More iPad First Impressions and Discussion

I think of a Netbook as a little brother to a desktop or laptop. I consider the iPad a cousin to the desktop/laptop. I've used netbooks before, but for what they do, and what I do, I just simply took my MacBook with me.

Also, the iPad will offer a new way of doing old things, which is what I think people are excited for. And I think the iPad has 512MB of RAM, but don't quote me on that.

That's fair enough. I was actually quite excited to hear about the rumoured tablet before it was announced, as I wished to buy one for my dad. I had seen the HP Slate which appears to run a full, native version of Windows 7 - thus, too much, too fiddly for a touchscreen interface. But the iPad just seems to be on the other end of the spectrum, too simple.

Plus I just can't see the point in an iPad - I just simply regard it as a computer aide as you said. I personally place both netbooks and the iPad into that same category and to me the iPad has very little to boast about. I was reading another thread in this forum where iFixit was quoted as saying it actually has 256 mb ram rather than the 512 previously stated.

I don't hate the iPad, I just think Apple screwed up with the product placement here. They'll reel in the consumers for sure, but I'm also sure alot of techies won't be buying this which is a shame as Apple seems like the company that would have got the balance right.
 
How can I win your "Apple Fan of The Day" award when you clearly point out that I'm miffed there are no Calculator or Alarm apps? If I'm telling the truth, these omissions would make me not as happy as you would seem to think I am. Also, the lack of camera/USB would further strain my patience with this company.

I'm either "Fan of The Day" or not enamored with the device. I can't be both!

Please don't confuse me with a fan boy however. It is true, on this day I love Apple and my iPad, but I've been in these forums many a time when I didn't love Apple or something they created, or some policy of theirs.

I only call them like I see them.

Relax man, I was actually impressed with your good grace, humour and constant optimism! As you can guess, I'm no fan of the iPad but I'm pleased that it's made you (kind of) happy. Keep it up dude!
 
A note about charging, when it says not charging, it does in fact take juice from USB to run the iPad, so though it isn't charging the battery it is not running it down, either. Also, if you put the device to sleep, it DOES charge. It just can't power the device and charge the battery at the same time on the lower power USB ports.
 
Yeah, I fast touch type. It's a little hard in portrait mode, the keys are closer than I'm used to. (auto correct pops up a lot, and when it's wrong, I need to spam the delete key and retype.) I might be able to adapt, but I haven't had my iPad long enough to find out.

Landscape mode has just the right spacing for me. The iPad keyboard seems much more responsive than my G1 iPhone, and I can touch type at basically full speed. I put the iPad flat on the table in front of me, and just type like normal.

My only problem is remembering not to use caps at the start of a sentence as I fight with the auto caps and undo it unintentionally.
 
I assume you want this for a Clock function - For$2.99 you can get Nightstand HD .... this has a screen dimming feature.

Yes, I have Nightstand HD. Great app. But I would like a screen dim, say after 10 minutes of no use, so I can keep my iPad near by and not have the screen keep me up at night. I have a passcode on, so if I turn off the screen, I have to input the passcode. I'd rather just have it dim after x minutes, not so much to save battery life, but to save me from having a lighthouse next to my head.
 
One question, where the h*ll is the DVD slot? Anyone who found it please PM me asap!

Yeah, this one took me a few minutes to figure out as well. You will need a Torx T-6 driver and a slot head screw driver. Pry off the top glass, use the Torx driver to remove the LCD, and you will gain access to the DVD drive. Reverse steps to put the LCD/glass back on.

Enjoy your movie!
 
The problem I see with the iPad is that you must have a computer to link it to. If they want to have broad acceptance, then it must be computer independent. This device is a perfect 1st computer for many people who don't need all the bells and whistles of a full fledged computer, but in order to use it, you have to have a computer. Doesn't make sense that way. Apple should set up a "cloud" computer for the user so that he/she can access and update all info online.

I would agree with this. The iPad could replace a massive number of PC users' need for anything else since all they do is email and surf. I suspect that will be addressed over the next year or so by updates to hardware and software.
 
That's fair enough. I was actually quite excited to hear about the rumoured tablet before it was announced, as I wished to buy one for my dad. I had seen the HP Slate which appears to run a full, native version of Windows 7 - thus, too much, too fiddly for a touchscreen interface. But the iPad just seems to be on the other end of the spectrum, too simple.

Plus I just can't see the point in an iPad - I just simply regard it as a computer aide as you said. I personally place both netbooks and the iPad into that same category and to me the iPad has very little to boast about. I was reading another thread in this forum where iFixit was quoted as saying it actually has 256 mb ram rather than the 512 previously stated.

I don't hate the iPad, I just think Apple screwed up with the product placement here. They'll reel in the consumers for sure, but I'm also sure alot of techies won't be buying this which is a shame as Apple seems like the company that would have got the balance right.

I couldn't have put this any better. The use of the iPhone OS just feels like a cop-out. I honestly believe that the success of the app store took them by surprise, and in their excitement they just decided to crowbar the iPhone OS into a tablet rather than custom-designing an OS that would've given techies a bit more freedom whilst still keeping things relatively simple. Now we're completely reliant on the app store and thus on what apps apple allow us to have. If this really is the future of computing, as some on this thread have put it, then it's a bleak one.
 
I don't hate the iPad, I just think Apple screwed up with the product placement here. They'll reel in the consumers for sure, but I'm also sure alot of techies won't be buying this which is a shame as Apple seems like the company that would have got the balance right.

I hear what you say, and I would argue that the first netbooks had much to be desired as well, especially being compared to desktop power.

Unlike Steve, I don't hate netbooks. They have a place. Just as the iPad isn't for you, netbooks never seemed to be for me. I just saw a small version of XP running on a very small screen and an even smaller keyboard.

For me, the iPad is a departure from Mac OS and, and as I stated, a new way for doing old things. A netbook could be a shrunken Dell laptop, just smaller scale. The iPad isn't a shrunken MacBook, it's a totally new device.

The first generation of anything is going to have shortcomings. I just imagine all the things Steve wanted for the first gen model. Things that either technology or price put an end to.

Hopefully, after selling millions of these, they'll have recouped their R&D and the 2nd gen version will make this one look like a toy. I mean, iPhone 2G vs 3Gs??? Night and day, but still the same product.
 
Now we're completely reliant on the app store and thus on what apps apple allow us to have. If this really is the future of computing, as some on this thread have put it, then it's a bleak one.

This has been one of my major grips with Apple for a long time now. I've been really tired of Apple "allowing" me to run this app, but not that app. And I've been even more outraged at their inclusion process into the App Store and how weak and lame they are at times in rejecting an app-- maybe because the app's buttons look too much like theirs, they reject. Duh, that's what you want, a consistent UI experience!

As for becoming beholden to the App Store, I don't mind a central place to buy apps, but I'm sick of the stupid $0.99 apps that do nothing and take up 100,000 spots in the store. I'm also a bit upset I had to pay $50.00 for "Things", then $10 for it on the iPhone, then another $20.00 for it on my iPad. I contacted them, and they were nice, but that is another issue. How many versions of the same app do I have to pay for, and if they say it's a "rewrite" or added new features, they can get away with charging again.
 
I couldn't have put this any better. The use of the iPhone OS just feels like a cop-out. I honestly believe that the success of the app store took them by surprise, and in their excitement they just decided to crowbar the iPhone OS into a tablet rather than custom-designing an OS that would've given techies a bit more freedom whilst still keeping things relatively simple. Now we're completely reliant on the app store and thus on what apps apple allow us to have. If this really is the future of computing, as some on this thread have put it, then it's a bleak one.

Its so bleak that when I enter my password in the appstore to download and app and it actually works. Again someone who has not even touched the iPad spouting off. Dude the OS is different. Yes its based off of iPhone code. But the apps are more like the full OS X versions rather than iPhone like. Computer companies and mp3 player makers have been cramming in real OS'es into devices for years....each and everyone has been a failure and has not had anything but minimal support.
 
So I went to my local Best Buy last night and purchased one, 16gb model, I am very impressed on the looks, feel and clarity of the screen. The touch is very accurate and it is pretty fun to use.

I am however going to be returning it though within the 2 week return policy because already this morning I find myself going back to my 13" Macbook Pro just because I want to sit at the table with breakfast and not have to hold the iPad just to browse and type on the net. I know I can buy accessories like a stand and keyboard but by the time and money you do all that, I might as well by another Macbook which does a lot more. It's cool when you are sitting on the couch watching TV to play with but to pay $500 plus tax for something as a toy is a lot, if it were down at the Netbook prices like $300, I would keep it.

Another thing is the more I think about how much I do on my Macbook vs what I cannot do on the iPad made me realize that once the newness wears off, i'll never touch it. Sorry Apple, I own pretty much every product you have released and I am a huge Apple fanboy (not ashamed to admit it), But this one is going back, Maybe if/when it runs a regular OSX and I can install all my stuff on it, then I will re-purchase
 
Its so bleak that when I enter my password in the appstore to download and app and it actually works. Again someone who has not even touched the iPad spouting off. Dude the OS is different. Yes its based off of iPhone code. But the apps are more like the full OS X versions rather than iPhone like. Computer companies and mp3 player makers have been cramming in real OS'es into devices for years....each and everyone has been a failure and has not had anything but minimal support.

I can't speak for too many apps, but "Things" for instance, the app looks amazing, and is a very close replacement for the desktop version. The iPhone version was alright, but on the iPad, it's really close, and I could see myself using the iPad version exclusively, it's that good.

The so-called "iPhone OS" is limited because the iPhone is limited. Now, put that technology in something more powerful, and you can see how it could be used to greater potential in the iPad. Some people talk like the iPad is a seasoned piece of hardware This is first gen guys!!!!! Come on. As much as I thought the MacBook Air was a waste of money, I think the iPad is worth every penny.

And remember, Apple R&D is years ahead of what we are getting. Unlike the "hobby" Apple TV, I think the iPad or some iteration of a tablet, is here to stay for a long time.
 
So I went to my local Best Buy last night and purchased one, 16gb model, I am very impressed on the looks, feel and clarity of the screen. The touch is very accurate and it is pretty fun to use...

Same boat. Walked into Best Buy yesterday morning, played with it, and bought it, same 16GB model. As of right now, I'm loving it. I'll have a real decision to make come next month. I either love it, and want the 3G model (and monthly fees that come with that) or sell it and decide it wasn't for me.

My iPad is charging, but I'd probably still use my MBP to type in this post, just because it's all that I know. I'm trying to expand my uses to include the iPad, and probably will start a checklist to see what I can actually replace my MBP for.

Yes, it's new and shiny, and who doesn't love a new toy. But in a month, when all this wears off, I could come back on these forums and say it was great, but not worth it for me yet. Only time will tell.
 
What iPad Apps Do You Own?

To change course, what iPad apps have you purchased/downloaded?

I got:

AccuWeather
BigOven (recipes)
Brushes
Calculator
Netflix
NewsRack
Night Stand HD
Pac-Man
Pages
Pianist Pro
Tetris (love it)
Things
Wikipanion
 
The problem I see with the iPad is that you must have a computer to link it to. If they want to have broad acceptance, then it must be computer independent. This device is a perfect 1st computer for many people who don't need all the bells and whistles of a full fledged computer, but in order to use it, you have to have a computer. Doesn't make sense that way. Apple should set up a "cloud" computer for the user so that he/she can access and update all info online.

They will set it up for you in the store if you have no computer or an incompatible one. This device is able to be purchased without any internet plan subscription or set-up, even the 3G model, which makes the purchase transaction itself fire and forget for the first time.

I suspect once Apple builds its cloud server in NC we will see more truly independent devices.

The point of connecting to a computer is to get you accustomed to the client-server model this device uses. You keep your pool of content on your own "server" and take your "client" with you and load and unload it as needed within the limit of its local storage, which even at 16 gigs is a bunch.

Rocketman
 
Why always a woman?

How about a hunkin' guy holding it? Like Guy Fieri...woof! Diners, Drive-ins and iPads.

What is wrong with people????

All pictures are of the iPad alone. No perspective of it in relation to a human. For sizing, perspective. It could be any size when shown alone! OK Steve Jobs held it. How about some attractive women holding it?
 
The problem I see with the iPad is that you must have a computer to link it to.

And unfortunate that Windows XP enables iPad setup but not OS X 10.4 - Tiger! For many, there's no compelling reason to upgrade PowerBooks to Leopard. Regardless, can't fathom no setup app... even AT&T connect is done direct via iTunes.

OTOH not an issue for early adopters, but expect / hope for direct iTunes (no computer) setup within WEEKS not months.
 
I couldn't have put this any better. The use of the iPhone OS just feels like a cop-out. I honestly believe that the success of the app store took them by surprise, and in their excitement they just decided to crowbar the iPhone OS into a tablet rather than custom-designing an OS that would've given techies a bit more freedom whilst still keeping things relatively simple. Now we're completely reliant on the app store and thus on what apps apple allow us to have. If this really is the future of computing, as some on this thread have put it, then it's a bleak one.

That's and excellent 2nd grade analysis.

But here's some reality instead.

- The iPhone OS was designed for this device, not the other way around. It's not some silly, amateurish cop-out as you so maturely describe.

- App Store success was designed and created. It's also directly related to Apple's success platform, aka, the iPhone OS. To say it took them by surprise is hilariously juvenile.

- Technies do not need more "freedom". People need capable devices, and this is one. They sold nearly 1 million devices yesterday. How many do you think were "technies" that showed up? Nobody cares about "techies", and nobody should. They aren't an actual category of consumer, but definitely a category of whiny P's.I.T.A.

- You act like the App Store is for some reason bad, which is absolutely absurd. The fact that some shifty developer can't brick thousands of iDevices with his terrible App is one of a million reason to be thankful for the App Store and Apple's approach to software distribution. Absolutely everything useful and imaginable is and will be available for this way. The worthless, the buggy, and the abusive, will not.

This is called a "win-win" in adult terms. If you believe you are "losing" somehow, by using the App Store, or "missing out" on better software, you're in a fantasy land.
 
All you lucky people in the u.s lol. I want one!! Waiting for it to arrive so then I can at least know how much I need to save lol. :)

Ptp
 
Let the nickel and dimming begin.

With so many people fixated on hardware, software and network, features and benefits, I would like to see posts and threads about LIFESTYLE CHANGES and things that heretofor were impractical or inconvenient without an iPad.

This will tell real people in real terms, "What's this thing good for?"

Just Rocketman

The iPad is an example of what makes Apple's so special. I have a friends who pretty much share my same sentiments about technology, marketing strategy etc... He's a bright guy. We both recognized Apple product maturation strategy after dealing with the iPhone, yet he buckled and bought an iPad.

iPhone Marketing & Product Maturation Strategy
Sell consumers on with great design, unparalleled user experience and functionality that is currently not available from competing products. Selling point; "It's not the mobile web, it's the full web, in your pocket!" Offer the best plausible reasons/excuses why key standard features such as front facing camera, copy and paste etc are not available so that we will have headroom to mature the product over a 4yr span. The users will love what it CAN DO so much they will rationalize why it's missing the other key features.
-MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

iPad Marketing & Product Maturation Strategy
Sell consumers on with great design, unparalleled user experience and functionality that is currently not available from competing products. Selling point; "Now you're carrying the FULL web around in your hand!" A simple size upgrade will significantly improve the user's experience! They will accept that there is not one USB port, no on board camera, No multitasking, No Drag and Drop File Management, No 1080p Playback, etc... and more importantly, because the iPad does what it CAN DO so well, they will even rationalize that the missing tools are not even necessary at this point.
-Mission Accomplished

Now don't get me wrong man lol, the iPad rocks at what it DOES do. it's sexy as hell, feels great in the hand, and it's as smooth as a velvet to use! But damn, just really really really recognize that you are buying into a product line that begins at $500 and can cost you up to $1,000+ and it lacks a CAMERA on the front?

Let's make sure the iPhone/iPad does what it does so well that people will accept the lack of other key features/functions/tools. They will like it so much they will actually begin to RATIONALIZE why it does not offer X,Y,Z things. This is a brilliant strategy from Apple, that can only be executed if the current features are GREAT!

Over this the next year, you will be taking pics with your iphone, droid, or whatever, then emailing them to yourself, or uploading them to your computers, then plugging in your iPad or connecting to the net via 3G or WIFI just to pull the photos down and save them. Oh and you paid $500 minimum and have to jump through these hoops just to get this simple task done (but look how smooth I can browse the web thought lol). And, you will rationalize that you really don't need those features anyway knowing you use them on other devices on a daily basis lol.

I can't rationalize this one guys. I'm frustrated just thinking about it. I remember buying an iphone, rationalizing what it's missing, then selling it on craigslist to get money to buy the next version that now has what the previous version was missing- making me feel complete finally all while knowing sub-consciencly those features should have been there from the beginning. The iPad will take use all through the same sh*t. Let the nickel and dimming begin.

Well played Apple, but i'll see ya next year iPad
twitter.com/FollowSaien
UGLpros.com
 
Just did some basic GLES fillrate tests and holy crap ..... the iPad is damn slow.

My custom fillrate demo can display about 400 sprites at 30 fps on the older iPhones and it goes up to 1750 on the 3gs (both of them obviously running at 320x480).

On the iPad , running at 1024x768 with sprites scaled up , it cannot pull more than 400 while maintaining 30 fps, which essentially means at that resolution it performs at about the same level as the original iPhone.

Given that , you just won't be able to port graphically intensive 3gs apps to 1024x768 and expect them to run at the same framerate.
http://forum.beyond3d.com/showpost.php?p=1417374&postcount=342

Decoding the part number shows there is 2Gb of memory inside. This translates into ~128MB of memory per die, for 256 MB total. (NOT 512MB, as we previously reported.)
http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iPad-Teardown/2183/2
 
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