iPad - Megathread incoming

[HappinessNow]

It is confirmed that Apple is coming out with a 10" Tablet Computer, I predict it will be called the iPad. ;)



According to the Financial Times, Apple’s tablet computer will use the iPhone’s operating system, will connect to the Internet like the iPod Touch does (local Wifi networks), offer a larger screen than the iPhone/iPod and will be focused on providing convenient digital entertainment to users....Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook has said Apple doesn’t want to compete with lower-end netbook makers, and the Financial Times says the tablet will sell for between $600 and $1000....Apple’s tablet is going to be a new way of computing, combining the ease of a netbook with the fun of an iPhone/iPod Touch, and perhaps a more exciting way to read ebooks than is currently offered by the Kindle. Apple is also working with record labels to give us a reason to buy full albums once again.
All of this is expected to be announced in September. http://societrends.com/2009/07/27/apple-sees-your-netbook-and-kindle-moves-you-one-tablet/


Apple is gambling that it can succeed where everyone else has flopped, including Microsoft (http://markets.ft.com/tearsheets/performance.asp?s=us:MSFT), which tirelessly pushed a tablet-ready version of its Windows operating system as a personal favourite of founder Bill Gates. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/28129982-7a18-11de-b86f-00144feabdc0.html?nclick_check=1

[Skripka]

How easy will the screen scratch is the question. Hehehehee.

[ELD]

"$600 and $1000" Bugger that.

[HappinessNow]

How easy will the screen scratch is the question. Hehehehee.
Actually not easy at all if you put a protector on it, 3m sells excellent screen protectors for tablet and convertible computers (notebook/tablet computers).

[quinnten83]

Shiny and expensive needless crap from Apple???
Me wants already!!

[pwnst*r]

How easy will the screen scratch is the question. Hehehehee.

as "easy" as any other tablet pc.

[deathsshadow77]

I have a feeling that its gonna be really breakable. Ive seen some pretty bad screen cracks on ipod touch/iphones from just one drop. I would imagine dropping this would be a nightmare.

[Regenweald]

So a 10" iphone then. I should do a degree in marketing, preying on fools is too easy.

[Matthewthegreat]

Will it run ubuntu?

[Sealbhach]

It's the ergonomics I wonder about, will users be hunched over it sitting at a table, or if it's on your lap will it get hot?

.

[DeadSuperHero]

Will it run ubuntu?

Probably not. If anything, they'll probably not even bother to put an optical drive in.

[Marlonsm]

The way it is in the picture, it'd be a pain to type. The best (least bad) way would be in portrait mode, so you can use your thumbs to tyoe while holding it.

But IMO the iTablet or whatever they call it is just too expensive, sure, it's a nice concept, I think I'll wait for other brands to start making they versions of this kind of tablet before even considering one.

[Matthewthegreat]

Will it run ubuntu?
Probably not. If anything, they'll probably not even bother to put an optical drive in.

Not interested then. I'll just stick with my netbook.

[HappinessNow]

Probably not. If anything, they'll probably not even bother to put an optical drive in.

just use a flash drive to install Ubuntu

[bryonak]

Hehe, finally the rumours Arrington has been talking about come true.
He introduced the CrunchPad (http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/06/03/crunchpad-the-launch-prototype/) concept a year ago and will hopefully be able to ship them soon.
Apple has much more resources to pour into development, so they might bring it to market first.
On the other hand, the CrunchPad is targeted to sell at about $300 ;)

[unoodles]

Probably not. If anything, they'll probably not even bother to put an optical drive in.

I disagree. Someone somewhere will somehow boot a linux kernel on it.
Seriously, even the iPhone can boot linux. (http://www.iphonelinux.org/index.php/Main_Page)

[DeadSuperHero]

I disagree. Someone somewhere will somehow boot a linux kernel on it.
Seriously, even the iPhone can boot linux. (http://www.iphonelinux.org/index.php/Main_Page)

That doesn't mean it runs it very well...it'll be a few years yet before we fully reverse-engineer iPhone drivers.

[MikeTheC]

It's not a form factor I'm interested in, but I think it would be interesting to see from a proof-of-concept standpoint.

[HappinessNow]

It's not a form factor I'm interested in, but I think it would be interesting to see from a proof-of-concept standpoint.Apple is trying to create the next big hit, you might say.

[HappinessNow]

I wonder what ever happened to this rumor?

[Exodist]

I wonder what ever happened to this rumor?
Dont know, haven't heard anything else about it either. :/

[pwnst*r]

http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/28/apple-tablet-terrorized-by-component-rumors/

[HappinessNow]

http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/28/apple-tablet-terrorized-by-component-rumors/Thanks for the link...so we will see what happens around March or April.

I wonder if this will compete with the Nook (BarnesandNoble's ebook powered by Google's Android OS) and the Kindle?

[AllRadioisDead]

Not interested then. I'll just stick with my netbook.
Wow, really?
Why would you even want to run ubuntu on it?
Ubuntu is garbage on tablets.
Would you really plan on using the on screen keyboard for everything? Trust me, I have a tablet and I keep windows on it for a reason.

[bashveank]

I'll be very interested in this if the rumors are true. If it runs a hybrid iPhone OS, then we'll likely get CS4 ported to Cocoa Touch. That alone would turn the iTablet into a must-buy for me.

[lostinxlation]

I remember a picture of David Ditzel holding a prototype tablet computer they put Crusoe in. Wasn't that something Linus Torvalds wanted to make and the reason why he has joined TMTA ?

[HappinessNow]

I remember a picture of David Ditzel holding a prototype tablet computer they put Crusoe in. Wasn't that something Linus Torvalds wanted to make and the reason why he has joined TMTA ?Any links to the Torvalds' connection?

[HappinessNow]

funny I brought this thread back up, I just found this article:

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/28/what-would-a-10-inch-islate-look-like/?ref=technology

which leads you to this article:

http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20091228PD212.html

[3rdalbum]

That mockup looks like the Macbook Wheel!

Seriously - the people behind the "Apple tablet" rumours should get their story straight. Does it have an iPhone-like interface, or a Mac OS X desktop interface? I've seen pictures of both.

[handy]

We'll start seeing a whole new range of hand-held/portable devices that connect to the net in the coming years.

Video via internet is the next big thing it would seem, they are going to start really pushing it next year according to this:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8272003.stm

[hanzomon4]

Here Apple goes again.. Well I don't know where a tablet fits in the techno landscape. I could use it as an ebook reader, mobile video, "netbook" type thing. However if it's bigger then my phone I won't be popping it out on the train. Plus my "new Android" phone, which I love!!!, can already do all of this, thanks to Apple's still amazing iPhone.

I could see using this as a replacement for my laptop when I want to have a computer on me but don't need all of the power and bulk of a macbook pro. In that case I guess this would fall into the netbook world of computing..

I just don't know..

[hanzomon4]

Edit:oops

[FinalCoyote]

Well if it's going to run iPhone OS then it sure ain't going to look like it's running MacOSX.

iPhone Linux is of course, not usable at all, still very much in development.

So i'm thinking no Linux for the Apple Tablet if indeed there is an Apple Tablet.

Plus, overpriced and very breakable probably.



Btw, i love apple stuff, it's so pretty, but y'know, well...

It's rubbish...

[pwnst*r]

very breakable?

[Giant Speck]

I'm scared enough of the possibility of dropping my iPhone and breaking it...

[hanzomon4]

I'm scared enough of the possibility of dropping my iPhone and breaking it...

I dropped mine... it hurts, like stepping on a kitten

[pwnst*r]

i'm trying to figure out how it's more "breakable" than any other tablet.

[madnessjack]

very breakable?
Well the iBooks (or whatever they're called) are built like tanks from what I've seen, and I haven't seen any broken iPhone/iTouch. So looks promising :P

[pwnst*r]

Well the iBooks (or whatever they're called) are built like tanks from what I've seen, and I haven't seen any broken iPhone/iTouch.

exactly my point.

[FinalCoyote]

Well my iPod Touch broke - and i'm not the kind of guy who throws his stuff around, i can tell you.

Plus, i've seen plenty of my friends buy expensive Mac gear - then break it and realise that they should have taken out the extended warranty..

It's just the large amount of glass, plus the less-than-sturdy construction on all their gear (excepting laptops, Macbooks are built like bricks, i agree)

[pwnst*r]

Well my iPod Touch broke - and i'm not the kind of guy who throws his stuff around, i can tell you.

Plus, i've seen plenty of my friends buy expensive Mac gear - then break it and realise that they should have taken out the extended warranty..

It's just the large amount of glass, plus the less-than-sturdy construction on all their gear (excepting laptops, Macbooks are built like bricks, i agree)

i've had my iphone 3G since launch and unless i drop it on concrete face down, it's not going to break.

i've also got a older (pre unibody) macbook and it's solid as well.

and how exactly did your itouch break? the glass?

[FinalCoyote]

Yeah man, and to be perfectly honest, that's exactly what i did, drop it face down onto the kitchen floor.
What is even more gutting is the fact that i hardly ever take it out of the case..

So sure, there's nobody to blame but myself, i just won't be buying Mac stuff again..

[pwnst*r]

i just won't be buying Mac stuff again..

So it has nothing to do with the Mac's build quality and more to do with your carelessness.

Quite the opposite of your original post. Just sayin'.

[hanzomon4]

So it has nothing to do with the Mac's build quality and more to do with your carelessness.

Quite the opposite of your original post. Just sayin'.

Well I think the point is is that these can be broken quite easily whenever you take them out for use. That's a risk with any portable but I've seen blackberries dropped on the street without breaking. All of the glass on modern touch devices make them more vulnerable to the inevitable, you will drop these things.

[pwnst*r]

again, it's not a build issue and certainly not an apple issue considering glass on all touch devices DO break under the right circumstance.

[FinalCoyote]

yeah yeah, of course, but then again you could break a MacBook under the same circumstances

I'm just not going to risk it - perhaps i expected too much of it, but if i pay £200 odd quid for a portable music player +, then i expect to be able to take it outside without having to worry about dropping it.

[bashveank]

yeah yeah, of course, but then again you could break a MacBook under the same circumstances

I'm just not going to risk it - perhaps i expected too much of it, but if i pay £200 odd quid for a portable music player +, then i expect to be able to take it outside without having to worry about dropping it.

So you're not going to buy any portable devices than?

[pwnst*r]

yeah yeah, of course, but then again you could break a MacBook under the same circumstances

I'm just not going to risk it - perhaps i expected too much of it, but if i pay £200 odd quid for a portable music player +, then i expect to be able to take it outside without having to worry about dropping it.

maybe you should get the kind you hang around your neck. that way you'll feel better about it getting broken instead of your face if you tripped and fell while drunk and eating raisin skins.

[JDShu]

What exactly would be the purpose of this device? Tablets are great for design work, but wouldn't the low specs hinder the ability to do that? Or is this just a giant ipod touch...

[3rdalbum]

So it has nothing to do with the Mac's build quality and more to do with your carelessness.

I've dropped phones onto tiled floors before now without even cracking the screen. Lots of times, until I bought a case. If an iPhone can't handle the same treatment, then the build quality is not up to standard.

You're the one talking about "you can't break it unless you drop it onto concrete", and now when somebody drops it onto a surface less hard than concrete it's suddenly their fault.

[pwnst*r]

I've dropped phones onto tiled floors before now without even cracking the screen. Lots of times, until I bought a case. If an iPhone can't handle the same treatment, then the build quality is not up to standard.

You're the one talking about "you can't break it unless you drop it onto concrete", and now when somebody drops it onto a surface less hard than concrete it's suddenly their fault.

your previous phones didn't have a big glass face on them either. glass breaks. fact, sorry.

[markp1989]

So it has nothing to do with the Mac's build quality and more to do with your carelessness.

Quite the opposite of your original post. Just sayin'.

phones get droped fact, if a phone cannot not stand up to a drop from 1M (about the hight of an adults pocket) on to a hard floor, it is not good enough.


my old mototola L7 got droped from 3rd story scafollding on to concrete, and apart from scuffs, there was no damage.

when i went rock climbing last year i droped my sisters camera, it fell about 3ft, hit a rock,, then landed in a puddle, and it still works fine.

iff a portable device cannot stand up to being dropped ocaisionaly, then it shouldnt be considered portable.

[Cam42]

Hehe, finally the rumours Arrington has been talking about come true.
He introduced the CrunchPad (http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/06/03/crunchpad-the-launch-prototype/) concept a year ago and will hopefully be able to ship them soon.
Apple has much more resources to pour into development, so they might bring it to market first.
On the other hand, the CrunchPad is targeted to sell at about $300 ;)

The CrunchPad died, due to some legal crap beyond my comprehension.
It's evolved into the JooJoo, a $500 web browser.

[dyslexia]

ibook G4's been around the world once, lugged on buses,trains planes, dropped from a top bunk-bed, fallen off of tables, fallen of van-beds when the brakes were applied...

...It looks messed up -broken latches, warped top... but EVERYTHING on it still works perfectly.

.
.
.
"Tablet PC vista" isn't that great.
.
.
.
iPhone OS -bad news. One of the best things about Apple is OSX - super reliable, has UNIX-powers, can do everything... unbroken iPhone can't even tether, "locked in" to their "app stor"

...

I love the tablet concept though... currently have a touchsmart running Linux, making touch work was very difficult. Imagine how long it would take to make it run on an Apple tablet....

[pwnst*r]

phones get droped fact, if a phone cannot not stand up to a drop from 1M (about the hight of an adults pocket) on to a hard floor, it is not good enough.


my old mototola L7 got droped from 3rd story scafollding on to concrete, and apart from scuffs, there was no damage.

when i went rock climbing last year i droped my sisters camera, it fell about 3ft, hit a rock,, then landed in a puddle, and it still works fine.

iff a portable device cannot stand up to being dropped ocaisionaly, then it shouldnt be considered portable.

ANY DAP, PMP, smartphone with a glass front will most likely break. don't go blaming apple just because it makes you feel good about pointing a finger.

[markp1989]

ANY DAP, PMP, smartphone with a glass front will most likely break. don't go blaming apple just because it makes you feel good about pointing a finger.

i didnt mention apple one in my post. i have no problem with apple (i have an ipod)

all portable devices should be able able to sustain drops and bumbs .

i quoted your post relating to carelessness rather then "apple build quality" part.

[pwnst*r]

i didnt mention apple one in my post. i have no problem with apple (i have an ipod)

all portable devices should be able able to sustain drops and bumbs .

i quoted your post relating to carelessness rather then "apple build quality" part.

most people with a device that fragile will take of it better than some **** flip phone.

[Frak]

I'll be very interested in this if the rumors are true. If it runs a hybrid iPhone OS, then we'll likely get CS4 ported to Cocoa Touch. That alone would turn the iTablet into a must-buy for me.
Photoshop CS4 works fine with pressure sensative touch screens on Mac now. I had my macbook modded here (http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook)to be a tablet.

[bashveank]

What exactly would be the purpose of this device? Tablets are great for design work, but wouldn't the low specs hinder the ability to do that? Or is this just a giant ipod touch...

CS4 requires a lot less power than you might think. Even so, rumors are that the iTablet will run a hybrid of the iPhone OS and stock OS X. If that's the case, Adobe will almost certainly port CS4 to the platform. Seeing as the iTablet will be the only device on the platform, specs wouldn't be an issue.

Anyway, other purposes include as an eBook reader, or as a point of sales device at restaurants and such.

[bashveank]

Photoshop CS4 works fine with pressure sensative touch screens on Mac now. I had my macbook modded here (http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook)to be a tablet.

I realize. I was talking about the Cocoa Touch platform.

[doorknob60]

So it's just a giant overpriced iTouch :lolflag:

[HappinessNow]

The CrunchPad died, due to some legal crap beyond my comprehension.
It's evolved into the JooJoo, a $500 web browser.

Wow! that Crunchpad sure looked sweet...aweful name though.


Photoshop CS4 works fine with pressure sensative touch screens on Mac now. I had my macbook modded here (http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook)to be a tablet.

Nice Mod of the Macbook.

[FinalCoyote]

So you're not going to buy any portable devices than?

I'm gonna stick to using my Car Stereo when i want music on the move, and as far as other portable devices, well..

I can't break my pager, really, can I?

And my Mobile is a brick, that ain't ever breaking

(Breaks it in the next ten minutes)

[HappinessNow]

Apple to make an official announcement January 26th, it's also been rumored that it will either be powered by a stripped down version of Snow Leopard or enhanced Apple OS:

http://www.techtree.com/India/News/Apple_iSlate-iGuide_Tablet_Rumor_Turmoil/551-108435-615.html

http://www.techtree.com/India/News/iSlate_could_be_Apples_Mac_Tablet/551-108364-893.html

[3rdalbum]

your previous phones didn't have a big glass face on them either. glass breaks. fact, sorry.

According to you, the glass on your iPhone won't break unless you drop it onto concrete.

There are plenty of portable products with glass that won't easily break.

[Tristam Green]

There you have it folks, they call it the iPad.

Now the question everyone wants to know:

Will it run Ubuntu Crysis ;-) ?

http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/27/live-from-the-apple-tablet-latest-creation-event/49?sort=newest&refresh=30

[SeanBlader]

How would you control a game of Crysis? Accelerometer? Really I'd be more interested in ditching the iPhone OS on it and running the Netbook Remix so I could have Flash and Hulu on the iPad. The hardware looks cool, the software, disappointing.

[Skripka]

BFD.

Who cares? Tablets have been around for ages and not gone anywhere-the only reason this might is because it is shiny and made by apple.

[KiwiNZ]

Keen to learn more about it. It looks like a useful iPod Touch on steroids.

[Sunflower1970]

I hate that name. iPad. I'm watching the live blog now. The device looks pretty slick, though.

[amazingtaters]

Here's my first impression. Apple sat around, saying, "Hot damn that iPhone sure is sexy, and it's selling like hotcakes! How can we repackage it in a way that looks cool enough that everyone who bought an iPhone will buy it again?" The first answer was the iPod touch. The second was this. To everyone who buys this, enjoy your super sized iPod Touch.

[Skripka]

Keen to learn more about it. It looks like a useful iPod Touch on steroids.

It is basically a laptop...with a monitor that cannot be closed for protection.

[hanzomon4]

Omggg!!! It looks great... not sure if I'm convinced that this has that extra pow to get me to buy one

[.•*´]

A cross between an iPod and a netbook. the best netbbok on the market is I think is a Nokia and the iPod feels like old crap.

[Ric_NYC]

Imagine: you eating a sloppy joe when you're using the iPad.

[Skripka]

What if you're eating a sloppy-joe when you're using the iPad?

You see, 3rd parties are already engineering a whole INDUSTRY of protective expensive cheap crap for the "iPad", just like the iPod needs.

[Ubom]

Very underwhelming. Might buy it anyway if it is priced under £300. Hopefully will have 3g connectivity too.
Also what's the situation with multitasking? Are all apps always maximised?

[KiwiNZ]

It is basically a laptop...with a monitor that cannot be closed for protection.

umm I know the principle

I want to know the detail ;)

[Skripka]

Very underwhelming. Might buy it anyway if it is priced under £300.

A touchscreen by itself costs that much. Be prepared to not have enuff money.

[Skripka]

I want to know the detail ;)

Sure:

The screen and back will be too easily scratched, necessitating a whole industry of protective devices for your iScratch. The OS wil only run official apps from the iPad App Store...the said apps can only be loaded onto the device by syncing it with a OSX system....and will be available at the cost of your 1st and second cars, with a mortgage on your 1st born children. Wifi will be available only by signing a 5-year exclusive agreement with the worst telecom in the industry.

Am I too cynical? ;)

[Tristam Green]

How would you control a game of Crysis? Accelerometer? Really I'd be more interested in ditching the iPhone OS on it and running the Netbook Remix so I could have Flash and Hulu on the iPad. The hardware looks cool, the software, disappointing.

The Crysis comment was a feeble joke.


I hate that name. iPad. I'm watching the live blog now. The device looks pretty slick, though.

I dislike the name too, but it's far better than "iSlate". That just translates into "is late".


I'm with Kiwi - company connotations aside, I'm interested in this little thing now. It has a compass inside, so I could easily see it being a good navigational aid. I'm very curious to see if it could run something like Illustrator or Photoshop.

[KiwiNZ]

It may well be on the purchase list for a number of them

[Странник]

I have a feeling that this will be more than 500EUR

[Ubom]

A touchscreen by itself costs that much. Be prepared to not have enuff money.

I was willing to pay up to £1000 if a good device was announced, but looking at it, I can't justify paying more than £300 for this device when it seems like a bigger iPhone with less usefulness.

[KiwiNZ]

Sure:

The screen and back will be too easily scratched, necessitating a whole industry of protective devices for your iScratch. The OS wil only run official apps from the iPad App Store...the said apps can only be loaded onto the device by syncing it with a OSX system....and will be available at the cost of your 1st and second cars, with a mortgage on your 1st born children.

Am I too cynical? ;)

Dont let exaggeration stop a good story.:rolleyes:

I carry my Notebooks and and iPhone and GPS in covers so what is the difference. Care of assets is common sense.

[SeanBlader]

It's the iPad, which is just like maxipad, but without the "max" kinda a bummer.

[SeanBlader]

I was willing to pay up to £1000 if a good device was announced, but looking at it, I can't justify paying more than £300 for this device when it seems like a bigger iPhone with less usefulness.

I'd be willing to pay US$1000 if it would play Flash, hence I'd love to see the Netbook Remix running on it.

[Skripka]

Dont let exaggeration stop a good story.:rolleyes:

I carry my Notebooks and and iPhone and GPS in covers so what is the difference. Care of assets is common sense.

Sry, I'm just sick of hearing everywhere about a device that is anything but revolutionary--and tech news sources who talk about it as if it were neuewundertech.

The only thing that gets more on my nerves is talk about cloud computing.

Care of assets is one thing...but you (Apple) design a slick new device-and then to protect it you need a device that doubles the original gadgets' bulk. Taking an elegant looking device and making it look cumbersome...when you could have just designed it better in the 1st place.

[.•*´]

I was willing to pay up to £1000 if a good device was announced, but looking at it, I can't justify paying more than £300 for this device when it seems like a bigger iPhone with less usefulness.

You can have a macbook 13" for £800

Interesting to see the specs on this iPad.

[SeanBlader]

I had an HP tx2000 tablet, realistically it was a laptop with a swivel screen and I only occasionally used the touch screen. On the other hand, if it lacked a keyboard and was a third the thickness and weight, it would make a nice piece of equipment.

So the hardware looks great, the software looks unfortunate.

[Sunflower1970]

It's the iPad, which is just like maxipad, but without the "max" kinda a bummer.

Yep. That's what the name reminds me of feminine hygiene products...

[hanzomon4]

No 3G... bummer

Take that back... it does 3g, sold unlocked

[SeanBlader]

Looks like it lacks multitasking too, that will be a huge disappointment.

[KiwiNZ]

Sry, I'm just sick of hearing everywhere about a device that is anything but revolutionary--and tech news sources who talk about it as if it were neuewundertech.

The only thing that gets more on my nerves is talk about cloud computing.

Care of assets is one thing...but you (Apple) design a slick new device-and then to protect it you need a device that doubles the original gadgets' bulk. Taking an elegant looking device and making it look cumbersome...when you could have just designed it better in the 1st place.

Agreed , not revolutionary but evolutionary. I think Apple have done what Tablets should have been , not just Laptops with swiveling Monitors with the same everything else.

As for Cloud , Its just Thin Client version 23 nothing new sort of with extra bits . But hey it has to be promoted to be up taken.

[Ric_NYC]

Looks like it lacks multitasking too, that will be a huge disappointment.


No multitasking... in 2010... WOW!

Is it true?

[NoaHall]

1GHz processor, I wouldn't try anything to testing on it, but hey, it looks good.

[SeanBlader]

Think of it as an enormous phone.

Apple made too many software compromises, granted they took their strongest platform, the iPhone and wanted to expand it, but given they started with a crappy foundation, they are stuck into a limited capability set.

[KiwiNZ]

1GHz processor, I wouldn't try anything to testing on it, but hey, it looks good.

It is how it runs its own OS that matters

[.•*´]

Looks perfect for iBooks, just the right size.

[Sunflower1970]

Books, magazines, newspapers. I think this tablet will be perfect for those types of things. The book app looks fabulous, actually.

This may help revitalize the magazine & newspaper industries.

[eddietours]

No flash/multi-tasking/non-approved apple apps?

[SeanBlader]

How about replacing pen and paper?

[docus]

Perhaps I'm lacking imagination today, but I can't get excited about this at all.

[amazingtaters]

Books, magazines, newspapers. I think this tablet will be perfect for those types of things. The book app looks fabulous, actually.

This may help revitalize the magazine & newspaper industries.

I'd rather have a Kindle though for books, magazines, or newspapers. If my main task with this device is going to be reading traditionally print media, I won't want to drop the money on this, which I am sure will be more expensive than a Kindle.

[whiskeylover]

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/01/27/apple.tablet/index.html?hpt=T1

Let the simultaneous orgasms begin.

[kernelhaxor]

how many more threads do we need on this?

[whiskeylover]

how many more threads do we need on this?

23

[ticklemehomeboi]

Original name.

[Ric_NYC]

]I'd rather have a Kindle though for books, magazines, or newspapers.[/B] If my main task with this device is going to be reading traditionally print media, I won't want to drop the money on this, which I am sure will be more expensive than a Kindle.

I don't think the iPad is a priority for anyone.. But I disagree. Kindle screen only shows black and white.

[eddietours]

$999 is just crazy

[Sunflower1970]

I'd rather have a Kindle though for books, magazines, or newspapers. If my main task with this device is going to be reading traditionally print media, I won't want to drop the money on this, which I am sure will be more expensive than a Kindle.

I wouldn't buy this myself. Especially since it's a 1st generation.

There will be other companies which will be making similar devices in the future with better specs and be cheaper. I'd feel comfortable dropping $500 on something similar, but I can wait for something down the road

---
Looks like there will be 3G with AT&T. No contract. Prepaid $30/mo unlimited.

ETA:

lol! So there's a dock and a keyboard you can add on to this....Why not just get a laptop then?

[KeLa]

Prober name for that is iTinyFatThing
It's too fat and too small display.

[tadcan]

It starts at $499 and goes up to $829, from 16 to 64GB of space, with and without 3G.

[Tristam Green]

lol! So there's a dock and a keyboard you can add on to this....Why not just get a laptop then?

The question is not why wouldn't you just get a laptop, it's why haven't laptops been made like this from the get-go?

[hanzomon4]

Verdict: Cool but over hyped?

[darthmob]

The thread tags put a big smile on my face! :D

[amazingtaters]

verdict: Cool but over hyped?

+1

[ticklemehomeboi]

Verdict: Cool but over hyped?

It's just another piece of overpriced rotten fruit.

[Sunflower1970]

The question is not why wouldn't you just get a laptop, it's why haven't laptops been made like this from the get-go?

Haven't other companies tried a tablet/laptop type computer, where the monitor can flip around and one can use it as a tablet, while still having a keyboard attached?

I guess we just needed Apple to show us the light (lol)

[isaacj87]

Looks cool.

Once these things start showing up in the Apple refurbished store, I'll definitely pick one up for kicks.

EDIT: I just have one question. What are you supposed to do with these things? You couldn't actually get any work done...

[whiskeylover]

The thread tags put a big smile on my face! :D

You're welcome

[Tristam Green]

Verdict: Cool but over hyped?

I don't think so - I think they delivered and then some, especially with the addition of a compass, iBook Store, and the keyboard dock.


Haven't other companies tried a tablet/laptop type computer, where the monitor can flip around and one can use it as a tablet, while still having a keyboard attached?

I guess we just needed Apple to show us the light (lol)

Tried, and failed. The problem with those "tablet" computers is that they weren't tablets at all - they were laptops with touchscreens and a flimsy hinge. I hated those tablets with a purple passion because they were useless to hold and write on.

[KiwiNZ]

http://www.apple.com/ipad/#video

[BrokenKingpin]

The IPad looks horrible... why not just get a netbook for less than half the price.

[KiwiNZ]

The IPad looks horrible... why not just get a netbook for less than half the price.

Its not a Netbook , its not a Notebook .

[ticklemehomeboi]

Its not a Netbook , its not a Notebook .

It's not a Netbook, it's not a Notebook.

Fixed :)

[blur xc]

I don't think the iPad is a priority for anyone.. But I disagree. Kindle screen only shows black and white.

But normal e-readers are still viewable in direct sunlight- just like paper.

my only gripe w/ e-readers is the horrible lag in turning pages. If you could mix apples touch screen snappiness in a normal e-reader, than I'd be happy.

BM

[KiwiNZ]

It's not a Netbook, it's not a Notebook.

Fixed :)

When you type one handed due to disability conservation of energy is paramount and this is not an English class.

[ticklemehomeboi]

When you type one handed due to disability conservation of energy is paramount and this is not an English class.

No excuse for sloppiness.

[KiwiNZ]

No excuse for sloppiness.

No excuse for rudeness:mad:

[coolbrook]

Does it boomerang?

If you stand on it, will it show your weight?

[ticklemehomeboi]

No excuse for rudeness:mad:

Rich.

[Tristam Green]

Wow, leave the nasty attitude out of my thread, thank you.

[Tristam Green]

There's no multitasking at all. It's a real disappointment. All this power and very little you can do with it at once. No multitasking means no streaming Pandora when you're working in Pages... you can figure it out. It's a real setback for this device.

What the hell. I'm not enamored with this anymore.

[joebanjo]

The thing I hate the most, is that almost everyone i've talked to has called it revolutionary. tablet PCs have been around since forever and multitouch tablet pcs are out there too, there is a thinkpad and an HP. It doesn't really suit any need. its to big to have the same portability benifit of a ipod but not as good as a laptop. what we need is good multitouch OS that has actual computer function. No one needs a giant iphone.

EDIT:
I just heard someone say, "its like an iphone and a computer combined"
it is.
its like the worst of both

[The Toxic Mite]

Keen to learn more about it. It looks like a useful iPod Touch on steroids.

This.

[hanzomon4]

I don't think so - I think they delivered and then some, especially with the addition of a compass, iBook Store, and the keyboard dock.


No they delivered a solid product, but people were throwing around some wild ideas that I think diluted the wow here. Such as built in webcam for video calls, Verizon service, GSM+CDMA compatibility, 4G.. I like it, if they come out with one that can do video calls+4G I'll be hooked.

That said I wish some other company had created this device... google are you listening.

[Marlonsm]

I'm still not convinced by all these tablets. An oversized iPod touch won't make me change my mind.

I'm still more intrested in the HP Slate, that runs a full-featured OS, with multi-touch and gesture support and has the possibility to install other OSs.

[Jesus_Valdez]

At first sound ok for 400 dollars, but the fine print says that it's just "another piece of overpriced rotten fruit".

The sad part is that Apple is going to sell millions of iPads and the rest of the world is going to start making this subpar products.

[pwnst*r]

Here's my first impression. Apple sat around, saying, "Hot damn that iPhone sure is sexy, and it's selling like hotcakes! How can we repackage it in a way that looks cool enough that everyone who bought an iPhone will buy it again?" The first answer was the iPod touch. The second was this. To everyone who buys this, enjoy your super sized iPod Touch.

Having a good cry?


Imagine: you eating a sloppy joe when you're using the iPad.

Yes I'm sure there are idiots that do that.


And Skripka, lol, that's some serious crying/trolling you're doing.

[Sunflower1970]

The iPad looks like it'd be awesome for little kids with learning apps and fun games for them..

I can also see how it'd be very useful for textbooks. Man. I wish I had had something like this when I was in college instead of lugging 500lbs of books with me. (The Kindle & Nook are nice, but I much prefer to have color instead of just B&W)

I'd get something similar--just not from Apple--and not for a few years (I'm set with my desktops, laptop & Nexus One). I do hope some other companies are taking notes and in a few years will have a good product to compete with this (and have a catchier name...)

ETA:

I was sent this video from MadTV about the iPad from a few years ago.Thought I'd share :D:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1BUH9eXy18

[Marlonsm]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned this video yet:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BnLbv6QYcA

[joebanjo]

I can also see how it'd be very useful for textbooks.

This (http://gizmodo.com/5365299/courier-first-details-of-microsofts-secret-tablet) is a little more textbooky, it looks good, but i wish i knew the price. I still don't think i need one though

[Sunflower1970]

This (http://gizmodo.com/5365299/courier-first-details-of-microsofts-secret-tablet) is a little more textbooky, it looks good, but i wish i knew the price. I still don't think i need one though

Ooo! I had not seen that before. I like.

[amazingtaters]

The iPad looks like it'd be awesome for little kids with learning apps and fun games for them..

I can also see how it'd be very useful for textbooks. Man. I wish I had had something like this when I was in college instead of lugging 500lbs of books with me. (The Kindle & Nook are nice, but I much prefer to have color instead of just B&W)

I'd get something similar--just not from Apple--and not for a few years (I'm set with my desktops, laptop & Nexus One). I do hope some other companies are taking notes and in a few years will have a good product to compete with this (and have a catchier name...)

ETA:

I was sent this video from MadTV about the iPad from a few years ago.Thought I'd share :D:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1BUH9eXy18


The textbook thing would be great, except that it's not entirely realistic at this point. My first hand experience is that at my school we are actively discouraged from buying our books anywhere but from the campus bookstore run by Follet. While I know there's a school in Missouri (NW MO State I think) that has started offering ebook versions of just about all textbooks, there's going to be some backlash from universities that make a killing on books against students adopting this type of technology.

[aysiu]

There was so much hype in the months leading up to the announcement that there was no way the iPad (ugh, hate the name) could have lived up to it.

But this is honestly the only Apple product in a long time that I've been tempted to buy.

My main issue is this: is it a standalone device? In other words, one of things that really turned me off from getting an iPod Touch or iPhone is its dependence on having another computer with iTunes on it. But if the iTunes App Store and iBooks store are integrated into the device itself (and I don't have to "sync" it with a real computer), then maybe I will get this. (No iTunes for Linux.)

For the iPod Touch and iPhone, I found the whole multi-touch thing overrated. For a screen of this size, though, to navigate and manipulate things, finger swiping and multi-touch may actually come in handy.

I had high hopes for the Nook, but every review of it (including videos) revealed it to be sluggish and unresponsive.

Even in debates about Android v. iPhone, I hear multi-tasking brought up a lot. I like multi-tasking, but responsiveness is more important.

We'll see. I rarely get first-generation products...

[pwnst*r]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned this video yet:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BnLbv6QYcA

That's because it's stupid.

[pwnst*r]

stuff

It is not a standalone device from what I've read on the 'net. You will still need iTunes.

[graabein]

The iPad. Sounds like some teenage wuss tactics to pad stats in online games. I can tell you right now. I'm not getting one! Apple THIS!

[arnab_das]

first up, no multitasking, biggest dampener! next, 64GB isnt enough! and this is supposed to be a netbook replacement? :P

okay, but looks seriously awesome. but not much material packed into it i'm afraid. but this is for sure, the amazon kindle is dead now.

[aysiu]

It is not a standalone device from what I've read on the 'net. You will still need iTunes.
I can cross it off my list of potential future purchases, then. Thanks.

[Tristam Green]

first up, no multitasking, biggest dampener! next, 64GB isnt enough! and this is supposed to be a netbook replacement? :P

Considering the first netbooks came with a paltry 60GB HDD, or an 8GB SSD, yeah...

but no multitasking makes me a sad panda.

[Ric_NYC]

first up, no multitasking, biggest dampener! next, 64GB isnt enough! and this is supposed to be a netbook replacement? :P

okay, but looks seriously awesome. but not much material packed into it i'm afraid. but this is for sure, the amazon kindle is dead now.



If I'm playing a song I cannot do anything else?

[JEDIDIAH]

I'd be willing to pay US$1000 if it would play Flash, hence I'd love to see the Netbook Remix running on it.

HP has a laptop that has a multitouch monitor that can swivel around and be laid back on the keyboard. This seems like a more promising option since the iPad doesn't look like it will have a general purpose web browser on it.

[arnab_das]

If I'm playing a song I cannot do anything else?

nopes. u would have to stop that song before do something else.

[Ric_NYC]

nopes. u would have to stop that song before do something else.



Ouch... That's terrible.

[Xbehave]

If I'm playing a song I cannot do anything else?
I guess it will be like the iphone, 1st party apps can interact with eachother nicely, so you can listen to music as long as you only use apple apps.

Still i doubt i'll shell out for a crippled laptop with the keyboard removed.

[pwnst*r]

nopes. u would have to stop that song before do something else.

WRONG.

I'm playing a song and using an app at the same time. Quit spreading rubbish if you have no idea what you're talking about.

[pwnst*r]

I guess it will be like the iphone, 1st party apps can interact with eachother nicely, so you can listen to music as long as you only use apple apps.



Again, WRONG.

You fanboys sure like to stretch truths don't you?

[KiwiNZ]

Remember how we hated the FUD spread about Linux ?

Lets take the higher ground and not spread it about Apple products;)

[KiwiNZ]

I guess it will be like the iphone, 1st party apps can interact with eachother nicely, so you can listen to music as long as you only use apple apps.

Still i doubt i'll shell out for a crippled laptop with the keyboard removed.

It's not a Laptop and it's not marketed as such.

[Ric_NYC]

Ok... "No multitasking". What does it mean?

[Skripka]

It's not a Laptop and it's not marketed as such.

So what exactly is it, and what is the functional niche that it fills?

Currently it looks like an oversized iPod Touch, that AT&T may make some money off of.

The lack of Flash, and the relatively crippled state HTML5 video is in-really lead to the question, "Is not an internet tablet better off being a full fledged laptop?". Like it or not, Flash and Silverlight etc will be with us for a while yet...and with the saturation of flash fideos and flash content on the web, having a flash-crippled device is a big mistake-expescially for an internet device.

[KiwiNZ]

So what exactly is it, and what is the functional niche that it fills?

Currently it looks like an oversized iPod Touch, that AT&T may make some money off of.

The lack of Flash, and the relatively crippled state HTML5 video is is-really lead to the question, "Is not an internet tablet better off being a full fledged laptop?". Like it or not, Flash and Silverlight etc will be with us for a while yet...and with the saturation of flash fideos and flash content on the web, having a flash-crippled device is a big mistake-expescially for an internet device.

Watch this video through

http://www.apple.com/ipad/#video

It is almost a new device

[Skripka]

Watch this video through

http://www.apple.com/ipad/#video

It is almost a new device

Too bad I is in Windows right now-and Apple is wanting me to install their QuickTime Crapware to watch that vid--do you have a YouTube vid handy?

[Ric_NYC]

Watch this video through

http://www.apple.com/ipad/#video

It is almost a new device


"Download Quicktime to view this video".

[SeanBlader]

HP has a laptop that has a multitouch monitor that can swivel around and be laid back on the keyboard. This seems like a more promising option since the iPad doesn't look like it will have a general purpose web browser on it.

Except I had an HP laptop, and it's a pain to carry around the extra half inch that the swivel monitor costs you in weight and size, and then you end up using it mainly as a normal laptop anyway. The only thing I wouldn't want to do on the (max)ipad is try to have an IM conversation over it, typing would be slower.

And after the quality control issues and poor hardware, I probably won't get a new HP. It couldn't play h.264 compressed video without skipping, one of the cells in the battery died and it would only ever charge to 78%, and then the entire wireless subsystem went out, so no bluetooth or wi-fi, and not just like internally either, it wouldn't accept or operate an external USB wifi either.

So if there was a tablet that was a quarter the thickness and weight of the HP TX2000 series and offered better battery life, and could replace paper and the ebook reader at the same time, then it might have some value. Unfortunately, running mobile Safari and the non-multitasking iPhone OS doesn't quite get it done on the iPad.

Hence why I'd like to see the Netbook Remix on it. Get a real OS on there with multitouch and an on-screen keyboard and you're looking at a real useful tool.

In the end the iPad is going to be niche, it's too limited for doctors or other data intensive jobs. What those positions need is a tool, not a toy. But again, a real OS on it would be outstanding, even if under full use it only lasts 8 hours instead of 12, there is power often enough that you could recharge it over lunch.

[phrostbyte]

The Internet seems to completely rallying against this product. It almost reminds me when the iPod was first released. :)

I think the most interesting thing is the "Apple A4" CPU that it comes with. Apple is now in the CPU business it seems, I wouldn't be surprised if the newer iPhones will start using these CPUs.

[zekopeko]

I can cross it off my list of potential future purchases, then. Thanks.

I don't think this is correct. AFAIK every store is integrated in the device. You would need iTunes to reset it or some other such thing.

[Skripka]

The Internet seems to completely rallying against this product. It almost reminds me when the iPod was first released. :)

I think the most interesting thing is the "Apple A4" CPU that it comes with. Apple is now in the CPU business it seems, I wouldn't be surprised if the newer iPhones will start using these CPUs.

The one thing I will say-unlike all other tablets out there, this device has the backing of both a hardware and software player. In the long run, Apple may come up with an ecosystem of apps/interfaces that make the hardware worthwhile.

In the meantime, no USB ports or SD card slots are big Fails with a capital F.

[Regenweald]

The internet always rallies against apple products. It is still rallying against the iphone. Nearly 4 billion in recorded profits says all the rallying means absolutely nothing.

[KiwiNZ]

The Internet seems to completely rallying against this product. It almost reminds me when the iPod was first released. :)

I think the most interesting thing is the "Apple A4" CPU that it comes with. Apple is now in the CPU business it seems, I wouldn't be surprised if the newer iPhones will start using these CPUs.

They rally against them on the internet , then go out and buy them by the millions . I have a theory why .

[arnab_das]

WRONG.

I'm playing a song and using an app at the same time. Quit spreading rubbish if you have no idea what you're talking about.

okey dokey. mustve been wrong there. read reviews today which said that there's no multitasking.


http://www.theiphoneblog.com/2010/01/27/ipad-multitasking-notifications-tv-subscriptions-camera-tethering-textbooks/

[yester64]

Not sure why everyone (ok not everyone) is bashing apple. Ah, its the cafe.

From what i have seen it looks nice and useful too.
The price is not that high for what you get.
Think about it. Lot of space to store with a tightly integration of an store (iBook).
It does have potential.
Also not to forget that it will make the life harder for the competition which is Amazon and everyone else.
My prediction is, that Apple will own the market once more.

It does come close to the StarTrek Handheld Computers you saw in the TV shows.

Now of course it is a closed system and its Apple. But even as a Linux user i have to admit that Apple does provide innovation. I hear some people saying software sucks. Not sure where the facts are.

It is not a device for me, since it is out of my finacial means, but down the road it might be getting cheaper anyway.
Plus i heart it offers a flatrate or prepaid subscription.

I think we have to see how it plays out in the longrun, but i think it is an interesting piece of electronics where other competitors will have a hard time. This is not just a single purpose machine, its multipurpose. And considering how profitable the appstore is for iPhone you can only imagine how the next one will be.
So far i am neutral on the issue. We have to see.

[phrostbyte]

They rally against them on the internet , then go out and buy them by the millions . I have a theory why .

Better to be hated then ignored. :)

[arnab_das]

The internet always rallies against apple products. It is still rallying against the iphone. Nearly 4 billion in recorded profits says all the rallying means absolutely nothing.

well buying apple products always is and will always be a matter of keeping up with the jones. nothing more, nothing less.

[yester64]

The one thing I will say-unlike all other tablets out there, this device has the backing of both a hardware and software player. In the long run, Apple may come up with an ecosystem of apps/interfaces that make the hardware worthwhile.

In the meantime, no USB ports or SD card slots are big Fails with a capital F.

I don't think that this will change.
I think this is the same reason why you can't use external mediums like SD on phones for storing apps etc.
Still waiting to see a iPhone with a SD slot. :(

[SuperSonic4]

Sure:

The screen and back will be too easily scratched, necessitating a whole industry of protective devices for your iScratch. The OS wil only run official apps from the iPad App Store...the said apps can only be loaded onto the device by syncing it with a OSX system....and will be available at the cost of your 1st and second cars, with a mortgage on your 1st born children. Wifi will be available only by signing a 5-year exclusive agreement with the worst telecom in the industry.

Am I too cynical? ;)

Certainly not! It's easily plausible except obviously the kid bit.

I agree, I hope it flops but as always the idiots with more money than sense will ensure it does not

[aysiu]

I don't think this is correct. AFAIK every store is integrated in the device. You would need iTunes to reset it or some other such thing.
Well, there's only basic information about it out there right now.

I'll wait a few months to see what the real deal is.

If it is a self-contained device, I might get it. We'll see. I'd also like to try it out in the Apple Store myself to see how it really feels.

Too bad we don't have a Ubuntu Store with guaranteed-to-work-with-Ubuntu hardware and Ubuntu preinstalled and sanely configured...

[yester64]

The iPad. Sounds like some teenage wuss tactics to pad stats in online games. I can tell you right now. I'm not getting one! Apple THIS!

Lol... perhaps it sounds strange now, but so it was with the 'Wii' or any other newish name.
iToaster or iToy.

[phrostbyte]

Well, there's only basic information about it out there right now.

I'll wait a few months to see what the real deal is.

If it is a self-contained device, I might get it. We'll see. I'd also like to try it out in the Apple Store myself to see how it really feels.

Too bad we don't have a Ubuntu Store with guaranteed-to-work-with-Ubuntu hardware and Ubuntu preinstalled and sanely configured...

You can sync pictures to the iPhone from Ubuntu using libiphone, it mounts like a ordinary device. It's a no go for movies or music though (unless you jailbreak). Apple uses some kind of super difficult to break DRM type system to tie music and movie syncing to iTunes. I don't think this device will be any different unfortunately.

[TheLastDodo]

It is basically a laptop...with a monitor that cannot be closed for protection.

With a higher price tag, much less storage, a weak processor and a goofy UI (the sort of touch UI that works well on a small screen like the iPhone's doesn't quite make efficient use of space when scaled up).

[Skripka]

Lol... perhaps it sounds strange now, but so it was with the 'Wii' or any other newish name.
iToaster or iToy.

Meh. None of those have a name that sounds like a feminine hygiene product.

[arnab_das]

the iphone users can verify this.

http://www.techcrunch.com/2010/01/19/background-apps-iphone-tablet/

says "Music players (other than the built-in iPod app) close down as soon as you try to do anything else on the phone."

now thats for the iphone. now since none of us here have tried the ipad yet, and since the official reviews have already spoken about the lack of multitasking, i dont think one can listen to music and do other tasks, other than the default ipod app of course. thats an example of lack of multitasking.

[Frak]

Keen to learn more about it. It looks like a useful iPod Touch on steroids.
This really does look useful. I've been looking for a way to read my PDF's when I'm away from a computer, and this looks like a way to do it. It's small, portable, and in my case, reasonably priced.

[amazingtaters]

This is not just a single purpose machine, its multipurpose.

I'd like to see a multipurpose device that can multitask. For instance, I'd like to be able to have JSTOR up in my web browser with an article that I'm referencing, and a word processor open so that I can work on the paper that is doing the referencing.

Personally, I'll take my laptop, because I'm not so weak that it is cumbersomely heavy, I'd much rather have my 17 inches of screen real estate, and I'm just not a huge fan of on screen keyboards. After all, you can't rest your fingers on the keys as you type, so I end up pecking at it like a bird.

[phrostbyte]

the iphone users can verify this.

http://www.techcrunch.com/2010/01/19/background-apps-iphone-tablet/

says "Music players (other than the built-in iPod app) close down as soon as you try to do anything else on the phone."

now thats for the iphone. now since none of us here have tried the ipad yet, and since the official reviews have already spoken about the lack of multitasking, i dont think one can listen to music and do other tasks, other than the default ipod app of course.

The music still plays if you close the built in music app. The iPhone OS can multitask (it's using the Darwin kernel), but only Apple-made software is actually "blessed" with this ability. So 3rd party music apps will not play in the background, nor will any app possess the ability to do things in the background.

[SmittyJensen]

i don't really like the appearance of it.

still, $500 isn't bad. but i can think of plenty better things to spend $500 on.

[aysiu]

You can sync pictures to the iPhone from Ubuntu using libiphone, it mounts like a ordinary device. It's a no go for movies or music though (unless you jailbreak). Apple uses some kind of super difficult to break DRM type system to tie music and movie syncing to iTunes. I don't think this device will be any different unfortunately. Yeah, that sounds like too much trouble. Instead of using weird workarounds, I'd rather just get a device that just works with Ubuntu... or that doesn't rely on a secondary computer.

[Frak]

HP has a laptop that has a multitouch monitor that can swivel around and be laid back on the keyboard. This seems like a more promising option since the iPad doesn't look like it will have a general purpose web browser on it.
It has Safari.

[SmittyJensen]

It has Safari.
can you tell me where you heard/saw/whatever that from?

[KiwiNZ]

From what I have seen it will meet a number of needs I have. Other tablets have been horrible especially the HP TX series.

This one has some nice features, fits with my other Macs , light and yes cool.

I do believe it is added to my shopping list .

It will be cool if a dash mount for my SUV is available at some time.

[KiwiNZ]

can you tell me where you heard/saw/whatever that from?

Check the Apple web site . ;)

[NoaHall]

can you tell me where you heard/saw/whatever that from?

Trust me. It's Apple made, connects to the internet, it'll have Safari

[arnab_das]

btw The Guardian UK has come up with the official review:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/jan/27/apple-ipad-tablet-first-review

[KiwiNZ]

Check the Apple web site . ;)


Look at the bottom left hand corner of the image ...Safari Icon

[Skripka]

Check the Apple web site . ;)

Kiwi, could you go on YouTube and find a Flash vid of the official Apple video? It won't play on Chrome/Opera/Internet Explorer on either Linux or Windows. I don't want to install CrapTime on my Win machine either for it.

[KiwiNZ]

No

As I have never heard of Craptime;)

[SmittyJensen]

No

As I have never heard of Craptime;)
i think he means quicktime.

[Skripka]

i think he means quicktime.

It earned the name the 1st time I installed it on a windows machine...and automagically stole opening default app status to EVERY file format in existence-when all I wanted/needed was to play a friggin mov file.

[SeanBlader]

It's an important distinction to note that the iPad does NOT have Safari, it has Mobile Safari. The difference is one has a Flash plugin, while the other does not.

[Xbehave]

It's not a Laptop and it's not marketed as such.
Yeah I know a Laptop at that price point would cost a lot less for a 64GB SSD and such a small screen.

[SeanHodges]

*snip*

Probably worth waiting for the next version, it'll be sleeker, with a bit of string attached so you won't lose it.

[madhi19]

Apple really mess up on the name i*snip* is now a trending topic on twitter!

[Skripka]

*snip*

Probably worth waiting for the next version, it'll be sleeker, with a bit of string attached so you won't lose it.

You're a bit late for the fem hygiene product jokes.

http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2010/01/photo-gallery-hands-on-with-the-ipad-and-live-event.ars/2

;)

[Icehuck]

I heard safari is snappier now.

[SeanHodges]

You're a bit late for the fem hygiene product jokes.

http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2010/01/photo-gallery-hands-on-with-the-ipad-and-live-event.ars/2

;)

Ha ha, I never said it was my joke ;) #iTampon is the number 2 trending topic on Twitter right now...

[madhi19]

I got to say considering how much Apple users take their crap seriously and act all superior this is probably the funniest screw up since the puck mouse!

[amazingtaters]

So this interested me. While I'm not a yahoo fan, I don't have much choice on this computer (shared one at work) and the first story on the yahoo front page is headlined "Apple's iPad event: What we didn't get" with one or two other articles about its deficits.

[KiwiNZ]

I got to say considering how much Apple users take their crap seriously and act all superior this is probably the funniest screw up since the puck mouse!

How is it a screw up ?

[madhi19]

How is it a screw up ?

Dude ask your wife hell MadTv made jokes about it years ago!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFNQE_TzQNI

[SeanHodges]

I got to say considering how much Apple users take their crap seriously and act all superior this is probably the funniest screw up since the puck mouse!

Have you seen the iPad announcement video?

I'm by no means an Apple hardware fan (Android FTW ;)), but this is undoubtedly a neat bit of kit. I suspect it will sell very well, though not nearly as well as the iPod or iPhone due to the smaller target audience.

[KiwiNZ]

Dude ask your wife hell MadTv made jokes about it years ago!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFNQE_TzQNI

So you have nothing . You haven't touched it , haven't spent a few days testing it, trying the Apps etc , you saw on the web that its a screw up so it of course must be.

Hmmmm thought so :rolleyes:

This is how Apple products get rubbished on Forums and sell millions .

[madhi19]

So you have nothing . You haven't touched it , haven't spent a few days testing it, trying the Apps etc , you saw on the web that its a screw up so it of course must be.

Hmmmm thought so :rolleyes:

This is how Apple products get rubbished on Forums and sell millions .

This is all about marketing the name is a big mistake just visit twitter if you don't believe me.

[sudoer541]

I might buy one when the 4th generation arrives!!!
They always make a better product after the 1st and 2nd gen.
I might even look at some other alternatives, since everyone likes to copy apple and at the end they make a better product than apple.
my other alternative is to get a laptop from the salvation army, goodwill or even value village lol. I might find a tablet pc if I am lucky lol+++.

[Frak]

Kiwi, could you go on YouTube and find a Flash vid of the official Apple video? It won't play on Chrome/Opera/Internet Explorer on either Linux or Windows. I don't want to install CrapTime on my Win machine either for it.
Yes, it will play video from YouTube via HTML5.

[Xbehave]

Have you seen the iPad announcement video?

I'm by no means an Apple hardware fan (Android FTW ;)), but this is undoubtedly a neat bit of kit. I suspect it will sell very well, though not nearly as well as the iPod or iPhone due to the smaller target audience.
How is it a neat bit of kit? It has a singletasking OS (windows 3.1 called), is too big to fit into a pocket, will probably be locked down like an iPhone, like i said it's an ultra-thin tablet PC without the keyboard, ability to run flash, processing power or freedom to run what you want, yet costs the same.

[Xbehave]

Yes, it will play video from YouTube via HTML5.
Cool, and the rest of the web? Flash games? stupid websites that use flash? few websites that use flash well? etc

[PhoenixMaster00]

I was very disapointed. I see the appeal and i really like the idea of a tablet pc but this is no good software wise. No multi-tasking which is essential for anything claiming to compete with netbooks. Plus it will just be as closed down as the iphone/itouch.

I am actually looking forward more to the HP Slate to be honest (though i dont no the specs comparison).

[sudoer541]

I was very disapointed. I see the appeal and i really like the idea of a tablet pc but this is no good software wise. No multi-tasking which is essential for anything claiming to compete with netbooks. Plus it will just be as closed down as the iphone/itouch.

I am actually looking forward more to the HP Slate to be honest (though i dont no the specs comparison).


moi too!

[Frak]

Cool, and the rest of the web? Flash games? stupid websites that use flash? few websites that use flash well? etc
Since it isn't MARKETED as a personal computer, it doesn't matter. It's marketed as a tablet to do simple work on, much like a pen and tablet. It has some media capabilities, but isn't marketed as a theater center. It's marketed toward those of us that like to read and watch things on the go, take notes when necessary, and play a little game here and there. It was NOT MARKETED AS A LAPTOP OR PERSONAL COMPUTER REPLACEMENT.

The amount of trolling on this board is incredible. Not targeted at you, just those that like to bash Apple without any substantial evidence. They bash them just to bash another evil corporation.

[Tristam Green]

WRONG.

I'm playing a song and using an app at the same time. Quit spreading rubbish if you have no idea what you're talking about.

pwn, I read on Engadget's hands-on that you cannot run Pandora and browse at the same time. If that's not the case, let me know - it takes a big black spot away from the device.


They rally against them on the internet , then go out and buy them by the millions . I have a theory why .

Me too, I think it starts with the letters "hypo" and ends with "crite".


It earned the name the 1st time I installed it on a windows machine...and automagically stole opening default app status to EVERY file format in existence-when all I wanted/needed was to play a friggin mov file.

You act like there's not an option when installing QuickTime to decide file associations. Lord, what kind of program would have this?

[SonicSteve]

This is Apple coming late to the Netbook party.

It's overpriced,
Underpowered,
sleek and stylish touchscreen netbook with pitiful specs and storage. Apple fans will love it.

Give me a break $500US for a 16gb netbook? I'm sure it will sell well but you'll never see one in my house. It's this kind of overhyped marketing crap that I rebel against most.

[Icehuck]

This is Apple coming late to the Netbook party.

It's overpriced,
Underpowered,
sleek and stylish touchscreen netbook with pitiful specs and storage. Apple fans will love it.

Give me a break $500US for a 16gb netbook? I'm sure it will sell well but you'll never see one in my house. It's this kind of overhyped marketing crap that I rebel against most.

Except it's not a netbook and the macbook air would be the competitor for netbooks.

This is a tablet and is aimed at the tablet market.

[Frak]

This is Apple coming late to the Netbook party.

It's overpriced,
Underpowered,
sleek and stylish touchscreen netbook with pitiful specs and storage. Apple fans will love it.

Give me a break $500US for a 16gb netbook? I'm sure it will sell well but you'll never see one in my house. It's this kind of overhyped marketing crap that I rebel against most.

*ehem*

It's not a netbook.

[Kdar]

Imagine: you eating a sloppy joe when you're using the iPad.

at least it doesn't have keyboard.

[Frak]

Imagine: you eating a sloppy joe when you're using the iPad.
Sounds... pretty good. If you dribble, all you need is a damp cloth and a couple wipes to clean the entire device.

[Mr. Picklesworth]

I think it's pretty misguided of them to pitch this as an ebook reader “building on the Kindle's shoulders.” The Kindle has an e-ink screen, which is sunlight readable, easy on the eyes, and easy on the battery (personally, I can't stand reading on LCDs with batteries because I feel a constantly ticking time limit). 10 hour battery life or not, that screen does not achieve the same.

I signed the FSF's petition (http://www.defectivebydesign.org/ipad) on this one. Due to form factor, this device is more of a general-purpose computing device than the iPhone is. That particular centralized ecosystem moving into this realm is a risky thing. Granted, the other half of the thing is about DRM, which has nothing to do with having a locked down software ecosystem (and I, personally, am less concerned about), so that particular petition is probably doomed. It isn't a very well designed petition, being that it's about two entirely different issues.

Oh, and the iPad has a blatantly obvious UI design WTF: an enormous black bar at the top of the screen. That's 1280x25 pixels devoted to communicate the name of the device, the time, and the fact that you have a wireless Internet connection! I always thought GNOME's top panel was a bit empty, but this takes the cake.

Perhaps they should use that additional space to complement some of the less consistent gestures. I noticed quite a few of them during Engadget's hands-on video (http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/27/apple-ipad-first-hands-on/). I'm sure they'll be ironed out over time, but gee...
Pinch outwards to exit a playing slideshow presentation, but to exit an ebook you must double tap and then use the menu that appears. Meanwhile, you can pinch to zoom out of a playing YouTube video, but to make it fullscreen again you tap a tiny little button.

I like the idea of killing off fixed window menus (except for the odd function where they actually do make sense). User interfaces need to move beyond them; the tools to edit a given object make sense attached to that object, not at the top of the window beneath four layers of menu.

One thing I find really exciting: the well priced data plan without a contract (!!!). I have wanted something like that for a long, long time. I'm left wondering when I get this with an N900 or a Palm Pre. Obviously it's possible, so there aren't many excuses left for the nasty phone companies.

[Frak]

I think it's pretty misguided of them to pitch this as an ebook reader “building on the Kindle's shoulders.” The Kindle has an e-ink screen, which is sunlight readable, easy on the eyes, and easy on the battery (personally, I can't stand reading on LCDs with batteries because I feel a constantly ticking time limit). 10 hour battery life or not, that screen does not achieve the same.

Kindle can't read PDFs. Guess who has a lot of PDFs in color.


I signed the FSF's petition (http://www.defectivebydesign.org/ipad) on this one. Due to form factor, this device is more of a general-purpose computing device than the iPhone is. That particular centralized ecosystem moving into this realm is a risky thing.

The FSF is just mad because every Linux tablet attempt has been a dismal failure.


Oh, and they have a blatantly obvious UI design WTF: an enormous black bar at the top of the screen. That's 1280x25 pixels devoted to communicate the name of the device, the time, and the fact that you have a wireless Internet connection! I always thought GNOME's top panel was a bit empty, but this takes the cake.

Once you launch an app, the app has the ability to replace that "black bar" that you dislike so much. For instance, the book reader replaces the bar with its own kinda-menu bar.


I like the idea of killing off fixed window menus (except for the odd function where they actually do make sense). User interfaces need to move beyond them; the tools to edit a given object make sense attached to that object, not at the top of the window beneath four layers of menu.

The reason why Mac's didn't have two buttons for the longest time (and still don't have them enabled by default) is because Apple's UX team wanted developers to make options blatantly obvious to the user. Developers, being as they are, not UX experts, protested at having to take the time to plan out the interface, and Apple introduced the right mouse button... again. They plan to make this like they wanted the mac to be in the UX: blatantly obvious.


One thing I find really exciting: the well priced data plan without a contract (!!!). I have wanted something like that for a long, long time. I'm left wondering when I get this with an N900 or a Palm Pre. Obviously it's possible, so there aren't many excuses left for the nasty phone companies.

I'm with you on that. I like the idea of a portable internet tablet that ISN'T a phone with a viewable screen.

[Methuselah]

At first I thought iPad was an Apple house.
Wanna check out my iPad?

[joebanjo]

*ehem*

It's not a netbook.

so remind me, why do we want it?

[Icehuck]

so remind me, why do we want it

Why would you want a product that isn't aimed at you? It's a tablet computer and it's aimed at people in that market.

[joebanjo]

Why would you want a product that isn't aimed at you? It's a tablet computer and it's aimed at people in that market.

but its not a computer. It works like an iphone. its for dicking around on. you cant really do anything serious on there.
Steve jobs even said "We don't know how to make a $500 computer that's not a piece of junk"

[KiwiNZ]

but its not a computer. It works like an iphone. its for dicking around on. you cant really do anything serious on there.
Steve jobs even said "We don't know how to make a $500 computer that's not a piece of junk"

If you dont want it dont buy it ..... its not compulsory :rolleyes:

[benerivo]

It looks like something you can pick up and handle like a phone, but at roughly 700g it's not something you want to drop! Does it come with a stand for desktop use?

[KiwiNZ]

It looks like something you can pick up and handle like a phone, but at roughly 700g it's not something you want to drop! Does it come with a stand for desktop use?

Yes see attachment

[SonicSteve]

*ehem*

It's not a netbook.

Is that what everyone is saying? If you're trying to be sarcastic it didn't fully come across. Not a NETBOOK? Look at the screen size, it's just apples take on the netbook with a touchscreen without a keyboard. Call it what you want. If you ask me it's pure crapple. I'm sure I'm not the first one use that descriptive name but it's fitting.

[KiwiNZ]

Is that what everyone is saying? If you're trying to be sarcastic it didn't fully come across. Not a NETBOOK? Look at the screen size, it's just apples take on the netbook with a touchscreen without a keyboard. Call it what you want. If you ask me it's pure crapple. I'm sure I'm not the first one use that descriptive name but it's fitting.

Apple have never pitched it as a netbook.

[joebanjo]

If you dont want it dont buy it ..... its not compulsory :rolleyes:

well of course, but i assume that I'm allowed to point out problems with it. hell, i'm alowed to criticize it, this isn't soviet russia. But it seems to me that this ipad doesn't seem to do anything "revolutionary". It looks like an oversized, overpriced toy. It lacks the portability of the iphone (which i think is pretty amazing) and the funtion of a laptop. The whole "kindle killer" idea doesn't make sense, a kindle isn't supposed to have a backlight. its not supposed to be a screen. I cant read things on a computer screen for more then an hour. Your right, I don't want it, I wont buy it. I think it should be flop, but it probably wont, becuase of the apple users who want to complete their collection of (mainly) overpriced things. As well as the fact that with the ipad software especially (as well as most apple hardware) its completly closed. I don't like that, thats why i use ubuntu as well as computers that can be taken apart and upgraded easily, true, this doesn't work for everybody, but I don't like the idea of everyone walking around with a device in which a company has the final say on what it does, call me paranoid, but Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain. also, no multi tasking? its like, come on! i useally do at least three things at once, probably more to do with a short attention span then a need to do lots of things

[Frak]

Is that what everyone is saying? If you're trying to be sarcastic it didn't fully come across. Not a NETBOOK? Look at the screen size, it's just apples take on the netbook with a touchscreen without a keyboard. Call it what you want. If you ask me it's pure crapple. I'm sure I'm not the first one use that descriptive name but it's fitting.
It's for people that want to read the morning news on the Daily New Yorker while they're in the WC. It's not for people that want to compile all their software or "freedom or death" everything.

It's for people like me, who are very simplistic in their needs when they aren't developing. I really like it.

[KiwiNZ]

It's for people that want to read the morning news on the Daily New Yorker while they're in the WC. It's not for people that want to compile all their software or "freedom or death" everything.

It's for people like me, who are very simplistic in their needs when they aren't developing. I really like it.


Exactly

I would use it as my third level mobility device . After my Macbook when I dont want to carry the Macbook around. For that it fits in well.

[Icehuck]

Exactly

I would use it as my third level mobility device . After my Macbook when I dont want to carry the Macbook around. For that it fits in well.

Why do you have to make sense? /boggle

[Tristam Green]

Good lord, can nobody read articles themselves, or does everyone just simply go off the hearsay of others?

"Does it come with a desktop stand" - for the last time yes, it has a keyboard dock.

"OMG it doesn't have a physical keyboard" - see above.

"It looks like an overhyped, underpowered, expensive netbook" - it's not a netbook.

"This can't compete with *insert random laptop here*" - it's not a notebook either.



Keep on being spoonfed by rms and the FSF. Goodness knows he'll probably have a couple stockpiled away for when he's on those long flights from Berkeley to Boston.

[SonicSteve]

Apple have never pitched it as a netbook.

If they pitched it as a banana split would you believe them? Who cares about what something is pitched as. You be judge, what I see is a touchscreen netbook, no keyboard. Overpriced, underpowered, over hyped, aside from the cool factor this device offers nothing really special. It doesn't even have USB ports, I'm sure to connect external storage apple will sell some $100 accessory that everyone will think is cool.


AAAAHHHHHH, apple has so completely brainwashed people.

[SonicSteve]

Good lord, can nobody read articles themselves, or does everyone just simply go off the hearsay of others?

"Does it come with a desktop stand" - for the last time yes, it has a keyboard dock.

"OMG it doesn't have a physical keyboard" - see above.

"It looks like an overhyped, underpowered, expensive netbook" - it's not a netbook.

"This can't compete with *insert random laptop here*" - it's not a notebook either.



Keep on being spoonfed by rms and the FSF. Goodness knows he'll probably have a couple stockpiled away for when he's on those long flights from Berkeley to Boston.

It's a netbook,
Steve ducks, looks around and thankfully remembers that this is just a forum.

[SeanHodges]

Yawn...

[KiwiNZ]

If they pitched it as a banana split would you believe them? Who cares about what something is pitched as. You be judge, what I see is a touchscreen netbook, no keyboard. Overpriced, underpowered, over hyped, aside from the cool factor this device offers nothing really special. It doesn't even have USB ports, I'm sure to connect external storage apple will sell some $100 accessory that everyone will think is cool.


AAAAHHHHHH, apple has so completely brainwashed people.

You are right I have been brain washed

I really thought it had a i7 Quad core with 8gb of ram 1TB storage etc so I could compile software and manage large databases while commuting.:rolleyes:

So yes its missed the mark . It wont sell. :(

[Frak]

AAAAHHHHHH, apple has so completely brainwashed people.

It's a tablet, not a netbook. If you can't get that, see a doctor. It seems you're having trouble understanding simple concepts.

[SonicSteve]

You are right I have been brain washed

I really thought it had a i7 Quad core with 8gb of ram 1TB storage etc so I could compile software and manage large databases while commuting.:rolleyes:

So yes its missed the mark . It wont sell. :(

Oh common KiwiNZ look at the specs. 1Ghz 16gb, 10" screen. If I left it there you would probably think some kind of 1Ghz VIA processor powered netbook. As soon as I say touchscreen, no keyboard apple you say it's not a netbook.

[KiwiNZ]

Oh common KiwiNZ look at the specs. 1Ghz 16gb, 10" screen. If I left it there you would probably think some kind of 1Ghz VIA processor powered netbook. As soon as I say touchscreen, no keyboard apple you say it's not a netbook.


Give me a break

Its spec'd to do the job for what it is designed to do .

Sheesh

Its not that hard a concept to absorb.