Is the iPad Overpriced and Underspecced? What should it have...

[ImNoSuperMan]

Hello dear friend wikoogle. Remember me

I really hopesuch styluses exist and someone can take advantage of them so that I can write notes and draw diagrams in class.

Thought someone with a username indicating wiki+google would be able to find that out without any help

But considering all the assumptions/misconceptions you have about the iPad and it`s success, I cant really blame you either

 

[wikoogle]

What was the point of your post. As of yet, there is no handwriting recognition app for the iPhone, iPod or iPad, and thus no way to see how well the stylus works. So what exactly is so wrong about me hoping that someone can take advantage of them so that I can write notes and draw diagrams in class. You just seem bitter.

 

[fox10078]

What was the point of your post. As of yet, there is no handwriting recognition app for the iPhone, iPod or iPad, and thus no way to see how well the stylus works. So what exactly is so wrong about me hoping that someone can take advantage of them so that I can write notes and draw diagrams in class. You just seem bitter.

Well isn't is logical to think they're no apps because it'd be retarded on the iphone screen. Since the iPad SDK hasn't been out a week, its safe to assume there will be plenty of them.

 

[master-ceo]

I agree. With the name "ipad". You would expect a stylus and writing capabilities.

I ain't mad at people wanting that at all.

even my little (windoze xp) sony ux has a stylus and can run sketchbook pro

 

[Dammit Cubs]

If the battery life turns out to be 10 hours battery life then this will be a homerun. Sorry it's not the tablet you guys kept wanting because you saw some stupid moron waste his life away making mock ups. If you are so whiny, just buy a islate...let's see how long that tablet lasts. I can guarantee it won't have a battery life close to that is seen on the ipad.

That said, i'm waiting for the reviews on the battery life. 10 hours on wifi internet, 10 hours HD VIDEO, that sounds like the iphone 3GS specs (9 hours internet through wifi). I certainly don't get 9 hours of internet through 3G. If this promise is true: then I believe we have a true advancement into the future.

A tablet than can do anything you want it to do. For hospitals, a medical app (a full fledged app designed to only do that). For schools, a education system. For corporate offices, a better efficient way to manage your work.

It's up to the developers. Who cares if you don't get a stupid camera!!! Like you will take pictures. I don't want to see your dirty ugly face anyways. And video chat? You morons!!!! you really think any wireless network is ready to handle that much bandwidth at one time!!????

Stop Clouding your mind with something you wish because it ain't gonna happen. It's you like wishing for a supermodel and you get a jumbo girl. Hey, the potential is...she can do some p90x and lose that weight.

 

[MythicFrost]

And video chat? You morons!!!! you really think any wireless network is ready to handle that much bandwidth at one time!!????

Now that's not a nice name to call people who want video chat, I do. I don't want it integrated on the device though, I'd like it as an accessory I can plug in.
BTW 3G would handle video chat just fine and so will WiFi, otherwise video chat wouldn't exist on the computer either.

 

[Dammit Cubs]

Now that's not a nice name to call people who want video chat, I do. I don't want it integrated on the device though, I'd like it as an accessory I can plug in.
BTW 3G would handle video chat just fine and so will WiFi, otherwise video chat wouldn't exist on the computer either.

Att needed to change their network infrastructure just make MMS work. Imagine Video Chat. Yeah Wifi works (choppy and not smooth) but works with YOUR INTERNET CONNECTION.

 

[johnnyhow]

It also doesn't have a cappuccino maker OR a microwave oven connected to it! How on earth am I meant to get my daily coffee and heated up muffin. Hopefully the next release will fix this.

 

[MythicFrost]

Att needed to change their network infrastructure just make MMS work. Imagine Video Chat. Yeah Wifi works (choppy and not smooth) but works with YOUR INTERNET CONNECTION.

I don't live in the US, video chat has worked fine over here in Australia for years on phones, it'll be just fine on the iPad too. Sure you get slow and choppy quality video over WiFi if you don't have a good internet connection.
I remember trying video chat over Windows messenger at least 5 years ago without issue on an OK internet package or something like that.

 

[cube]

- Electronic ink
- Thin and light
- No bezel
- Stylus (embedded)
- Handwriting recognition

I was not waiting for any tablet, but now I want an ebook reader.

 

[smiddlehurst]

The consensus across the internet is that the iPad is a massive disappointment

And this means anything because.... ?

Sorry but the vast majority of the complaints I've seen about the iPad are made by idiots who aren't thinking about how a device will work in the real world and had utterly stupid expectations. Just to throw in a very small example, the thickness of the bezel is a requirement for a device like this otherwise how do you hold the bloody thing? That's been my biggest disapointment, how bad most of the vocal minority of geeks have become at applying logic to their expectations.

The device itself is fine in my opinion. A front-facing video camera would have been nice but it's hardly a requirement (I use my iChat on the MBP about three or four times a year MAX) and would end up getting smudged to hell and need cleaning all the time (not to mention require holding the iPad in a specific orientation). Other than that there's really nothing I wanted that Apple didn't deliver. Actually, sorry, I'm lying, I'd have like an official IM client which could run in the background but again that's a nice to have not a requirement.

As for iPad2: Electric Boogaloo... more memory (following the trend of prices dropping every year we've seen in the iPod Touch), ability to update the OS over the air (software based though so probably backwards compatible).... umm, not much else to be honest.

 

[cube]

Sorry but the vast majority of the complaints I've seen about the iPad are made by idiots who aren't thinking about how a device will work in the real world and had utterly stupid expectations. Just to throw in a very small example, the thickness of the bezel is a requirement for a device like this otherwise how do you hold the bloody thing? That's been my biggest disapointment, how bad most of the vocal minority of geeks have become at applying logic to their expectations.

It is not a requirement. Instead of a HUGE bezel which still requires you to put your thumbs in an unnatural posture, you could have no bezel, and just move your thumbs when you want to read what's underneath, with touch software that recognizes the holding gesture.

 

[smiddlehurst]

It is not a requirement. Instead of a HUGE bezel which still requires you to put your thumbs in an unnatural posture, you could have no bezel, and just move your thumbs when you want to read what's underneath, with touch software that recognizes the holding gesture.

Oh come on, you're not serious? It's a touch screen, everyone will hold it differently, there's no WAY you could build a software solution to ignore accidental taps that would a) work 100% of the time for every user and b) not ignore actual taps that happen to resemble 'holding'. Also you'd be killing the battery life as you'd have a constant input on the touch screen that you'd need to be interpreting and dealing with as well as having additional software running.

Just to give an example, one of my friends has a very mild case of Torrete's which causes her to occasionaly twitch her thumb or fingers. It's not a big movement, you don't even notice if you're not looking for it, but it'd instantly make this device unusable with your design.

 

[cube]

Oh come on, you're not serious? It's a touch screen, everyone will hold it differently, there's no WAY you could build a software solution to ignore accidental taps that would a) work 100% of the time for every user and b) not ignore actual taps that happen to resemble 'holding'. Also you'd be killing the battery life as you'd have a constant input on the touch screen that you'd need to be interpreting and dealing with as well as having additional software running.

You have too little faith in the power of machine intelligence.

 

[smiddlehurst]

You have too little faith in the power of machine intelligence.

Umm, yeeeeeeeeeeeees... *backs away slowly*

One other problem with the thumbs always on the screen scenario... constant smudging. At least with the current design the smudges aren't on the screen itself.

 

[cube]

I prefer a smudged tablet to one that stays at home because it's too big.

 

[Star-fire]

Why can't apple simply make a macbook with a screen that flips around and folds down, that's a tablet, as a graphic designer this would be hugely beneficial to the ipad, I have no use for it. A macbook with a touch screen and wacom driver would be my dream on the go computer.

 

[Carouser]

Why can't apple simply make a macbook with a screen that flips around and folds down, that's a tablet....A macbook with a touch screen and wacom driver would be my dream on the go computer.

(1) Because it would end up being a niche product with a price to match. It would cost far more than a MacBook so most people would just buy a MacBook or nothing at all. Most people who already own a computer wouldn't buy your fictional MacBookTablet, but they might buy an iPad.
(2) This isn't primarily an on-the-go computer.

 

[Star-fire]

(1) Because it would end up being a niche product with a price to match. It would cost far more than a MacBook so most people would just buy a MacBook or nothing at all. Most people who already own a computer wouldn't buy your fictional MacBookTablet, but they might buy an iPad.
(2) This isn't primarily an on-the-go computer.

HA! And the ipad isn't a niche product? If apple can make a 9.7" touch screen and price the ENTIRE unit at 499, I doubt it would cost much more to add it to a macbook and then just replace the current version with the new version so there is still only one choice, and when the user upgrades to a new system all is said and done.

 

[Carouser]

HA! And the ipad isn't a niche product?

No. The iPad's market is far larger than the market for a wacom-level touch screen laptop.

If apple can make a 9.7" touch screen and price the ENTIRE unit at 499, I doubt it would cost much more to add it to a macbook and then just replace the current version with the new version so there is still only one choice, and when the user upgrades to a new system all is said and done.

Your suggestion to add a touch sensitive screen to all MacBooks or to add a pressure-sensitive rotating screen to all MacBooks (which is it) simply increases the price for all MBs by a few hundred dollars and is a ridiculous business and design proposition. It also has nothing to do with what the iPad is designed for whether you like the device or not.

 

[Star-fire]

I'm sure adding $100 to a macbook isn't going to make or break apple. I'm not expecting 2048 levels of pressure, 512 or even 256 is fine and keeps cost down.

The problem here is many of us were expecting a tablet, like a tablet PC, running OS X and could even be docked to a base with USB, Video, Mouse, Keyboard, etc... and that's why people were expecting a price of 1000+

I have a Macbook pro, and an iPhone, what reason would anyone that has both need to have an ipad for, it does nothing more then either of the 2, it's simply a device to make Apple and those they partner with more money, locking everyone into a DRM format for books, music, video, etc. At least with a full OS you can use other formats, with the ipad you are subject to the powers that be at apple to approve what can and can not be installed on your ipad, unless of course someone jailbrakes the ipad but that's beyond the point.

Sure the price isn't bad, but it doesn't replace or fill any need besides 'being cool' for many users. It's too large to carry causally, and not powerful enough and to limited to just bring in place of a laptop.

Imagine a 10"-12" macbook air with a flip screen even if just using a ipad capacitive touch screen for 1200, and tell me that wouldn't sell. Capable of doing anything any other mac can, yet still being small enough and powerful enough to take anywhere.

Apple is usually a master at wowing the rest of the world, this just dosen't wow after they already made the iphone, which is smaller, thinner, lighter, has a camera and video, and is also a phone of course, that wowed people by all it can do, the ipad just makes people say "It's a big iphone, without the phone."

Anyhow I'm off my soapbox now.

 

[IzzyReal]

How could Apple leave out these OBVIOUS features?

The more I think about it the more frustrated I become! How could Apple overlook including the following ten features!!!?!??! I am willing to bet ANYONE, ANYTHING, that if apple included the following features in the iPad they would sell millions more iPads

1. A camera. And not a cruddy one! If I am going to carry around a 10" camera it had better be compatible with all of Nikon's lenses! In fact, I want it to have two cameras; front and back... with HD video capabilities of course!

2. Multitasking. I have to be able to take a picture while I am watching youtube, checking my email, and writing a paper.

3. A stylus. If it doesn't allow me to sign my name, paint a Rembrandt, and poke ultra-tiny icons then I don't want it! It better be better than a Wacom too!

4. Accessory ports. USB, SD cards, Firewire, headphone, and a BlueRay disc slot. What's the point of having an iPad if I can't connect my accessories?

5. 3Ghz Processor. I am not an unrealistic person... I realize that all of these features will require a fast processor. Obviously a faster processor is crucial.

6. At least 1 TB of memory. I mean come on! Who has less than 20,000 songs that they listen to on a regular basis? And we aren't even talking photos!

7. Full feature applications. Photoshop, Final Cut Studio, Microsoft Office, and AutoCad should come standard. Plus it should be an option to run a full version of OSX if I want to. (And if Apple is really feeling generous they should give us bootcamp!!!)

8. Flash Support. Hey, If I am paying you $499 I should be able to play "Butterfly Flapper" if I want to!!! (lol... I bet you there is a flash game called butterfly flapper )

9. A black and white screen like the Kindle AND back-lit color LED. Hey, Apple is supposed to be a LEADER in innovation! I am sure this is possible!

10. Free Cellular Internet Access. If Apple would just switch to Verizon all of our wireless internet problems would be solved!

I mean come on Apple! Can any of you argue that these updates wouldn't make the iPad better? If I can think of these feature in just a couple minutes what is wrong with you?!?

 

[goobot]

just no

 

[colmaclean]

Looks like they also left a zero off the end of the price tag.

 

[MacDawg]

Buy a MacBook Pro

Woof, Woof - Dawg