iPad is tiringly heavy & Unergonomic to hold

[someguy]

Just put the laptop/netbook on the desk and type: faster, better (and yes, there are laptops, like Sony VAIO X, that are much lighter than iPad, so hauling them in the backpack is not an issue).

A Sony VAIO X is not lighter than an iPad.

 

[Gasu E.]

iPad is so good and addictive, but it tires my hands out easily 🙁

PLUS, the thinner edges make it further harder to hold (it is more thicker towards-the-center).
Weight is unevenly distributed more towards the center, so it feels like it is constantly falling out of the hands)


Any one feeling the same way?

Has Apple intentionally made the iPad 1 heavy & partly unergonomic so as to entice us to buy the next iPad? 😱

I have to agree with this. I had been thinking of buying a Kindle, but when the iPad came along I hoped it would be a better alternative. But, unlike the Kindle, the iPad is much heavier than a book.

 

[Built]

A Sony VAIO X is not lighter than an iPad.

Exactly. Sony Vaio X is 1.6 pounds...the same as the iPad 3G, and .1 pound heavier than the iPad Wifi.

 

[PrestonCrawford]

I have to agree with this. I had been thinking of buying a Kindle, but when the iPad came along I hoped it would be a better alternative. But, unlike the Kindle, the iPad is much heavier than a book.

The grip is definitely a big issue for me. People complain about the large area around the Kindle 2, but I like that can cradle the Kindle however I choose without obstructing the screen.

All the same, I think this is a touchscreen issue in general. I played a ton of DS games in my time and I had to quit at one point because the tendinitis in my left thumb was getting bad. Basically because there was nowhere to grip the DS AND brace the DS against the impact of the stylus AND use the D-Pad.

That's why I love the iPhone. Cradles right in my hands and I don't feel like it's difficult to hold.

 

[PrestonCrawford]

A Sony VAIO X is not lighter than an iPad.

I'm sure that poster didn't mean this exactly, but the other factor is that a lot of people are buying docs and keyboards to use their iPads in this same scenario at a comfortable angle. The VAIO X sits being a laptop means it drops into your bag as is without accessories other than a power cable.

 

[someguy]

...there are laptops, like Sony VAIO X, that are much lighter than iPad...

A Sony VAIO X is not lighter than an iPad.

I'm sure that poster didn't mean this exactly

Sure seemed that way to me.

 

[Gasu E.]

To quote one of the happy snarks, "If you really wanted "JUST" a book reader, get the damn Kindle and stop whining like a little girl about how "oh, the iPad's too heavy.""

One of my main reasons was to get a book reader. NOT JUST a book reader. I also use the iPad to store movies,surf, listen to music, etc. All holding the iPad quite comfortably. But reading a book is a different experience. I never used an iPad without a cover, but whether one reads horizontally or vertically, holding it out for long periods is more tiring than holding even a huge hard-bound novel for the same period. It just is. And I do exercise, even at the ripe age of 64y yrs.

Calling people like me stupid for expecting better is not helpful. I'm a Mac fan. Over the years have bought Desktop G5, Mac Pro Desktop, iPhone 1 & 4, Final Cut Studio, Aperature 1,2 & 3, QuicktimePro etc.

And calling people like me "whiney little girls" or calling one's sexual orientation into question is just plain bizarre. My blessed Mother, upon hearing such anonymous name calling would call it cowardly.

I couldn't agree with you more. I notice you are 64, and perhaps these youngsters don't understand that at 50+ years old one of the most important parameters one needs to control when reading a book is the distance between your eyes and the reading material. Personally, I am most comfortable when the book is about 24" (give or take) from my nose. All the suggested "solutions" of propping up the iPad etc., just don't cut it for me reading while sitting or lying on a comfy sofa.

Please, no condescending suggestions that I "just return it." I tried it in the store, found it too uncomfortable for my intended purpose, and declined to buy.

 

[Built]

Oh, really...So what DID he mean by, "A Sony VAIO X is not lighter than an iPad."??? This only means ONE thing.

Nice try, PrestonCrawford, but not surprising coming from you. 🙄

 

[someguy]

Please, no condescending suggestions that I "just return it." I tried it in the store, found it too uncomfortable for my intended purpose, and declined to buy.

Why is it that no one has simply offered the suggestion of not buying one if it isn't right for you?

Apple is only going to go so far to reduce the weight of their devices. Eventually it just isn't feasible for many reasons. That's why there are plenty of accessories to help increase the usability and comfort of the iPad, but these, too, are not for everyone.

Bottom line is that the device is not for everyone. If the iPad is too heavy for you, or you are not comfortable using it, get something else. It's not rocket science.

 

[Built]

Why is it that no one has simply offered the suggestion of not buying one if it isn't right for you?

Apple is only going to go so far to reduce the weight of their devices. Eventually it just isn't feasible for many reasons. That's why there are plenty of accessories to help increase the usability and comfort of the iPad, but these, too, are not for everyone.

Bottom line is that the device is not for everyone. If the iPad is too heavy for you, or you are not comfortable using it, get something else. It's not rocket science.

Amen. But, then again, some people would just rather whine about everything.

I suppose these are the type of people who thought that the McDonalds "coffee is too hot" lawsuit was justified.

Don't like it...Don't get it. Period.

 

[whooleytoo]

Again, THIS IS NOT PRIMARILY A HANDHELD DEVICE. Yes, you can in fact hold it that way for a time, but stupid marketing claims and images aside, the damn thing isn't magic, it won't levitate its own weight for you, and from a practical perspective, it logically works best for most people when they prop it on a pillow, a stand, or use a case with adjustable positions on their laps.

While the "go to the gym" claims are simplistic, they're also partly true. If you're otherwise healthy and you find the iPad too heavy to hold for more than a few minutes at a time, you really do need to work on strengthening your arms and wrists. Other positions help too. I'll often lay mine on my forearm with my fingers curled over the top and a lower corner tucked into my elbow. This works pretty well both for reading and for quick one handed typing. Additionally, as with any other device you use for long periods (and with books for that matter!), you should be changing positions frequently and stretching periodically to avoid repetitive stress issues.

Tablets like this are pretty much a category onto themselves. They can't really be used on a table/desktop easily (without a stand); but unlike laptops they can be used while standing up. So it is a handheld device, kind of. More of a 'prop up' device! (which is how Jobs demoed it).

I do think Apple does need to focus more on the case ergonomics. I think they should include grippier surfaces; rather than focus on form over function.

Not much can be done about weight redistribution (apart perhaps from moving it more to the bottom; but that would only really help if it's propped up on something, not holding it in your hand).

I think people get a big silly talking about weight, for some reason; with the gym comments. I've never struggled with the weight of a cup or glass I'm drinking from - and yet I always set it down on the table/counter after every sip. Why? It's more comfortable to do so. Not because I'm a weakling! 😉 People would want to set the iPad down, or prop it on something, no matter how light it was.

 

[rhinosrcool]

Since I have work to do, I wasn't able to reply. This, along with your other snide remarks shows your and the alleged "ballet dancer's" maturity level. Both of you attacked me personally by calling me a wimp, saying I have bad form, and calling me stupid. Also, my using the nerd example was on the money. Even if I was a wimp, I'm still stronger than most of the posters telling people they need to workout more. So, you just called a lot of people wimps. My saying that I'm stronger than a lot of posters is not bragging. Who cares who's stronger? It's just an example to support the fact that the iPad, after prolonged unsupported use, gets heavy. Of course I don't usually hold it this way.

If you can really perform 10 reps with 400lbs on the bench, either you just admitted that you use PEDs or you are stronger than most professional football players (they probably use PEDs). If you use drugs so that you can lift more and build up your body, considering the health risks, that's idiotic.

Don't like it...Don't get it. Period.

For me, the iPad is not too heavy. I simply pointed out that it can get heavy. I love my iPad.

 

[someguy]

It's just an example to support the fact that the iPad, after prolonged unsupported use, gets heavy.

As does anything when held in position for extended periods of time.

The OP made his point, responses have been posted, and virtually every possible solution to the problem expressed has been suggested. Can we close this thread now?

 

[rhinosrcool]

As does anything when held in position for extended periods of time.

This is a simplistic response. My retort is referring to those that claim, after several hours of unsupported use, no or very little fatigue. BS!

However, I agree with your request to close this thread.

 

[Cartaphilus]

I'd love to see a smaller, lighter iPad... basically use the retina display
technology to keep the same screen resolution, but shrink the device
down to a more manageable size.

Yeah! And...maybe it could make phone calls...and we could call it..iTele!...um, no,..wait--I've got it--AN IPHONE!!!!

 

[PrestonCrawford]

As does anything when held in position for extended periods of time.

The OP made his point, responses have been posted, and virtually every possible solution to the problem expressed has been suggested. Can we close this thread now?

I think you accidentally understood where some of us are coming from. Any thing we do in life can put stress on our bodies. Some are worse than others. Therefore, pointing out that the iPad can cause ergonomic issues, depending on use, should have been perfectly acceptable from the very start.

 

[someguy]

Any thing we do in life can put stress on our bodies...
...pointing out that the iPad can cause ergonomic issues, depending on use, should have been perfectly acceptable from the very start.

I think it makes more sense to say that since anything we do in life puts stress on our bodies, there is no need to point out that the iPad does as well. It goes without saying, and certainly does not warrant its own thread.

Maybe I should create a thread called "Driving for extended periods of time without stopping to stretch causes discomfort".

 

[Built]

Since I have work to do, I wasn't able to reply. This, along with your other snide remarks shows your and the alleged "ballet dancer's" maturity level. Both of you attacked me personally by calling me a wimp, saying I have bad form, and calling me stupid. Also, my using the nerd example was on the money. Even if I was a wimp, I'm still stronger than most of the posters telling people they need to workout more. So, you just called a lot of people wimps. My saying that I'm stronger than a lot of posters is not bragging. Who cares who's stronger? It's just an example to support the fact that the iPad, after prolonged unsupported use, gets heavy. Of course I don't usually hold it this way.

If you can really perform 10 reps with 400lbs on the bench, either you just admitted that you use PEDs or you are stronger than most professional football players (they probably use PEDs). If you use drugs so that you can lift more and build up your body, considering the health risks, that's idiotic.




For me, the iPad is not too heavy. I simply pointed out that it can get heavy. I love my iPad.

Do you feel better about yourself now that your rant is over???

 

[PrestonCrawford]

I think it makes more sense to say that since anything we do in life puts stress on our bodies, there is no need to point out that the iPad does as well. It goes without saying, and certainly does not warrant its own thread.

Maybe I should create a thread called "Driving for extended periods of time without stopping to stretch causes discomfort".

There is a context here, though. At least a context I'm interested in. The iPad replaces a number of things you'd do differently. Right now I'm weighing carrying around heavy tech books and pain in my index finger. Other people might find it uncomfortable to type on as opposed to a laptop or even netbook. The iPad does so many things that I think it's impossible to not see it in context as more or less ergonomic than the particular function it's replacing.

 

[ssdeg7]

Has Apple intentionally made the iPad 1 heavy & partly unergonomic so as to entice us to buy the next iPad? 😱

I seriously doubt it.

 

[Yamcha]

Its funny when I see Apple fanboys that think the problem is with the consumer 😛. I've seen a lot of youtube/website reviews online, and all of them say that you do get tired after long usage, which is typical, it may be 1.5lbs, but I can understand holding it for hours with one hand especially could pose a problem, and I've also read people complaining about how slippery the aluminum finish is..

I think the best thing is get one of those cases you can use as a stand, it also fixes the slippery issue.. But then again it also makes it heavier 😛 so I guess its a bit of a compromise and its something you might have to live with..

 

[Built]

There is a context here, though. At least a context I'm interested in. The iPad replaces a number of things you'd do differently. Right now I'm weighing carrying around heavy tech books and pain in my index finger. Other people might find it uncomfortable to type on as opposed to a laptop or even netbook. The iPad does so many things that I think it's impossible to not see it in context as more or less ergonomic than the particular function it's replacing.

Perhaps you should play the lottery...win...and hire a team of nubile young women (or men, your choice) to hold the iPad for extended periods while you watch your Youtube videos. The ones not needed to hold the iPad could alternately fan you and feed you grapes.

 

[Ruahrc]

I seriously doubt it.

What do you mean? Of course they did! But why would they fix this money-milking flaw in a revision as early as 2? They'll shave 2 or 3 grams off the weight in rev.2 and hail it as a new breakthrough of lightweight computing, leaving plenty of reserve weight for you to re-purchase version 3, 4, ...

I mean come on, look how many revisions of Powerbook/MBP they went through before releasing the Air

🙂

 

[rhinosrcool]

Do you feel better about yourself now that your rant is over???

Not really, but my rant is definitely over! From now on, I do not plan on ever looking at this thread, again.

 

[PrestonCrawford]

Its funny when I see Apple fanboys that think the problem is with the consumer 😛. I've seen a lot of youtube/website reviews online, and all of them say that you do get tired after long usage, which is typical, it may be 1.5lbs, but I can understand holding it for hours with one hand especially could pose a problem, and I've also read people complaining about how slippery the aluminum finish is..

I think the best thing is get one of those cases you can use as a stand, it also fixes the slippery issue.. But then again it also makes it heavier 😛 so I guess its a bit of a compromise and its something you might have to live with..

The texture of Apple devices is puzzling to me. Every device I use (MacBook, iPad, iPhone) either has to have a case on it or an invisible shield or something to make it grippier. It's just... it's not well thought out.