I bought into the hype and now I'm disapointed is all.
It could have been totaly awesome but it's just meh.
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You all should check this out.
My comments to their letter to Apple:
Apps were removed from the store over the last two years because it was found they broke pre-established policy, were technically flawed, or violated another organization's copyrights or IP. No Apps have ever been removed from the store 'just because. '
Also, comparing Chinese and Iranian government crackdowns to the idea of potential abuse on a tablet primarily designed for fun...let's just say is a little hyperbolic.
So who else wants Paizo iBooks on their iPad?
I think this could be an awesome all in one game aid for a DM.
Actually, in anticipation of a device like this is a big part of the reason I buy Paizo PDFs. I would love to have something like this to be able to walk around with my entire Pathfinder library to my games. My problem is that every PDF reader I’ve encountered so far hasn’t impressed me. (I don’t own an iphone so perhaps apple has a great one already in place.)
I won’t be an early adopter – I’ll give them a year or two to work out the kinks and drop in price. But if this is what it seems to be – I’ll be encouraged to buy more Piazo stuff knowing I can take it easily to my games with no hassle.
More and more life is becoming like Star Trek….
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VOIP will be available on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Well, since the first URLs were really phone numbers, this makes perfect sense.
WHy doesn't anyone gripe about 64G of memory max?
How long is that going to last?
The thing about this is that with only 10 hours of battery, there's no way you could watch 64GB of video, or listen to 64 GB of music, or read 64GB of books, and I doubt too many of us have 64GB of photos, and even less of us would like to see someone else's 64GB of photos origami-ed on their iPad for 10 hours-- so the memory isn't any issue.
I'm actually most disappointed with the battery life. I fly between Europe and Asia quite a bit. It's about 18 hours worth of trip to Europe and almost 24 hours to Asia (this includes all the layovers, so I mean 18 and 24 hours from the time I leave my house until I get to the hotel in Germany or Korea).
I'm hoping that I will be able to shut down processes I don't need in order to extend the battery--dim the screen, turn off WiFi, etc. Nonetheless, it's still better than I expected for a full-color device.
If there's one feature I was really dreaming for in this tablet, it was a built-in iSight camera and iChat, with video recording--think a visual Captain's Personal Log from Star Trek. I'd use the hell out of that.
While 64GB of memory is very likely more than you can use in one battery cycle, is is fairly low for storage capacity. Especially paired with the lack of built-in physical data transfer capability. That is why it comes across as short sighted by Apple.
As far as your specific issue with the battery life, I would like to think there will be some way to power it via airplane power. I've never tried it myself, but I know the option exists for laptops.
I'm not familiar with iSight or iChat, but I am aware that 64GB of memory is abysmal for recording video (normally). It isn't an area I pay attention to, but I think the average is 1GB per minute. (The smaller file sizes you are used to seeing are after the video gets processed and compressed.)
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While 64GB of memory is very likely more than you can use in one battery cycle, is is fairly low for storage capacity. Especially paired with the lack of built-in physical data transfer capability. That is why it comes across as short sighted by Apple.
As far as your specific issue with the battery life, I would like to think there will be some way to power it via airplane power. I've never tried it myself, but I know the option exists for laptops.
I'm not familiar with iSight or iChat, but I am aware that 64GB of memory is abysmal for recording video (normally). It isn't an area I pay attention to, but I think the average is 1GB per minute. (The smaller file sizes you are used to seeing are after the video gets processed and compressed.)
I agree 64GB for a larger device like this seems low, but you need to think about the price. As it stands flash memory is still really expensive compared to hard drive storage - and if they used hard drive storage the battery life would decrease by a LOT.
I'm not sure what you meant by lack of physical data transfer capability, because it will still physically dock with your computer and move items that way (as well as wirelessly from what I hear). You are right that you need an adapter if you want to bypass the computer though... but that goes to increasing the costs very everyone when only a few would use that feature.
I'd assume/hope by the time we get video recording capability on the device capacity would be larger than 64GB, probably 128GB.
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While 64GB of memory is very likely more than you can use in one battery cycle, is is fairly low for storage capacity. Especially paired with the lack of built-in physical data transfer capability. That is why it comes across as short sighted by Apple.
As far as your specific issue with the battery life, I would like to think there will be some way to power it via airplane power. I've never tried it myself, but I know the option exists for laptops.
I'm not familiar with iSight or iChat, but I am aware that 64GB of memory is abysmal for recording video (normally). It isn't an area I pay attention to, but I think the average is 1GB per minute. (The smaller file sizes you are used to seeing are after the video gets processed and compressed.)
They could have used the same SSD in the MBA, but that would have put the device well over $1000. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that an original prototype carried that 128GB SSD--I also wouldn't be surprised to learn that the iPad actually carried a larger SSD just a few weeks ago. I did learn yesterday that the iPad sported an OLED screen two months ago, but that would have pushed release back to late June or July, and skyrocketed the base cost.
I disagree that the device doesn't have a built in DTC--that's what the 30-pin cable is. I absolutely agree that it's (likely) inconvenient for many users because using it will (likely, again) require the other device have iTunes installed...unless we'll be allowed to open a portion of the device to storage, and then it should display on any computer as a flash drive.
What I mean by "built-in physical data transfer capability" is no USB, no Firewire, no eSata, and no card reader "out of the box."
Yes, there is an adapter "kit" that will likely alleviate this some. But that is rumored to cost around $30. That comes across as a little steep for a fairly standard interface and a card reader that will be unnecessary for many. (Those who want USB and a card reader likely already have a USB card reader.)
And that is a high price to pay for a USB port that would only add less than $10 per unit retail parts cost. The labor cost per unit is negligible because adding the hardware only adds a dozen or so solder joints. This, of course, assumes that the iPad be designed for this in the first place. Retro fitting them now would incur much greater costs.
Weight? About 4-5oz.
Battery life? If unused, no change. If used, about the same change as going through the 30 pin connector now.
There are only two reasons the lack of a USB ports makes sense to a consumer. 1) There isn't enough room in the device - unlikely with the 3G variant available. Unless the 3G exists in all models and is only disabled in some (really not likely), the non-3G models certainly have the room. 2) Apple is "future-proofing" against USB 3.0.
To a manufacturer, there are several reasons it makes sense to leave it out. Anything from overcharging for the capability, all the way to holding out to help guide towards a tech that Apple is heavily invested in (that hasn't been revealed yet).
Apple would go a long way by explaining why it was left out... But if there was no explanation as to why the MacBook Air didn't have the option of a built in optical drive of some kind, there won't be any for this.
There are only two reasons the lack of a USB ports makes sense to a consumer. 1) There isn't enough room in the device - unlikely with the 3G variant available. Unless the 3G exists in all models and is only disabled in some (really not likely), the non-3G models certainly have the room. 2) Apple is "future-proofing" against USB 3.0.
To a manufacturer, there are several reasons it makes sense to leave it out. Anything from overcharging for the capability, all the way to holding out to help guide towards a tech that Apple is heavily invested in (that hasn't been revealed yet).Apple would go a long way by explaining why it was left out... But if there was no explanation as to why the MacBook Air didn't have the option of a built in optical drive of some kind, there won't be any for this.
I'm guessing one reason might come down to aesthetics. I think its correct to say that design is king at Apple , and the engineers have to come up with a product that meets their priorities. Looking at the pictures, imagine the smooth lines broken by a USB port. I believe they are more than willing to leave off something "vital" to preserve their vision as how it should look. And people will buy it.
USB will be around for years to come, and will remain useful on stationary equipment, but for portable devices,I think bluetooth and wifi were its death knell.
I anticipate within 18 months we'll see a 128GB+ flash, WiFi+3/4G, and vastly improved OS iPad going for $500.
Maybe there'll even be built-in iSight...
I think you've glimpsed the future. This is the only thing that gives me second thoughts about getting one as soon as it comes out. As with any new offering, there is going to be something that doesn't work out right that will need revising.
On the other hand, regarding memory I never thought I could get by on the 2GB memory in the iPod i was given, and yet 5 years later it still meets my needs.
Re: iSight, apparently the SDK contains options for adding pictures to contacts from "Take a picture". There's discussion over whether this is leftover from porting the OS from the iPhone, or is preparation for the planned addition of a camera in a future new version. Given that they've added cameras to the iPod, I think they're sure to eventually add it to the iPad if it becomes a hit.
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But if there was no explanation as to why the MacBook Air didn't have the option of a built in optical drive of some kind, there won't be any for this.
Umm there WAS an explanation as to why the optical drive was not included in the Air. Was explained in the Keynote Address when Air was announced. Very simple. The optical drive is one of the least used hardware components. So, to create such a small laptop they decided to not include it. Instead you can you any drive in any computer via some software, or buy an optional external drive. They explained that right from the very first announcement.
As to why there is no USB ports, or the Flash Drives are not larger that is self evident from watching the Keynote Address (did ANYONE else watch that?) The iPad is NOT a replacement for your computer, nor a replacement for your phone, but an interface, or a middle ground. It is not the purpose of the iPad to have a huge Flash Drive. You don't use Photoshop on the iPad (yet), you don't do video editing on the iPad (yet), you don't play World of Warcraft on the iPad (yet). I say yet, because who knows what Apps the developers will come up with.
Why no iSight and iChat? Well, the iPhone 3GS FINALLY got them. They didn't start with them. I think that the initial launch combined with the fact that it is not designed to replace your computer or phone meant they decided to leave it out for now. Adding the iSight would add some expense and they shot for an aggressive price.
Now, why get an iPad? Honestly, for most people (obviously not all) the iPad does everything they use a computer to do. I know I said it does not replace a computer- by that I mean some functionality such as high end work. Let's face it, most people do not use Photoshop, or Final Cut Pro. Most video games or on some console game system now.
But to take full advantage of the iPad's capability's you will still want a computer and a phone.
The largest limitation to the "small" Flash Drives is a limitation of the media you can carry at any one time. I have a 8GB iPhone and just started working driving an 18-wheeler. I use my iPhone for everything now- adventure writing, reading PDFs, web browsing, email, some game Apps (addicted to bowling for some reason!). I cannot use it for editing photographs (yes I have over 2TB of images-15 years of professional photography- and I still shoot with some models for fun projects) or playing WOrld of Warcraft. But the biggest problem I run into is I can carry very few movies with me. With only 8GBs I have 390 songs out of the 2300+ I have on my computer, I have only 1 movie of the 50+ on my computer. Being on the road, I cannot easily swap movies.
But 8GB is paltry compared to 64GB. I just might be able to have all of my movies and music on 64GB. And this is just the initial launch of the product. By the time I have the cash set aside to get one, the next version will be out, then I can have all of my Paizo PDFs added, as well as the cool new iPad Apps they will have out that allow amazing interactivity for GMs (data management) and players alike. No pressure Paizo, no pressure... just hurry up and change the entire presentation of your entire product lineup to take advantage of this new technology.
Again, the iPad is NOT meant to replace the capabilities of a computer, but for many users who do not need that much power, it will replace the computer.
But if there was no explanation as to why the MacBook Air didn't have the option of a built in optical drive of some kind, there won't be any for this.Umm there WAS an explanation as to why the optical drive was not included in the Air. Was explained in the Keynote Address when Air was announced. Very simple. The optical drive is one of the least used hardware components. So, to create such a small laptop they decided to not include it. Instead you can you any drive in any computer via some software, or buy an optional external drive. They explained that right from the very first announcement.
That was the explanation?
I'm sorry I missed that.
That is a perfect opportunity to ridicule Apple's design philosophy.
"Since we always sell our own operating system on flash drives, and never CDs, or include an external drive at no cost to our customers that support us by buying our products and legal copies of our OS, there is no need to even offer an option of buying an Air packaged with an optical drive (external or otherwise)."
Were they purposely trying to insult the intelligence of their customer base?
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But if there was no explanation as to why the MacBook Air didn't have the option of a built in optical drive of some kind, there won't be any for this.
Umm there WAS an explanation as to why the optical drive was not included in the Air. Was explained in the Keynote Address when Air was announced. Very simple. The optical drive is one of the least used hardware components. So, to create such a small laptop they decided to not include it. Instead you can you any drive in any computer via some software, or buy an optional external drive. They explained that right from the very first announcement.
That was the explanation?
I'm sorry I missed that.
That is a perfect opportunity to ridicule Apple's design philosophy.
"Since we always sell our own operating system on flash drives, and never CDs, or include an external drive at no cost to our customers that support us by buying our products and legal copies of our OS, there is no need to even offer an option of buying an Air packaged with an optical drive (external or otherwise)."
Were they purposely trying to insult the intelligence of their customer base?
"MacBook Air--Install wirelessly with Remote Disc. Without a built-in optical drive, how do you install new applications? Simply use Remote Disc. This innovative feature of Mac OS X lets you wirelessly “borrow” the optical drive of a nearby Mac or PC. So you can install applications from a CD or DVD and have full access to an optical drive without having to lug one around."
Here's an interesting example of a fundamental difference between the average Mac user and the average PC user. You might remember my comments earlier that I never burn CDs, etc.
Really.
-I don't even have any blank CDs, and I finally sold the last of my music CDs at a garage sale last summer.
-I haven't owned a thumbdrive since the Army banned them almost two years ago (and the office is the only place I used them then).
-I've digitally converted almost all my standard DVDs (8TB!) and my Lacie stack is networked and utilized wirelessly in FrontRow via Time Capsule.
-I transfer files wirelessly between my MacBook and iMac, and I use Home Sharing between my iMac here in Kansas (I'm in school here) and my wife's iMac in Alaska.
-I typically use one of my iMac's USB ports about twice a month--my iPod Shuffle and nano aren't bluetooth-enabled, so I have to plug-in to change up the music for air travel and exercise at the gym. My iPhone gets USB'd whenever I learn of an OS update--music and video, contacts and calendars, email and apps, all get updated wirelessly.
-I can't remember the last time I used the superdrive in my MacBook; and the last time I used the superdrive on my iMac was this Autumn when I updated to Snow Leopard.
I am not unusual amongst Mac users; I am the norm. Apple didn't snub their customer base; they actually adapted to their customer base.
I am not unusual amongst Mac users; I am the norm. Apple didn't snub their customer base; they actually adapted to their customer base.
Fair. I'll accept that as a given from now on. (That you are a typical Mac/Apple user.)
But it still makes me wonder if Mac/Apple users don't use optical drives, why the OS is sold only on DVDs even on the Apple Store.
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I am not unusual amongst Mac users; I am the norm. Apple didn't snub their customer base; they actually adapted to their customer base.Fair. I'll accept that as a given from now on. (That you are a typical Mac/Apple user.)
But it still makes me wonder if Mac/Apple users don't use optical drives, why the OS is sold only on DVDs even on the Apple Store.
I use my drive for installs that are only available via disc. The OS releases are usually several gigs. I very sincerely wish I could download them and avoid the DVDs altogether. Like I mentioned in my previous comment, Snow Leopard is the only thing I've used my drive for since September. I'll be using it again this month for Logic Studio 9, but that's a 47GB software package.
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Were they purposely trying to insult the intelligence of their customer base?
No I think they realized that the CD/DVD drive is the single least used piece of hardware of any computer and as such, for this particular product offering, it was not needed. Simple.
Maybe their customer base is intelligent enough to figure that out? :)
Quick question do you use a PC or a Mac?
>;)
Oh and ANY hard drive on ANY computer can be used with the Air, whether PC or Mac. Do you have access to ANY other computer anywhere that has a CD/DVD drive? If you do, then your Air has one already. If not, then an external one is available for an extra charge. Why external? Because once you use it you will disconnect it, put it away and rarely ever use it again.
Sounds like very good design philosophy in fact.
I load the updated OS every 18 months or so, loaded and updated World of Warcraft a total of three times. Since I no longer am shooting photography professionally, I no longer need to burn backups- I have external drives for what I use now- which is not critical. So last time I used my CD/DVD drive was... ummm a LONG time ago- probably last summer. I asked my wife when she last used hers (she uses a PC). She laughed because she could not remember the last time she needed a CD/DVD drive.
Now, if you MUST have an internal CD/DVD drive there are 7 other laptop products available. Seems like they have you covered. So what is the complaint? Seems like you are complaining that a product that is not marketed for your needs, does not in fact meet your needs... I mean come on, what is the complaint? (just bolded for emphasis not to be rude)
And Andrew is exactly right. If I can get my OS and WOW updates downloaded then I have almost no use of a drive at all.
So what do you use your CD/DVD drive for? Just curious really. And how often do you use it?
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Now, wanna see a REAL complaint about the Air :)
The Air starts at $1499, pretty hefty.
For the same amount, I can buy a MacBook Pro, with a faster chip, 2GB more memory, a 250Mb hard drive (instead of a 120Mb solid state drive), get a SD slot, 2 more hours or battery life, a CD/DVD drive, all for 2.5 pounds more weight, and the same size screen.
Or get this! For $500 LESS you can get a MacBook and you still get the same size screen, the same memory as the Air, more hard drive, a CD/DVD drive, more battery life, for 1.7 pounds more weight.
Clearly, I am NOT the target customer for the Air either. :)
Give me the MacBook, and loose the CD/DVD drive and I would be happy enough. Give me the MacBook Pro without the CD/DVD drive and I would be thrilled.
Give me an iPad and I will put out for you! Yeah my next "computer" will be an iPad. It does everything I now use a computer for- except play World of Warcraft.
After the iPad, I want to get a 52 inch TV, a Mac Mini and an Apple TV. I already have nice (not killer) surround sound. I will use the TV as the monitor for the Mini. World of Warcraft on 52 inches! Reading Paizo PDFs will be a snap anywhere at all on either my iPad, Mac Mini (with 52 inch monitor) or iPhone.
BTW I heard Apple has an iPhone 4G in Europe, is that true? Anyone know for certain one way or the other?
I anticipate within 18 months we'll see a 128GB+ flash, WiFi+3/4G, and vastly improved OS iPad going for $500.
Maybe there'll even be built-in iSight...
No improved battery life?
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No improved battery life?I anticipate within 18 months we'll see a 128GB+ flash, WiFi+3/4G, and vastly improved OS iPad going for $500.
Maybe there'll even be built-in iSight...
That's a good question. I think improvements to the 10 hour battery will have to be software-based, unless they have some magical battery tech in the wings.
Yah batteries aren't moving too fast as far as capacity goes. Just in charge speed.
Quick question do you use a PC or a Mac?
Technically neither. (If I must answer one, PC.) I have 5 operating computers, and each is running some flavor of Linux. Mostly Ubuntu. All of them have at least a DVD reader/CD burner with three having a DVD/CD burner.
So what do you use your CD/DVD drive for? Just curious really. And how often do you use it?
OS installs, diagnosis, burning DVDs for family that don't have computers, etc.
Just tonight I finished burning 4 of 4 DVDs for an uncle. Every 6 months minimum each computer uses it for OS install (granted, that is by my choice, not any real need), anytime I am diagnosing a computer I can use the DVD/CD drive at least 3 times.
The only time this will change, is when the machines I usually deal with can all boot from flashdrive. You know, the "other" useless input method. :-P
Seems like you are complaining that a product that is not marketed for your needs, does not in fact meet your needs... I mean come on, what is the complaint? (just bolded for emphasis not to be rude)
My "complaint," if any, are the Apple consumers that pass off these decisions as the most brilliant move - only. The ones that can't even accept that maybe, just maybe, it is simply engineered to coax more money out of the less educated consumers.
Are floppies dying? Absolutely. They will likely be truly dead in about 2 years time.
Are CDs dying? Certainly. But they have at least about a decade, for now. They might have to be merged into DVDs for my estimate to end up true.
Is USB dying? Of course. But unless things change drastically in the next couple of years, it will exist for a couple of decades at least - evolving as necessary, but the base physical format is there.
Eliminating these things in all ways except an overprice accessory doesn't seem good sense to me.
But then people are still buying Apple products...
No improved battery life?I anticipate within 18 months we'll see a 128GB+ flash, WiFi+3/4G, and vastly improved OS iPad going for $500.
Maybe there'll even be built-in iSight...
We just might see wireless power before batteries advance farther (if they even can).
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Quick question do you use a PC or a Mac?Technically neither. (If I must answer one, PC.) I have 5 operating computers, and each is running some flavor of Linux. Mostly Ubuntu. All of them have at least a DVD reader/CD burner with three having a DVD/CD burner.
So what do you use your CD/DVD drive for? Just curious really. And how often do you use it?OS installs, diagnosis, burning DVDs for family that don't have computers, etc.
Just tonight I finished burning 4 of 4 DVDs for an uncle. Every 6 months minimum each computer uses it for OS install (granted, that is by my choice, not any real need), anytime I am diagnosing a computer I can use the DVD/CD drive at least 3 times.
The only time this will change, is when the machines I usually deal with can all boot from flashdrive. You know, the "other" useless input method. :-P
Seems like you are complaining that a product that is not marketed for your needs, does not in fact meet your needs... I mean come on, what is the complaint? (just bolded for emphasis not to be rude)My "complaint," if any, are the Apple consumers that pass off these decisions as the most brilliant move - only. The ones that can't even accept that maybe, just maybe, it is simply engineered to coax more money out of the less educated consumers.
Are floppies dying? Absolutely. They will likely be truly dead in about 2 years time.
Are CDs dying? Certainly. But they have at least about a decade, for now. They might have to be merged into DVDs for my estimate to end up true.
Is USB dying? Of course. But unless things change drastically in the next couple of years, it will exist for a couple of decades at least - evolving as necessary, but the base physical format is there.
Eliminating these things in all ways except an overprice accessory doesn't seem good sense to me.
But then people are still buying Apple products...
Wow interesting stuff. I was just curious what you did really.
I have seen glimpses of that wireless battery tech before. It could go a LONG way to eliminate the wire clutter and make life easier. I do wonder about waste though. It's bad enough on the wallet to leave a liht on all night. I hope they have a way to control how much and when and where the power flows.
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as to the iPhone 4G I had heard they would announce it in June, and the article you quoted suggested that as well. I also heard that the exclusive contract with AT&T ends this year, and that it is called 4G because it will work on Verizon's 4G network (or who ever is the one with a 4G network).
However the prices to support the iPad are through AT&T so that seems to imply that the contract is either not up or has been renewed.
Back to focus on the iPad, as per the topic :)
I cannot help but imagine the products that Paizo could produce for it. Instead of boring old PDFs we could have interactive adventure modules and source books. Data management tools for GMs and Players alike. Individual iPads could communicate so no more "secret messages" passed around the table.
Personally I would not like to see animated maps for my in-person games, but virtual games could become even more popular for email type games.
There is a HUGE potential to be tapped by someone one smart enough to figure it out.
Why the iPad when laptops didn't cause the shift? Size and portability mainly, and the ease of use not requiring a pointing device.
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...However the prices to support the iPad are through AT&T so that seems to imply that the contract is either not up or has been renewed...
The SIM card that will come with the 3G version of the iPad is an AT&T SIM card, but the 3G radio is universal, and the iPad is unlocked.
The skinny? In the US, the only one offering service for the micro SIM today is AT&T.
Can someone else produce a prepaid micro SIM? Absolutely!
The only real issue may be the difference in freqs, which will translate as speed.
And speaking of speed, anyone know anything about their A4 processor? I understand its an evolution of the processors from iPhone/iTouch, but how does it compare to the traditional Intel chips from the computer lines? I don't really understand that area of tech, so the basic chips are my only frame of reference. I can't grasp how they can have good video playback without a dedicated graphics chip. Or is that the tradeoff to explain the lack of multitasking?
And speaking of speed, anyone know anything about their A4 processor?
Not much yet...
I would link to where I am getting this information, but it is really just rumor so I will accept a lack of confidence in my statements.
It looks to be a 2 core 1Ghz processor, and either it or the iPad will have a dedicated GPU.
That should put it pretty much on par, if not a little below, Intel's Atom processor if that means anything to you.
And speaking of speed, anyone know anything about their A4 processor?Not much yet...
I would link to where I am getting this information, but it is really just rumor so I will accept a lack of confidence in my statements.
It looks to be a 2 core 1Ghz processor, and either it or the iPad will have a dedicated GPU.
That should put it pretty much on par, if not a little below, Intel's Atom processor if that means anything to you.
Little bit :) Netbook processor, right?
Thanks, that's a better comparison than any numbers would give me.I wonder if these might hurt their lower end macbook sales. I have an old G3 Macbook I occasionally think of upgrading, but haven't been able to justify it based on what I use it for. Realistically, at some point I would, though. If I get the iPad, I won't.
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Other than Macoholics, who will buy the iPad?
The following excerpt is from an email I got this morning. It originally comes from a tech journal (I don't know which one)--
"If you look at it from the perspective of someone who's not super technical, but does enjoy consuming media, the iPad could actually work. As previously mentioned, I keep thinking of my wife as the perfect use case for this device. She knows how to use an iPod, and really only uses her laptop to check her e-mail and go online to read the news. And it's not her first choice to take her laptop anywhere because it's "too heavy" for what she would actually use it for.
However, she does travel fairly often and is an avid reader. Having what is essentially a color e-book reader with the ability to quickly check e-mail and download some movies and TV shows from iTunes is probably good enough. She could care less that there's no Flash support, in other words.
This describes my tech-lite wife to a T.
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Other than Macoholics, who will buy the iPad?
The following excerpt is from an email I got this morning. It originally comes from a tech journal (I don't know which one)--
"If you look at it from the perspective of someone who's not super technical, but does enjoy consuming media, the iPad could actually work. As previously mentioned, I keep thinking of my wife as the perfect use case for this device. She knows how to use an iPod, and really only uses her laptop to check her e-mail and go online to read the news. And it's not her first choice to take her laptop anywhere because it's "too heavy" for what she would actually use it for.
However, she does travel fairly often and is an avid reader. Having what is essentially a color e-book reader with the ability to quickly check e-mail and download some movies and TV shows from iTunes is probably good enough. She could care less that there's no Flash support, in other words.This describes my tech-lite wife to a T.
I think this describes the majority of computer users in fact. There are still things it won't do, such as World of Warcraft type games, and major big time computing for programmers or graphics. But I think the average Joe User would find an iPad more useful to their lifestyle than a laptop or desktop.
In fact my wife and I were talking tonight. We can get two iPads and a Mac Mini. This allows us to get rid of two desks used for the computers. That clears up some living space in the house and eliminates a whole "room." The Mac Mini is connected to the big screen TV. It acts as the household computer and allows us to watch movies and whatever on the TV directly from the computer. So THAT eliminates a need for those DVD shelves, which gets us MORE space.
The iPads will communicate to the Mac Mini easily enough. Now I just want to see them add printing capability to the iPad, so I can print via my Mini to the printer.
This arrangement gets us cheaper computers that are FAR more useful than anything we have now (ie portability), frees up a ton of living space, and networks all of our media easily.
Here's a pretty good speculative article discussing the A4.ummm yeah... care to interpret?
It states that from what we can tell, the A4 processor will be comparable to the Intel Atom.
It also states that it appears to be attempting to roll most of the motherboard functions onto the chip that holds the processor, if not the actual processor die.
What that means is that it is very possible that this could be the best performing 1Ghz processor to date, especially for "netbook processors."
Ever know someone who had the "top shelf" processor, memory, and other gear have an obviously slower computer than someone who had inferior components? That stems from some sort of bottleneck in the flow of information on the motherboard. The northbridge, southbridge, and memory controller handle this flow of information. Rolling them into one package can ensure better flow.
It also reduces motherboard size even further.
Extra stuff:
Apple's A4 is even more similar to NVIDIA's Tegra 2, which is set to power other tablets like this model expected out later this year. Here is a review of Tegra 2, comparing it to Intel's Atom. Ironically, Tegra is the result of NVIDIA buying out the designer of the System-on-Chips (all components integrated on one chip) used on all of Apple's earlier iPods.
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Apple's A4 is even more similar to NVIDIA's Tegra 2, which is set to power other tablets like this model expected out later this year. Here is a review of Tegra 2, comparing it to Intel's Atom. Ironically, Tegra is the result of NVIDIA buying out the designer of the System-on-Chips (all components integrated on one chip) used on all of Apple's earlier iPods.
Ohhhh yeah, now that Adam has a spec sheet more to my liking. Really gonna be keeping my eye on that device, thanks for the link. I had never heard of that until now.
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So the more I read up on the Adam the more intrigued I am by it. It looks like a device much more up my alley than the iPad. Im a huge fan of my android phone, though the Android OS shown in the videos I watched on the adam was still be tweaked. I would like to see what the final package will actually look like as opposed to their prototype, but feature wise it seems to have everything Im looking for usb, multi-tasking, the Pixel Qi screen seems fantastic, and Ive liked what I've read about the Tegra 2 chip its sporting. More and more Im realizing that while apple might have something good on its hands, Im pleased to note that there are alternatives out there for the users who will demand more from their device. Plus I keep hearing rumors about a 325 dollar entry price point for the Adam, and that makes me smile.
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Not directed at anyone on these boards, but the impression I get from most detractors is a determination to hate this device. Often, the comments I read are written as though the individual formed their opinion before the keynote was even halfway through; comments that lash on to half-truths and rumor and seem patently designed to allow for follow-on tampon jokes and comparisons to rocks and taped-together iPods.
I listened to a guy this morning moan about iPad's deficiencies for about 15 minutes before I cut him off and asked, "Do you know what Flash is?" And now it's time for that deer-in-the-headlights look.
"Well, I know iPad doesn't have it!"
Maybe you haven't quite figured out the customer base for this device.Were they purposely trying to insult the intelligence of their customer base?
But I have. Even if I didn't before this thread, it has been explained fairly clearly what a typical Apple/Mac user is.
They are people that will happily pay to have their rights as a consumer taken from them, all the while praising Jobs as the visionary leader of the future.
The iPad is a glimpse at this. So lets see what we have in store.
- How does the owner perform the most basic, albeit last resort, maintenance action - a fresh OS install?
- For that matter, how does one even get a full copy of the OS to install? Sure, you can update through iTunes... But not only is updating not always the best way to go, it requires another computer to do so.
- How does the owner install an alternate OS such as Android, Google Chrome OS, Windows Mobile, or other? Well, without needing another computer that is. Nevermind if it is a good idea. If you own the device, it is your right to be able to do so.
I agree with Krome and Andrew Turner that the iPad is an "almost computer" (not meant as an insult) that many will see as, and use as, a computer. But unless you can boot off of the Camera Attachment Kit, all it really is is a $500+ computer accessory that isn't clearly being advertised as such.
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Not directed at anyone on these boards, but the impression I get from most detractors is a determination to hate this device.
Obviously I cant speak for others, but I did watch the keynote and yes, I thought it was well put together. I certainly did not set out to hate the device, I was just underwhelmed with what I saw. I went into with possibly to HIGH of expectations, if only because apple sets the bar really high for themselves. And as I breifly stated in my last post, the more I look at things and think about who the target audience is for the iPad, the more I think Apple has done exactly what it needed.
I just think, as has been stated, that im not the target audience for this device. I can certainly see this being much more useful to someone like my mother, who isnt tech savvy. Though she would be sad she couldn't play her farmville :) That is one nice quality about Apple products, they do go for simplicity and ease of use. With that in mind, I feel this will serve that group very well, but it is just not for me is all.
All the ommissions I saw in the iPad are included in the Adam, and at a (albeit rumored) lower starting price than the iPad. And I forgot to mention the Adam will have a camera and HDMI output for full 1080p video on my hd tv :)
One thing I do want tho, is for the iPad to do well, as it will only increase competition and offering up new features. It can only be a good thing in my mind.
There is another population of people that the iPad will act as a flashpoint for, and some here may fall into its category. People who are tech-savy, know how and like to "fiddle" under the hoods of their computers, know that a BIOS has nothing to do with vertebrates and invertebrates. Some of these people seem to be dealing with increasing frustration and despair as Apple's star, and marketshare penetration, rises, for quite reasonable reasons. Apple has historically been very proprietary, very private, and obsessiveley devoted to control every piece of the software/hardware whatever-ware of the product they are selling. The want it to work and don't want anyone else to srew it up once they do. There was a brief glimmer of hope for the independent sort when Apple switched to Darwin-base OS, and all of a sudden the do-it-yourselfers could have the cool looking device but running alternate OS's etc.
Then along came iPhone. Coolest device out there but designed so no one other than Apple can play inside legally. Its a major hit and now the iPad may be following the same route. Very easy to see the reason some people are concerned on a personal belief basis; plus they don't get to be geeky with the cool devices anymore. Unfortuantely most people are willing to give up the "freedom" to do what they want with the device in return for the form-factor, and using something "that just works". It will be interesting to see what things are like 5 years down the road.
Can't believe I wrote all this on my phone :).
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[The Apple customer base is]...people that will happily pay to have their rights as a consumer taken from them, all the while praising Jobs as the visionary leader of the future...
This isn't political, friend. I wish I could fuel my Jeep with biodiesel, but it wasn't designed for that. Chrysler hasn't infringed on my right to drive a vehicle that runs on biodiesel just because the one I bought won't.
- How does the owner perform the most basic, albeit last resort, maintenance action - a fresh OS install?
It's probably safe to assume we'll be able to reset the iPad the same way we can reset the iPhone; and even from a previous stored backup that keeps all our data without having to manually reload the device.
- For that matter, how does one even get a full copy of the OS to install? Sure, you can update through iTunes... But not only is updating not always the best way to go, it requires another computer to do so.
Your standard iPad user isn't likely to want or need a copy of the OS; and it's likely much easier (if we did have a copy) to simply reset the device through iTunes--if you don't already have a computer, you probably shouldn't buy an iPad.
- How does the owner install an alternate OS such as Android, Google Chrome OS, Windows Mobile, or other? Well, without needing another computer that is. Nevermind if it is a good idea. If you own the device, it is your right to be able to do so.
I'd bet 99% of the people who will buy an iPad wouldn't dream of installing any other OS. 98% probably wouldn't if they could.
I agree with Krome and Andrew Turner that the iPad is an "almost computer" (not meant as an insult) that many will see as, and use as, a computer. But unless you can boot off of the Camera Attachment Kit, all it really is is a $500+ computer accessory that isn't clearly being advertised as such.
I don't know--from the Apple site:
"Mac system requirements
Mac computer with USB 2.0 port
Mac OS X v10.5.8 or later
iTunes 9.0 or later (free download from www.itunes.com/download)
iTunes Store account
Internet access
Windows system requirements
PC with USB 2.0 port
Windows 7; Windows Vista; or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 3 or later
iTunes 9.0 or later (free download from www.itunes.com/download)
iTunes Store account
Internet access"
Looks like it's clearly a peripheral device to me.