This is why iPad needs to become a fully functional computer

[blackNBUK]

I don't know that it needs to be a fully functional computer but I do agree that we need some sort of file system that you can access. In other words, while I am typing an e-mail I would much rather hit the universal symbol for "attach" than to figure out halfway through my e-mail that I wanted to attach an image, for example. This is something that I can do on my Droid X; I can even upload an image from the DX here on the forums using the image manager. There are shortcomings of the DX, some things that aren't as smooth as the iOS platform, but overall this very "feature" is well worth it. It is something I've wanted on my iPad since I purchased it. I absolutely love my iPad, the battery life, the usability ... excluding the aforementioned missing "feature".

Attaching a photo to an email after starting it isn't something that requires access to the file system, it's just that this is the way that we're used to doing it. Apple could add a photo picker control similar to the one that Pages uses. Similarly uploading to photo hosting sites isn't something that necessarily requires access to a file system. Currently you can do this through Apps or email, and Apple could potentially add photo picker support to Safari for uploading photos through the browser.

I think the Library based approach that Apple are taking isn't just an accident of iOS's birth as a smartphone OS. Instead I think that Apple thinks that libraries of data contained in Apps is a good way to make computers easier to use for mainstream users. For example, it provides an answer to "Where is the letter that I wrote?"; on iOS it will be inside Pages (or whichever App you used to write it)

The downside of a Library system is that it is less flexible than a file system and hence more difficult to use for those people who understand file systems. There are things that Apple could do to ease this without throwing out the Library system completely. A "Files" App that served as an interchange point would be one option for advanced users. I see this as serving a similar function to Goodreader, but with much deeper integration. Another possibility would be to enhance the ways that Apps can work together. For example make the picker control extensible so that the user can choose items from non-Apple Apps. Adding the ability to temporarily edit a file in an App, instead of always adding it to that App's library would also be useful.

 

[gks]

Apple doesn't need to do ANYTHING to the iPad except make nice evolutionary steps with it. According to BGR (I think it was) Apple snagged 87% of the "tablet" market last year. Which ironicly was a market that they basically created last year too.

Other companies will come along and make something that you think is great but isn't. By all means, speak with your wallet and buy one of those devices if it's so amazing to you. But meanwhile the iPad and it's successor are going to be selling like hotcakes because it IS what most people want.

If you want a laptop, buy a laptop.

If you want a tablet, the iPad is the only option worth considering unless you're a geek that can deal with stupid BS and are willing to forgo ease of use for configurability like an Android "tablet."

Things might change, and in which case Apple will adjust... but at this rate, most companies are yet again trying to play catch up to Apple in a lot of ways. They rush things to the market and they end up flopping. We will be seeing a whole lot of that over the course of the next 8 months prior to the holiday shopping season. Rushed products that want to compete but never have a chance.

 

[ZilogZ80]

When I look at the iPad and the efficiency in which I can get in and out and get things accomplished and then compare it to my "powerful" desktop with windows all over the screen and the mountains of usability problems it suffers from compared to the iPad then no I don't look forward to the "full desktop" experience coming to the iPad.

Apple's success with the iPad is because they completely rethought and redesigned the desktop experience. Other manufacturers seem to want to go back to the same reasons tablets never caught on in the first place. They will fail.

Agreed. Yes, there is a market for more sophisticated 'computer style' tablets but there will always be a place for the more streamlined system pioneered by the iPad.

 

[zap2]

Hp is said to be killing it's netbooks in favor of tablets and I think this is only the beginning.

I'm gonna call false on this...unless you have a source?(more recent then just a few days ago)

http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news/2011/01/hp-training-materials-out-webos-netbook-plans.ars

Netbook plans for WebOS...a fine OS no doubt, I think WebOS could offer the most threat to iOS. HP has the big PC money and is willing to try new form factor's, while Palm brings an Apple like sense of design to the Apple. I'm not saying iOS is going anywhere, but WebOS has a lot of room to take off(and WebOS 2.0 looks great..I really want a Pre 2, but I'm waiting to see what Palm brings out on Feb 9th)

 

[KeithJenner]

In my opinion, I think those who say that they don't need/want a fully functional computer in an iPad-like form factor are just deluding themselves.

Your opinion is wrong then.

One of the great things about the iPad is that it isn't a fully functioning computer. It is a mobile device which benefits from portability and ease of access. It is restricted by screen size and (at the moment) performance issues due to the requirement for a decent battery life etc.

Obviously, we can't see where we will be in many years time, but for me, and I'm sure many others, it works well as a mobile device which can perform many of the tasks that our computers can. We know that for many tasks the computer will be the best tool, but accept that because the changes that would be required to make the iPad perform those tasks better would negate from the portability benefits.

Personally, the most important thing for me is to be able to easily sync documents and media between devices (I'd love some sort of wireless iTunes syncing). If Apple started making the iPad too much like my laptop then I may as well just start lugging my laptop around again.

 

[gks]

Your opinion is wrong then.

One of the great things about the iPad is that it isn't a fully functioning computer. It is a mobile device which benefits from portability and ease of access. It is restricted by screen size and (at the moment) performance issues due to the requirement for a decent battery life etc.

Obviously, we can't see where we will be in many years time, but for me, and I'm sure many others, it works well as a mobile device which can perform many of the tasks that our computers can. We know that for many tasks the computer will be the best tool, but accept that because the changes that would be required to make the iPad perform those tasks better would negate from the portability benefits.

Personally, the most important thing for me is to be able to easily sync documents and media between devices (I'd love some sort of wireless iTunes syncing). If Apple started making the iPad too much like my laptop then I may as well just start lugging my laptop around again.

Agreed. I'm sure eventually we'll see some sort of cross pollination and see some of the iPad in computers like the Air... But there is no delusion here in regard to wanting a full computer.

I have a Mac Pro. If I need serious number crunching, I use that. If I need a portable computer with a keyboard, I take my Air. If I need something basic, light and powerful, I take my iPad with me.

They all serve a different purpose. Very few people are going to fully replace a computer with the iPad. That isn't the intent of the device. It's a portable device IN ADDITION to something else for a vast majority of people. I think this is where the original poster (to which the person I'm quoting is replying) is confused.

I don't want to replace my computer with my iPad. It's a different beast. I'm willing to sacrifice power to get something that I can just hit a button to turn on and tap a few times to get the information I need. It does fantastic for reading textbooks in class. With limited desk space I have no desire to take my Air to some classes because there just isn't enough room.

I'm also the type that is happier writing notes as opposed to typing them. Muscle memory. By writing it I remember it better even though I can type it faster.

The only delusion here is that people seem to think the iPad should be their main computer and as a result find flaws with this. That isn't the intent. That's why it syncs with a computer for information. It's pretty straight forward. While some people could use it for their everyday computing needs, their use case is pretty small and isn't going to be a large majority of the customer space.

 

[paulrbeers]

Those who believe that the iPad should be a fully functional computer are the ones who are deluding themselves.

A 10" screen is not sufficient for doing any serious work on it. Not having a full keyboard is insufficient for extensive text input. The ipad is a great tool for surfing the web, consuming media, checking email, etc, but it can not replace a full laptop/desktop experience and WASN'T meant to. A few examples of things that I would never do on my iPad:

1. Movie Editing - At least not advanced movie editing. First off, I need more "room" on the screen for flipping through various clips. Further, I want more processing power that we will not see on these for quite some time (at least not without drastically reducing run time).

2. Massive spreadsheet work - I run a web based software company. We have clients that send us setup documents that are nothing more than giant spreadsheets that we import. There is not enough room on the screen to compare these spreadsheets.

3. Extensive Peripherals - I have a printer, scanner, External Hard drive, keyboard, mouse, etc all hooked to my desktop at any given time thru various ports (not just USB). I would not want all of those hanging off of my tablet

4. Massive storage - I consume a huge amount of storage. You will never see a RAID 5 with 9TB of usable space in one of these (okay at least not in the next 10 years).

However, do you know how my iPad has made my business easier to run? Email on the go, VNC from anywhere to my desktop, Terminal for accessing my Freebsd servers, Keynote for presentations, SoundNote for meeting recordings/note taking, twitter and IM for keeping in touch with my employees and clients, etc. etc.....

I would never want to do "everything" with a tablet. I tried that with a Windows XP (and later a Windows 7) based convertible tablet. I ended up treating it as a laptop. A heavy bulky laptop that was neither great as a laptop or a tablet (and at best I could only get 4 hours battery life even with the big heavy battery). I want something that at the end of the day, I hook up to my 27" iMac, sync the data from one to the other, add some new music and/or videos for when I have some down time, move my presentations from my iMac to the iPad for the next days presentations, and go about my business (oh and lasts all day on one charge).

 

[matt90036]

Open file systems, USB drives, keyboards, mice, cameras. Um, it's called a desktop.

no, it is called a playbook. wake up and read outside of the apple box.

and yes 90% of the time i am not concerned about battery life because my ipad is used at home 90% of the time. honestly, how many of you use the ipad outside of your house more than inside?

and yes there are hardware limitations that would prevent tablet from replacing your desktop. i am however pretty sure that supporting USB driving and allowing external peripherals and opening the files system would not overwhelm the CPU or RAM or flash-drive space?

anyways, i have posted this because by the end of this year i will dig up this thread with the range of tablets that will be more like computers than cell phones (iPads).

i am hoping that iPad 3 will improve with its openness, i will for sure not buying IPad 2 while there are going to be so many alternatives on the market this year.

A 10" screen is not sufficient for doing any serious work on it. Not having a full keyboard is insufficient for extensive text input.

whose fault is it that you cannot attach a fully functional keyboard? it is apple that did not include a USB. other tablets will have a USB and you will be able to attach a desktop keyboard.

1. Movie Editing

really? you cannot do a light movie editing on 256mb of RAM? so you telling me that i cannot cut and paste 20mb video clip of me and my gf?

2. Massive spreadsheet work

how many people really use spreadsheet on a daily basis? maybe 10%? how many people do massive spread sheet work on daily basis? maybe 0.001%
the point of ipad is to do light computing and it is obvious.

3. Extensive Peripherals

again whose is there to thank that we dont have a USB in an ipad? its apples fault.

4. Massive storage

unlike you most people are not working for univeral studios and will not be editing a move 3TB in size.
and if apple did allow a USB you would be able to attach a 10TB USB drive if you want to.

Those who believe that the iPad should be a fully functional computer are the ones who are deluding themselves.

i think you are the one who is deluding himself because this is where the future is going and if it will not be apple it will be someone else.

 

[Carouser]

this is where the future is going and if it will not be apple it will be someone else.

Why does the iPad need to become 'a fully functional computer'? We already have fully functional computers.* Next you'll be telling me that cars need to become motorcycles or refrigerators need to become microwaves.

We get it, you want a touchscreen laptop without the keyboard. Why? Is touching a screen really that rewarding?

*(and the iPad already is a fully-functional computer, unless you're selective and self-serving with your definitions)

 

[paulrbeers]

i think you are the one who is deluding himself because this is where the future is going and if it will not be apple it will be someone else.

If the form factor can't do all of the above, it can't be a fully functional computer can it? Which is my point.

1. And I stated, Advanced movie editing. Anyone can cut videos up on any device. My 3 year old nephew can do that. It is almost impossible to do professional movie editing on a 10" screen.

2. Just about anyone that works for me, or the Fortune 500 company I work for from 8-5 uses massive spreadsheets every day and if it isn't massive spreadsheets, it is database management, our enterprise software, etc.

3. My point wasn't that the iPad couldn't have a USB port, it's that I don't want a 100 devices hanging off of it. What is the point of a portable device if you have to have a dozen items hanging off of it like I would on a "full computer"

4. See Point 4.

Seriously, did you even read and/or comprehend what I was writing about? Clearly, the educational system has failed you.

To be extremely clear: The input and form factor will not allow for the iPad to be a fully functional computer. It WASN'T designed to be. It is designed to be a daily aid, but not replace the personal computer entirely. That's why we have laptops.

 

[gks]

http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news...tm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss

Acers last attempt sold less than 300 units? I say this latest effort is going to be a giant failure too.

This thread is going to only get worse. Want a full computer? Buy one. The iPad is not a full fledged computer. Never will be

 

[dejo]

and yes 90% of the time i am not concerned about battery life because my ipad is used at home 90% of the time. honestly, how many of you use the ipad outside of your house more than inside?

I may not use it outside my house that often but I don't have my charger set up where I normally use it (office vs. living room). So, when it is charging, I'm not using it. Therefore, I'd prefer it to last fairly long between charges. If I have to keep it plugged in to charge half the time I'm using it, it really fails to be a portable device.

 

[jellybean]

My Nexus S isn't a "fully functional" computer, yet it DOES have apps which can access the file system, and does more sorts of "computery" stuff than iOS can. Just because these new-age tablets run mobile, touch-friendly operating systems doesn't mean they should be crippled.

 

[paulrbeers]

My Nexus S isn't a "fully functional" computer, yet it DOES have apps which can access the file system, and does more sorts of "computery" stuff than iOS can. Just because these new-age tablets run mobile, touch-friendly operating systems doesn't mean they should be crippled.

I don't think any of us are stating that the iPad shouldn't be more flexible, but to claim that it has to be a fully functional computer to compete is ludicrous. Tablets are not meant to replace the PC. They are meant to be a mobile companion.

 

[Pressure]

Those who believe that the iPad should be a fully functional computer are the ones who are deluding themselves.

A 10" screen is not sufficient for doing any serious work on it. Not having a full keyboard is insufficient for extensive text input. The ipad is a great tool for surfing the web, consuming media, checking email, etc, but it can not replace a full laptop/desktop experience and WASN'T meant to. A few examples of things that I would never do on my iPad:

Back in the 80's we did serious work on a 9" monochrome monitor in the Macintosh SE.

I'm not saying the iPad cannot be used as a serious machine but it is meant as an media appliance in its current form.

 

[Stirolak123]

Here is another reason:
http://bit.ly/fCFJ3s

 

[Stirolak123]

Back in the 80's we did serious work on a 9" monochrome monitor in the Macintosh SE.

I'm not saying the iPad cannot be used as a serious machine but it is meant as an media appliance in its current form.

In other words, in its current form, its meant as a toy. It really only does stufd the psp can also do but more comfortably. What makes it truly standout from a psp or the soon to be released 3ds outside of iworks?

 

[matt90036]

i guess you guys are misunderstanding what i mean by a fully functional computer. so let me define it for you:
- ability to connect external hard drive
- ability to use external hard drive
- ability to connect a camera for video conferencing
- ability to connect a standard mouse and keyboard if once has to (again i am not forcing everyone on the forum to attach a keyboard, mouse, and external hard drive - although some of you believe so)
- ability to download my attachments
- ability to freely copy and paste files
- ability to put your files into a files system folder
- ability to play flash

... but i guess everyone in here doesn't care about folders, doesn't care about downloading attachments, doesn't care about playing more than 2 movie formats, doesn't care about connecting a keyboard and writing an essay when your regular computers craps out. lmao

i don't know what you guys thought that i meant by a fully functional computer? like a desktop? and if apple did come out with a super powerful ipad you guys wouldn't want it? really??? you guys prefer to be limited than have a bunch of options on the table? really???

i give up here. lolz!!!!!

 

[bossxii]

i guess you guys are misunderstanding what i mean by a fully functional computer. so let me define it for you:
- ability to connect external hard drive
- ability to use external hard drive
- ability to connect a camera for video conferencing
- ability to connect a standard mouse and keyboard if once has to (again i am not forcing everyone on the forum to attach a keyboard, mouse, and external hard drive - although some of you believe so)
- ability to download my attachments
- ability to freely copy and paste files
- ability to put your files into a files system folder
- ability to play flash

... but i guess everyone in here doesn't care about folders, doesn't care about downloading attachments, doesn't care about playing more than 2 movie formats, doesn't care about connecting a keyboard and writing an essay when your regular computers craps out. lmao

i don't know what you guys thought that i meant by a fully functional computer? like a desktop? and if apple did come out with a super powerful ipad you guys wouldn't want it? really??? you guys prefer to be limited than have a bunch of options on the table? really???

i give up here. lolz!!!!!

Not sure about anyone else but I purchased the iPad to be a portable device I take with me pretty much everywhere I go. I use it daily at the office and when traveling and carry all sorts of documents (PDF's), pull files from iDisk/Dropbox, have access to pretty much my entire harddrive of media via various apps such as AirVideo, iTeleport (RDP) and the ability to get some work done using the VPN which gives me access to all the HDD's and storage I need.

Native ability vs what app's bring to the iPad is something so many people overlook. I don't need every single file to reside on my iPad, and I sure as hell don't want to bother carrying an external drive. People need to get used to using cloud based technology. It's here and not going away. Learn to use it and it makes the iPad a very powerful tool for both work and personal use.

Bottom line if you have to have all those functions, the iPad is clearly not the right choice in computing devices. A laptop/desktop is.

While I have the thoughts in my head going here...

- ability to connect external hard drive - (I do this all the time via Apps like iTeleport or whatever RDP you chose. Load them via Dropbox.)

- ability to use external hard drive (See above, don't want to carry one.)

- ability to connect a camera for video conferencing (I've been in sales for 20 years, had the ability to, never found the need. Catching on, but more a gimmic for the majority of users imo. Also iPad 2 would seem to solve that soon enough if it indeed gets a camera).

- ability to connect a standard mouse and keyboard if once has to (again i am not forcing everyone on the forum to attach a keyboard, mouse, and external hard drive - although some of you believe so) **( Can attack a BT keyboard, why buy a light portable tablet to set on a desk and hook up all this crap to it? don't see the point.)

- ability to download my attachments (I have found a few times this would be handy natively, but again, RDP to my computer, download, dropbox, done. It's possible, just not directly.)

- ability to freely copy and paste files (Again RDP/VPN takes care of most any need I've found reguarding this, but hope the email attachment aspect improves.)

- ability to put your files into a files system folder (This imo will show up via an app eventually. Although I have found apps to organize my files such as Goodreader, iBooks for PDF's etc.. Not ideal but for now it works.)

- ability to play flash (Not much to say here. Most content I watch online that was in flash is now avail in an app. Hulu, Netflix, ABC etc.. many network TV sites also are converting to an iPad friendly feed. Skyfire is an app that I've used, not perfect but it will play flash content as well. As for "flash games" can't speak for them, never played them and as for casual time wasters the App store has more than I'll ever even bother looking at.)

 

[Stirolak123]

So you enjoy having to keep your desktop computer on all day and not in sleep mode?

 

[Uofmtiger]

As was mentioned, tablets were on the market long before the iPad. If the iPad would have been another computer running a typical operating system, I would not have bought one. I wanted something similar to the iPhone with a bigger touch screen and the ability to run apps. It works for me. I happen to like iOS.

I use the iPad mainly at home, so I just use Splashtop remote when I want to see a website that requires Flash (which is getting to be more uncommon). I don't have any desire to play flash games.

That being said, I would eventually like to see USB, which would eliminate the need for the camera kit. However, if the port just did what it does now (other than the reduced functionality introduced with the last firmware update), I would be happy. I don't see the point of a bunch of accessories that make it less portable. Also, with eyefi cards, airplay, and certain apps, I think USB may be less needed.

Edit: I was leaving my computer on all the time before I got the iPad. I run security cameras, streaming software, etc..

 

[KeithJenner]

What makes it truly standout from a psp or the soon to be released 3ds outside of iworks?

Quite a lot, but for me the two most important things are the availability of Filemaker Go and the ease of synchronisation with my Macs, along with the screen size which is big enough to be useable but is still portable.

 

[ApplesAOranges]

Only in Mac forums people would be against real computers.

What is it with the iOS? Personally I´m sick of it. I mean it´s ok for a 3,5" device that goes into my pocket, but for a 10" device... NO WAY!!!

 

[Stealthipad]

The is no doubt that Apple will HAVE to give the iPad more and more advanced features as the competition gears up. Tablets are going to make a HUGE come back and unless you are just interested in entertainment, the other slates will be well worth looking into. Asus is even going to replace all of it's netbooks with slates, soon!

That is unless you got you head stuck up Apple's a$$ so far that you can see the new devices coming! iOS is maybe fine for your iPhone, but people are looking for a tablet that can do REAL work and NOT be tied to iTunes!

 

[KeithJenner]

What is it with the iOS? Personally I´m sick of it. I mean it´s ok for a 3,5" device that goes into my pocket, but for a 10" device... NO WAY!!!

Well, it's all just personal preference isn't it.