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Benchmarks are good. Specs can be telling when the stuff compared is comparable.

Remember the days when the same program running on an Amiga took like a small fraction of the resources and drive space than the same thing running on the PC of higher hardware speeds?

If the Operating systems were even the same, this also would make a lot of sense. If real applications in iOS runs circles around Androids utilizing the same hardware, then that might be another thing.

Thing is, throughout the many years, when we compare specs, we really are comparing the same operating system and applications. The one with better specs often does win the race, for the very obvious reasons. So yep. We have a ton of stuff with compared specs running Windows, and running Crysis. That's because everybody is running Windows and Crysis.
 
Benchmarks are good. Specs can be telling when the stuff compared is comparable.

Remember the days when the same program running on an Amiga took like a small fraction of the resources and drive space than the same thing running on the PC of higher hardware speeds?

If the Operating systems were even the same, this also would make a lot of sense. If real applications in iOS runs circles around Androids utilizing the same hardware, then that might be another thing.

Thing is, throughout the many years, when we compare specs, we really are comparing the same operating system and applications. The one with better specs often does win the race, for the very obvious reasons. So yep. We have a ton of stuff with compared specs running Windows, and running Crysis. That's because everybody is running Windows and Crysis.

Quite true, you make a valid point.
 
Wow, Steve must feel very good about the iPad. Do you remember those post from last year about people complaining how bad the iPad is? It's so funny to read these comments again. :p

I love your post. So glad you kept those comments. What are they saying now? :rolleyes:
 
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I wonder how many components inside the iPad have SAMSUNG stenciled on them?
 
Yay competition!


Competition spurs innovation. Apple was so innovative because they were always trying to be competitive. What a lot of Apple die hards don't realize is, is that competition will drive Apple to become a better company (and drive down prices.)

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I wonder how many components inside the iPad have SAMSUNG stenciled on them?

A lot of them.
 
You just do not get it. Every aspect of functionality is spec-ed BEFORE the design even begins. You are just talking about the narrowly defined spec as displayed next to the phone on the store shelf.

It's hard to write a meaningful specification for a creative work or to specify invention or innovation.

There are practical limitations to what can or should be done with specifications. Specs are very good for some aspects of software design, and not so much for others. I'd say that user interfaces are not one of the not so good areas.
 
I share the same puzzlement as many users here in questioning why you two (not the only two for sure) continue to spend your time, constantly, trying desperately to grasp at straws at, to debunk the successes of a company and their products, and even the people that enjoy those products.

Well, I bought the very first iPod that had DRM protection on purchased music. I became more and more attached to Apple products because I was tied to their proprietary copy protection scheme and didn't want to have to replace all my music. Through 5 or 6 generation it was fine. The iPod did what it had to do - being able to play and select music and that's all I needed. When the iPods started supporting video, I started buying DRM protected video as well. When smart phones started to come out, I choose the one that would support playing my DRM music / videos - th iPhone. I'm not sure when DRM on music was discontinued, but even then I had a bunch of music that I had with DRM protection.

The original iPhone was fine, but it wasn't 3G, didn't run 3rd party apps, so I started to first begin to get frustrated with Apple products then. It wasn't a bad phone, but it certainly couldn't do a lot of what I was seeing other phone do at the time. But the iPhone 3G came out and had 3G and apps, and I began to buy apps that could only run on the iPhone. So I'm in for a lot of cash now for app store apps and movies / tv shows and still some music. That's a big investment to make for a change in platform. So when tablets came out and I wanted a bigger way to see propriatary copy protected movies and read books, I choose the iPad. Luckily, I was smart enough to buy multi-platform Kindle books not to further handcuff myself to one platform.

However, with each iPhone update, it became increasingly clear that Apple was always lagging behind in features that other phones were cutting edge on. That's the FACT. And I'm not talking about features I'd never use, I'm talking about things that I really care about. Take the smartphone situation, I would LOVE 4G since I regularly stream movies and it's available in my area, and a bigger 4"+ screen to watch them on. I'd love a microSD because there's no way that 32 GB fits everything I want on it, and I could cary microSD cards and swap. I'd love a replaceable battery because I often eat through battery on the go and would love to carry a spare. Etc....Now it's the same for the tablets. Other device have these features. Apple is behind.

So I'd switch but I'm too tied in financially resulting from the incremental things that have happened since the iPod release. In hindsight I should have pulled out sooner, but I had no idea have important carrying a multimedia device with me would become.

I don't hate Apple products. They are pretty good. But I don't think they push the edge enough because they don't have to. They have a fanatically loyal fanbase who think they ARE Apple. The reason I come here to forums like this is not only to get information on the HOPE that Apple products will get in tune with the market, but express my frustration when they DON'T and still get people to think they do.

It's crazy that people here are so in love with Apple here that they want the competition to fail and defend Apple like they ARE the CEO. You have to admit that's a little insane. I want everyone to do well and make good products. Why isn't this good for everyone? And why not complain when you think a products should be better than it is to try to make it even better?

And don't give that "user experience" argument. It's a frickin' OPERATING SYSTEM you're talking about. There all basically the same, given you get used to the way they do things. They are equally user friendly and intuative. It's just user preference bias that each of us has. This is 2011 not 1990 - OS makers have this down and are pretty generic. Jeez....And even talking OS functionality, Apple still somewhat lagged behind in basic features like Copy / Paste, file systems, app organization, etc.

Apple's specs are enough, and let's leave it at that.

And THAT my friend, is the mentality I'm talking about. It makes for a complacent Apple.

Tony
 
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And THAT my friend, is the mentality I'm talking about. It makes for a complacent Apple.

Tony

Which is what is happening. Apple still makes superior products however, they are starting to use "User Experience" as an excuse for using older technology at a new technology price. Look at all high end companies that have amazing User Experience, BMW and Ferrari for example. They have probably the best experience of any car you could buy (many call Apple the BMW or Ferrari of Technology) however! They don't just use UE as a selling point. They use Technology, cutting edge innovation, design, and service as a selling point as well. They merge it all together in every model. Apple used to do this. I just wish Apple would make me go "WOW!" again.
 
Competition spurs innovation. Apple was so innovative because they were always trying to be competitive. What a lot of Apple die hards don't realize is, is that competition will drive Apple to become a better company (and drive down prices.)

Yep. In a way we already are enjoying the benefits. It's why the iPad 2 is selling with absolutely no cost increase, even though the competition expected one.

However, when they fail to be competitive by missing the point, I'll talk up. I really want someone to capture the vision that matters. Apparently, tech headed folks don't care much about tablets, when they can get a laptop that does the tech parts better. It's what makes even some Apple fans say, "I'd rather get a MacBook 11" Air, than anything iPad." Nothing wrong with that. They have their valid reasons based on the type of user they are. But I actually am starting to believe this is why the original tablet failed in the first place. It did nothing to separate it's use outside the mentality and technical know-how that is required of a laptop, which always does those things better, with a cheaper hardware spec cost, for those wanting a tablet laptop.
 
Yep. In a way we already are enjoying the benefits. It's why the iPad 2 is selling with absolutely no cost increase, even though the competition expected one.

However, when they fail to be competitive by missing the point, I'll talk up. I really want someone to capture the vision that matters. Apparently, tech headed folks don't care much about tablets, when they can get a laptop that does the tech parts better. It's what makes even some Apple fans say, "I'd rather get a MacBook 11" Air, than anything iPad." Nothing wrong with that. They have their valid reasons based on the type of user they are. But I actually am starting to believe this is why the original tablet failed in the first place. It did nothing to separate it's use outside the mentality and technical know-how that is required of a laptop, which always does those things better, with a cheaper hardware spec cost, for those wanting a tablet laptop.

What Apple is doing (where others failed in the past) is they are making our Desktop experience the tablet experience. Lion will have so many iOS components to it that users will at some point not know the difference between the tablet and the desktop. The problem is the computer is not longer becoming a tool in the sense we know it, and is now becoming a kiosk.
 
Here's The

Deal.

The iPad probably does 90-95% of what most people need. In some cases it's all they need. And at a price that's hard to beat. For those that need more power or content creation, get a MacBook Air or MacBook. And if you want a tablet, feel free to get a Xoom or something else.

Stop trying to tell Apple what they need to do. I think they are doing pretty well without input from us.

Out.
 
Deal.

The iPad probably does 90-95% of what most people need. In some cases it's all they need. And at a price that's hard to beat. For those that need more power or content creation, get a MacBook Air or MacBook. And if you want a tablet, feel free to get a Xoom or something else.

Stop trying to tell Apple what they need to do. I think they are doing pretty well without input from us.

Out.

Without input Apple would never innovate anything. I think the problem is a lot of newer Apple fans have no clue what it was like before Apple was big.
 
Without input Apple would never innovate anything. I think the problem is a lot of newer Apple fans have no clue what it was like before Apple was big.

And WHY they became big. Sure, somewhat because of innovation and certainly quality of build, but a lot of companies have that. Apple's expertise is MARKETING. And they are absolute perfect at that. No one else comes close. Look at the crappy XOOM Superbowl commercial - most people thought it was an iPad for christ sake.

Tony
 
Well, I bought the very first iPod that had DRM protection on purchased music. I became more and more attached to Apple products because I was tied to their proprietary copy protection scheme and didn't want to have to replace all my music. Through 5 or 6 generation it was fine. The iPod did what it had to do - being able to play and select music and that's all I needed. When the iPods started supporting video, I started buying DRM protected video as well. When smart phones started to come out, I choose the one that would support playing my DRM music / videos - th iPhone. I'm not sure when DRM on music was discontinued, but even then I had a bunch of music that I had with DRM protection.

The original iPhone was fine, but it wasn't 3G, didn't run 3rd party apps, so I started to first begin to get frustrated with Apple products then. It wasn't a bad phone, but it certainly couldn't do a lot of what I was seeing other phone do at the time. But the iPhone 3G came out and had 3G and apps, and I began to buy apps that could only run on the iPhone. So I'm in for a lot of cash now for app store apps and movies / tv shows and still some music. That's a big investment to make for a change in platform. So when tablets came out and I wanted a bigger way to see propriatary copy protected movies and read books, I choose the iPad. Luckily, I was smart enough to buy multi-platform Kindle books not to further handcuff myself to one platform.

However, with each iPhone update, it became increasingly clear that Apple was always lagging behind in features that other phones were cutting edge on. That's the FACT. And I'm not talking about features I'd never use, I'm talking about things that I really care about. Take the smartphone situation, I would LOVE 4G since I regularly stream movies and it's available in my area, and a bigger 4"+ screen to watch them on. I'd love a microSD because there's no way that 32 GB fits everything I want on it, and I could cary microSD cards and swap. I'd love a replaceable battery because I often eat through battery on the go and would love to carry a spare. Etc....Now it's the same for the tablets. Other device have these features. Apple is behind.

So I'd switch but I'm too tied in financially resulting from the incremental things that have happened since the iPod release. In hindsight I should have pulled out sooner, but I had no idea have important carrying a multimedia device with me would become.

I don't hate Apple products. They are pretty good. But I don't think they push the edge enough because they don't have to. They have a fanatically loyal fanbase who think they ARE Apple. The reason I come here to forums like this is not only to get information on the HOPE that Apple products will get in tune with the market, but express my frustration when they DON'T and still get people to think they do.

It's crazy that people here are so in love with Apple here that they want the competition to fail and defend Apple like they ARE the CEO. You have to admit that's a little insane. I want everyone to do well and make good products. Why isn't this good for everyone? And why not complain when you think a products should be better than it is to try to make it even better?

And don't give that "user experience" argument. It's a frickin' OPERATING SYSTEM you're talking about. There all basically the same, given you get used to the way they do things. They are equally user friendly and intuative. It's just user preference bias that each of us has. This is 2011 not 1990 - OS makers have this down and are pretty generic. Jeez....And even talking OS functionality, Apple still somewhat lagged behind in basic features like Copy / Paste, file systems, app organization, etc.



And THAT my friend, is the mentality I'm talking about. It makes for a complacent Apple.

Tony

You state your position very well, and all are valid points.

Personally I'm a bit less concerned that Apple is always on the cutting edge, not that I wouldn't like it if they did.

No doubt there is a serious financial lock-in effect with Apple. But it was that same sort of lock-in that spurred the long running growth of the Microsoft empire. I think you could find parallels all through history.

Do you have a better alternative in mind?
 
Luckily, I was smart enough to buy multi-platform Kindle books not to further handcuff myself to one platform.

You've never been handcuffed. Ever. If Apple decides to ever lock out 3rd party media content middle men, then like I mentioned before, you have plenty of options for other tablets. Nothing is stopping you from making your choice. Grumbling on internet forums won't get you anywhere. Your wallet talks louder.

And if this in turn brings sales down for the iPad, then Apple will learn and adapt. Very simple.

However, with each iPhone update, it became increasingly clear that Apple was always lagging behind in features that other phones were cutting edge on. That's the FACT. And I'm not talking about features I'd never use, I'm talking about things that I really care about. Take the smartphone situation, I would LOVE 4G since I regularly stream movies and it's available in my area, and a bigger 4"+ screen to watch them on. I'd love a microSD because there's no way that 32 GB fits everything I want on it, and I could cary microSD cards and swap. I'd love a replaceable battery because I often eat through battery on the go and would love to carry a spare. Etc....Now it's the same for the tablets. Other device have these features. Apple is behind.

I'd love 4G too, but not at this point in time, given the incredibly anemic coverage. So for now, I agree in Apple's decision on this one.

I don't hate Apple products. They are pretty good. But I don't think they push the edge enough because they don't have to.

You're right. They don't have to. Not at a $499 entry price.

They have a fanatically loyal fanbase who think they ARE Apple. The reason I come here to forums like this is not only to get information on the HOPE that Apple products will get in tune with the market, but express my frustration when they DON'T and still get people to think they do.

Or....these "fans" just like and enjoy using the iPad and has given them no issue at all? Does the thought ever occur to you that the answer may just be that simple?

It's crazy that people here are so in love with Apple here that they want the competition to fail and defend Apple like they ARE the CEO. You have to admit that's a little insane. I want everyone to do well and make good products. Why isn't this good for everyone? And why not complain when you think a products should be better than it is to try to make it even better?

I'm all for competition, don't get me wrong. Competition is beautiful. But how do you explain the rampant success of the iPad? Are you claiming 15 million users are all rabid fanboys? No, that's quite unrealistic. I agree, Apple's marketing is a strong point, but other factors come in to play, such as stability/reliability, sheer customer service satisfaction, the convenient one-stop eco system, and I'll say again....Price!!!

And don't give that "user experience" argument. It's a frickin' OPERATING SYSTEM you're talking about. There all basically the same, given you get used to the way they do things. They are equally user friendly and intuative. It's just user preference bias that each of us has. This is 2011 not 1990 - OS makers have this down and are pretty generic. Jeez....

Sorry, I disagree. The OS is the front gate to a user's experience and how you touch and interact with it and how well each element of the OS integrates in an eco system all add up to the "user experience". Apple does that with that great stride.


And THAT my friend, is the mentality I'm talking about. It makes for a complacent Apple.

I've been a happy iPad user and I've been very content with it. At $499, it's great money spent. I love how everything is in sync and works well together. It even assists me as an excellent tool for my music production and DJing....Airplay is excellent, home sharing to come. Damn, it's a great device. There, I said it. I love my iPad. Now come back and guilt me for it.
 
Tough to deal with Apple, right Samsung?

Yeah, to compete with Apple, Samsung just need to remove 1/2 the ram, 1/2 the storage space, swap out the 8MP camera for a sub 1MP, take the flash out and offer 3G as an option. Then they might be able to get down to a starting price of $500. Even though for the tablet to be of any real use, 3G is a must.
 
I've been a happy iPad user and I've been very content with it. At $499, it's great money spent. I love how everything is in sync and works well together. It even assists me as an excellent tool for my music production and DJing....Airplay is excellent, home sharing to come. Damn, it's a great device. There, I said it. I love my iPad. Now come back and guilt me for it.

http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/04/conan-obrien-produces-a-more-honest-ipad-2-promotional-video/

:p

I paid $829 for mine - btw, which is more than a Xoom. You must have low end needs. :)

Tony
 
Yeah, to compete with Apple, Samsung just need to remove 1/2 the ram, 1/2 the storage space, swap out the 8MP camera for a sub 1MP, take the flash out and offer 3G as an option. Then they might be able to get down to a starting price of $500. Even though for the tablet to be of any real use, 3G is a must.

And also take away microSD for additional storage needs, 3.5G, USB for device interfacing in a non-proprietary way, and Flash support. Maybe then they can go to $400.

The iPad 2 is slightly lighter though. :)

Tony
 
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Tones2 said:
I've been a happy iPad user and I've been very content with it. At $499, it's great money spent. I love how everything is in sync and works well together. It even assists me as an excellent tool for my music production and DJing....Airplay is excellent, home sharing to come. Damn, it's a great device. There, I said it. I love my iPad. Now come back and guilt me for it.

http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/04/conan-obrien-produces-a-more-honest-ipad-2-promotional-video/

:p

I paid $829 for mine - btw, which is more than a Xoom. You must have low end needs. :)

Tony

Same processor, memory, and graphic still. Storage needs for me are kind ofnon-essential to me at the moment. Especially with all this talk going cloud based soon. I think local storage will have less significance in the future.
 
I wonder how many components inside the iPad have SAMSUNG stenciled on them?

The CPU, although customized by Apple, is widely assumed to be manufactured at Samsung. Apple also often uses Flash chips from both Samsung and Toshiba, apparently switching depending on supply.

For that matter, Apple didn't make the LCD thinner; they paid LG to make a thinner display. Apple didn't consolidate touch control parts, they asked their supplier to do so. And so forth.

So I think Samsung's main conundrum is over how they can lower their own tablet's price.
 
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Same processor, memory, and graphic still. Storage needs for me are kind ofnon-essential to me at the moment. Especially with all this talk going cloud based soon. I think local storage will have less significance in the future.

You talk about the cloud, but if you have the $499 model, then you don't even have 3G on your device. And even if you did, have you ever tried streaming a movie with you iPad over 3G, especially while in a moving vehicle? You can't. Good luck with the cloud. 4G could probably handle that, but of course the iPad 2 doesn't have that. Note that 4G from Verizon and HSPA+ from AT&T is readily available over my entire city, as it is in most major cities.

Tony
 
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