Things that Ipad can't do

[jamesberryjames]

So, i have an Ipad 2 for about two weeks and everyday I'm suprised by its limitations. Here are a few I've discovered during the past days.,

- simulteneous downloads not possible. If i download vodcast from the itunes stores, they download one by one.,
- downloading a newspaper from a newspaper app only downloads when the app is open. I'm unable to switch between apps while its downloading.,
- many apps require you to open the app to fetch feeds and updates.
- downloaded files are not interchangeble between apps. Each app has it own container.

Having an android device, you're likely to take these features for granted. These are not dealbreakers, but it's good to know before purchasing an ipad.

 

[Mac.World]

One word... Jailbreak.

 

[darngooddesign]

One word... Jailbreak.

If his iPad has the latest OS, it can't be done.

 

[munkery]

Having an android device, you're likely to take these features for granted. These are not dealbreakers, but it's good to know before purchasing an ipad.

The lack of these features does improve battery life.

 

[Skyhigh223]

- simulteneous downloads not possible. If i download vodcast from the itunes stores, they download one by one.

Not the biggest problem ever, but fair enough. I see your point.

- downloading a newspaper from a newspaper app only downloads when the app is open. I'm unable to switch between apps while its downloading.,

Not really to do with the iPad's limitations, more to do with poor app development. I'm sure there are many newspaper applications out there that take advantage of background task completion to download whilst in other apps.

- many apps require you to open the app to fetch feeds and updates.

Fair point. This is a battery life/usability trade off here. A vast amount of apps support push notifications to get updates to feeds, though.

- downloaded files are not interchangeble between apps. Each app has it own container.

Yes they are. Look for "Open In..." buttons when working with files in apps.


P.S. Thank you for not saying "the iPad lacks flash hurrr"

 

[wazgilbert]

iOS5 is coming.

that is all.

 

[darngooddesign]

iOS5 is coming.

that is all.

Perhaps you can clarify how iOS5 is going to solve all his issues.

 

[wazgilbert]

Perhaps you can clarify how iOS5 is going to solve all his issues.

did you watch the developer conference?

- backgrounded downloads
- newstand updates without having it open
- cutting the cable between computer and device
- update / notification improvements

are just the few things I got out of it and thought that's going to resolve a few of my issues with the ipad, that were keeping me on the fence to other devices.

any help?

 

[aziatiklover]

iOS 5 will help u a lot more!

 

[darngooddesign]

did you watch the developer conference?

- backgrounded downloads
- newstand updates without having it open
- cutting the cable between computer and device
- update / notification improvements

are just the few things I got out of it and thought that's going to resolve a few of my issues with the ipad, that were keeping me on the fence to other devices.

any help?

That info will help the OP, who asked the question.

 

[jamesberryjames]

I've seen the ios 5 conference and therefore certain features like not being able to delete songs and videos I haven't put it in the list.

As for push notification, they notify but they dont fetch. You still need to open the app to fetch, so you need to be online when opening the app.

As for battery life, i agree on that point. On my android device all my apps are on automatic fetch and sync every 15 minutes. That in combination with the usage of playing songs and videos really drains the battery life. So therefore, i've turned off most of the automatic sync. It's nice though to have the option.

Looking forward to ios 5

 

[aziatiklover]

I've seen the ios 5 conference and therefore certain features like not being able to delete songs and videos I haven't put it in the list.

As for push notification, they notify but they dont fetch. You still need to open the app to fetch, so you need to be online when opening the app.

As for battery life, i agree on that point. On my android device all my apps are on automatic fetch and sync every 15 minutes. That in combination with the usage of playing songs and videos really drains the battery life. So therefore, i've turned off most of the automatic sync. It's nice though to have the option.

Looking forward to ios 5

Sounds like u like having widget. I recommend u selling your iPad and go with an Android tablet u will be happy with all fetch apps and widgets they have available. AmIRight?

 

[palpatine]

The iPad has lots and lots of limitations, and I agree with the OP that it is good to know these ahead of time.

For example, the OP mentioned file problems. I imagine there are reasons why Apple has ditched the traditional file tree system. Whatever benefits there are, it also has tradeoffs.

1. You cannot upload files from your iPad to a website. You could do this without thinking if you had a computer. I don't know how Android would handle it. Fortunately, I don't do this a lot, so I can put up with it.

2. You can open a file in multiple applications by sending it to them, but of course, this creates another copy of the file. When it is a 1GB PDF, this becomes a huge issue. Again, a computer handles this kind of thing better. I don't know about Android.

These are just a couple of the problems that occur. There are more. With a bit of creativity and patience, though, most limitations don't get in the way of what I want to do. I find a way to deal with it (for #1, using a URL or iCabMobile sometimes works), or just accept it (for #1, wait until I get home to do it with my computer), because the iPad does a whole lot of things really, really well.

It's not perfect, but the OS is getting better all the time, and developers are doing a great job of pioneering new ways to make use of it. It's good to have this community so that we can post problems that we have and hear about solutions that others have found.

 

[Enjoylife1788]

Again, if u jailbroken, u can use backgrounder for real multitasking against apple's pseudo multitasking.

Which will satisfy all about downloading newspapers in background plus automatic feeds.

But again, battery will be affected. So decide wjat suits u better..

 

[Sedrick]

Making something idiot proof often results in a hamstrung device. I've been very disappointing with what my iPad 2 can't do. I wouldn't by it again.

 

[palpatine]

Making something idiot proof often results in a hamstrung device. I've been very disappointing with what my iPad 2 can't do. I wouldn't by it again.

Yeah. I've heard that from several people. In my case, I am thrilled by all the iPad can do, and I can put up with the limitations. But, it all depends on your usage scenario. That's why I think it is great the OP made this thread. Hopefully, potential buyers will see it and at least know what they are getting into.

 

[jsh1120]

Palpatine's comments are correct. And for the record, Android devices do handle these requirements better than the iPad. Likewise, EnjoyLife is correct that there is a cost for true multitasking in terms of battery life. I'd add that there is also a cost in terms of predictable performance (meaning the absence of lag when the OS is subject to multiple multitasking demands.)

In fact, if one is looking for a true PC experience in a device that also provides a touch screen interface, a notebook like the Lenovo X220T is probably the best choice at the present time. But you can probably buy two iPads (or Android tablets) for the price of the Lenovo.

I purchased one of the original Motorola Droids rather than an iPhone nearly two years ago. I did so for several reasons, the most compelling of which was to see how the Android OS would develop. It's been an interesting experience and for those who enjoy tinkering with a computing device, I'd say taking a shot with one of the Android tablets is a good choice.

In my case, when it came time to purchase a tablet I wasn't after that same experience. I needed a device that filled a niche for me and provided apps that my seven year old could enjoy. The iPad met those requirements. No other device did.

A year from now I may pass the iPad on to my daughter and purchase an Android tablet or a tablet running Windows 8. Those devices may well fit my requirements (mainly business and productivity needs) better than the iPad. Till then, I'm more than willing to put up with its limitations in return for its many benefits.

----------

Making something idiot proof often results in a hamstrung device. I've been very disappointing with what my iPad 2 can't do. I wouldn't by it again.

Making something "idiot proof" often results in very successful consumer products. I would put it differently though. My wife is no "idiot." She is not only more skilled than I in many, many tasks, she's a geneticist whose work has contributed to the health of many, many children. I couldn't do her work.

On the other hand, she has an Android phone. Without me around to manage and maintain it, she would undoubtedly have thrown it away long ago.

Those whose priorities don't include tinkering with gadgets aren't necessarily "idiots." They may well be folks with different life priorities.

 

[Bob Maxey]

Making something idiot proof often results in a hamstrung device. I've been very disappointing with what my iPad 2 can't do. I wouldn't by it again.

I thought the same thing, initially. Then I jailbroke my iPad/iPod and never looked back. My iPad compares to any Android device in every way. To be fair, I did need a JB to get it to do what I wanted, but still, nothing on the Android side compares.

Many of the things Android device users do can only happen when they Root their device.

I did my research before I bought. I first bought a new HP Wireless printer because I wanted to put my printer in a closet. The iPad according to their web site would print over WiFi. Then I bought the iPad and discovered I was wrong, the iPad only prints to a small handful of WiFi printers.

Seemed reasonable that any device aimed at the business segment or artists/writers, would be able to print wirelessly. That I required an AirPrint enabled printer was not prominently mentioned on Apple's web site.

I think those that worry about the little things their iPad will not do is very small compared to millions of users that love their device.

 

[jsh1120]

I thought the same thing, initially. Then I jailbroke my iPad/iPod and never looked back. My iPad compares to any Android device in every way. To be fair, I did need a JB to get it to do what I wanted, but still, nothing on the Android side compares.

Many of the things Android device users do can only happen when they Root their device.

You do realize that it's not possible to purchase a new iPad today and "jailbreak" it, right? And you do understand that "jailbreaking" an iPad and "rooting" an Android device is roughly the same thing, right?

Comparing apples to apples (sorry), there is no question that Android devices provide a much broader range of customization and control than iOS devices. Likewise, the more comprehensive multitasking available in the Android environment enables functionality that is simply not possible on an iOS device, jailbroken, rooted, or simply stock.

It's certainly reasonable to argue that the weaknesses of iOS compared to Android are relatively unimportant to almost all consumers. I've argued exactly that on Android forums. What's not reasonable, imo, is to argue that there are no inherent advantages on the Android side.

 

[Bob Maxey]

You do realize that it's not possible to purchase a new iPad today and "jailbreak" it, right? And you do understand that "jailbreaking" an iPad and "rooting" an Android device is roughly the same thing, right?

Comparing apples to apples (sorry), there is no question that Android devices provide a much broader range of customization and control than iOS devices. Likewise, the more comprehensive multitasking available in the Android environment enables functionality that is simply not possible on an iOS device, jailbroken, rooted, or simply stock.

It's certainly reasonable to argue that the weaknesses of iOS compared to Android are relatively unimportant to almost all consumers. I've argued exactly that on Android forums. What's not reasonable, imo, is to argue that there are no inherent advantages on the Android side.

I know you can only JB if there is a JB for the current firmware. I also know that when Apple stops signing their firmware and you have not saved your Blobs, you are out of luck. You also cannot downgrade your firmware without your Blobs. So for some iPad 2 users, yes, a JB might not be possible, just like those that updated their iPad 1 firmware might encounter issues with Jailbreaking.

I currently run iOS 4.3.3 and a JB was effortless. I know there are tethered jailbreaks out there for later revisions and a JB for iOS 5 will soon follow; it currently exists for the beta versions but that does not really matter because it will likely happen untethered for iOS 5 after iOS 5 is released. Developers hate to release jailbreaks too soon because they do not want Apple discovering another hole to plug before final release.

And yes, I am aware that Rooting and Jailbreaking are essentially the same thing. Can you please tell me why you think Android "provide a much broader range of customization and control than iOS devices." Sure there are a few things Android can do that Apple cannot do, but the list is a short one and it likely only matters to the user. I happen to be a user that absolutely needs an iPad and so what the Android side does is of little consequence.

Granted, out of the box, Android wins. Far more custom options like launchers and themes. When you JB an iDevice, however, the differences largely disappear. And until you Root, you cant take advantage of some things, so it is sixes.

 

[jamesberryjames]

It all boils down to personal choice. I've owned a macbook pro but after nine months, sold it since i was spending most of the time on bootcamp. In those days the mbp didn't support 64bit windows either. Then I bought the iphone 3gs. Two years i really enjoyed the phone, but sold it recently for a Samsung galaxy s2. I was extremely surprised by all the things the galaxy s2 could do since, i was so accustomed of the closed system of apple. Now i have an ipad2. I think the ipad2 is absolute great device for most consumers, but not for me. I want to be able to receive a zipped file from wetranfer, unzip it, view it, make changes, and send it back with wetranfer. I would like to plug my tablet on any pc, download media and run it regardless of the media type. I would like to view flash website since the field i work in, most companies have full flash website. I would like a tree system to view, store and change all my files. I would like to use a different browser and default it. All of these feature are standard in any android device.

Currently, i'm not limited since i have my phone with me to rescue my ipad when it hits a wall. In either case, ios 5 will resolve a few problems and hopefull can be jailbroken by then.

 

[jsh1120]

See my comments below...

I know you can only JB if there is a JB for the current firmware. I also know that when Apple stops signing their firmware and you have not saved your Blobs, you are out of luck. You also cannot downgrade your firmware without your Blobs. So for some iPad 2 users, yes, a JB might not be possible, just like those that updated their iPad 1 firmware might encounter issues with Jailbreaking.

JSH: It's not "some iPad 2 users; it's the vast majority of iPad 2 users. And it''s likely to be a growing proportion since Apple is getting better and better at plugging the holes in iOS. That's also true, by the way, for Android. Google is no more enamored by "rooting" than Apple. Neither are the various hardware manufacturers of Android devices.

In short, the future for both environments is one in which a smaller and smaller proportion of users are able (or want to) take advantage of holes in the respective OS's. Thus, in evaluating the two environments the most appropriate comparison is between the stock environments.

And yes, I am aware that Rooting and Jailbreaking are essentially the same thing. Can you please tell me why you think Android "provide a much broader range of customization and control than iOS devices." Sure there are a few things Android can do that Apple cannot do, but the list is a short one and it likely only matters to the user. I happen to be a user that absolutely needs an iPad and so what the Android side does is of little consequence.

JSH: It is a short list. But the ripple effects of features like widgets, background processing, and overall multitasking support are felt in many applications. Likewise, the fact that I can choose among a variety of browsers in an Android environment (and not be forced to use Safari whenever I access the internet from an app) and the fact that I can choose from a dozen keyboard options in the Android environment (and use each as a default for every application that uses a keyboard) are features that make a difference in the user experience. Finally, I can access a true file system in the Android device and don't have to keep duplicate copies of files for every app that accesses a particular file.

None of these differences, by the way, require "rooting" an Android device. Nor, of course, must one "root" (most) Android devices to customize the entire user interface in terms of screens, app and widget placement, etc.

Granted, out of the box, Android wins. Far more custom options like launchers and themes. When you JB an iDevice, however, the differences largely disappear. And until you Root, you cant take advantage of some things, so it is sixes.

I don't thnk Android "wins." I'm not arguing for the superiority of either environment. I own an iPad and wouldn't trade it for any other tablet on the market today. The design decisions that Apple and Google made in their respective OS's reflect different priorities and the fact that Apple is a hardware manufacturer while Google is not.

All design is a set of compromises and priorities. If it weren't we could all have 20" screens on the gadgets we carry in our pockets and we could enter text by thinking words that are transmitted to our tablets via the chips embedded in our heads. (See "The President's Analyst, 1967, starring James Coburn.)

 

[sjinsjca]

So, i have an Ipad 2 for about two weeks and everyday I'm suprised by its limitations.

It's a fine point, but to my eye most of your list reflects purposeful engineering trade-offs, not limitations per se (as in, "My 1984 Compaq can't run Grand Theft Auto.") And some are actually addressable by developers already (or soon, with the upcoming iOS updates).

A thread running through most of your list relates to choices made by the designers to optimize battery life and the silkiness of the user experience. A puny ARM processor can yield stuttery transitions and unresponsive touch commands if its OS allows unfettered backgrounding. Having said that, there are new backgrounding options available to programmers in iOS5, so some of your complaints will fade with time as apps get updated.

The one issue you note that I sympathize with most regards iOS's abstraction-away of the file system. The "Open In..." button simply isn't always there when you want it, and I believe it can result in multiple versions of a document if you "Open In..." several apps and make changes in each. But maybe I'm wrong on that point. The larger point is: it's not clear. If I "Open In..." the bookshelf app, is the file the same as the one if I "Open In..." GoodReader? ...And so on.

I understand that getting rid of the file system is a key objective of making these devices "just work," but it does get in my way. Similarly, transferring stuff from (for example) Keynote in my Mac to Keynote in my iPad is, IMHO, too cumbersome: open iTunes, connect device, wait for it to be recognized, wait for any automatic sync operations to complete, navigate to apps tab, scroll down to files area (which after using iTunes for years I didn't even know was there!), do the drag-n-drop, sync...).

This is an area where, with iCloud, much improvement will be seen in the coming months. Can't happen soon enough for my work. (I hope the improvements also address cloud-syncing speeds, too. A decent Keynote presentation can take 40 minutes to upload to iWork from the iPad!)

 

[hchavarria]

It can't do it all but what it does it does it with ease and simplicity. I agree that other tablets can do more laptop things but this isn't meant to be that and for that reason it isn't for everyone.

 

[IrishVixen]

The one issue you note that I sympathize with most regards iOS's abstraction-away of the file system. The "Open In..." button simply isn't always there when you want it, and I believe it can result in multiple versions of a document if you "Open In..." several apps and make changes in each. But maybe I'm wrong on that point. The larger point is: it's not clear. If I "Open In..." the bookshelf app, is the file the same as the one if I "Open In..." GoodReader? ...And so on.

Well, I can probably answer this one for you. When you Open in..., it apparently makes a new copy for that app. Each app then has a copy of the document stored away in its Documents folder.

Case in point: I had uploaded a file in non-DRM‘d ePub format to Dropbox for a friend, and she was having problems with it. To test, I used the Open in... function from Dropbox, then selected Bluefire Reader. Bluefire gave me some issues unrelated to the file, so I later repeated the process using Stanza. Now looking at both apps through iFile (JB only), the exact same document appears in both places, same file size, with only a small difference in title due to the way those apps handle their nomenclature.