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As I see it they offer one. Stretching it, two with the 3G, but the wifi will allow for the same capabilities when in range. Different SKUs or not I think you understood exactly what the poster meant. It's "the same device with different storage capabilities + the choice of wireless". To Apple they are of course different models, they have to design, plan for and produce it, but the customer will see an "iPad", which can in turn have 16-64GB flash + 3G.

In other words 'Apple doesn't differentiate' really means 'Apple doesn't differentiate in the way I want them to'. One might as well say there's 1 model of MBA and say 'the differences between them don't count (for some arbitrary reason)'.

I understood exactly what the poster meant, they meant to cloud the issue and cast FUD.
 
eventhough it's thinner, i feel my iPad 2 is still too big, especially since i don't use bag when going outside so it's really a hassle to bring it outside. when im out, i always have my iPhone 4 but after using the iPad, the screen seems cramped even with that sharp retina display.

anybody feel the same? or maybe i just had to use a bag when go outside? but small bag to contain the iPad and my wallet seems girly :/

Then sell it in the marketplace or on craigslist and go get something that isn't too big for you. You didn't take size into consideration before buying?

Another impulse buyer
 
is browsing on the galaxy tab 7" as fast as the iPad 2?

The iPad 2 is better.

If it's fashion, size, android you want go for the Galaxy but nothing rivals the iPad as of yet.

I think the iPad is perfect size not too large not too small. I think there's no chance they would drop to a 7" screen unless they release a cheaper model again not likely. iPad 2 is selling well.
 
In other words 'Apple doesn't differentiate' really means 'Apple doesn't differentiate in the way I want them to'. One might as well say there's 1 model of MBA and say 'the differences between them don't count (for some arbitrary reason)'.

Fair enough, sorry if I came off as rude. I just believe that most customers see the different iPad versions as one device for all intents and purposes (hence the "Apple only offers one 'kind' of iPad"-take on it).
 
They offer six different models of tablet to the public. Finite differentiation is not the same as 'no differentiation'.

'General purpose' does not mean 'every purpose' so to blame it for not targeting every niche is bizarre.

Yes, they also make several other computing products to address other needs.

I am sure Apple will be the first to admit that they do not make a product for every niche and that other companies are free to see if those companies can make a product which is a better fit for some consumers. Apple would probably also assert that at some point increased differentiation fails to make business sense for them and will not make all things for all people. This is their prerogative.

You post your point over and over; you also never respond when these things are pointed out to you.

Well, you see 6 different models and I see only 1 model.

It's like saying I make 6 different types of car to cater to different peoples preferences and the type of car they want.

Every car is exactly the same apart from you can have it in Black or White.
I offer 3 different sizes of gas tanks, and you can have a radio fitted if you want.

But they all have the same engine, they are the same shape the inside trim is the same, all have 4 doors, all are hatchback, all go the same speed and the design/style is exactly the same.

Sorry, but that's just One Model of car, with a few small customer options that make little difference.

Why make more than one model of iMac or Macbook?

I would go for the larger screen Macbook and the larger screen iMac, and i'd like a larger screen iPad also. but unlike the Macbook and the iMac, Apple don't give me any selection to chose from.
 
I would go for the larger screen Macbook and the larger screen iMac, and i'd like a larger screen iPad also. but unlike the Macbook and the iMac, Apple don't give me any selection to chose from.

Actually, I submit Apple does make at least two different models of tablets -- iPad and iPhone/iPod touch. This could count as three models if you think the phone function of the iPhone differentiates it enough to be considered a separate model.

It's just that they don't yet make the models *you* want.
 
I really like the iPad2, but I've been hesitant to buy one because I have a 15" mbp and am not certain if I would use it that much. I use my iPod to listen to books and I read newspapers and magazines on my mbp. The only real advantage is that the iPad2 is considerable lighter than the mbp to take with me when not at home, but it would still require a bag. If it were a bit smaller, I might be able to put it in my purse. Still thinking, but will probably get one eventually. If you have purchased one, I'd like to know what finally motivated you.
 
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But they all have the same engine, they are the same shape the inside trim is the same, all have 4 doors, all are hatchback, all go the same speed and the design/style is exactly the same.

Sorry, but that's just One Model of car, with a few small customer options that make little difference.

As soon as you start making cars with different engines, shapes, number of doors, speeds, etc., then you have different categories of product: pickups, sedans, hatchbacks, convertibles, etc. Just like Apple has tablets, laptops, desktops, and smart phones with minor sub-divisions within those lines. WOAH

It's just that they don't yet make the models *you* want.

Yeah, no kidding. If the differences don't matter to Piggie, then they are too small to count; and when the products are sufficiently different to meet consumers' varied needs (laptops, tablets, desktops) then the differences are too big to count. It's foolish.
 
I really like the iPad2, but I've been hesitant to buy one because I have a 15" mbp and am not certain if I would use it that much. I use my iPod to listen to books and I read newspapers and magazines on my mbp. The only real advantage is that the iPad2 is considerable lighter than the mbp to take with me when not at home, but it would still require a bag. Still thinking, but will probably get one eventually. If you have purchased one, I'd like to know what finally motivated you.

You see that's why you and many other would like MY invention :)

Think of a current Macbook with all it can do. But now, with this new device you can grab hold of the screen, pull it away from your Macbooks's keyboard, and the screen flips over to it's own power supply and CPU and also switches into iOS.

So you have your OSX Macbook and your iOS iPad all in the one device, and you only have to carry one thing around when you are on the move.
 
iPad.

Too large to be used out and about on the move without looking like and idiot and too small to be used at home for a long term entertainment device.

Perhaps 7" for on the move. The largest you can really go and still hold with one hand, and perhaps 14" for at home for leisurely web browsing, game playing and movie playback. The same size as a typical laptop screen.

I'd 100% buy the 14" version.

That's it, I need 7" iPad
 
Think of a current Macbook with all it can do. But now, with this new device you can grab hold of the screen, pull it away from your Macbooks's keyboard, and the screen flips over to it's own power supply and CPU and also switches into iOS.

So you have your OSX Macbook and your iOS iPad all in the one device, and you only have to carry one thing around when you are on the move.

I do think that's the direction we are headed. Lion is a step in that direction, in that Apple is moving to intergrate the desktop and tablet OS.

Then we have products like this:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/05/technology/personaltech/05pogue.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

Currently, this station works with laptops using USB ports, but it would be wonderful if Apple came up with a station like this that works with the iPad.

It will probably take a few more years, but I think we will get there eventually. But, you know, I think I've been waiting for the iPad since I saw the first PDAs in the early to mid 90s. I think I can be patient a bit longer and wait for the tablet-desktop combo!

Perhaps 7" for on the move. The largest you can really go and still hold with one hand, and perhaps 14" for at home for leisurely web browsing, game playing and movie playback. The same size as a typical laptop screen.

But then you would need two devices -- one for home and one for on-the-go. I think the current size iPad is a perfect comromise for many people. Eventually, Apple might come out with more sizes. Or if the "central station" idea I linked to above works out, then you don't need any bigger sizes just for home, because at home you use the station. A 7 inch model for on-the-go in addition to the current 3.5 and 9? To me, that doesn't quite sound like Apple, who like to keep their product line-up simple. I mean, I wouldn't be surprised if they come out with one, but I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't, either.
 
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Personally, I think people should buy the device that best fits their needs rather than buy the device they want, then complain how it doesn't fit their needs. The size of the iPad is fine, great even, for what it's intended to do. I chose the iPad specifically for the apps, the screen size, and the form factor. It fit my needs. I seriously thought about getting a Xoom or waiting on the Playbook, but ultimately, the iPad best fit my needs and I'm very happy with it.
 
But then you would need two devices -- one for home and one for on-the-go. I think the current size iPad is a perfect comromise for many people. Eventually, Apple might come out with more sizes. Or if the "central station" idea I linked to above works out, then you don't need any bigger sizes just for home, because at home you use the station. A 7 inch model for on-the-go in addition to the current 3.5 and 9? To me, that doesn't quite sound like Apple, who like to keep their product line-up simple. I mean, I wouldn't be surprised if they come out with one, but I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't, either.

Sure. I think Apple will wait until the balance is heavier on the tablet side of things and the WiFi/3G/telecom scenario is more predictable to the point where all or most devices can communicate as phone/FaceTime/e-mail. Then they can reduce the number of laptops and desktops (just Air versions, aimed at professional use, people who do a lot of typing, etc. and cinema displays and powerful computers for those who need them) and they could emphasize tablets. Picture a grid of 3.5", somewhere around 7-10", and maybe one-size larger screens. They can all communicate with each other, can take bluetooth keyboard input, and run very similar if not identical software. The iPhone/iPad/iPod distinction collapses replaced by tablet computing as the central paradigm.

Personally, I think people should buy the device that best fits their needs rather than buy the device they want, then complain how it doesn't fit their needs.

I like the way you think. Stick around.
 
A 7-incher would be perfect for my needs. I had the use of an iPad 1 for about a month, and now have an iPad 2 on loan. They're beautiful machines, but for my use - while on-the-go - they're just too big.

I have a cheap 7-inch Android tablet (not as nice as the Samsung Galaxy Tab), and even though it isn't nearly as nice a machine as the iPad (I use it mostly as an ebook reader and to check mail and manage my calendar), I find that the size is perfect. I can pull it out on a crowded subway and use it with one hand, and it fits in all my bags, even the smallest purse.

So I would definitely look seriously at a 7-inch iPad. ;)
 
Actually, this again harks back to a comment I made yesterday in another thread.

The problem is, and always will be, Apple are tying to create a general purpose computing device. (with the right apps and iPad can be anything) but only offer 1 model to the public.

Unless Apple in time release a range of models, as they do with their computers (iMacs, MacBooks and Mac Pro's) other companies will offer devices to cater for peoples tastes.

You're correct. The folks at Apple are dolts and can't seem to create anything the average person wants.
Do you ever find anything nice to say about Apple?
 
...anybody feel the same? or maybe i just had to use a bag when go outside? but small bag to contain the iPad and my wallet seems girly :/

I usually have some kind of a messenger bag with me so not really.

You have two choices.
1. Never take your iPad anywhere.
2. Get comfortable with some kind of a bag.

What if you strapped it to a dead hooker, would that make you feel like a man? ;)

You're correct. The folks at Apple are dolts and can't seem to create anything the average person wants.
Do you ever find anything nice to say about Apple?

Overreact much?

What he said is true. Apple only has one size and shape of ipad, and until they release a 7" iPad, for example, other companies will release 7" tablets to cater to other people's tastes.
 
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Overreact much?

What he said is true. Apple only has one size and shape of ipad, and until they release a 7" iPad, for example, other companies will release 7" tablets to cater to other people's tastes.

His posts are sensible when taken one by one, but he does spend a lot of time posting complaints about Apple in general and iPad in particular. I sympathize with 62tele wanting to ask that question.
 
His posts are sensible when taken one by one, but he does spend a lot of time posting complaints about Apple in general and iPad in particular. I sympathize with 62tele wanting to ask that question.

I accept I do have negative views about some aspects of Apple.

They make some very nice products and then generally tend to have one weak spot and I only really want the weak spot corrected to make the product better.

The iPad does not really have any technical weak spots apart from the lack of connectivity and over the top software clampdowns.
Sort those out and it would be perfect but Apple never will, and that I suppose is the annoyance.

It's like someone who makes something almost great. If it was rubbish it would not matter. But it's not, it's great.

I suppose I just want apple to make a complete toolbox and then people will have access to all the tools in the toolbox, where we all know that Apples way of working is they get rid of 2/3rds of the tools as they don't think you should be using them.
Hence the people who want those other tools will always remain frustrated, as otherwise it's a superb toolbox, just it's missing some tools.
 
I accept I do have negative views about some aspects of Apple.

They make some very nice products and then generally tend to have one weak spot and I only really want the weak spot corrected to make the product better.

I do know what you mean, and I often feel that way about their products, too. But for now, I find Apple's iOS devices more useful than frustrating, so I use them, and I don't dwell on the one or two points I find frustrating. OS X, I still find more frustrating than useful, so I stopped using it, and I don't hang around the Mac software/hardware forums complaining about its shortcomings. If I ever found myself getting too frustrated with iOS, I'll probably just leave, and you'll never notice I'm gone.

BTW, I went out this afternoon and stopped by the Samsung showroom. They had some 7" Galaxy Tab on display, and yes, it is a handy size for ebooks. Personally, I prefer the iPad size for movies and web browsing. But I can see why people would want Apple to make iPads that size.
 
I feel that the iPad screen size, in landscape mode, is the minimum required to view a normal (non-mobile optimized) web page.
I wouldn't want a smaller screen.
 
Apple will eventually make a smaller iPad. It won't be a 7" widescreen model though. They'll insist on a unique screen ratio and probably do a 6" 4:3 version. Why? Because Steve thinks he can do it better, and will be irritated at the growing sales of 7" tablets he claimed were pointless. 6" is very close to 9.7" times the Golden Ratio (.618). It will have the same 1024x768 resolution, which Apple will claim is "Retina".
 
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