What exactly can you not do with the iPad that you can do with a laptop, besides play Pandora while you do other stuff? People keep saying they wish the iPad was more of a computer, but nobody's said why they don't think it functions as a computer. It's a different take on computing, yes, but there's nothing inherently non-computering about it.
No access to applications that are generally associated with computers, such as Photoshop, Microsoft Word (the actual Word, not thinks like Quickword, which still suffer from imperfections), and a folder system, perhaps?
I think folders and Photoshop would be great on the iPad. But Apple is already bringing their MS office suite (iWork) to the iPad.
There's always RDP and VNC to do that....I use both on my 3GS all the time and for the most part they're pretty lag-free. The larger screen should make the experience better.
Oh yeah, I forgot about that. But there are still more that would be essential on a home computer or laptop that are not present on the iPad.
I can see what you mean by its a different experience, but it technically is a computer (as is the iPhone, etc.). As the above poster said, just a different take, and not one that is meant to replace a laptop/desktop by any means.
-No flash on the Internet -Limited GUI customization -Applications are limited to Apple's stamp of approval -no usb or firewire to communicate with other devices (besides cameras apparently) -No "finder" (file access, sorting, storing, creating, renaming, converting, etc.) -Limited File compatibility (videos require mp4, audio requires mp3, no decompression) -Unable to EVER be a standalone computer (pretty sure an iPod can't sync to it) -other reasons that may exist that I haven't thought of (computers can do a LOT of things) Ps: iwork can't always replace MS office. For example, I need an equation editor all the time, so I need MS: Office
The price to me is interesting. People say it's this great deal but the way I see it, I can get a very high end netbook for $499. And that price is for 16 gb! This thing was supposed to be a tablet computer. I think the hype got to us all. That said apple has me hooked and I would love to own one
Apple plays this game with everything they promote, make it thin. But thin comes at a cost as everyone has shown here so far by the large lack of components. Oh well maybe ipad 2 will be better.
They've done that on purpose though, right? It seems to be aimed at people that want to use 'computery things' without needing to mess about with an OS. I can see my mum using it, and I can see families gathering around it to play Catan or Monopoly or something. Downsides to that: it still syncs to a laptop, it has no camera for video calls, and I presume you can't print. Some games will work well on it. I'm thinking about converting Bombardiers Guild to run on it, perhaps adding a new 4 players-on-the-same-device mode. Will try out the SDK....
Angry Birds on the iPad In Apple's iPad presentation, look for Angry Birds at the 10:35AM mark: http://bit.ly/5we9mT Thanks Steve
With this iPad, Steve focused quite a lot on the iBooks function and using it as an eBook reader. But wouldn't your eyes feel tired after looking at the screen for long hours as opposed to looking at real paper?
I'm not too sure about this. Wasn't really moved by the hype, not really moved by the features. But just as I was with the iPod touch, Apple really WOWed me with the slick UI's and I must admit the large display with video does appeal to me. I've been complaining about the size of the ipod touch's screen for a long time, although I guess it's part of the whole portability package. I'm not sure I need an iPad if it's just using it for the house as I've already got a laptop I move around the house. If only pockets were 9.7 inches wide. Seems wasteful to spend $500 on something with such a limited capacity that doesn't have a USB port to just use it at home. Shame, I'll just have to hope that the iPod touch 4th gen comes with a camera, GPS and a larger capacity.
For me the most exciting thing is the external keyboard add-on. I know it's just a keyboard, but that opens up so much possibility for other add-ons, and I know people will buy it, especially the office type. Also, if the iPad can get more serious softwares in iWork level, say, sound editor, graphic editor, office, then many people don't even need a laptop anymore because all they ever do with their laptop is browsing the net, chatting, typing documents, emailing and other casual stuffs. Serious typers used to complain about the lack of physical keyboard for speed typing, now that problem is gone. Multitasking and webcam must make it in the next version though.
Is this apple rotten to the core? Do people really want to have to hold this with one hand (and operate it with a single hand) or place it on a flat surface and get a sore neck looking down at it. Can you really operate the touch screen with the flimsy looking desktop stand without having to superglue it to your desk? How long till the hype dies down and people look more closely at the ergonomics of actually using this day to day? Compare these ergonomics to a laptop (which also has a bigger screen, proper keyboard etc)...this is surely a big step backwards! Plus, this is a basic model missing a lot of core features so you will have to buy it again and again as apple drip feeds additional functionality. Great for Apples profits but not for your wallet or the environment!
