Apple's iPad, what an anti-climax

[John]

Boy was this an anti-climax!

The whole world was awaiting for Steve Jobs to announce the new Apple tablet, and indeed he did so yesterday. But what a let-down!

When I first read the rumors about the tablet, I was hoping to see something like a MacBook, but without the keyboard. A device which would give me the same functionality as my MacBook, but with a much simpler user interface, where the input devices (keyboard and touchpad) would be included in the touch screen. I was imagining a device that I could install somewhere in my kitchen, in my bedroom, or even have with me when sitting in the garden in summer, which would allow me to do everything I do with my iMac or my MacBook, but in a more compact device, which would free me from the keyboard and mouse. Something which would still allow me to receive and answer my emails, browse the internet, type an occasional short document, listen to radio or watch TV, and of course, doing all those things at the same time. Just like I do write now.

Instead, what Steve Jobs presented to an anxious journalist gathering, was a .... large screen iPod (appropriately called iPad).

http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/gadgetlab/2010/01/ipad_handson_1a.jpg

Something which is based on the iPhone/iPod operating system, single-tasking (only one application can be run at any time), which can connect to the Internet via either WiFi or optionally a 3G network.

Big deal, my 3G iPhone does that already, why should I buy a bigger screen device to do that?

I am sorry Apple, I won't buy this. The iPods I got for my twins do the same things, albeit on a smaller screen/device. Why should I bother getting the iPad at 2.5x the price? No thanks. When Apple comes out with a keyboard-less MacBook, which will run Mac OS X, I'll buy it.

[Spyros]

I found something close to what you're after John, but, erm...

Let's just say it doesn't look much like something Apple would make. On the plus side though, you could definitely use it in your garden, even if you have sprinklers running at the same time! :D

http://ruggedpcreview.com/3_slates_drs_armor_x10.html

[John]

The only problem is, that this is Windows based! No thanks, I ain't going back!!!

[Spyros]

That's the only problem? Really?

[garrettwc]

When I first read the rumors about the tablet, I was hoping to see something like a MacBook, but without the keyboard.
Well you almost got your wish. The version Steve Jobs was using with 3G and the most powerful CPU/flash memory combo is within $100US of the price point on the basic MacBook. :p

Instead, what Steve Jobs presented to an anxious journalist gathering, was a .... large screen iPod (appropriately called iPad).
Pretty much what my son and I saw when we looked at the video too.

The only problem is, that this is Windows based! No thanks, I ain't going back!!!
I'm wanting to switch, I really am. But the current iteration (Windows 7) really is a solid operating system. It's fast, stable, and has almost all of the visual bells and whistles of Mac OSX (and yeah I know they copied a lot of Mac stuff in W7).

And it's the price point that is killing me. The base MacBook runs right at $1000 US. The similarly equipped W7 laptop from HP is being offered in local stores for just over $300, and the spread gets larger as you move up into the higher tier machines. I can't justify $700 in additional cost for "the Mac experience"

[John]

I understand, but it's not the Mac experience as you say.

First of all, the peace of mind is the major benefit. If you search the web you will see that most Mac users do not even bother to install an anti-virus. Nobody is writing viruses for Macs, but of course, this will probably change if the percentage of Macs sold increases.

Second, it's the ease of functionality. I remember when I first installed my Time Capsule (a router with WiFi and a disk in it). It's supposed to be an backup device. Well, knowing how well those things work in Windoze, I was expecting to spend about 5 hours setting it up. I was done in less than 2 minutes. This darn thing keeps backing up my machine every hour with incremental backups, without me having to do anything.

Same thing for most hardware. And of course, the integration with the iPhone is something that you need to experience. As soon as I get in my house (well, even when I am outside the house), the telephone is synchronized with the home computer without me doing absolutely anything. My contacts, my calendar, everything is in sync.

Oh well, I guess you are right, it's the Mac experience!!!!

Regarding the iPad, the funny thing was that I was pretty frustrated of the fact that the announcement of the tablet was going to happen after I was scheduled to leave from US. I was hoping that if it was announced before, I might be able to get one from US (cheaper). Well, as it turned out, I didn't loose a thing. I do not care for an oversized iPod/iPhone. The small ones are just fine for me.

Some more thing. I heard people saying that the e-Book readers (icluding the iPad) will save the publishing industry. I am sorry, but I do not believe so. It wasn't the lack of a 10" display that was stopping people from reading books. Nor the fact that other e-Book readers couldn't connect over 3G to get content, was stopping people from reading books.

[polekat]

This is the first generation and they have to be careful that everything works. I would think that the second generation will add features. I would be a bit more interested if Apple had added the gps chip to this and had on board mapping apps. I look to get the most out of each piece of equipment.....not keep adding more pieces. It does Iworks which is a plus and the 64gb of solid state memory is nice. I could live with a simple cell phone and the Ipad if it had just a bit more capable. I like the size.

[garrettwc]

First of all, the peace of mind is the major benefit. If you search the web you will see that most Mac users do not even bother to install an anti-virus. Nobody is writing viruses for Macs, but of course, this will probably change if the percentage of Macs sold increases.
I'm a very security conscious user. Either that or I'm just lucky. I've never had the problems that most folks seem to have with viruses and mal-ware on the PC.

Second, it's the ease of functionality. I remember when I first installed my Time Capsule (a router with WiFi and a disk in it). It's supposed to be an backup device. Well, knowing how well those things work in Windoze, I was expecting to spend about 5 hours setting it up. I was done in less than 2 minutes. This darn thing keeps backing up my machine every hour with incremental backups, without me having to do anything.
Again, I rarely have a problem. Even before "plug n play", I could install stuff with very little muss or fuss.

Same thing for most hardware. And of course, the integration with the iPhone is something that you need to experience. As soon as I get in my house (well, even when I am outside the house), the telephone is synchronized with the home computer without me doing absolutely anything. My contacts, my calendar, everything is in sync.
The way it matches up with the iPhone and my camera could be it's one saving grace for me. And iPhoto/iMovie seem so much more natural to me than their Windoze equivalents.

I'm having a love/hate relationship with my iPhone right now. I love all the interesting things I can do with it. But I hate the fact that I can't stray too far from an electrical outlet. This is my first smart phone, and it's taking quite an adjustment from me. My previous Nokia GSM phone would last for a week at a time, only needing to be topped off on the weekend. With my iPhone I'm lucky to make it through the day. I think that may be partly a user problem though. I was researching the battery life last night and realized that the smart phones (Blackberry included) have a battery time equivalent to the old phones, but that my usage has changed. I'm using my iPhone like a mini-netbook, which may explain the seemingly drastic difference in battery life. I'm trying to discipline myself on my usage, and I'm going to experiment the next couple of days to see how things improve.

Regarding the iPad, the funny thing was that I was pretty frustrated of the fact that the announcement of the tablet was going to happen after I was scheduled to leave from US. I was hoping that if it was announced before, I might be able to get one from US (cheaper).
You would have had a long wait my friend. The ones at the show are the only ones in existence. They don't expect to have them in stores until late spring. In fact, there was a disclaimer on Apple's website yesterday that said the FCC hasn't even approved the device as compliant with WiFi and 3G standards yet (and they can't go into production without that).


Some more thing. I heard people saying that the e-Book readers (including the iPad) will save the publishing industry. I am sorry, but I do not believe so. It wasn't the lack of a 10" display that was stopping people from reading books. Nor the fact that other e-Book readers couldn't connect over 3G to get content, was stopping people from reading books.
I'm so with you on this one. I'm an avid reader, and I prefer the feel of the paper between my fingers. But it wasn't the delivery of the content that is ailing the publishing industry. It's the content itself. There's just so much trash out there (and some of the non-fiction is worse than the paperback fiction).

I swear the guy from that old Beatles tune (Paperback Writer) must be in charge somewhere now. :p

[Frank]

I've been on the MacBook for about a year now, and I have to say that I like the platform, although I've never tried W7.

And Garrett, I agree about the iPhone. It's a neat device, but I'd love more battery capacity. But it has a lot to do with usage. If I'm just using it as a phone, the battery seems to have respectable capacity. But if I'm spending a lot of time on the Internet, it seem to burn up juice at an alarming rate.

I can't seem to get too enthusiastic about these pad type gadgets. And I also seem to have not interest in these electronic book thingies. I like paper pages (except my library is gradually taking over the world, and I'd rather not have to buy another house to have room for all my books).

DVC

[garrettwc]

I like paper pages (except my library is gradually taking over the world, and I'd rather not have to buy another house to have room for all my books).

I don't know Frank. I think Thomas Jefferson's layout at Monticello was a pretty good plan. Large office and library with just a small nook in the hallway for naps. :p

[JTQ]

I'm not sure the iPad is something I'd find a use for.

I'm with John though about Mac OS. Years ago I started with a MacPlus, then went to Windows when work required the compatability. It worked pretty well for a year or so, but then quickly deteriorated.

When it was time for a new computer, the thing that sent me back to the Mac was trying to figure out what version of the current Windows was going to limit me the least. Don't they sell about 4 or 5 different versions of Windows (Home, Small Business, Gamer, Business, etc). Each has limits and strengths. Mac makes one operating system that works for everyone.

I bought an iMac when the Intel versions came out, and still have it. The only way I go back to Windows is if Apple goes out of business.

[Spyros]

I'm pretty sure my next PC will be a Mac, unless my wife's brand-new, W7-running laptop manages to change my mind - I'm still using XP.

[John]

The only way I go back to Windows is if Apple goes out of business.


That doesn't seem to be very likely, given the results they announced lately. We can sleep peacefully!

On the iPad issue, I sure wish Jobs would come up with an OS-X device, similar to the iPad. I can think of so many usages for one of these.

Oh, speaking of WiFi, during my last trip to US, I came across a very stupid thing. In the new Heathrow Terminal 5, where most (if not all) British Airways flights start and end at, there is no free WiFi zone! Believe it or not, they only have paid-for WiFi. I mean even our small (compared to Terminal 5) airport in Athens has free WiFi, the largest airport in UK doesn't have it??!?

Brits are surely strange!!