but on the iPad it would just be plain annoying. Really hope they sort this soon.

 

[Redneck1089]

I would also like to know whether I can tether through my iPhone's bluetooth with the iPad. I don't really want to spend an additional $130 for the 3G model as well as pay for a data on a monthly basis when I already have a data plan on my iPhone.