That was my first thought upon reading the forums after the keynote. The outrage is reaching near iPod intro levels. Apple has nothing to worry about.
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iPad SDK 3.2 Details: External Display, File Sharing System, No Multitasking
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That was my first thought upon reading the forums after the keynote. The outrage is reaching near iPod intro levels. Apple has nothing to worry about.
Colour me unimpressed. Seems to be, as opposed to the introduction of a large number of past Apple products, trying to fill a market that does not really exist. The iPod? Trying to fill the music player, the Apple way. Worked out pretty well for them, all things considered. The iPhone, doing the same for the phone market. Even the iPod touch was filling in a (somewhat rising, somewhat returning) market of multimedia players with web browsing, etc... You may recall when we called those sort of devices "PDAs".
The one other recent Apple product I can recall that also was trying to fill a market that didn't really exist is the AppleTV. I honestly don't recall it selling terribly well. It's still around, but there isn't much interest in it. I'm not going to make some sort of doomsday prediction for the iPad, but I would not be surprised if it goes a similar direction -- still there, but not really much attention paid to it.
I'm a little fearful of all these corporate deals they've got going with it. They're getting that reality distortion field into the boardrooms of other corporations... I'd be really disturbed if these start becoming 'mandatory' for some things, such as university textbooks.
I'm also worried that Apple isn't concentrating on their computers as much lately. They're still, generally, of good quality -- but is that going to change with the greater, much much greater, focus on mobile devices and this "iPhone OS"? If this ran a 'hybrid' of OSX and iPhone OS, I'd be less worried -- but it seems to be running pretty much a vanilla iPhone OS, scaled up a bit. I sincerely hope this isn't a sign that iPhone OS will become (even more of) a focal point for Apple, particularly not to the point of trying to sell me a MB/MBP locked down with the iPhone OS scaled up a little more... I can stand that sort of lock-in/control on a simple mobile device like the iPod touch, but emphatically not on a full computer.
And that's the crux of why I have no interest in this iPad. For something of this scale, I need to be able to run what I want in the manner I want. iPhone OS doesn't do that, not even close.
The one other recent Apple product I can recall that also was trying to fill a market that didn't really exist is the AppleTV. I honestly don't recall it selling terribly well. It's still around, but there isn't much interest in it. I'm not going to make some sort of doomsday prediction for the iPad, but I would not be surprised if it goes a similar direction -- still there, but not really much attention paid to it.
I'm a little fearful of all these corporate deals they've got going with it. They're getting that reality distortion field into the boardrooms of other corporations... I'd be really disturbed if these start becoming 'mandatory' for some things, such as university textbooks.
I'm also worried that Apple isn't concentrating on their computers as much lately. They're still, generally, of good quality -- but is that going to change with the greater, much much greater, focus on mobile devices and this "iPhone OS"? If this ran a 'hybrid' of OSX and iPhone OS, I'd be less worried -- but it seems to be running pretty much a vanilla iPhone OS, scaled up a bit. I sincerely hope this isn't a sign that iPhone OS will become (even more of) a focal point for Apple, particularly not to the point of trying to sell me a MB/MBP locked down with the iPhone OS scaled up a little more... I can stand that sort of lock-in/control on a simple mobile device like the iPod touch, but emphatically not on a full computer.
And that's the crux of why I have no interest in this iPad. For something of this scale, I need to be able to run what I want in the manner I want. iPhone OS doesn't do that, not even close.
Haha. I was just thinking people are really spoiled now. If you had shown the iPad to someone in the mid-1990's or even early 2000s they would be amazed at the technology.
Just because it builds on a 3 year old product doesn't mean it isn't good.
iWork's interface looked pretty revolutionary to me. As I said, in the other thread, MS could lose some consumer office suite market share if they don't build their own.
Also, the Brushes demo showed alot of potential as an example of something that doesn't work as well on a smart phone or laptop.
Are 140,000 apps not enough? You aren't going to do video editing/encoding or other intensive applications well on any machine that costs $500.
Software is software and you can do quite alot with the Apps that are out there. The interface would have sucked if they had just tried to make full OS X with touch grafted on top of it.
I'm not trying to defend the iPad because I think it definitely has some flaws, but I think you are not being reasonable here. The point is that you can run a fully fledged and heavy program on a comparable light weight device considering processing power. Try Excel or Word on a netbook and see what I mean. We still need to see how iWork runs, but they did develop a specific version, which is most likely stripped down, and for a good reason.
The reason why I personally never bought a netbook is exactly that the hardware struggles with the applications that are developed for a much more powerful machine. Applications are developed in sync with heavy hardware. Most professional developers have reasonably new machines and definitely don't develop on netbooks. The applications are not formatted, scaled and built for these devices. I'm personally glad that Apple does.
Compare this to the e-ink kindle with non usable internet, no apps and only 3.3 gigs of memory for $489 and I think you have a killer business case for this Tablet.
I agree with you. My wife, who cares not a jot about computer hardware on the inside, thinks it looks great, and much better than a netbook. The list of things you can do on it that S. Jobs presented is exactly the things she wants to do on a computer. I think a lot of other people will think the same - none of whom are posters on here.All the moaning here is hilarious.
Do you think this is aimed at you (or me)? If you visit this site, the answer is ... probably not
If you visit this site, you are probably (apologies if you aren't!) interested in computer hardward, software, how they work, RAM, HDD, etc etc...
This product is aimed at people who just don't care about *any* of that stuff...
And I think I'm safe in saying, there are many many more of them than there are of us....
The iPad will be a huge success. Its just not aimed a people who want as much flexibility and as many options as you get with a laptop. If you want / need that... get a laptop.
People who just want their email, web-surfing, gaming, social networking, etc etc to "just work" will love the iPad, and will buy it in droves, I think.
Cheers
Jeremy
I see all y'all's point, BUT, why be inefficient?
Why can't I have my textbook open (iBookstore or Safari) to the page the lecture is about or a Powerpoint/PDF (from Safari or a Document viewer) and Pages to type (or write [hopefully someday]) notes?
I know what I need to be productive and efficient in class. Sure the old pen and paper are great, but only having to carry around the iPad for all 5 of my classes, sounds amazing. 3 of my 5 classes use online programs for homework. How easy would that be to do it on the iPad, I think extremely simple and would offer tons more flexibility to when and where I can work. And it would be easier to read PPTs and PDFs I need for classes on the tablet where ever I am (rather than have to lug my laptop around or squint at the iPhone's screen).
Switching back and forth between apps is/would be very inefficient and unproductive in class. To me a device of this power and ability should be able to run a few apps simultaneously. Or as fastred put it, be in a "stay in memory" state but could be easily opened from within the current app.
I do have a laptop, 15" MBP. But why carry around something so big that, to me, would be less productive that this tablet could be.
But hey, that is just my opinion. Maybe the iPhone Dev team will crack the tablet's OS and Cydia will be ported to it. Then I could have multitasking and rotation lock. I wonder what Rev B will bring?
Not being able to make phone calls is a feature, just like no Flash
Lol you Fanboys are a joke to me
Sometimes I really do wonder if any of those against multi-tasking actually use computers...
On the other hand, Apple's "hold-your-hand" approach to their operating system does seem to be a good fit for these fans.
This would be a good adjunct device if I owned either the Mac Pro or iMac. But since I own a MBP, I have something that is portable.
Also, it's too bad this thing doesn't have flash. That would enable me to take this on vacation and not feel deprived.
Also, it's too bad this thing doesn't have flash. That would enable me to take this on vacation and not feel deprived.
Seriously, no flash no deal.
However, does anyone know if there will be MULTIPLE USERS???????
Some great debate here, and some understandable disappointment and frustration, but I think instead of looking inside the hardcore technical community, you should take a look at what the outside world is saying now that the dust is settling.
The business community - often highly critical of Apple - is generally positive in the worldwide press today. They recognise that this is about changing the way that people consume content. The iPad is not aimed at a new market (and I'd argue its not a niche market either); the market is already there - its the 'failed' netbook market.
Whatever features we all feel are missing, the iPad handles media better than most netbooks, you can browse the web more easily than Apple's own MacBooks thanks to the multi touch interface, its easier to read documents and play games on than any smartphone screen, and its lighter and more portable than a laptop. And the entry level price will have Microsoft, Dell, Toshiba et al in cold sweats.
At risk of inciting abuse from some of the more 'passionate' forum members, I'd say that for the moment the tech specs are largely academic - this is the first device that ISN'T a smartphone or laptop that the average Joe will find accessible (in terms of usability and price).
No camera ? It can come when the mobile carriers don't feel scared by the threat of millions of iPad users eating up huge chunks of bandwidth (and there will be a LOT of iPad users...). There could've been a front facing camera the iPhone and iPod touch from the outset, but it hasn't stopped those 175M sales.
Low memory ? Not an issue for most people; this is a device designed for consuming media and maybe tweaking content on-the-fly. Those shiny new Apple datacentres will make things easier via the cloud.
Better screen / battery life etc etc ? It can come...this is about changing the game in an existing market and like it or not Apple has a history of doing that very well. As competitors enter the market, Apple will refresh and stay ahead of the game.
The tech spec could've been higher, but the experience of using the device (a traditional barrier to new users), the high quality of the build, the compatibility with existing content and Apps, and the low price mean that the bar has been set very high for others who want to enter the market.
Now : if I could only get my head around the absence of Flash....
The business community - often highly critical of Apple - is generally positive in the worldwide press today. They recognise that this is about changing the way that people consume content. The iPad is not aimed at a new market (and I'd argue its not a niche market either); the market is already there - its the 'failed' netbook market.
Whatever features we all feel are missing, the iPad handles media better than most netbooks, you can browse the web more easily than Apple's own MacBooks thanks to the multi touch interface, its easier to read documents and play games on than any smartphone screen, and its lighter and more portable than a laptop. And the entry level price will have Microsoft, Dell, Toshiba et al in cold sweats.
At risk of inciting abuse from some of the more 'passionate' forum members, I'd say that for the moment the tech specs are largely academic - this is the first device that ISN'T a smartphone or laptop that the average Joe will find accessible (in terms of usability and price).
No camera ? It can come when the mobile carriers don't feel scared by the threat of millions of iPad users eating up huge chunks of bandwidth (and there will be a LOT of iPad users...). There could've been a front facing camera the iPhone and iPod touch from the outset, but it hasn't stopped those 175M sales.
Low memory ? Not an issue for most people; this is a device designed for consuming media and maybe tweaking content on-the-fly. Those shiny new Apple datacentres will make things easier via the cloud.
Better screen / battery life etc etc ? It can come...this is about changing the game in an existing market and like it or not Apple has a history of doing that very well. As competitors enter the market, Apple will refresh and stay ahead of the game.
The tech spec could've been higher, but the experience of using the device (a traditional barrier to new users), the high quality of the build, the compatibility with existing content and Apps, and the low price mean that the bar has been set very high for others who want to enter the market.
Now : if I could only get my head around the absence of Flash....
... which fulfils the computing needs of 70% of the population, and does it in a way that is beautiful and very very very simple. For those people, the HP _cannot_ print because either they don't have a printer, or the initial ink cartridge is empty and they'll never buy a new one. And the iPad does Internet, photos, music, videos, games, email, so why would they need an operating system?
Well I like it. I think I will get it anyway. Although I would be happy if there was multitasking (letdown) and camera (not that big deal). Im also not sure about book prices and possibility to import your own books to library. iTunes is already slooow and bloated. Im not 100% sure that it was a good choice to go with syncing ala iphone. I already have a big deal with syncing due to the fact that I have 2 iPhones and like 5 different laptops/computers.
Some thoughts
1) What about printing stuff from iWork?
2) Why steal the Delicious-Library design for iBook?
3) Is the Homescreen also viewable over TV-Out?
4) Is the file sharing space usable for any files? Memorystick?
5) Is ist possible to load own eBooks, or only the ones from the store?
1) What about printing stuff from iWork?
2) Why steal the Delicious-Library design for iBook?
3) Is the Homescreen also viewable over TV-Out?
4) Is the file sharing space usable for any files? Memorystick?
5) Is ist possible to load own eBooks, or only the ones from the store?
I'd be interested in finding out how your macbook pro tablet thing works out as it would be something I'd use.
My dad wants an iPad, and my mom might actually USE the internet once she sees it. As it is, she never goes upstairs to use the iMac and I think she finds full-fledged operating systems a bit intimidating. So, though the iPad would merely be an accessory for me (that I'm not sure about), there IS a place for this product.
The point of difficulty is that the iPad's launch is focussed on the USA only, as are most of it's features. Nice to see that Apple has catered for the European, Australasian markets, etc...massive slap in the face n a way to smash a loyal market in the teeth...
Really? What are you going to use this thing for? And, if I have an iPhone, why do I want this?
This MassiveiPodTouch product is a disappointment: such limited utility. And I'm not talking about VLC. It would be totally unsuitable for something as basic as note taking in a meeting or at a lecture. If you had it on a desk, it'd be wobbling as you type. If you're holding it in your lap, you'll have some neck and back problems quickly. From the looks of it, you can't save the documents to an iDisk or other online storage. And you can't set up a network printer on it.
So what is this thing going to do well?
Email: no, because the input sucks (see above)
Web surfing: no, because there's no flash support.
Viewing movies: no, because it doesn't support most formats and you can't put a DVD in it.
Photo importing and manipulation: no.
Playing music: no, it's not portable like an iPhone/iPod.
Basically all you're left with is viewing photos... and who the hell regulary sits down and does that? And eBooks. Amazing functionality, Apple(!)
So what is this thing going to do well?
Email: no, because the input sucks (see above)
Web surfing: no, because there's no flash support.
Viewing movies: no, because it doesn't support most formats and you can't put a DVD in it.
Photo importing and manipulation: no.
Playing music: no, it's not portable like an iPhone/iPod.
Basically all you're left with is viewing photos... and who the hell regulary sits down and does that? And eBooks. Amazing functionality, Apple(!)
To be fair, you could exactly say the same thing about the iPod Touch, and this is really just a bigger one, despite all the marketing hype about 'magical' and 'revolutionary'.
I've never really seen the point of an iPod Touch - a device that you can only use on WiFi doesn't really deliver the mobility that its small form factor offers. The iPhone makes a lot more sense, because email and web work everywhere, and most people need a phone, so why not have one that is capable of a lot more. However, a large number of people did buy the Touch, so clearly there is a considerable market for a simple browser/email/etc device.
Given that this is really just a jumbo iPod Touch (and there's no getting away from that IMHO) , I expect it will most likely kill the original Touch off. People will buy the iPad for many of the same reasons they buy the iPod Touch now, in addition, those people put off by the small screen size of the Touch will now be potential customers. Also some people who already have iPhones and laptops might see it as useful (I'm not convinced though).
I suppose if it had just been marketed as the new iPod Touch, everyone would have been raving about it, and would have been excited about the future prospects of a much more powerful real netbook replacement. As it is, it's underwhelming, but I think the extremely ill judged marketing BS is partly responsible. The promo video is cringeworthy frankly - falling over themselves to say how great and important it is, as though they realise people may need some convincing. On reflection though, despite the ridiculous overpromotion, I think it will sell very well.
I’m surprised at all the negative reactions.
I mean, most everyone agreed that it would have an iPhone OS, and since an iPhone is basically just a small tablet… why are you all surprised that the iPad looks and works like a big iPhone?
I must be in the minority but the iPad is exactly what I expected (and wanted for that matter). Now I will be able to actually see the apps, movies, emails, etc. AND get to read books too!
Hear, hear!
I bought a Fujitsu Stylistic ST5112 a few years ago which is a good pc tablet as far as tablets go but what I really wanted on my wish list when picking a tablet is exactly what Apple has delivered. I will be finding a new home for my Stylistic and snapping up a WiFi/3G 64GB as soon as I can scrape the pennies together. Bravo
!Just for comparison from someone with actual tablet experience the 1.5Kg ST5112 is just too heavy for comfortable prolonged use and it's heat/noise combination also get very annoying. I can also attest to the fact that windows on a tablet just doesn't feel right at all. What someone said above about desktop apps not really working on a pen/touch style interface is 100% on the money. It just does not feel right. In the defence of windows and pc tablets I must say that MS's implementation of handwriting recognition is top notch and that particular feature is really the only reason I didn't sell of the ST5112 within a month or two of buying it. Also note that the total cost of the ST5112 plus mandatory accessories was just under AUD$5000.
By the way I was very very impressed by the iWork conversion. Personally I think that the iPad interface surpasses the iWork desktop interface. Bravo again
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Perfect computer for my mom. Except that she actually multitasks between an internet browser and a word processor to create her travel plans and et-cetera. Multitasking is a must. I also think the lack of apparent printing support is werid, given its document creation functionalities.
Also, with such reduced storage space, it need to be able to tightly integrate with a media server via WiFi/3G/whatever. Keep your files on a local computer and stream them to your iPad. Just copy to the iPad what you can't live without.
Definitely needs a firmware update to be REALLY useful.
Also, with such reduced storage space, it need to be able to tightly integrate with a media server via WiFi/3G/whatever. Keep your files on a local computer and stream them to your iPad. Just copy to the iPad what you can't live without.
Definitely needs a firmware update to be REALLY useful.