Apple Stores Replace Kids' Table iMacs With iPads

[Chupa Chupa]

Apple has become the device for simpletons/J6P and infants/kids to learn but out grow quickly due to its limitations that can not be over come.

Hmm. I may be a "simpleton" but I do know that Apple is a corporation not a device. Their is no Apple device genius.

But, honestly, I'd think you'd appreciate the iPad. Turn it off, look at it under good lighting and it's a mirror for you to praise yourself.

 

[KnightWRX]

Shaddap with this! The kids that will be at these tables are 4-10. CODING? WORD PROCESSING? Are you joking me with this crap. Let the kids be kids. They'd rather be on an iPad than some keyboard & mouse made for adult-sized hands.

It's about the age I started writing batch files in DOS, messing with memory management, learning about XMS, EMS, conventional memory, protected mode, real mode...

Kids being kids and learning about the world around them, interacting with it, being curious about the things they use... nope, forget that, kids should play with plastic things and never wonder about how it works at all. Why does everyone believe kids under 10 just want to play with stuff and don't want to learn things ? "Just give them video games! and toys!". No, give them legos, and let them have systems where they can discover, create. Under 10 is where the brain is more apt to develop skills and creativity.

I kind of agree with neltic13, though the damage has been already done, and quite a while ago. When computers started shipping with OSes that plainly worked and needed little to no fiddling (think Windows 95), then it was already over. DOS/Commodore/Amiga were pretty much the last bastions.

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Hmm. I may be a "simpleton" but I do know that Apple is a corporation not a device. Their is no Apple device genius.

I think he meant Apple ships devices, not Apple is a device. I think anyone who didn't get offended by his post because of kind of irrational attachment to these devices or the corporation itself understood what he meant.

Why attack him and insult him over it ? He has a right to his opinion, it doesn't make him narcissistic. You aren't better than him because you have some kind of irrational attachment to faceless corporations or their products.

 

[Cheerwino]

Game changer

This changes everything!!!

 

[guzhogi]

The main problem I see with replacing Macs with iPads (though on a higher level than just kids exhibits) is that iPads, at the moment, are mainly consumer electronics while Macs are both consumer & producer electronics. I'm not saying iPads can never be producers, I see great potential for them being producers, there isn't enough producer apps out there to make them an end-all, be-all electronics.

Example: how do you submit songs in Garageband to the iTunes Music Store? Where's xCode for iPad?

I don't see Apple getting rid of all their Macs ad just sell iDevices today, as they'd be shooting themselves in the foot. However, I think they need to add more producing apps to the App Store before even considering dropping its Mac line.

 

[law guy]

I think the point re: coding and the others was perhaps interaction with computers as content creation devices, tools is worthwhile. The Steve Jobs and Wozs of the world who took things apart, learned machine languages and steered new standards, the Apple developers and software engineers, the PIXAR and ILM folks who developed the technology from their knowledge and imagination, I think those would be examples of why having a deeper introduction to computers is worth while. I don't know that iPads deprive folks of that as an Apple-playground / marketing tool, but my sense is the trend that concerns some is the Apple push towards iOS, not at the expense of, but with a seeming diminishing focus on being a company that supports computing for science and content creation, ceding that ground now to Adobe LR4 takes and adopts as "revolutionary" and "magical" the highlight and shadow sliding design that have been in Aperture for years. Photoshop CS6 integrates with the same Apple-like tag lines and launch videos how video is not integrated into PS - with amazing ability to drag-and-drop transitions. Apple seems content to let their role as a professional software company fade to Adobe as it slowly copies (and innovates) while it loses Aperture and Final Cut users. Part of the appeal of the Apple software was its use in the Apple eco-system on Apple machines. But gone are the days when Apple CEOs would stand on stage and compare a Dell workstation head-to-head with a Mac Pro or Power Mac. One only need to look at an HP workstation and a Mac Pro last updated several technologies and 700-some days ago to see it's not a focus. And if you might not be on a Mac in a year or two, it makes less sense to use the Mac-Only apps - it pushes people towards Adobe or Avid. A bit of a round-about way of saying that these seem to be some bigger trends at Apple and the iPad play area just is another brick in that wall.

 

[Flitzy]

I don't think it's an indication that they're phasing out Macs or anything.

I just think there are more kid friendly iPad games then there are Mac games - because it's easier and simpler to pick up and control.

You can't take a Macbook or iMac in the car on long trips (well you could a Macbook but it's more cumbersome and harder to keep charged) like you can an iPad.

It's brilliant on Apple's part, in terms of business decisions.

 

[MH01]

Why would everybody learn how to code?
Do doctors have to know how to code?
Do cab drivers have to know how to code?
Etc.

Missing the point.

A move like this would mean less coders..... of the kids that would potentially want to code. Replacing imacs with ipads will not impact the number of cab drivers, docs etc, it though has a higher chance to impact coders, as kids are not interacting with computers anymore...

Any idiot can use an ipad.... takes a few more braincells to use an computer...

 

[Abazigal]

I disagree with the notion that kids are somehow losing out on their education just because they aren't learning word processing on a "proper" computer.

The buzzword this days seems to be focusing on 21st century skills - digital and visual literacy. The ipad seems to be an ideal tool for this, considering that it is basically 50% screen (and 50% battery).

I am teaching in a classroom with 1-1 computing, and I have observed that my pupils (8-9 year olds) are, interestingly enough, more comfortable with using styluses on their tablet PCs than the trackpads (whatever you call that little red rubber point nestled between the keys). In fact, they prefer to use the word recognition software (and write) rather than type! Even though my own school-issued fujitsu tablet PC came with a touch screen, I hardly ever used it, but was amazed when my pupils manipulated the screen with their fingers like nobody's business.

And so far, I noticed that the biggest issues they face are mostly hardware-related problems, such as inability to connect to the school's wireless, problems logging in, ms office crashing when they try to save their work to the school's network, bloatware slowing down the system to a crawl, basically all the problems that comes with handling a full-fledged OS.

I am beginning to wonder if they might be better served with ipads instead (unlikely because of my ministry's very close working relationship with microsoft). I feel the pupils would honestly be no worse off with iworks for ios (they are already using just a small fraction of office's full capabilities anyways). Basically, the idea is that they can carry on with all these tasks like blogging without having to worry about time wasted on troubleshooting.

The only real advantage I can think of for those thinkpads is that they are built like freaking tanks, and have managed to soak up whatever abuse the kids may have inflicted on them these past years.

 

[MadMitch89]

I noticed his at the Apple store in Chermside (Queensland, Australia). Makes more sense to me than 21.5 iMacs. The kids seemed to be having a whale of a time playing games on the iPads.

 

[JGowan]

It all doesn't matter. The more important issue is how to minimize all computer devices usage regardless of their construction by children and let kids experience life. I prefer to see boys hitting something right on target with a slingshot and getting into some good mischief, instead of sitting in front of the screen, which they will do anyway at some point. Allowing even calculators in schools at the elemenery or high school level is simply elementary wrong. Kids should be enticed in a fun way to use their brains.

I think you're in the wrong forum. Here's a link to ARCHERY IN THE U.S.:

http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/

If you don't want your kids playing with "computery stuff" then don't take them into the Apple store or buy them this stuff. Take them outside and let them shoot targets all you want.

I think you don't get it. If you take kids to the Videogame store, they'll look at the games; if you go to Target, they'll be in the toy section; if you take them to Barnes & Noble, they'll look at books... AND IF YOU TAKE THEM TO AN APPLE STORE, THEY'LL HAVE IPADS TO PLAY WITH!!

This is not some sort of conspiracy by Apple to rob your children of their youth behind some backlit screen. They're job is to make sure that IF children are brought into their store, they can be entertained and even educated with the software on their devices.

It is YOUR JOB as a parent to JUST SAY NO when Little Bobby has had too much video games or iPod time. Don't lay this off all on Apple, Konrad.

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... the damage has been already done, and quite a while ago. When computers started shipping with OSes that plainly worked and needed little to no fiddling (think Windows 95), then it was already over. DOS/Commodore/Amiga were pretty much the last bastions.

Don't agree. At all.

The number of people who are graduating with a computer science degree now VS 1984 is off the charts. Kids who want to do this will find a way and wow... lo and behold, Apple will even let them build their own apps, sell them on their App Store and become overnight millionaires. Or become part of a team and code video games. Or work in Hollywood making movies.

Let's not be so humdrum about the death of computer coding and writing. There's more opportunity now than ever before. It might not be exactly as you experienced it but what is the same after 30 years. Plumbing is even different. Adapt or Die.

 

[xgman]

I guess the next step is to replace any stray Mac Pros left in stores with ipads too. . . .

 

[guzhogi]

I think you're in the wrong forum. Here's a link to ARCHERY IN THE U.S.:

http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/

If you don't want your kids playing with "computery stuff" then don't take them into the Apple store or buy them this stuff. Take them outside and let them shoot targets all you want.

I think you don't get it. If you take kids to the Videogame store, they'll look at the games; if you go to Target, they'll be in the toy section; if you take them to Barnes & Noble, they'll look at books... AND IF YOU TAKE THEM TO AN APPLE STORE, THEY'LL HAVE IPADS TO PLAY WITH!!

This is not some sort of conspiracy by Apple to rob your children of their youth behind some backlit screen. They're job is to make sure that IF children are brought into their store, they can be entertained and even educated with the software on their devices.

It is YOUR JOB as a parent to JUST SAY NO when Little Bobby has had too much video games or iPod time. Don't lay this off all on Apple, Konrad.

I totally agree; it's not just Apple's fault, it's the parents' fault as well. I know, it's hard to say "No, you can't get this iDevice or that toy" to your kids' cute faces, but parents really need to have their kids learn how to be creative and be eager to learn stuff.

However, Apple needs to provide something to let people produce stuff, not just consume. If Apple really wants to be an iDevice-only company and drop Macs, provide the tools necessary to create & submit the apps, music, videos, books and whatnot on whatever devices they offer. As I said, if Apple offers only iDevices but not port xCode & whatever tools producers need, all the things that people consume will eventually dry up.

 

[bawbac]

Hmm. I may be a "simpleton" but I do know that Apple is a corporation not a device. Their is no Apple device genius.

But, honestly, I'd think you'd appreciate the iPad. Turn it off, look at it under good lighting and it's a mirror for you to praise yourself.

Pat yourself for using semantics to justify your point but a simpleton most likely understood what I posted.

No need to turn off the iPad to see yourself. Your reflection can be seen just fine when it's on.
May be that is one of the things that draw kids to the iPad.
They can see themselves in the app in which they are using & feel they are incorporated.

 

[N0k14 D14B10]

coolz

this is really a step in the right direction , in bracing a new generation of Apple gear , although i all ways will have a special place in my heart for iMacs

 

[thirteen1031]

A Valid Babysitting Tool

With parents who use their iDevices as mere babysitting tools with all the games available on iOS, it certainly seems like a valid concern.

It's always a valid concern that parents use anything as a continual babysitting tool in lieu of interacting with their kids.

However, the computers at the Apple store have ALWAYS been a babysitting tool--as well as a clever way to create a future consumer, and thank heavens for them! Or would you prefer kids running around while mom/dad shops for a new computer? As is the case in most electronics stores where there is no kid's table? I really don't like kids interfering with me, or playing on one of the display computers that I want to check out and maybe buy; I really don't like hearing parents continually shouting at such kids to "don't touch that! don't do that!" etc. And parents and kids stay in the store longer because the parent has to keep dealing with the kid instead of getting what they came for.

If the iPads in the store keep said kid(s) quiet and occupied, allowing mom/dad to get business done quickly and keeping young children from interfering my shopping experience, then I see no issue. It's only what the computers at those tables have always done.

Just to add, from what I see, iPads do encourage interaction between parents and kids, far more than computers did. Parents and child can read together on an iPad, do homework together, explore science and history together, and the family can play games together (backgammon, etc.). And they can do this just about anywhere, anytime. So I would say that iPads are more interactive than that one chair at a desk with a home computer.

 

[LAG ISSUEZ]

I think the concern here is the potential creation of a generation of media consumers who barely know how to read, write, solve equations, etc... With parents who use their iDevices as mere babysitting tools with all the games available on iOS, it certainly seems like a valid concern.

Sorry man but people have been using that same line since music and tv. Hasn't changed a thing. Oh wait yes it has, we now have ios app developers.

 

[mobi]

My kids, ages 5 & 3 prefer iOS over OSX

 

[KnightWRX]

Don't agree. At all.

The number of people who are graduating with a computer science degree now VS 1984 is off the charts. Kids who want to do this will find a way and wow... lo and behold, Apple will even let them build their own apps, sell them on their App Store and become overnight millionaires. Or become part of a team and code video games. Or work in Hollywood making movies.

Let's not be so humdrum about the death of computer coding and writing. There's more opportunity now than ever before. It might not be exactly as you experienced it but what is the same after 30 years. Plumbing is even different. Adapt or Die.

And working in the industry with these "graduates", I can tell you that the quality of them is on a downhill slide. Less and less they know how to diagnose and tinker with the systems, and more and more are reliant on pre-made procedures. When a problem requires more analysis, these people hit a brick wall, something the generation that grew up with more "tinkerer's" systems don't.

Also, you're quite wrong about the graduates. Most colleges around here have closed down the computer science departments and there are less and less people following them and graduating from degrees.

You're quite detached from reality, though that's something I can understand from people not actually on the "inside".

 

[JAT]

I only had time to scan half the thread, maybe someone said this already.

This move is a complete no-brainer for Apple Stores. Because the iPads are what the kids have been playing on for the last year in the stores. Every time I go in, kiddie section empty, kids crowded around the iPads. Including my 3 kids, and they are not 4yo anymore. It's a hands-on store, give the customer what they want.

Now, back to the regularly scheduled 22 year olds talking about whether or not they know how to raise kids.

 

[melendezest]

"I think he meant Apple ships devices, not Apple is a device. I think anyone who didn't get offended by his post because of kind of irrational attachment to these devices or the corporation itself understood what he meant.

Why attack him and insult him over it ? He has a right to his opinion, it doesn't make him narcissistic. You aren't better than him because you have some kind of irrational attachment to faceless corporations or their products."

It was he who attacked individuals who use the iPad, by calling them simpletons and implying that if you use an iPad you're stupid somehow. That is not an opinion, that's an assertion.

 

[geoffm33]

I only had time to scan half the thread, maybe someone said this already.

This move is a complete no-brainer for Apple Stores. Because the iPads are what the kids have been playing on for the last year in the stores. Every time I go in, kiddie section empty, kids crowded around the iPads. Including my 3 kids, and they are not 4yo anymore. It's a hands-on store, give the customer what they want.

Now, back to the regularly scheduled 22 year olds talking about whether or not they know how to raise kids.

Absolutely this.

The games/activities on the ipad are richer and more interactive (ie: a better experience) than on the iMacs. At least for my 3yo, the mouse was such a hinderance to learning and takes away from the experience of the game/activity.

 

[Boisv]

I'm not sure if I would call it "significant" market share, but I would call it modest.

I was actually thinking that as I was writing it. Significant is a relative term in this case. Compared to HP or Dell it would probably seem tiny. Compared to where Apple was in 1998, it's significant.

There's also a difference between significant growth and significant market share. Significant growth probably would be more appropriate. To market analysts, this is considered some pretty significant growth. Their market share might still be relatively small, but it seems that it's tripled in five years. That's impressive.

These days I know countless former "Mac haters" who now own macs... and iPhones and iPods and iPads for that matter.

 

[mrsir2009]

Ugh....

 

[fertilized-egg]

I kind of agree with neltic13, though the damage has been already done, and quite a while ago. When computers started shipping with OSes that plainly worked and needed little to no fiddling (think Windows 95), then it was already over. DOS/Commodore/Amiga were pretty much the last bastions.

I completely disagree. UNIX and older generations were already lamenting how DOS users lacked understanding of system and hardware. However because your experience was with DOS and its config.sys, autoexec.bat, etc. Windows 95 may feel like the beginning of the end and DOS was the "last bastions" to you, but those who grew up with Windows 95 will remember how great Windows 95 was - "I could do so much by changing INI and registry in Windows 95" - and how Windows XP and OSX were where things began to fall.

This is no different from "Music was so much better when I was younger" thing or "kids these days are so rude". They laughed at music from the 80s, then 90s, then 00s then 10s. One day we'll see them lament Justin Bieber was "so much better than the singers today".

I'll be fine once iOS has anywhere near the flexibility and capability of a full-fledged computer operating system.

And that is how each generation started. PCs were ridiculously underpowered compared to mainframes and the first Mac was very limiting and slow as well, as was iPhone was in its first incarnation compared to Symbian and Windows Mobile.

 

[puckhead193]

well at least the kids won't be playing in the iPad section instead they have their own section. This will free up the iPads for grown-ups to play on.