Hands-On Impressions of Apple's New iPad

[toke lahti]

Because then iphone apps wouldn't be able to run full screen on it.

They don't need to. They are designed for lesser resolution,so they can be used with pillarboxing as good as with iPhone/touch.

But go buy a cinemascope movie (AR 2.4) and you'll get picture hight of 426 pixels!

Was it 2005 that Jobs announced "Year of HD"?
It really seems that he also announced 2010 to be "Year of SD"!
(Hopefully 2011 is the real year of HD with real OsX & FCS support for blu-ray...)
Only SD video outputs from iPad...
If iPad would have had rez of 1388x or 1280x that would have made it only 1.94" - 2.75" longer with same dpi.
Oh well, maybe the GPU does not have enough bang for even halfHD...

And after all, 3:2 might be better with on-screen keyboard...

If it could be tethered to a laptop, I would buy it. I'm not gonna pay for multiple data plans.

 

[NeuralControl]

It seems your mother might get good use of the iPad. Her needs are limited and you don't want to spend a lot of money. If you were to get the least expensive model, I suppose that would be alright. I really would suggest you take her to an Apple store and have her try out the device before handing over any money.
Keep in mind, Apple does not market this as a standalone computer. It's evident they want you to sync it up with a computer. How will software updates be dealt with?

 

[localoid]

Personally, I find the $30 per month, no contract, "unlimited" data plan to be one of the more "interesting" features of Apple's new tablet.

According to this Slashgear article it's "in fact, a pre-pay system and contract-free. Handled from the iPad itself (so you don’t need to deal with AT&T’s in-store or telephone assistants), you can choose to grab a month’s data when you need it or, conversely, cancel the connectivity with no penalty."

 

[Wrathwitch]

It seems your mother might get good use of the iPad. Her needs are limited and you don't want to spend a lot of money. If you were to get the least expensive model, I suppose that would be alright. I really would suggest you take her to an Apple store and have her try out the device before handing over any money.
Keep in mind, Apple does not market this as a standalone computer. It's evident they want you to sync it up with a computer. How will software updates be dealt with?

If you were referring to my post, that is indeed, an excellent question.

 

[surferfromuk]

Right? From reading these posts you'd think the iPod Touch/iPhone were garbage and commercial failures. They changed their markets forever, and still dominate them. We're supposed to believe the app store is a bad idea too. Somehow it seems to be working okay. We have thousands more options than any other device out there.

I used the original Mac Plus, Windows 3.1, 98, XP, OSX, you name it - and it's never been as great as the last 3 or so years. It's just outstanding what we've got right now.

I mean, 2005 it was still XP and Winmobile! How far we've come!

Ad now this - a Unibody optical glass multi-touch tablet with a custom speedster Apple CPU (without which I'm certain this would be slower and a $100 more!) running a truly astounding OS capable of playing HD video and 140,000 apps (most are free or less than a buck!) for $499!

Heck, look at iWork $9.99! It's insane! A class leading Multi-touch Word Processor of that calibre for the price of a McDonalds takeaway meal!

 

[localoid]

MadTV sketch from 2006 about the "iPad"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsjU0K8QPhs&feature=player_embedded#

When life imitates art...

 

[spice weasel]

Anyone else in love with the ical app?

I think it looks great. In fact, I wish that the regular version looked like it.

 

[Palm Pimp]

Ipad Nano:

 

[lilo777]

How about you?. What do you care about? Spreading negativity, it appears. Smashing the future, nothing else.

Apple users care about their products and about the company that makes them - I guess that's why Apple try to make them as well as they can, and that's why we buy them!

Do you see how the two are connected?

Am I the only one who feel pity for these people? Wake up! Apple produces these things for the sole purpose of making money. There is nothing wrong with that. You feeling some attachment for Apple (or any company to that matter) is very wrong.

 

[zzyzx]

My all-time favorite quote on the MacRumors forums, from the now legendary thread 500:



https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/5285/

Maybe the iPad will fly, maybe not. Even Jobs ended the keynote with some skepticism. But you have to admire him and love Apple for taking chances and introducing something new. Maybe in a few years when we're all surfing PadRumors on our iPad v5s we can look back on thread #9161104 for some good laughs.

I think that's possible for down the road, but the same thing to remember is that the iPod v1 did kind of suck compared to other mp3 players. It got better and now it's the only one worth owning. Down the road the iPad might be incredible but right now, I just don't see this version being worth $500.

 

[tdmac]

Seeing all the hands on videos I think that Apple really wasn't ready and rushed out that product. They probably knew since last fall that a lots of companies wanted to present slates at the CES and therefore had to spread some rumors and vaporware to still be in the game because they just weren't ready yet.

Just look at the videos, most of the functions in the apps aren't even implemented yet. You press some buttons, like for example "search" in iBooks and nothing happens because that functionality isn't implemented yet.

Same for the mail app and some others. The keyboard is very hard to use and doesn't work really well according to engadget and gizmodo. Also the software developers only had the chance to make some apps for it since two weeks ago.

So it really is a rushed out, unfinished product soft- and hardware wise.

As you mentioned and I said in the post after is that people have only had 2 weeks to make anything for this device. While the Tablet part was not a secret the part that was was what the device actually looks like and the SDK of what makes this different. Even many of the Apps shown were just iPod touch/iPhone apps blown up. Its why there really wasn't a wow factor. But how can there be one if no one had the physical device to create iPad specific content? I think we are all accustomed to seeing all of these cool Apps/functions from the iPhone/iTouch releases at these media events. But this is a whole new class of product.

But as I said above, this will be part of a act two where they start making announcements about all of the product offerings that will be avail once released. That is what will wet appetites and drum up excitement. I would imagine prior to release a whole slew of commercials showing off iPad content and cool uses for the device.

Don't forget that at CES, there was bunch of tablet mfg's but all of these were prototypes. None of them were being manufactured nor did any show any software etc. Apple at least came out of the gate with a working product and one that can run a ton of content, is easy to use and operates with the same ease as their other portable devices.

Everyone is just looking at this as a glorified iPod touch because the only content avail the same as you would get on an iPod Touch/Iphone . They are looking at what it current can do not what this could/will do. BTW, I look at the fact that I can use my same Apps as a good thing sine it allows me to leverage my investment. For those that say I have a macbook and can watch movies on that or can do all of things that I would want a big screen for this is true. But at the same time you can't run any of the App Store Apps on a laptop either.

 

[lilo777]

Personally, I find the $30 per month, no contract, "unlimited" data plan to be one of the more "interesting" features of Apple's new tablet.

According to this Slashgear article it's "in fact, a pre-pay system and contract-free. Handled from the iPad itself (so you don’t need to deal with AT&T’s in-store or telephone assistants), you can choose to grab a month’s data when you need it or, conversely, cancel the connectivity with no penalty."

I find it mildly interesting. This plan would be good on iPhone. I think AT&T decided to go along with Apple so as to not lose the exclusivity on iPhone. They might lose money on it but not much because very few people can afford another data plan (in addition to broadband and iPhone)

 

[acolyte]

I've never seen such a tragic first-time post. Please tell me your paid to post this ?.

If not I genuinely implore you to take a look at the video on Apple.com and really see what Apple have accomplished and turn your apparent despair into something more positive.

Consider that no other company in the world has yet matched the iPod Touch, and yet Apple have now created for a $100 something even better.

Time to enjoy the technology that is actually available to us don't you think, rather than decry and mourn what isn't available from Apple ( and certainly not from ANYONE else in the world).

I agree. Apple is by far the most innovative electronics company in the world, imho - which is why the iPad is an utter disappointment. What's so revolutionary, so innovative about this latest creation? The execs in the intro vid on Apple and excerpts of Jobs' announcement today were totally high on histrionics, woefully short on substance.

Whether or not my first post sounds tragic, it's honest above all.

The instant the iPhone is available on Verizon, I'm all over it. And an updated MBP - I'm far from unappreciative when it comes to Apple's products. If I were, I wouldn't be so disappointed by today's turn of events.

What's the point in complacency, btw, and merely appreciating what's handed down to us? Look where it got Microsoft with its legion of mediocre followers...

 

[NT1440]

Yes! "In love" might be strong, but, it looks like a real calendar that one would actually use.

Thats what I meant, it looks like a calendar that mixes the ease of use of ical with the presentability of a nice real calendar.

I was referring to the UI with my "in love" statement

 

[adityashah1989]

Nice.

 

[surferfromuk]

Am I the only one who feel pity for these people? Wake up! Apple produces these things for the sole purpose of making money. There is nothing wrong with that. You feeling some attachment for Apple (or any company to that matter) is very wrong.

Sorry, I can't agree. These people don't need your pity and they are awake and are making conscious informed decisions. They don't need condescending people like you who don't really care about anything and seem to despise the admiration and even expressions of joy that we have for the exceptional human efforts made by all the people who work for Apple.

Seriously, go watch the Apple.com video and just for a moment imagine giving it to someone less cynical than you and seeing how much fun they have being able to use something like this without a computer science degree!

 

[surferfromuk]

I agree. Apple is by far the most innovative electronics company in the world, imho - which is why the iPad is an utter disappointment. What's so revolutionary, so innovative about this latest creation? The execs in the intro vid on Apple and excerpts of Jobs' announcement today were totally high on histrionics, woefully short on substance.

Whether or not my first post sounds tragic, it's honest above all.

The instant the iPhone is available on Verizon, I'm all over it. And an updated MBP - I'm far from unappreciative when it comes to Apple's products. If I were, I wouldn't be so disappointed by today's turn of events.

What's the point in complacency, btw, and merely appreciating what's handed down to us? Look where it got Microsoft with its legion of mediocre followers...

Fair enough. Sounds like your a ( though you may be surprised to hear it) a power user -and so this isn't really enough for you. I understand that.

 

[tdmac]

Personally, I find the $30 per month, no contract, "unlimited" data plan to be one of the more "interesting" features of Apple's new tablet.

According to this Slashgear article it's "in fact, a pre-pay system and contract-free. Handled from the iPad itself (so you don’t need to deal with AT&T’s in-store or telephone assistants), you can choose to grab a month’s data when you need it or, conversely, cancel the connectivity with no penalty."

Its also unlocked so I'll bet there is away that you can deal with whomever you want. AT&T was just mentioned since that is who Apple got a firm commitment from prior to the launch. I'll bet we will have other providers announced by the time of the release as well.

Woud be cool if AT&T announced a free tethering option to use the iPad for those with an iPhone.

 

[puppyflightclub]

is it possible if in contract to remove the internet plan on an iphone, so I can use my 3G on the iPad?

 

[NeuralControl]

If you were referring to my post, that is indeed, an excellent question.

Yes, it was to you. Sorry I did not quote you. Software updates will not be done over wifi. Users will have to connect the iPad to a computer to download and install the updates. If you see your mother often enough that won't be a problem in her case.

 

[tdmac]

I agree. Apple is by far the most innovative electronics company in the world, imho - which is why the iPad is an utter disappointment. What's so revolutionary, so innovative about this latest creation? The execs in the intro vid on Apple and excerpts of Jobs' announcement today were totally high on histrionics, woefully short on substance.

Whether or not my first post sounds tragic, it's honest above all.

The instant the iPhone is available on Verizon, I'm all over it. And an updated MBP - I'm far from unappreciative when it comes to Apple's products. If I were, I wouldn't be so disappointed by today's turn of events.

What's the point in complacency, btw, and merely appreciating what's handed down to us? Look where it got Microsoft with its legion of mediocre followers...

I felt the same way in regard to short on substance. But then so was the iPhone when it first came out. It was a PDA & Ipod. The original ohh's and ahh's was the implementation of a touchscreen , Gestures and no physical keyboard for input. It wasn't until the release of tons of Apps that you saw the potential of the device.

Same is true here. What you saw was the framework. What the device will really do for you and what it will offer above there other mobile devices is still yet to come.

 

[msduncan]

Couple of legitimate questions

My main interest in the iPad is as a replacement for my netbook for surfing and watching movies away from home. More specifically, the netbook stutters on video big time -- even when the video isn't the highest resolution and I'm carrying 2 gb of ram in it too.

I'm new to Apple so bear with me!

From what I've seen, the iPad does pretty high quality video and it looks smooooooth from the hands on videos I've seen. However, I am greatly concerned with the 64GB limit on storage space. Is there some way that Apple has for us to easily get movies on our ipad to watch while we are mobile? Does it have a USB port so I can carry an external hard drive to swap out movies? Is there some sort of gizmo that actually works that steams video to the ipad when I want to put a movie on it from a remote location?

Thanks! I really want this device, but I'm concerned with portability of having some movies along with me when I travel since it doesn't appear to have a lot of storage space.

 

[steve-p]

Am I the only one who feel pity for these people? Wake up! Apple produces these things for the sole purpose of making money. There is nothing wrong with that. You feeling some attachment for Apple (or any company to that matter) is very wrong.

Careful, you're smashing the future, and we wouldn't want that

 

[MakGeek]

Can you print from the iPad? I haven't seen any indication that you can.

I get it that hence the name it supposed to replace paper but sometimes you need to print.

 

[tdmac]

The bitching in these threads is hilarious.

Most of these people seem to slight the device for containing everything that makes the iphone/touch so amazing - and then some - while displaying it on a larger screen footprint. Paired with one of the cheapest data plans available (which is optional, not to mention unlocked) for any portable device.

And what do they miss? A front facing video camera. Absurd. Do you guys really video chat so often. So often that you'd feel compelled to bust it out at random points throughout your day? At best I use video chatting several times in a month. And these same people bitch about how difficult it will be to type, without ever thinking about how awkward it would be to hold this thing out in front of you so the front facing camera can capture their face. The typing doesn't seem nearly so onerous.

Was I a bit disappointed? Yeah, sure. That's what happens when you spend months reading rumors that accumulate into the perfect device that can do everything and costs $300. Everyone knew that what we finally saw would be 'disappointing'. A few minutes after the announcement though, I let go of all the things I wanted the device to be. Now, I think it looks like a pretty great product, and I'll definitely consider buying one.

However, I'll have to wait and see what kind of software developers put out for it. I've said from the beginning that the hardware on this device is ultimately of little importance, it's success depends on the software. If the iPhone has been any indication, there are going to be some amazing things happening on the iPad for both fun and productivity. The Brushes demonstration alone blew me away and almost sold me on the spot. It's basically the same feature set we already have on the iPhone, but free of so many limitations imposed by the iPhones small size. I can think of dozens of apps that will benefit in similar ways if they are ported.

Do I have complaints? Sure. I wish the iPhone OS would have been tweaked a bit more. The four icons to a row and their symmetry with the dock looks odd and awkward. It works on the iPhone, but we should have more control this time around. Who knows, maybe it will be an option in the settings. The 'slide to unlock' bar is similarly unattractive. 'iPad, iBooks, etc.'... lame. I also wanted Wacom style pressure sensitivity, but thats unrealistic at these prices. I think the upscaled iPhone apps look cheap, and were the low point of the show today. I would have preferred all brand new apps. But I understood why Apple did it.

I'm glad this thing won't function like a laptop or my desktop. I like the iPhone for this very reason. I think the iPad will have a similar strength.

Mostly I just think the 'EPIC FAIL APPLE LOL' posts are idiotic. Yeah, epic fail apple - for expanding on the ideas that made the iPhone one of the greatest and most revolutionary consumer electronics ever. Glorified iPod Touch?!! You guys are suddenly acting like it's some ****** device. I don't think the fact that people are unable to video chat will hurt sales.

You said what I wrote above but much better.