This is why iPad needs to become a fully functional computer

[KeithJenner]

people are looking for a tablet that can do REAL work and NOT be tied to iTunes!

Have you done market research on that?

It just seems odd that Tablets have been around for a long time, and then the only one that sells well is one that's tied to iTunes.

 

[ApplesAOranges]

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

That´s why I said personal.

It just seems odd that Tablets have been around for a long time, and then the only one that sells well is one that's tied to iTunes.

What a ridiculous statement. Of course they sell, ´cause there is no alternatives (made by Apple). If Apple would make two tablets, other one tied to iTunes and the other one not, it´s pretty obvious which one would sell more. Of course the one that isn´t tied to iTunes.

Personally I don´t mind the syncing, but it should be just an option. I also want/need to transfer and manage files without the iTunes.

There hasn´t been powerful enough hardware to run OS X properly in the past on a tablet, but now there is. Apple would just need to tweak OS X little bit to optimize it for touch.

There is a huge demand for tablet computers. You remember the backlash when iPad was released? People were soooo disappointed. Remember "it´s just a big iPod Touch"? Everyone wanted a tablet computer.

Tablets with mobile phone OS are so outdated.

 

[Stealthipad]

Have you done market research on that?

It just seems odd that Tablets have been around for a long time, and then the only one that sells well is one that's tied to iTunes.

I do not disagree as the iPad has sold better than any. I love mine!

BUT, things are going to change!

Why does this scare you? Progress is good

 

[Stealthipad]

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

So you are so happy with iOS on your iPad that you will not look at anything else?

You Apple people are frightened of any thing that could challenge an Apple product!

Prepared to be frightened!


LOL!

 

[KeithJenner]

What a ridiculous statement.

Really?

Stealthipad made an unsubstantiated claim and I asked him if he had any research to back it up. I also pointed out that the Tablet with the thing he claims that people don't want sells better than those that have what he claims they want.

Your post is interesting, but doesn't address my point.

If Apple would make two tablets, other one tied to iTunes and the other one not, it´s pretty obvious which one would sell more. Of course the one that isn´t tied to iTunes.

Any evidence to back that up?

 

[KeithJenner]

Why does this scare you? Progress is good

Scare me?

 

[KeithJenner]

So you are so happy with iOS on your iPad that you will not look at anything else?

You Apple people are frightened of any thing that could challenge an Apple product!

Prepared to be frightened!


LOL!

I'm very confused about what you think I may be frightened and scared about. You really don't need to worry about me you know, everything is fine here, nothing for me to be scared of.

Yes, I am happy with iOS on my iPad, and having invested in the platform, I won't be looking around for about 5 years or so. That's pure economics for me.

I've done nearly 30 years of searching for the best specs with computers and other devices. The conclusion I have reached is that if you find something that works for you then stick with it until you need to change. At the moment, iOS devices along with Macs are working better for me than anything I've previously found. This more than makes up for the few minor restrictions I've come across.

If Apple produced a version of the iPad that ran OSX then I would be unlikely to go near it. One of the great things for me about the iPad is that it isn't trying to be a laptop. It's a different product for different uses.

Sorry if I'm missing some sort of ideological argument that you feel I should have. I'm just a consumer who has found a device that I like. I'm quite happy about that.

By the way, I take it you haven't done any market research and are just stating your opinion as fact.

 

[bpaluzzi]

There is a huge demand for tablet computers. You remember the backlash when iPad was released? People were soooo disappointed. Remember "it´s just a big iPod Touch"? Everyone wanted a tablet computer.

Tablets with mobile phone OS are so outdated.

No, there's absolutely NO demand for tablet computers. Nada.
There never will be. THAT has been proven time and time again.

This is why you're at home ranting on a forum and not leading a large company. You know very little about what the market wants. Leave that to people running the 2nd largest company in the world. I think they're doing alright. Believe it or not, you're NOT smarter than the people running Apple.

 

[paulrbeers]

Trust me folks, "fully functional tablets" are not all they are cracked up to be. Heavy and poor battery life. I have owned and still own about 4 convertibles (the type that the top rotates and flips so you can use it as a tablet) and frankly none of them were good enough to use in tablet mode for anything more than a presentation.

 

[fertilized-egg]

There is a huge demand for tablet computers. You remember the backlash when iPad was released? People were soooo disappointed. Remember "it´s just a big iPod Touch"? Everyone wanted a tablet computer.

That mindset is precisely why Microsoft has failed over and over in the tablet and the mobile sector since 2000. It's almost hysterical to see that a claim for "need for real tablet computer" persists online. People, tablet computers have been around for 10 years from Microsoft. It has failed to take off despite Microsoft putting in efforts to make it big. If you really want one, go and purchase any of the available ones, they are easy to get and I'm in fact using one to type this post.

Also that is why you don't ask people on the internet to design a new type of product because you end up with a disjointed product with a wish-washy laundry list of features with little regards to the integration or the usability. Anybody remember this episode of the Simpsons where they ask Homer to design a new car?

 

[anthonymoody]

I think we simply need to rethink our conception of what fully functional means, focusing instead on questions of "what do i need to accomplish, what tools are available for me to accomplish those things, and how well do they serve me in the process?"

In general and on the whole, the iPad - as is - does a great job at most tasks for most people. They wouldn't be selling like hot cakes at an average price point of $600 otherwise.

That said, the iPad is certainly not yet all things to all people, nor will it ever be (same can be said of any device). THAT said, there is little doubt that over time continued improvements to iOS (and apps) along with inexorable hardware evolution and increased convergence of ios/OSX will further blur the lines until the distinction between an iPad and what most people consider "fully functional" will cease to have a meaningful (if not technical) underpinning.

Ive lived with an iPad as my primary computer since they shipped (see my signature) and am more than happy with the choice, workarounds/limitations and all. Eventually those limitations will cease to exist.

 

[Maagus]

Fact no. 1: Keyboard + Mouse is the most effective input yet.

Fact no. 2: The purpose of the tablet is to be touch based so it can be light and thin.

Fact no. 3: Full OS no matter if OSX or Windows 7 is not and never be fully touch optimized. Why? Because all apps for it then would have to be which is impossible.

Conclusion: Until someone invents more effective input than mouse + keyboard, NO tablet will be suitable for real work.

 

[bpaluzzi]

Fact no. 1: Keyboard + Mouse is the most effective input yet.

Conclusion: Until someone invents more effective input than mouse + keyboard, NO tablet will be suitable for real work.

I think you should probably check out the definitions of the words "Fact" and "Conclusion"

 

[paulrbeers]

This is my last post on the subject:

Anyone who believes a tablet should run a full blown OS has never owned a tablet with a full blown OS. End of story.

 

[Piggie]

Fact no. 1: Keyboard + Mouse is the most effective input yet.

Fact no. 2: The purpose of the tablet is to be touch based so it can be light and thin.

Fact no. 3: Full OS no matter if OSX or Windows 7 is not and never be fully touch optimized. Why? Because all apps for it then would have to be which is impossible.

Conclusion: Until someone invents more effective input than mouse + keyboard, NO tablet will be suitable for real work.

Use a pen/stylus?

If you have a Wacom tablet with it's touch sensitivity, it's pretty good at operating windows, you have the tip which gives you very fine control of even the smallest element on a full OS desktop, and they have a narrow button on the side of the pen which acts as the right click.
It's pretty easy to operate windows this way, even when the pen is on the tablet, and you are looking at the screen, if then pen was touching the screen it would be even easier.

 

[Carl G35c]

http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/18/acer-building-sandy-bridge-tablets-for-android-will-use-them-to/
- as I mentioned many times. The competition is not sleeping and it will be slowly making tablets fully functional computers. Its inevitable! Hp is said to be killing it's netbooks in favor of tablets and I think this is only the beginning. By the end of this year we will see several tablets with open file systems, USB drives and ability to connect keyboards, mice, cameras and external hard drives. Tablets will be used not as mp3 players but as computers to which you connect your mp3 player/phone.
- This is great news. No more jail breaking. No more hassle with good reader or having to buy external apps just to download email.

not gonna happen for a little while
http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/acer-netbooks-will-not-be-phased-out-sandy-bridge-tablets-not/

 

[Maagus]

I think you should probably check out the definitions of the words "Fact" and "Conclusion"

At my work I do conclusions based on measured data (facts) which I think is pretty standard

 

[ApplesAOranges]

Apple should make two models of iPad:

iPad

iPad Pro

Just like they have different models of Macs for pro users and folks who just like to browse the web without Flash and send few emails.

Then we wouldn´t have to have this debate.

 

[Maagus]

Use a pen/stylus?

If you have a Wacom tablet with it's touch sensitivity, it's pretty good at operating windows, you have the tip which gives you very fine control of even the smallest element on a full OS desktop, and they have a narrow button on the side of the pen which acts as the right click.
It's pretty easy to operate windows this way, even when the pen is on the tablet, and you are looking at the screen, if then pen was touching the screen it would be even easier.

Yes, however in my opinion still less efective than sitting at the desktop/notebook.

 

[Piggie]

Yes, however in my opinion still less efective than sitting at the desktop/notebook.

Oh yes, I fully agree.

I am just explaining with a quality stylus such as those which come with Wacom graphics tablets, which in themselves can cost more than an iPad.

A full OS such as Windows or OSX on a tablet device is quite usable. Not as good as a desktop with mouse wheels and seperate keyboards, but quite usable.

Certainly good enough to use if you had a real need to use a full OS on such a device.

Not something I really want, but some might.

 

[bpaluzzi]

At my work I do conclusions based on measured data (facts) which I think is pretty standard

Cool, so you know the difference, you just choose to misuse the words? ;-)

You're statements are opinions, not facts or conclusions.

 

[Maagus]

Cool, so you know the difference, you just choose to misuse the words? ;-)

You're statements are opinions, not facts or conclusions.

Actually at this time, I consider them to be facts. Is there currently any more effective input for content creation than keyboard + mouse? Except specialized cases (CAD etc.) I don't think so.

What is the purpose of the tablet? To be heavy and bulk and sit on the table? That is what we have desktops for (because of point one).

Will current desktop systems be ergonomic and effective on the tablet the way they currently are on the desktops? No. Why? Because of point one and/or the fact that all utilities we use on daily basis (unarchiver, file manager, keyboard shortcuts) would have to be somehow optimized to work on the tablet.

So based on these assumptions I consider it as facts, however I am always open for discussion (that's why I am on the forum in the first place

 

[matt90036]

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.

1. have you ever traveled outside of U.S. where there is no internet access or really slow internet? if you did, would understand how important it is to be able to transfer files directly via USB.
2. did you ever try uploading 50GB of files into dropbox for 2 weeks and then telling your friend to download it for 2 more weeks? wait a second, thats a total of a month to transfer files between 2 devices!!!

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.

i don't want to carry external hard drive either but again what if my friend has 50GB of files that i need to transfer onto my ipad? should i wait a month to get it? just because Steve Jobs doesn't like USB?

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.

obviously ipad is not a right choice for me right now (it was 2 months ago when there was nothing else on the market).
laptop and destkop is not suitable for me either but a playbook will or a honeycomb droid with a USB or mini USB.

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

i don't carry one either but most people have one in their house and when i visit them i can easily transfer 50GB of files without waiting for a month to upload and download them from dropbox

- 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.)

i did mention in my post that "IF my computer craps out" i can then connect full external keyboard and write a book on my ipad. and this case has actually happened to me right now. i am visiting a 3rd world country and my computer broke. i only have my ipad but i cannot connect a keyboard to it.
and BT keyboard are a crap and not comfortable.

- 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.)

that's the problem why is NOTHING possible directly on the iPad???

- 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.)

yeah it is far from ideal. i have to keep a copy of my files in each of the apps. why? because there is no common folder system!!! and when i update my file in one app i have to then copy it to 10 other.

- 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.)

[/QUOTE]
how about the 300 games that are available for free on kongregate on adriod?
how about my favorite flash games?
did you read reviews for skyfire?

so to sum it up:
- i go to a friends house and i bring my ipad but there is no way to transfer file on it
- i go to a third world country and my computer brakes but i cannot type my 100 page report because there is no way to attack a keyboard

 

[matt90036]

Cool, so you know the difference, you just choose to misuse the words? ;-)

You're statements are opinions, not facts or conclusions.

wrong. if statements are based on observations of a product that you hold then by definitions they are facts.

 

[fertilized-egg]

wrong. if statements are based on observations of a product that you hold then by definitions they are facts.

No, you're expressing your preferences which are inherently opinions. If you want to express your opinions as "facts," the least you can do is a rigorous testing of the said issues from a statistically significant sample of the population. Since all you have is "I think ... I prefer ... In my opinion" without any data to back it up none of them can be qualified as "facts."