Hands-On Impressions of Apple's New iPad

[MacLadybug]

Yes please, I'll take two...

I've been waiting for something better than the Kindle and Nook for reading and this really fills the bill. So many times I would love to throw something light in my purse when I'm killing time in a doctor's office or whatever. Great that I could check email and maybe do some light work, but mostly reading.

It doesn't replace my Macbook Pro and I still need my iPhone, but I really could use something inbetween. It works for me.

Only thing I am missing is the FF camera and flash. That's all, I don't even miss the multi-tasking... it's not a notebook replacement. Need to multi-task, pick up your laptop. I'm not at all happy about having to pay for 3G... I'm still mad at AT&T for the lousy service I get on my iPhone! I love how all that is included on the Kindle.

Yep, I'll take one and then my husband will need his own. The big question is do I wait for the 2nd gen? The pricing will probably be better and perhaps those features I am missing will show up.

 

[Akira1980]

The fact is, whether we like it or not, iPad will sell. Why? Because common consumers, who are not geeks like us, will buy them because it is easy to use. I can totally see older consumers who were put off by the traditional computers buying iPad.

 

[Mr. Gates]

The fact is, whether we like it or not, iPad will sell. Why? Because common consumers, who are not geeks like us, will buy them because it is easy to use. I can totally see older consumers who were put off by the traditional computers buying iPad.

too bad they will need a real computer to sync it too

 

[deconstruct60]

★ The iPad Big Picture
There was a meta-message in today’s Apple event, not about the iPad in particular, but rather about Apple as a whole.

Yes the first 5-10 minutes of the Apple presentation was a Carl Saganesque (billions and millions and billions) infomerical for the stock.
Inventing a new category of 17" laptops lumped in with music players.

But: everyone I spoke to in the press room was raving first and foremost about the speed. None of us could shut up about it. It feels impossibly fast. (And our next thought: What happens if Apple has figured out a way to make a CPU like A4 that fits in an iPhone? If they pull that off for this year’s new iPhone, look out.)

Wonder how many of those folks played with Nvidia Tegra2 tablets at CES.

https://www.macrumors.com/2010/01/08/ces-2010-nvidia-tegra-2-to-power-tablets-in-2010/

Apple now owns and controls their own mobile CPUs.

Own? They bought ARM ? I thought they sold their big stake in ARM a while back. They secretly bought it all back and then some?

ImgTech too? They bought them outright?

There aren’t many companies in the world that can say that.

Funny how SGI (MIPS) , HP (PA-RISC) , Sun (Sparc) and IBM (Power) all went head to head with Intel over CPUs and are now fewer in number.
Some of this is just chest beating. There is no substantive analysis here.
It is an open question whether Apple's choices of what to consolidate onto their SoC implementations is better, long term, than what the full time silicon design shops do and system builders just pull off the shelf. Everyone else has access to these ARM9 design cores too.

Apple itself is largely pulling basic parts off the shelf in the laptop market.

with the bragging about making their own CPUs and their annual revenue and their size compared to companies like Sony, Samsung, and Nokia — is that this is Apple’s way of asserting that they’re taking over the penthouse suite as the strongest and best company in the whole ones-and-zeroes racket.

Chuckle ... if want to roll up "we make money off mobile devices" why leave off Microsoft and Intel. Count their slice of the revenues that all laptops bring in.

 

[Romitis]

"Who is the big brother" issue

1. Did anyone notice the smart-casual way the DRM issue slipped by unnoticed? iTampon is at the center of DRM focused strategy and that is not a potential, but quite real threat to my freedoms.
2. Several years ago Jobs boasted that Appel will become all things for home, i.e. entertainment and management central for the home. I had hopes that iTampon will move towards this, but now I see that somehow this idea has vaned.

 

[kickandglide]

I'm kind of on board...but need more convincing. I agree no camera is a snag. iPad is a horrible name, though. I would have gone iDish or iPlate.

 

[NT1440]

I like what they've done, but I agree entirely that they just didn't go far enough with it. There is a ton of potential here a generation or two from now.

That said, the real beauty of this device is it will become whatever a dev wants it to, and now with this massive screen its going to get very interesting.

 

[Palm Pimp]

too bad they will need a real computer to sync it too

And then they'll realise the iPad doesn't display most pages like the real computer does.

Then they'll notice how fast their hd is filling up compared to their friend's laptop.

Then when they try to read up more about this in the browser with another app open, it'll abruptly close and they'll learn multitasking is non-existent.

 

[zerolight]

Geez. I'm surprised by the reaction here by so many. OK, so there's disappointment that this isn't a full laptop replacement that some hoped for, but the fact that it isn't doesn't weaken the product in any way, it simply means that it isn't for some people. If you already own a laptop, if a laptop is, and always will be, your primary computing device, then an iPad will never be more than a gimmick for you.

However, for a great many people, their primary computing device is, and always will be, a desktop computer - for me it's an iMac i7 with a 27" display. Such a computer is used for the majority of tasks - editing photos, website design, music production, surfing, email, media streaming to the telly, etc.

For people like me, a laptop is a hard sell. The overlap with the desktop is too significant, the mobility is something we don't need, hence choosing cpu power and screen size over mobility. However, I need a device that I can use around the house that doesn't tie me to the desk. I don't need it enough to forgo the iMac, I'd never choose a laptop as my primary device as it doesn't fit my needs closely enough. But still, the need is there for a portable device for using around the house - couch, bedroom, crapper, wherever - for surfing, email, twitter, facebook, the odd game, etc.

My wife and I have iPhone OS enabled devices already - she has a 3GS and I have a 64GB iPod Touch. We've been amazed how frequently they get used for surfing, email, twitter, etc. Every day, probably an hour or two per day. We still prefer to use the iMac when we can, but the iPod is great for a read before bed, or when lounging on the couch.

As such, we've debated the purchase of a Macbook for that purpose - bigger screen, more power, more options. However, iPad - smaller, lighter, similar screen resolution, more power than the iPod/iPhone - that becomes a contender for the desired purpose. In fact, and this would really be true for the majority, as a 2nd computer intended primarily for the afore mentioned tasks, the iPad is a perfect fit. To supplement a home computer, in the home, rather than replace it, the iPad is a great fit. For use purely for those tasks it's a better fit than a Macbook - you are free'd from the track pad which frankly is always awkward - especially if you are lying in bed - and you certainly can't use a mouse in bed or lounging on the couch. But a touch screen, from personal experience with the iPhone and iPod, is a perfect match when you are away from a desk.

Like many people, I also have a company laptop of the windows variety. I use it at home a lot, usually when I'm working. In the two years I've had various iPod Touches I've yet to dig out the laptop as a replacement as a tool for surfing etc. The iPod is convenient. An more powerful iPod with a bigger screen - even more convenient.

Do I miss flash? Very occasionally - the majority of pages I visit don't seem to use it much aside from embedded videos. Multi-tasking? It'd be nice to run MSN Messenger or equivalent in the background when surfing, but that aside - what do I need it for - the featureset of the iPad = iPod Touch, all apps remember the state you left them in, boot fast, it feels like multi-tasking already. Sure, I can't unpack a 4GB rar while surfing, but that's not a task I'd ever ask of the iPad or iPod anyway.

Think of it on those terms. A device to supplement your DESKTOP for specific tasks that you wish to perform, freed from the desk. Laptop users need not apply. That's it in a nutshell. It's not for everyone. But there's a massive market of touch/iphone users who see their device as a lite alternative to a laptop with a better user interface for couch potatoes and bed surfers. The iPad is aimed at them. Supplement a desktop, not replace a laptop. If you were expecting a Macbook Pro replacement you were looking in the wrong place.

 

[DMann]

I like what they've done, but I agree entirely that they just didn't go far enough with it. There is a ton of potential here a generation or two from now.

That said, the real beauty of this device is it will become whatever a dev wants it to, and now with this massive screen its going to get very interesting.

The potential is the most attractive aspect of this venture - of note, the original iPhone, with its limitations, started out in a similar, modest manner.

 

[bigwig]

Funny how SGI (MIPS) , HP (PA-RISC) , Sun (Sparc) and IBM (Power) all went head to head with Intel over CPUs and are now fewer in number.

What are you talking about? MIPS kicked Intel's butt. Don't confuse market superiority with technical superiority. Intel beat MIPS because they had the market size to keep developing it, while the hugely escalating costs of CPU and manufacturing process development made it uneconomic for MIPS to continue at the market size they were saddled with.

The Windows monopoly created Intel's monopoly. Intel itself had nothing to do with it. Without Windows Intel would have remained a second-rate semiconductor company.

I'd love to see a 32nm 4GHz MIPS V. It would smoke Nehalem and use way less power.

 

[hegor]

I'm going to reserve judgement on this device.

The apps in the long run will define its success. Things I can envision for it.

1) Bad A** remote control for home theater/AppleTV. I can see myself using it during football season to manage fantasy games and follow scores easier.
2) Hybrid gaming device. It will work well for RTS and RPGs.
3) Relatively inexpensive Social/lifestyle device for tweeners. Games, Movies, Facebook, Yahoo, and Homework.
4) iBooks with extra content.

I'm not sold, I'm interested.

 

[Philsy]

It's a shame Apple didn't realise it with OS4.0 optimised for the larger display, and allowing extra icons in the dock plus folders for organising apps and docs (which would also be nice for the iPhone).

If it's being marketed as people's primary web browsing device, then Flash is a must.

That apart, I'll buy one!

And for those of you who want something more butch, then how about an iPad Pro that runs OSX? That would be cool.

 

[Kerem72]

No flash support, no webcam. Congratulations Mr. Jobs. You failed too bad this time.

 

[moglee]

software Licence?

Hmm, I wonder if you are allowed to use the software you already bought for your touch/iPhone also for your iPad or if you have purchase a second version.

 

[JackAxe]

Eh. I already have a Touch and this thing really doesn't bring anything new to the plate. For its size it shouldn't be as restrictive.

Here's waiting fro the rev 2 model with support for Flash Player 10.1.

 

[Philsy]

Just been watching the keynote. So what exactly is a 'mobul' device?

 

[beegie]

Ipad Nano:

THAT is Hilarious!

 

[little.pm]

Stop whining

folks really, hold it.

First, everyone speculates about Apple coming up with a "Star Trek Beamer" and an "Replicator" in only one device and now you complain about Apple having not met your personal and really illusionary dreams.

The iPad is not for those who love flash, its not for those "I want to show my face or the other side into a camera wherever I am" and its not for those who want to get a cheap SuperPower MacOS workstation like Touchscreen Notebook.

This device is for those who own an iPhone or an Ipod Touch and still have no Mac. It is for those who own a Mac but don't want to carry that one around always. It is for those who really care a **** about "background processes" but just want to have a nice thing that DOES WHAT IT IS SUPPOSED TO DO.

And taken that Apple will sell about 50 Millions of those within this year.

So please, if you want something else, go ahead, buy something else.

You miss an app? Go ahead, write it yourself. Get a developer Subscription and you can install on your own device or even give it away for free.

Btw., how many Open Source Projects under GPL (or the like) are there yet for the iPod or the iPhone? Stop complaining, hell, get up and do it.

Sorry for sounding rude, but you might want to admit that some claims and wishes here are just out of the habit of a kid that didn't get the cookie it wanted.

Grow up folks. Get a life. Get a Mac or don't. Do not whine like a whimp or get lost.

 

[Padriac]

I was, as usual, doing some internet browsing in bed as I drift off to sleep. I was doing this on my iPhone but reading for an hour or so on the small screen gets a tad restrictive, so I busted out the laptop. But now I got this big thing on my lap when I just want to be rolling around in bed reading in any comfortable position as I was with my iPhone.

Guess what device would be perfect for this situation...

 

[Vip]

Does anyone know if it will support exchange for email?
iPhone has it, even mail now has it, can't be a big issue to have it on iPad as well surely!
Business will shy away if it does not.

Already purchased apps - i guess:

As the apps sysnc with itunes, it will i supect not require re-purchase.

Will you be able to tether with iPhone?

 

[little.pm]

Does anyone know if it will support exchange for email?
iPhone has it, even mail now has it, can't be a big issue to have it on iPad as well surely!
Business will shy away if it does not.

As Ipad comes with Mail and Calendar app i expect it to work with exchange to sync Mail and Calendar.

I believe, also apple does imagine all those business men in the subway reading their financial times or business week or forbes on an iPad. ;-)

 

[SeeLos]

It's too bad you have to pay for two separate 3g bills if you have an iphone... or do you? I think I will end up buying one even though it's not as capable as i hoped. It still seems to do what it does tremendously well (expected from apple) and i think they are probably making a good decision with pairing it up with the iphone. I'm a student and cannot stand having a screen between myself and the professor and I know the professors usually feel at least equally passionate about this. having an ipad on the desk to type notes on, use as calendar (i usually write dates/tasks into book and enter into iphone or computer later), GTD, etc would be really nice. It's a lot easier to bring to class, too, obviously. Unless you do alot heaving computing on the go, i bet a lot of people will be able to make it work with an ipad and a desktop- i know I would, and I consider myself to be pretty heavily laden with tech.

 

[travelerM5]

Evolutionary Not Revolutionary

I like most of you was awaiting the announcement with great anticipation. I have looked at the specs and don’t see any glaring leaps in technology. I like to hear more on the user experience, specifically media content distribution and pricing.​

 

[ddrueckhammer]

It's too bad you have to pay for two separate 3g bills if you have an iphone... or do you? I think I will end up buying one even though it's not as capable as i hoped. It still seems to do what it does tremendously well (expected from apple) and i think they are probably making a good decision with pairing it up with the iphone. I'm a student and cannot stand having a screen between myself and the professor and I know the professors usually feel at least equally passionate about this. having an ipad on the desk to type notes on, use as calendar (i usually write dates/tasks into book and enter into iphone or computer later), GTD, etc would be really nice. It's a lot easier to bring to class, too, obviously. Unless you do alot heaving computing on the go, i bet a lot of people will be able to make it work with an ipad and a desktop- i know I would, and I consider myself to be pretty heavily laden with tech.

I agree. This looks pretty awesome for students. Also, just think of being able to download your books instead of lugging around 2-3 huge tomes. Too bad the text book makers probably won't give a discount for the "e-version"...

I don't know if you would ever type a whole paper on it but honestly writing papers isn't something you do everyday unless you are an English major...