Ipad

SK1979

I have a friend going to the states next month, and with the Ipad launch date being confirmed as the 3rd April, I was considering maybe getting my friend to pick me one up.

Why should I though? I currently have an ipod which houses all my music, I dont use an iphone though.

Is it worthwhile getting one of the 16GB Wifi ones for $499? Whats it going to offer me?

I'm well aware of the cool reception everyone has given at the slightly underwhelming launch conference, but what are the reasons for anyone wanting one?

akkadian

SK1979 wrote: »

I have a friend going to the states next month, and with the Ipad launch date being confirmed as the 3rd April, I was considering maybe getting my friend to pick me one up.

Why should I though? I currently have an ipod which houses all my music, I dont use an iphone though.

Is it worthwhile getting one of the 16GB Wifi ones for $499? Whats it going to offer me?

I'm well aware of the cool reception everyone has given at the slightly underwhelming launch conference, but what are the reasons for anyone wanting one?

I'd say there's no rush getting one just yet but developers certainly should try and get in on the act early. Size really matters with touh. The ipad brings the human sized metaphor to the multi-touch interface, and that's the key IMO. Th ipod and iphone have small multi-touch screens. You couldn't say, place your palm on it and have a crude palm reading device. For productivity - the larger screen opens up whole new markets - graphic design, art, table-top style multi-player games, but it's still not cheap!

MagicMarker

If you've got 499 to spare why not wait and get the new iPhone in a few months?

SK1979

I guess the new iphone doesn't seem that promising, especially if Apple dont really improve upon the 3GS that much (which I dont think they will). The ipad is a completely new product, and while there are plenty of other tablets around, none seem to appeal too much.

Dman001

Apple are really on to something with the iPad, but I dont think it will really take off until the 3rd Generation when Flash Storage will become much cheaper and in bigger capacities, and other technologies become more mainstream (WiMax, HTML 5 etc.).

uvox

Personally, I might wait for Rev B or Rev C of the device before committing. Generally, that policy has worked for me with MacBook Air and iPhone. Bear in mind international availability of ebooks for the device too.

That said, if ya gotta have it, then get it now!

cojomo2

Just so people know, it's confirmed that the wifi only version of iPad will not support tethering..

cnocbui

If you have a Laptop and a fairly capable phone, I see little point in getting an iPad.

As an email and internet access device for the elderly and techno-phobic, it would have it's uses, but it needs a forward facing camera for skype video calls.

It is too big to be an iPod substitute, won't dispaly 1080P HD videos properly, and is very limited in video codec support so many people would need to spend a lot of time transcoding.

I couldn't even get one to take on holiday for internet access or to get the kids off the other computers at home, because it lacks the processing and graphics capabilities to do a lot of what keeps them amused.

Maybe in a few generations it will evolve into a useful device, but at the moment, I don't see the point.

Josey Wales

Does anyone know yet if you purchased a 3G version of the iPad would that work here in Ireland?

Owen

Is your friend willing to queue overnight outside an Apple store? That's probably the only way you'll get one, as they're only expecting a tiny amount on launch.

Personally, I wouldn't bother my hole. When it has a video camera for skyping, and GPS for location services I might get one, otherwise it's donkeys old tech being recycled and branded as new.

conolan

Strikes me as too expensive as a Kindle competitor, not productive enough to be a netbook competitor. May end up falling between stools. Perhpas people are reading too much into the iPhone/iPad connection. iPhone has an obvious role, a phone with great computer capabilities. I don't see the obvious role for iPad.

And don't forget, no flash. That's a slight nuisance on an iPhone, but a real pain on a larger screen where you might want to spend lots of time websurfing.

keane2097

I can't see why you would be so anxious to waste 500 quid that you're basically coming on here hoping we'll tell you you need one of these when you obviously don't...

whiterebel

keane2097 wrote: »

I can't see why you would be so anxious to waste 500 quid that you're basically coming on here hoping we'll tell you you need one of these when you obviously don't...

My sentiments exactly

Oafley Jones

Still can't fathom why anyone wants one of these. If ever there was a solution looking for a problem it's the iPad.

cnocbui

Oafley Jones wrote: »

Still can't fathom why anyone wants one of these. If ever there was a solution looking for a problem it's the iPad.

I would agree with you, except I am not sure it a 'solution' to anything.

Oafley Jones

cnocbui wrote: »

I would agree with you, except I am not sure it a 'solution' to anything.

My very point.

banquo

I see the role for iPad clearly, and I think that, down the line, it will have a huge effect on basic home computer use.

I assume that the wifi version would work just fine over here, no reason for it not too. 3G I wouldn't know.

I'll prob get version 2 of the iPad, if funds allow. Oh, and this fantastic geeky doormat:

Leiva

banquo wrote: »

I see the role for iPad clearly, and I think that, down the line, it will have a huge effect on basic home computer use.

I assume that the wifi version would work just fine over here, no reason for it not too. 3G I wouldn't know.

I'll prob get version 2 of the iPad, if funds allow. Oh, and this fantastic geeky doormat:

Yea Mark 2 or 3 of the iPad for me , but i will pass on the DoorMat . :eek:

The ipad will replace laptops down the road...hopefully less than 3 years away and then I can buy one...because at the moment, it fills no need for me.

Oafley Jones

Deleted User wrote: »

The ipad will replace laptops down the road...hopefully less than 3 years away and then I can buy one...because at the moment, it fills no need for me.

Not a hope. The iPad is all about consuming media/content from itunes and not creating and for that very reason it'll never compete - nor is it meant to- with laptops.

Creamy Goodness

Josey Wales wrote: »

Does anyone know yet if you purchased a 3G version of the iPad would that work here in Ireland?

the iPad uses mini-sim cards. you'll need to get a new sim card for it or if you feel brave just download a template of one off the internet and slice your sim card up.

Deleted User wrote: »

The ipad will replace laptops down the road...hopefully less than 3 years away and then I can buy one...because at the moment, it fills no need for me.

iPad will never replace laptops unless we get one that runs full version of OS X with touch controls, which is what the iPad should have been, not just a hunny i blew up my iphone.

conolan

Deleted User wrote: »

The ipad will replace laptops down the road...hopefully less than 3 years away and then I can buy one...because at the moment, it fills no need for me.

Disagree. Typing is too limited, serious workers won't want a separate bluetooth keyboard. Most laptop users are familiar with windows and microsoft applications. No way are they going to use different OS and software on their tablet to that on their desk computer. They will still want their laptop/netbook.

richieg

I was debating whether I would get one as I have a well speced white macbook (4G RAM, 500GB HD) which I would like to replace for a macbook pro or imac. i also have a netbook which I use when travelling with work as it does email, web word and presentations. I recently got an iphone and have a 64GB touch (3-4 mth old) which I don't really use since i got the iphone.

I don't think it would replace my netbook (could be proven wrong) as you can't plug in a USB key or print from it so not too useful when working away from office/home. However, what I think i could use it for is at home due to the apps available but also for reading magazines either via apps or online. 1 photography magazine has released an app where you can download it every month. Buying it in the shops is 7 euro compared to 3.50 via the app. it works fine on my iphone, sometimes a little slow but there is a lot of zooming needed to read it. The other magazine is a car mag which i pay 6 euro a month for but i can get a 1 year subscription for £15. Showing people photos and watching movies from itunes on the go is the other potential use.

All in all I see it as a media consumption device primarily at home and partially when travelling.

Branoic

To be perfectly honest with myself I've no practical reason whatsoever to get an ipad, but I will get one anyway. Why? I love gadgets, and Apple do sexy gadgets.

I already browse the web and email quite happily from my couch on my iPhone, and have no work-related need for any type of mobile computer, be it laptop, netbook or ipad. I also have a kindle, so the book reading aspect, even if it does make it to Ireland at some point, is also not a reason.

But, I just want one, and I don't need any other justification than that and you shouldn't either, if you just want one (unless of course your options are "gadget you don't need" or "paying the rent / mortgage").

I like being an early tech adopted too. I would usually buy a 1st gen product, skip the 2nd gen, and then upgrade to 3rd gen later. I can see me doing this with the ipad too.

Creamy Goodness

Creamy Goodness wrote: »

iPad will never replace laptops unless we get one that runs full version of OS X with touch controls, which is what the iPad should have been, not just a hunny i blew up my iphone.

That's great man...so you're ruling that out from ever happening before the future unravels? Nice...

Conolan wrote:

Disagree. Typing is too limited, serious workers won't want a separate bluetooth keyboard. They will still want their laptop/netbook.

That's great you disagree because I disagree with you too.

Most laptop users are familiar with windows and microsoft applications. No way are they going to use different OS and software on their tablet to that on their desk computer.

Most laptop users are familiar with windows and microsoft applications yes...correct. But "no way" - man you don't know the future either, with the way Apple are going, you can't rule it out, nobody can. "No way" - how dramatic.

The Nokia 3210 was a brilliant phone at the time - no way were people ever going to abandon nokia and buy an iPhone were they ??? "No Way"....please...what with all that different software etc..."no way"

cornbb

I really don't expect the iPad to replace the laptop, except in maybe some very limited capacities. But that's okay.

I don't agree with whoever said it's "too expensive to be a Kindle competitor". Although I doubt it'll sell in the sort of numbers the iPhone/iPod Touch have, I reckon it will wipe the floor with the Kindle. The entry level iPad will cost $10 more than the Kindle DX and it will do infinitely more things.

Creamy Goodness

Deleted User wrote: »

That's great man...so you're ruling that out from ever happening before the future unravels? Nice...

erm yes i am as a matter of fact.

iPad will not replace the laptop. I use my laptop to code, and there is not one chance in hell i would code on an iPad device unless what i said above (fully fledged OS X machine) was what the iPad was, which the first iteration of iPad definitely is not. even if it was i'd doubt i'd use it as a development machine.

Obviously no one can ever accurately predict the future.

You're a specialist. Obviously an iPad is not going to suit a coder.

For average people on the go, I believe it will.

And also, you don't know that OS X won't ever make the iPad. Open your mind a bit to the possibilities. All it will actually take is a larger version and future updates which Apple have done with previous products. 1st gen iPhone etc etc.

Creamy Goodness

you should have mentioned then we were talking about the average joe as a "specialist" :pac: i often forget about them .

I still don't see why they have to go backwards though. like why do they not just push the boundaries now, there are dell mini's running mac os x (allbeit it a hacked version) which have similar spec to the iPad. i see the iPad as a huge step back although it will sell like hotcakes.

what can the iPad do that i don't already have in my iPhone but do it larger? I love apple products i really do but i don't love that much to get ripped off on a 10inch iphone.

watching the keynote with jobs showing off the iPad i was completely confused. words like revolutionary device, it can do email, it can do pictures, it can do games... right in your hands. i had that 2 years ago with iPhone.

if the iPad is targeted to casual users (which it is) like the kind where you leave the iPad on a coffee table in the living room and you just check email websites etc then that's all well and good, just you have a lot of money to blow on such a device.

Idleater

Creamy Goodness wrote: »

just you have a lot of money to blow on such a device.

It's hardly that much more expensive than a netbook is it? I mean, we are comparing it to a eeepc kind of thing and not a 13" MacBook/laptop? What is it, €100 more? Okay that might be 33% more, but it still is only €100. The differences you pay in style for a MBP is perhaps €1000 over a similar spec (eg dell) laptop.

In this case, I would gladly pay a small premium (which is what the iPad price over a netbook to be) for a device that would actually look elegant on a coffee table as opposed to a mini laptop with big square edges etc.

IMO it looks even better than a lot of the photo frames you can buy.

cnocbui

If you get the 64gb version, with the keyboard and stand and some software and the case and some of the adapters you will need, you get to a price that is not very far off that of a 13" Macbook.

I would go the little bit extra for the Macbook and get a whole lot more more.

Owen

Dell are about to launch their own forray into the slate world, with their new mini5. Now this one only has a 5 inch screen, but they have a 7 and 10 inch in the works. Capacative screen, front facing camera for video chat, rear 5MP camera with flash, and plenty of customisation options. Nice.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/09/leaked-dell-mini-5-flyer-shows-multitude-of-color-options-confi/

I'd be much more inclined to wait for the larger versions of this (Which should be soon enough), or hold on for the 2nd gen iPad.

Idleater

cnocbui wrote: »

If you get the 64gb version, with the keyboard and stand and some software and the case and some of the adapters you will need, you get to a price that is not very far off that of a 13" Macbook.

I would go the little bit extra for the Macbook and get a whole lot more more.

I _have_ a macbook, and I don't want an external keyboard, or 64gb, or any connectivity adapters. I want a simple device that is quick for web browsing and some very light application work such as controlling an ITunes server, or perhaps streaming a couple of pictures from a mac or NAS.

I want less clutter and more freedom, not a whack load of unused power from a full Laptop doing these same menial tasks every now and again. If I have to power up the laptop every time I want to show pictures or change itunes albums then I don't want that.

Granted, I am not in the market for the device at present, and I do agree that a web cam is a bit of a strange feature to be left out, so the device is not without its limitations. However dismissing it straight out as a waste compared to a laptop is not exactly correct.

justsomebloke

The problem with the IPad is that it is a great UI sitting on an OS that isn't up to people will want to do with it
The Problem with the Dell is that it is good OS however the UI is lacking for what people will want to use it for.

From this the Windows machines have a better chance of succeeding but only if decent front ends are brought out for them however more then likely if the chrome OS is in anyway half decent they will probably accomplish this first.

In relation to will the IPad replacing the laptop? No it will never replace the laptop however the question is how many people buy laptops due to the fact that they are the only decently big portable device? Chances are there are a lot of people who buy laptops cause there simply isn't an alternative to them.

As a owner of a laptop, netbook and desktop I can eventually see me getting a windows based one and using it as my main Media and internet player of choice but I will still need some form of laptop but mainly for doing work

Owen

Joe the Santa wrote: »

The Problem with the Dell is that it is good OS however the UI is lacking for what people will want to use it for.

Isn't the Dell supposed to be running Android, not Windows? If that's the case, it's a skinnable OS, which HTC did an incredible job of. If Dell get a good UI team behind them, they could come up with a gorgeous OS skin.

deep1

Here is Nice video here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGEcYtVBxGc

cornbb

deep1 wrote: »

Here is Nice video here.

That dude is hardly in a position to comment about design when he doesn't even know not to put white text on a white background.