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All iPads Do you think the iPad and tablets in general have a future?

Do you think the tablet market has a future?

  • Yes

    Votes: 228 83.5%

  • No

    Votes: 22 8.1%

  • Not sure

    Votes: 23 8.4%
  • Total voters
    273
Ofcourse tablets have a future. They're computers and people want computers in all kinds of shapes.

The sales drop is better explained by people enjoying their iPads so much they don't need a new one rather than people not enjoying their iPads.
Plutonius said:
iPad Air and iPad Pro - Yes
iPad Mini - No (Will be phased out)
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It's 2015, people want glass in all sizes and Apple will provide. I doubt Apple will phase out the mini. However, the Mini is problematic for Apple since its margins are being crushed but they don't really have a choice. So I think Apple will focus on the Air/Pro more and give the Mini last year's hardware for the coming years.
 
I barely use my iPad anymore, but I still think it serves a purpose and fills a need for some. Also, I think tablets in general will become more powerful as time goes on.
 
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Caris said:
With the recent drop in iPad sales, and predicted drops for the near future, what do you think the future holds for tablet computing?
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I think the drop in sales is due to people having a tablet already, and newer models offering very little in terms of new features. Resale value is also horrible, in my area at least (NYC area). Last year the 16GB iPad was $499, with sales at $449 common not long after its release. Now, that same model is worth $250 on craigslist if you're lucky. I think the dropping resale values and lack of reasons to upgrade will continue to lower demand. I don't think this means tablets are obsolete, people still use and love them. But without a reason to upgrade the segment won't see the same growth.
 
inhalexhale1 said:
I think the drop in sales is due to people having a tablet already, and newer models offering very little in terms of new features. Resale value is also horrible, in my area at least (NYC area). Last year the 16GB iPad was $499, with sales at $449 common not long after its release. Now, that same model is worth $250 on craigslist if you're lucky. I think the dropping resale values and lack of reasons to upgrade will continue to lower demand. I don't think this means tablets are obsolete, people still use and love them. But without a reason to upgrade the segment won't see the same growth.
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Yeah, that's about it. Just no reason to upgrade. I find resale values do differ from area to area but even so you still have to cough up a good buck to get the latest iPad. If the updates are trivial, which they mostly are, there just isn't any reason to spend the cash.
 
Problem is there is virtually no difference from one iPad to the next.

If Apple would actually change something and offer something new people would buy it.

Keep churning out the same old design that's not changed in any worthwhile meaningful way since the iPad1 was launched and people are going to get bored.

I wish apple had more imagination.
Perhaps it's just as they are too big now. Always happens with companies, they get to a point where they lack the will or ideas to change things.

Tweak it and throw out another fiddled with version for yet another year.
 
I have an Air after the ipad 1.

I think Crome Books have a better future than ipads.

I use my MacBook Pro more than my ipad, much more.

I probably won't buy another ipad.
 
I have used every iPad I've owned everyday.

I know plenty of people that use iPads as their main portable device instead of a laptop.
 
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tentala said:
If we want to talk about the "future" of iPads compared to phones and laptops in general, we should think about the "future" of those devices as well. What will they look like in future?

To me, phones and tablets never replace laptops (similar to that laptops never replace desktops) unless a physical big screen is not a concern. If 3d projection or something similar can be achieved in a simple way by the devices, all tablets, phones, laptops, and desktops will become one.

Also, with the development of voice recognitions and other controlling devices that can understand our gestures (and even read our brain signal *future*), we probably don't need a keyboard and a mouse.
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No. While laptop can be used as a desktop (add another screen), tablets are a portable device, ideally useable as a temporary laptop replacement while on the go. Or some, Apple, may keep them as a mainly consumption device. Good, either way. You cannot take a desktop to travel, you cannot use a tablet as a 100% replacement for a desktop/laptop. Use one, or three devices to suit the need. You cannot really buy a 3 door shopping trolley car, and a sedan, and an SUV, and a limo, but you can affordably outfit yourself with a range of computers to cover those variable needs

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scottyy said:
I have used every iPad I've owned everyday.

I know plenty of people that use iPads as their main portable device instead of a laptop.
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Thats true but not relevant in this thread. Some have know use cases, and iPad does all that, most of us don't

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TechGod said:
I don't think they do.
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Thats solves it, cheers for the detail.

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Piggie said:
Problem is there is virtually no difference from one iPad to the next.

If Apple would actually change something and offer something new people would buy it.

Keep churning out the same old design that's not changed in any worthwhile meaningful way since the iPad1 was launched and people are going to get bored.

I wish apple had more imagination.
Perhaps it's just as they are too big now. Always happens with companies, they get to a point where they lack the will or ideas to change things.

Tweak it and throw out another fiddled with version for yet another year.
Click to expand...

I am an Apple fan, but you are correct. Tell us all its JUST a consumption device, or make it a temp laptop replacement.
 
This spring I will be replacing my ipad with a surface 3. The ipad is an awesome device, but i dont play games and generally the ipad apps are not useful to me. Plus the surface pen makes the surface 3 a viable sketchbook and note pad--this is a huge feature for me.
 
rowspaxe said:
This spring I will be replacing my ipad with a surface 3. The ipad is an awesome device, but i dont play games and generally the ipad apps are not useful to me. Plus the surface pen makes the surface 3 a viable sketchbook and note pad--this is a huge feature for me.
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I agree with the fact that we should all use the device that suits ones self. I do enjoy Apple products - a lot - but I use other devices as my needs dictate.
Wih the cost of items being what they are, there is no reason to have just one device. Use what you need and have what you enjoy.
 
tdale said:
No. While laptop can be used as a desktop (add another screen), tablets are a portable device, ideally useable as a temporary laptop replacement while on the go. Or some, Apple, may keep them as a mainly consumption device. Good, either way. You cannot take a desktop to travel, you cannot use a tablet as a 100% replacement for a desktop/laptop. Use one, or three devices to suit the need. You cannot really buy a 3 door shopping trolley car, and a sedan, and an SUV, and a limo, but you can affordably outfit yourself with a range of computers to cover those variable needs
Click to expand...


What I meant is a physical screen is not needed; at that time, tablets, phones, desktops, and laptops will all be the same. When technology is advanced enough, mouse and keyboard are not needed; and the "future" is clear. We will have an all-in-one device someday.

Depending how far to the future we look at, our points may be different. To me, "car" is a different story.
 
Last edited:
tdale said:
Thats solves it, cheers for the detail.
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Must I elaborate?:p

I've tried using an iPad before as my sole computer. The screen was too tiny, the on screen keyboard uncomfortable after a while and because it runs iOS, it was very restrictive. I would much rather use my rMBP 13" since it is light and portable enough while providing me with all the apps I need to run.

Before you give me that crap about me not knowing how important it is to carry a a thinner and lighter device for portability, I go to school everyday with my laptop and while it would be nice to have an even thinner/lighter device, I would much rather prefer something with a full size keyboard than an iPad that I make so many sacrifices with.
 
iPad was created as a complimentary device, a "hybrid" if you will. Not made to replace any laptop or desktop, although it has for many people anyway. I use my MacBook Air for most work, such as writing and editing and the iPad goes with me to the couch, breakfast table etc. I often end up using the iPad more, because it's just nice to have the easy weight and interact with a touch display instead of a track pad.

I think tablets are always going to appeal for many people, while others will think it's a complete waste. I use an iPad Air and I definitely don't think it's my last iPad

Writing this from the iPad btw :D
 
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cracksoup said:
iPad was created as a complimentary device, a "hybrid" if you will. Not made to replace any laptop or desktop, although it has for many people anyway. I use my MacBook Air for most work, such as writing and editing and the iPad goes with me to the couch, breakfast table etc. I often end up using the iPad more, because it's just nice to have the easy weight and interact with a touch display instead of a track pad.

I think tablets are always going to appeal for many people, while others will think it's a complete waste. I use an iPad Air and I definitely don't think it's my last iPad

Writing this from the iPad btw :D
Click to expand...

Its nt a hybrid, a hybrid is a 2 in 1 device, like an SP3 laptop/tablet, iPad is a dedicated, consumption based tablet. Thats fine, and therefore it can be lighter and thinner and thus more portable.

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TechGod said:
Must I elaborate?:p

I've tried using an iPad before as my sole computer. The screen was too tiny, the on screen keyboard uncomfortable after a while and because it runs iOS, it was very restrictive. I would much rather use my rMBP 13" since it is light and portable enough while providing me with all the apps I need to run.

Before you give me that crap about me not knowing how important it is to carry a a thinner and lighter device for portability, I go to school everyday with my laptop and while it would be nice to have an even thinner/lighter device, I would much rather prefer something with a full size keyboard than an iPad that I make so many sacrifices with.
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Yes, elaborate, otherwise your post wastes space as you had an opinion with no reasoning. And I agree with your reasoning. If the iPad became a bit more grown up, attach a BT keyboard, it could double as a temp laptop for holidays and travel, but your probably right, I'd prefer a small MBA with OSX. Its not lighter and thinner but its still light and thin

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tentala said:
What I meant is a physical screen is not needed; at that time, tablets, phones, desktops, and laptops will all be the same. When technology is advanced enough, mouse and keyboard are not needed; and the "future" is clear. We will have an all-in-one device someday.

Depending how far to the future we look at, our points may be different. To me, "car" is a different story.
Click to expand...

Ok, cool. Pretty much in the future, but a fair comment
 
tdale said:
Its nt a hybrid, a hybrid is a 2 in 1 device, like an SP3 laptop/tablet, iPad is a dedicated, consumption based tablet. Thats fine, and therefore it can be lighter and thinner and thus more portable.

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Yes, elaborate, otherwise your post wastes space as you had an opinion with no reasoning. And I agree with your reasoning. If the iPad became a bit more grown up, attach a BT keyboard, it could double as a temp laptop for holidays and travel, but your probably right, I'd prefer a small MBA with OSX. Its not lighter and thinner but its still light and thin

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Ok, cool. Pretty much in the future, but a fair comment
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It's a mix between iPhone and Mac. I guess different people define the word hybrid differently, but it was made as an "in between" category, which took the touch display from the iphone, but more usable size from a Mac.
 
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tdale said:
Its nt a hybrid, a hybrid is a 2 in 1 device, like an SP3 laptop/tablet, iPad is a dedicated, consumption based tablet. Thats fine, and therefore it can be lighter and thinner and thus more portable.

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Yes, elaborate, otherwise your post wastes space as you had an opinion with no reasoning. And I agree with your reasoning. If the iPad became a bit more grown up, attach a BT keyboard, it could double as a temp laptop for holidays and travel, but your probably right, I'd prefer a small MBA with OSX. Its not lighter and thinner but its still light and thin

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Ok, cool. Pretty much in the future, but a fair comment
Click to expand...

A MBA with retina display seems to be something I could definitely appreciate. And no, the new Macbook doesn't cut it. The Core M is too weak.
 
Traverse said:
Everything obviously. Some on this forum have stated (without references) that it won't be able to playback 1080p video without jerking and freezing.
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That might be overstating its limitations but there is no doubt that the new MacBook was all about FORM first, then function. It's damned pricey too for what you get. A refurbed MacBook Pro or a new MBA is a much better value, IMO.
 
Yes definitely tablets like the Ipad and Android tablets still have bright future!!

Because not everyone wants a Windows tablet because they are not as easy to use, Windows is kind of boring and not that touch friendly compared to IOS, Android and lots of people find Ipads and Android a lot more appealing and way more easy and fun to use.


All 3 Windows, Android tablets and the Ipad all have a place!!
 
oldmacs said:
The iPad 2 remains the most used iPad even now (it slightly edges out the iPad Mini 1 by about 2 percent). This is impressive for a 4 year old device, and shows that people are obviously keeping iPads for longer - And thats not a problem IMHO - its better for consumers.
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What about the Ipad Air 2??
 
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