Apple iPad Review: Laptop Killer? Pretty Close
For the past week or so, I have been testing a sleek, light, silver-and-black tablet computer called an iPad. After spending hours and hours with it, I believe this beautiful new touch-screen device from Apple has the potential to change portable computing profoundly, and to challenge the primacy of the laptop. It could even help, eventually, to propel the finger-driven, multitouch user interface ahead of the mouse-driven interface that has prevailed for decades.
But first, it will have to prove that it really can replace the laptop or netbook for enough common tasks, enough of the time, to make it a viable alternative. And that may not be easy, because previous tablet computers have failed to catch on in the mass market, and the iPad lacks some of the features—such as a physical keyboard, a Webcam, USB ports and multitasking—that most laptop or netbook users have come to expect.
If people see the iPad mainly as an extra device to carry around, it will likely have limited appeal. If, however, they see it as a way to replace heavier, bulkier computers much of the time—for Web surfing, email, social-networking, video- and photo-viewing, gaming, music and even some light content creation—it could be a game changer the way Apple’s iPhone has been.
The iPad is much more than an e-book or digital periodical reader, though it does those tasks brilliantly, better in my view than the Amazon Kindle. And it’s far more than just a big iPhone, even though it uses the same easy-to-master interface, and Apple (AAPL) says it runs nearly all of the 150,000 apps that work on the iPhone.
When held horizontally, the iPad’s virtual keyboard is roomy and easy to use.
It’s qualitatively different, a whole new type of computer that, through a simple interface, can run more-sophisticated, PC-like software than a phone does, and whose large screen allows much more functionality when compared with a phone’s. But, because the iPad is a new type of computer, you have to feel it, to use it, to fully understand it and decide if it is for you, or whether, say, a netbook might do better.
So I’ve been using my test iPad heavily day and night, instead of my trusty laptops most of the time. As I got deeper into it, I found the iPad a pleasure to use, and had less and less interest in cracking open my heavier ThinkPad or MacBook. I probably used the laptops about 20% as often as normal, reserving them mainly for writing or editing longer documents, or viewing Web videos in Adobe’s (ADBE) Flash technology, which the iPad doesn’t support, despite its wide popularity online.
My verdict is that, while it has compromises and drawbacks, the iPad can indeed replace a laptop for most data communication, content consumption and even limited content creation, a lot of the time. But it all depends on how you use your computer.
If you’re mainly a Web surfer, note-taker, social-networker and emailer, and a consumer of photos, videos, books, periodicals and music—this could be for you. If you need to create or edit giant spreadsheets or long documents, or you have elaborate systems for organizing email, or need to perform video chats, the iPad isn’t going to cut it as your go-to device.
The iPad is thinner and lighter than any netbook or laptop I’ve seen. It weighs just 1.5 pounds, and its aluminum and glass body is a mere half-inch thick. It boasts a big, bright color 9.7-inch screen that occupies most of the front. As on all Apple portable devices, the battery is sealed in and nonreplaceable. It has a decent speaker, and even a tiny microphone.
Memory, also sealed in and nonexpandable, ranges from 16 gigabytes to 64 gigabytes. And you can order one with just a Wi-Fi wireless connection to the Internet, or Wi-Fi plus an AT&T (T) 3G cellular connection. The Wi-Fi models will be available Saturday and the 3G models, which I didn’t test, about a month later.
Prices start at $499 and go to $829, with the costlier models having more memory and/or 3G. The cellular models don’t require a contract or termination fee. You can pay AT&T either $15 a month for 250 megabytes of data use, or $30 a month for unlimited data—a significant reduction from typical prices for laptop cellular connectivity.
I was impressed with the iPad’s battery life, which I found to be even longer than Apple’s ten-hour claim, and far longer than on my laptops or smart phones. For my battery test, I played movies, TV shows and other videos back-to-back until the iPad died. This stressed the device’s most power-hogging feature, its screen. The iPad lasted 11 hours and 28 minutes, about 15% more than Apple claimed. I was able to watch four feature-length movies, four TV episodes and a video of a 90-minute corporate presentation, before the battery died midway through an episode of “The Closer.”
Walt’s mountain-view wallpaper with app icons arranged during his tests.
Oh, and all the while during this battery marathon, I kept the Wi-Fi network running and the email downloading constantly in the background. Your mileage may vary, but with Wi-Fi off and the screen turned down from the fairly bright level I used, you might even do better. Music plays far longer with the screen off. On the other hand, playing games constantly might yield worse battery life.
Apple says video playback, Web use and book reading all take about the same amount of juice. When I was doing the latter two tasks for an hour or two at a time, the battery ran down so slowly for me that I stopped thinking about it.
I also was impressed with the overall speed of the iPad. Apple’s custom processor makes it wicked fast. Screens appear almost instantly, and the Wi-Fi in my home tested as fast as it does on a laptop.
I found email easy and productive to use, and had no trouble typing accurately and quickly on the iPad’s wide on-screen keyboard. In fact, I found the iPad virtual keyboard more comfortable and accurate to use than the cramped keyboards and touchpads on many netbooks, though some fast touch typists might disagree. Apple’s $39 iPad case, which bends to set up a nice angle for typing, helps.
The Web browser also works beautifully, and takes advantage of the big screen to show full pages and cut down on scrolling. It even now has a bookmarks bar at the top. As noted, however, it doesn’t support Adobe’s Flash technology.
I also was able to easily sync the iPad’s calendar and contacts apps with Google (GOOG) and Apple’s MobileMe.
Watching videos, viewing photos, listening to music, reading books and playing games was satisfying and fun. I used the device heavily for Twitter and Facebook. And I even got some light work done in the optional iPad word processor, called Pages, which is part of a $30 suite that also includes a spreadsheet and presentation program.
This is a serious content creation app that should help the iPad compete with laptops and can import Microsoft Office files. However, only the word processor exports to Microsoft’s formats, and not always accurately. In one case, the exported Word file had misaligned text. When I then tried exporting the document as a PDF file, it was unreadable.
Apple created a touch version of its Pages word processor for the iPad.
The iPad can run two types of third-party apps, both available from Apple’s app store. It can use nearly all existing iPhone apps. These can either run in a small, iPhone-size window in the middle of the screen, which makes them look tiny, or blown up to double size. The larger size makes them fill the screen, but can make type inside them look blocky. Still, the dozens I tested all worked properly. And it can run a new class of specially designed iPad apps, of which Apple hopes to have 1,000 at launch. I successfully tested the revamped App Store, which features the iPad apps most prominently when you’re on an iPad.
Based on my very small sample, some app developers may be testing higher prices for iPad apps than the 99 cents or $1.99 typical for paid iPhone apps. The paid iPad apps I saw ranged from $3.99 to $49.99. Others were free.
Apple has rebuilt its own core iPhone apps for the iPad to add sophisticated features that make the programs look and work more like PC or Mac software. For instance, there are “popover” menus that make it easier to make choices without leaving the screen you’re on. And, when the iPad is held horizontally, in landscape mode, as I often preferred to use it, many programs now have two panels, making them faster and more useful. For example, in email, a left-hand panel shows your message list, while a larger right-hand panel shows the message itself.
The photo app is striking, and much more like the one on the Mac than the one on the iPhone. The device can even be used as a digital picture frame. The iPod app is beautiful, too, as are the calendar and contacts app. Unfortunately, Apple excluded some of the more familiar apps from the iPhone, including Weather, Clock and Stocks.
I tested a small selection of the new third-party iPad apps Apple hopes to have available at launch, and most were also rich and feature-filled, beyond what iPhone apps offer. These included games such as Scrabble and “Touch Hockey,” a database app, news services and more.
I was able to try a pre-release version of The Wall Street Journal’s new iPad app (which I had nothing to do with designing), and found it gorgeous and highly functional—by far the best implementation of the newspaper I have ever seen on a screen. Unlike the Journal’s Web site, or its smart-phone apps, the iPad version blends much more of the look and feel of the print paper into the electronic environment. Other newspapers and magazines have announced plans for their own, dramatically more realistic iPad apps.
I also found iBooks, Apple’s book reader and store, easy to use, and read a couple of books on it. I consider the larger color screen superior to the Kindle’s, and encountered no eye strain. But the iPad is much heavier than the Kindle and most people will need two hands to use it. The iBooks app also lacks any way to enter notes, and Apple’s catalog at launch will only be about 60,000 books versus more than 400,000 for Kindle.
I did run into some other annoying limitations. For instance, the email program lacks the ability to create local folders or rules for auto-sorting messages, and it doesn’t allow group addressing. The browser lacks tabs. And the Wi-Fi-only version lacks GPS. Also, videophiles may dislike the fact that the iPad’s screen lacks wide-screen dimensions, so you either get black bars above or below wide-screen videos, or, if you choose an option to fill the screen, some of the picture may get cut off.
All in all, however, the iPad is an advance in making more-sophisticated computing possible via a simple touch interface on a slender, light device. Only time will tell if it’s a real challenger to the laptop and netbook.
Find Walt Mossberg’s columns and videos, free, at the All Things Digital Web site, walt.allthingsd.com. Email mossberg@wsj.com.
Comments
dont think i would be getting this ipod touch i mean ipad. lets be honest. this is a bigger version of it. can’t use it with out wifi and the 3g one is more better but still i see a bigger version of the itouch there too.
Posted by tommy jackson at March 31st, 2010 at 5:20 pmI wrote a very similar article about the iPad’s abilities on my blog/column at tkdennis.com. This is not a giant iPod Touch by any means, and I’m glad you pointed that out Mr. Mossberg.
I have these reserved for my staff, as well as my family, to use starting Saturday. I will undoubtedly enjoy the iPad as much as you seem to have enjoyed yours.
Let’s remember what the iPhone 1 was like; nothing like the iPhone 3GS. With a 4.0 software update pending, the next iPad could very well be as big of a change as the iPhone was when it went 2.0 with the App Store. This is a great first step, and next year’s iPad will surely be even better.
Posted by Trevor Dennis at March 31st, 2010 at 5:27 pmThanks for the review, Walt!
I had one on pre-order, canceled it though after really sitting down and thinking about it…
Honestly, I’m loving my 3Gs as I loved my 3G and 2G…but I couldn’t justify spending that much on what amounts to basically a large screen iPod touch/iPhone. I already have 3!! haha
I like what HP is doing with the Slate. It has a fully functional OS and not the iPhone OS. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the iPhone OS…for a mobile phone. For what is suppose to be a laptop alternative, I’d like something more functional for less money.
Maybe if apple put on OSX I’d be enticed ;)
Posted by Stan Kapersky at March 31st, 2010 at 5:29 pm@Trevor
So do you suggest that people hold off until the next inevitable iteration?
I jumped onto the 2G wagon…oops! But you’re right, 3G makes up for it (minus ATT service which sucks).
However, the reason why OS 3.0 and such seemed like such a big deal was because OS 1.0-2.0 was so crippled!! It lacked all the “normal” phone features. I don’t know if the iPad will have such an update…
Posted by Stan Kapersky at March 31st, 2010 at 5:33 pmLove reading the review. Can’t wait to order the iPad from Amazon. I hope they discount it like most other Apple products they sell. For example, the 32GB iPod touch is 12% off at $265. Plus no sales tax for most.
It should end up being much cheaper than buying it direct from Apple.
Thanks Walt Mossberg for the detailed review.
Posted by Giz Me at March 31st, 2010 at 5:33 pmBut will it blend?
Posted by Tom Foremski at March 31st, 2010 at 5:35 pmAwesome review, Walt! Can't to get my hands on one of these things!
Posted by WadeBurrell at April 1st, 2010 at 1:15 amNo eye strain? Obviously, you don't read a lot or at least continuously.
Posted by kenhimura at April 1st, 2010 at 1:24 amDid you get a chance to use it outside ? It doesn't look like it's going to handle bright lights too well (same glossy glass as the latest iMacs, it seems) which would be a shame for reading books/periodicals.
Posted by Cedric Ingrand at April 1st, 2010 at 1:41 amMy pet peeve remains the absence of multitasking. Can't switch from a document to a web page or e-mail and back ? Ugh… Let's hope it gets fixed in v2, or in an interim software update.
Verizon and AT&T = The Most Expensive Wireless Calling Plans in America
Wireless Profit Margins:
Verizon Wireless = 45 percent
AT&T = 39 percent
Sprint = 18.2 percent
Now we know where Verizon and AT&T get all that money to run commercials 24×7, pay out huge executive bonuses and hire armies of lawyers and lobbyists — the American consumer.
Not all pricing claims are the same. The advantages consumers get with Sprint’s $69.99 Everything Data plan include nationwide unlimited text and picture messaging, unlimited Web, unlimited GPS navigation and unlimited calling to any mobile in America, compared to AT&T and Verizon’s $69.99 pricing plans, which are good for unlimited talk only. And Sprint’s $69.99 plans are available with any phone while AT&T and Verizon’s are limited to lower-end phones.
AT&T and Verizon have attempted to confuse the marketplace by lowering their pricing to $69.99, but theirs are for calling only. In today’s economic environment customers are interested in more than just voice pricing. They also want the best value for all the other things they rely on their wireless phone for and Sprint delivers. Sprint's Everything Data plans start at $69.99 per month and include Any Mobile, Anytime for unlimited calling with any U.S. wireless user, plus unlimited text, picture and video messaging, e-mail, Web browsing, social networking and more.
4G wireless–which operates at speeds up to 10 times greater than today's 3G networks–could become a reality for many businesses and consumers over the coming year. Sprint, the current 4G leader, says it will introduce its first 4G smartphone before mid-year.
Sprint’s fourth-generation phone — the HTC EVO 4G — will be available this summer and run Google's Android software.
The phone also will be able to act as a mobile hotspot, allowing customers to connect up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices. As a result, people could use the phone for their Internet connection for a laptop or desktop computer.
Where 4G isn't available, the phone will use Sprint's 3G network. It will be available through all the usual Sprint channels and RadioShack, Best Buy and Wal-Mart.
Posted by conradsands at April 1st, 2010 at 1:42 amseems like this site is written for and by iHUMPERS- this piece of epic fail will not pass with many for the very things the article brought up. all of the NO's it has- NO USB, NO webcam, NO user upgrades, NO NO NO NO NO the list gos on. steve jobs has a mission to be a bigger d***Khead than bill (sell-it-now-fix-it-later) gates. as for the app's 95% of the one for the iphone are pure crap.
Posted by ed wathen at April 1st, 2010 at 1:47 amHey who wants an overpriced/oversized iPod? How much does Apple pay for all this hype? The world doesn't even know that there are already half a dozen tablets you can run out and buy *now* that run real operating systems rather than a neutered phone OS with no multi-tasking.
The iPad is a big fat nothing on my radar, personally I need a computer that can perform more than one task at a time.
Posted by Shawn The Bohn at April 1st, 2010 at 1:53 amOne drawback is the size and akwardness it must feel holding and handling it while working. Laptops rest comfortably in your lap, how is this going to be held comfortably?
Posted by psemar at April 1st, 2010 at 1:55 amGood overview of iPad features — I especially appreciate the careful research on battery life. On book availability for the iPad, there may not be “all that many” at Apple's own store, but you can also access Kindle books on the Ipad (as you can on an iPhone), and that adds a whole lot more title. I ordered mine at about 5:31 (Pacific Time) the first day orders could be made. As intriguing as the technological specs are for the iPad, I find the arm chair used in Steve Jobs's iPod send off suggestive: this could be about the whole being more than the sum of the parts, a new way of “experiencing” technology, just as the frenzied dancers in the iPod ads heralded the iPod experience.
Posted by technohistorian at April 1st, 2010 at 1:56 amDo you really think the data plan is free ? Half the screen is a keypad a full blowen hp latop computer with programs is $699 or less. How's the durability test. Give it to a college student for a month and see what happens the screen will be toast in days . Its just a toy. Type a term paper with that good luck.
Posted by millrockbuilders at April 1st, 2010 at 1:57 amScrew Crapple and their iBrick.
Posted by cul8errr at April 1st, 2010 at 2:00 amFor the money, ICD Ultra will blow Jobs and his Crapple factory out of the water. See: http://convergeddevices.net/products/ultra.html
ICD Ultra is waaay sexier too ;)
It is a good thing that my business partner/wife won't read this column.
Posted by davebarnes at April 1st, 2010 at 2:02 amThe iPhone junkie has already said that she wants an iPad.
I say: wait a bit.
Only time will tell if this is the beginning of a change in personal computing, can't wait to take it for a ride.
Posted by Jorge Barba at April 1st, 2010 at 2:06 amRequest:
Mr. Mossberg. Could you try reading a novel (straight) for 1+h and tell me if you experience eye strain please?
Posted by masmullin at April 1st, 2010 at 2:08 amDon't blame misuse of a product against it's durability.
Posted by AeroEchelon at April 1st, 2010 at 2:09 amCouldn't they picked a better person to review this. It was soooooooo boring. Its like you suck the life out of iPad.
Posted by Javadmx at April 1st, 2010 at 2:12 amI don't know. Walt talked me into buying a Handspring Visor PDA, then he talked me into buying a Treo. Now he's trying to talk me into buying a product that will require me to carry a Man Purse.
Sorry Walt, I'm not giving up strike three on this weak out of the zone curve ball…
Posted by Waltwannabe at April 1st, 2010 at 2:13 amObviously the device won't suit many of the angry commenters here.
BUT – for so many people this is all the computer they need, when combined with a keyboard/stand. I'd say a large percentage of people who have a computer or a second computer used ONLY for email and Internet will get by with an iPad just fine. And have a highly portable device as a bonus.
Is it suitable for those angry people who've commented before me? Clearly not. That doesn't matter. They sure are angry though.
Posted by murphy_mac at April 1st, 2010 at 2:14 amok lets put this into a clear view. first of all this is a itouch in bigger view, this doesnt have a phone, u cant use it with out wifi 4 internet or sum other crap, cant make it use skype 4 calls, it has no cam or webcam, has no video chat, da os is like da iphone & we no email and web browsering has no flash and u cant view images like that on the iphone or itouch, it has no multi task , no real keyboard , it doesnt have a usb , to me my iphone sucks with out being modded and jail broken so how will this do some one help ?? so many flaws to me and over priced , so do you really want the itouch which is like being a 5 year or would you rather get a computer laptop for the same price, have the same features and more for like 250 get an acer laptop small & powerful, or buy this crap and let apple get you to waste your money on a not newly made product
Posted by tommy jackson at April 1st, 2010 at 2:14 amTruly amazing all the clueless posts to this article. How is it that so many of you have been dumbed down by MSFT crapware over the years and can't even recognize true innovation. For the particularly clueless person that mentioned that their are already tablets out there, don't you know that they have been a miserable failure because they are not truly easy to use, and are Windoze based? And those of you saying “what about flash?” What about it? You don't need it!!!!! All the truly relevant websites (content providers) are coming up with non-flash versions if they haven't arleady. The marketplace will soon demonstrate emphatically how clueless you all are.
Posted by Mike Lane at April 1st, 2010 at 2:15 amOf course Mosberg gives good review (he always does – do you ever stop to think why?).
Posted by Anthony Lasala at April 1st, 2010 at 2:15 amwhy is it jobs's “most important” invention? because it lets you cradle the web in your lap? no. because it lets creatives get paid.
Posted by ahoving at April 1st, 2010 at 2:16 am“you dont need flash” really so what would be the point of using the internet, this thing is clearly made for the younger kids to pull their money & buy this crap to show off to their friends. but hey no flash use youtube right but hey what if that video isnt on youtube than what ohh no flash cant use it , good web comp idea apple. we are more clue struck than clueless and smarter to see the truth, this wont fail because it has apple's dumb name on it but hey i got a ipad already its call the iphone 3gs in simple terms dude
Posted by tommy jackson at April 1st, 2010 at 2:21 amIt might possibly become a laptop killer if they come stock with a 4 plus core CPU.
Posted by BidFunShop at April 1st, 2010 at 2:21 amYes the IPad will be good for weekend warriors but for the power users and hard core gamers IPad may as well be a Maxi Pad
Posted by umpy100 at April 1st, 2010 at 2:21 amObviously the iPad has some wow factor as far as eye candy goes, simply because the screen size is huge compared to an iPod Touch or iPhone and it will run all those cool apps.
The downside is, hello Apple? you want it to compete with or replace laptops or netbooks? Add the ports… you invented Firewire®, where is it? We want connectivity and I don't mean just wi-fi. They should also study the audio capabilities of companies like Sony and Bose to improve their barely acceptable built in audio out of the box we all experienced with iPod Touch.
Let's say I buy an iPad and it falls to the ground, horizontally, glass side down on a tile floor…boom, crack just like my iPod touch did. Simple preventive measure, Apple, design it with raised rubber bumps on the four corners of the screen to save the glass that is going to break on impact from 5ft. Other than that, I'll see you in line Saturday.
Posted by djnh at April 1st, 2010 at 2:26 amWhy not look at a Lenovo S10 -3T, same price tons more functionality and it came out months ago. No competition when you compare the two systems. People are sucked into the hype and Apple knows it. Might want to figure out what you want at make your own decision rather than having someone tell you what you will want. I agree it looks cool, but so didn't the laser disk and where is that now?
Posted by chris3312010 at April 1st, 2010 at 2:27 amSo far all apple has done publicity wise did nothing to get to spend money on their products.(i have to use one at work and hate it). This is no laptop killer by all means. Cmon people stop freakin out with the hype apple is tryin to surround its products with……
Posted by nolasaints1973 at April 1st, 2010 at 2:29 amThe iPad will link with a Bluetooth keyboard. If you want a physical keyboard, you've got it.
Posted by lepton at April 1st, 2010 at 2:30 amAimed to be a mobile/portable web surfer but it fails to display Flash? what's the use if you can't view the web pages the way it should on a computer?
Posted by gonkl at April 1st, 2010 at 2:30 amApple expects the websites to adjust to their product?
Waste of money just to be “cool”
just buy a netbook and a 4G – it will work perfect than an iPad 3G….
Great review, I might just have to pick one up!
Posted by bigmovingstock at April 1st, 2010 at 2:35 amGreat review, Walt!
One problem solved: There is apparently a camera kit coming for the end of April!
Also I'm amazed at how many really belligerent comments have flooded in. This shows that he device is indeed a game-changer, as we knew it would be.
Other manufacturers will be either: a) playing catchup again, or b) s—ting themselves once this device is released and the word on its capabilities and performance spreads exponentially!
Posted by JosephKr at April 1st, 2010 at 2:35 amThe iPad makes me want to vomit at the very sight of it. Sorry Walt, but the iPad is a failure and it seems that I was correct in my blog posts saying that the iPad was nothing more than a bigger iPhone / iPod Touch.
Judging by your review of the device, you didn't say anything that really makes me want to go out and grab one. It looks massive, you could barely use that on a train (especially if it is overcrowded and you're standing).
The iPad is boring, and you're better off coughing up the extra dough and buying a none Apple laptop (hard for some of you, I know) with a massive screen that would ace an iPad any day.
Posted by KillNerds at April 1st, 2010 at 2:38 amWell, here's a case in point: So tell me, do you work for HPO, Dell, Microsoft, or another carrier maybe?
Posted by JosephKr at April 1st, 2010 at 2:43 amit could be good this review is bull…apple most probably paid for it. fist of all this guy watched back to back movies for 11 hours? highly doubt it. plus movies rape the battery no way it lasts longer than what is advertised…this guy is either financed by apple, profits by apple or jacks it to apple
Posted by penisvanlesbian at April 1st, 2010 at 2:47 amAloha
1. The whole I Phone / I Touch / IPad concept is a great example of American technology and thinking ' outside of the box ' .
2. For myself the Itouch which I use daily for surfing the Internet and email and maybe some apps is an inexpensive fun 4 ounce micro computer to carry around and using on WiFi while keeping the heavier IBM Thinkpad at home as a ' desk top '.
Mahalo Apple for your creativity !
Posted by Hokulea at April 1st, 2010 at 2:53 amGreat to see a positive hands-on review.
Hard to believe how much hatred this device stirs up with some people, though. As though they're being forced to buy one or something.
Posted by JohnDoey at April 1st, 2010 at 2:56 amSorry to disappoint you JosephKr, but I don't work for any kind of technological device manufacturer. Nor do I work for any kind of mobile carrier.
Not that it matters, but I am a web developer / programmer. You seem to be trying to find intent in my comment, I assure you that my disgust and disappointment for the iPad is legitimate, without any hidden agenda or bias towards a particular brand, although I do hate on Apple a lot.
By the way, I own a iPod Touch and it can do everything the iPad can do, cost a fraction of the cost and fits in my pocket.
Posted by KillNerds at April 1st, 2010 at 3:00 amif it wants to replace laptops, than it's going to have to get rid of the “Apple” name behind it…
Posted by lowpac23 at April 1st, 2010 at 3:02 amThe interesting thing about the iPad, like the iPhone before, is that Apple is forcing other companies to build better technologies instead of sleeping in a comfort zone.
In some way the interesting part is generating an industry of < USD 200 tablets where you can install your favorite operating system. iPad? I prefer to wait for the alternatives.
Posted by wslh at April 1st, 2010 at 3:05 amLame
Posted by dudermcdudeson at April 1st, 2010 at 3:11 amJust a giant IPod Touch..doesn't even support Flash…
Posted by dudermcdudeson at April 1st, 2010 at 3:13 am*My Phone supports Flash…lol
I would love to try one. I read a lot and like the possibility of storing books and periodicals on the iPad to read on a nice big, lightweight screen. Like many, I'm disappointed by the lack of USB ports, but with wireless data transfer becoming more prevalent, they're probably ahead of the curve. The lack of a camera is a big issue IMHO, especially for those who want to make video calls VIA VOIP.
I think it's a good starting point for Apple, which I'm sure will improve and be perfected in about 3 years. Now if they only would've called it something else. iPad sounds too much like personal feminine protection…
Posted by ccrider77 at April 1st, 2010 at 3:18 amWe apple adds a web cam and supports Adobe flash it might be a laptop killer and i'd be first in line to purchase one. Until then, it's just a very sexy dinner plate.
Posted by hjbuehler at April 1st, 2010 at 3:24 amWhen Apple adds a web cam and supports Adobe Flash player it might be a notebook killer, and I'll be first in line to purchase one. Until then, it's just a very sexy dinner plate.
Posted by hjbuehler at April 1st, 2010 at 3:28 amWhat do I do when the sealed battery finally gives up the ghost???
Posted by RadioRon at April 1st, 2010 at 3:30 amWhelp, I might as well throw in my own two cents and make a target of myself, since I have been sniping at detractors.
I think the iPad could very easily replace a netbook (and possibly a laptop) for many users.
Most/many users only use a computer at home to consume content and “twitter” (which I use to include email, Facebook, MySpace, etc).
If you look at the quality of the content on Twitter/Facebook/MySpace/AllThingsD (as far as the comments go), people don't even need a real keyboard. The comments are so rife with orthographic errors, that a keyboard wouldn't possibly help. Watching something only requires a screen. Twittering or texting can be done on a (gulp) Blackberry – or even on an alphanumeric keyboard (you know 2abd, 3def, 4ghi keys).
The iPad does not *need* to be able to do high-end content creation. There will always be desktops and laptops for that. To me, a laptop computer (be it a Windows box that work hands me or an Apply MacBook Pro that I buy for my personal life) is nothing more than a desktop computer that I can take with me. A desktop computer is only a computer that I cannot take with me. An iPad, on the other hand, if a pretty nice little way to get by when you're really on the go.
But of course, I am sure there are many people who would prefer to disagree. They already missed their shot at AAPL for only $200 per share. I sincerely hope we don't see that again any time soon. :)
Posted by demodave at April 1st, 2010 at 3:36 amyes and buy everything else with extra money to spend. yeah that's what they want you to do. that's what i hate about my iMac… everytime i find my Mac to have incompatible ports/cables with LCD monitors, peripherals or external devices i have to buy a cord or something for the store which requires to spend more money not to mention i have to find a place in my bag to store these wires and cables. and how do you expect people to type? you have to buy a book stand or something in order to view the screen while typing. plus u have to find some place to carry around your keyboard. really, you call that portable and mobile?
Posted by geekgasm233 at April 1st, 2010 at 3:37 amyou're obviously an amateur PC/MAC user to not be talking about high-end contents, rich resource such as gaming, graphic designing, video-editing and flash. ever heard of multitasking? what about editing and formatting your documents, creating diagrams and tables. you have so much more freedom with your PC/MAC. I don;t find this replacing my netbook pretty soon because my iPhone 3G can perform the same tasks with the iPad minus the big screen
Posted by geekgasm233 at April 1st, 2010 at 3:42 amSeriously, you'll fall for this marketing gimick?
Posted by geekgasm233 at April 1st, 2010 at 3:47 amIt sounds like the only demographic something like this would work for is the group of people who are primarily surfing the internet or engaging in some form of social networking. You can't even use word processing from the get-go by the sounds of it.
That combined with the lack of a USB port (surprise–a lot of people use this!), the inability to multi-task, small amount of memory makes this an weak alternative to a cheaply priced netbook. Why would I pay a comparable price for an iPad when I can get more RAM, more storage, a USB port, word processing, a familiar keyboard with a netbook? I can't think of one thing Apple is offering here that sets this product apart (and don't tell me it's THE MAGICAL EXPERIENCE, I can get that from eating a box of Lucky Charms).
I've owned a MacBook Pro for almost five years now, and it's had more problems than I can count, so I won't go into it here. I won't be looking to Apple to replace it or for any future devices. The iPad seems gimicky and nothing really more.
Posted by ILikeToEatFish at April 1st, 2010 at 3:54 amThe browser does not lack tabs?
Posted by erix18 at April 1st, 2010 at 3:54 amIn answer to your questions…
1. it has no flash: Of course it has no Flash, Steve Jobs is convinced that Adobe is almost as evil as Google, and any time a computer crashes, it's clearly Flash's fault. Yes, HTML5 has good things going for it, but that's like not eating your meals for ages because something *better* is going to be served for dinner in a month.
2. we can't play are favorite computer games: Duh, that's what those iPhone game apps are for. We all know they're definitely on par with games like Call of Duty and whatnot. Right? Right?
3. it has no CD/DVD drive how are we going to watch are movies we own?: YOU BUY THEM IN THE ITUNES STORE DUH. Who in their right mind wouldn't want to purchase something they already own a second time!
4. yea sure it is thin and light weight and all, but that only makes it easier to break: Apple products are divine and unable to break. This is a scientific fact. Ask God.
5. what happens when we have no more room for are apps, music whatever?: By that time, the next iPad model will be out, so ready your wallet~
6. …hell i could have done that.. : But you didn't.
(In all seriousness, I do agree with your points! :P)
Posted by ILikeToEatFish at April 1st, 2010 at 4:04 amWalt- I don't think Steve wants this to replace your laptop: not yet. I'm pretty sure Apple wants us to own a “computer” plus an iPhone plus an iPad. After all, it's made to sync with your “computer”. I think their marketing needs to emphasize that it's PC compatible. After all, it was that compatibility that let iPod take off.
Your review is very encouraging, but the real question for 2010 is “Apple iPad: will laptop owners buy one?”
Posted by macerroneous at April 1st, 2010 at 4:17 amThe iPad = inside her lap killer. Yeah, the sparks would fly and lawsuits would abound after some bright chick trys to use this for herPad.
Good luck Mr. Job-less!
Get a new logo Steve Jobs = iSuck
Posted by cul8errr at April 1st, 2010 at 4:22 amBest of both worlds: buy a Dell mini 200.00 upgrade memory to 2GB (25.00), upgrade SSD to runcore 64GB (205.00), install Apple OS leopard and you have a perfect running solid powerful machine for under 500.00 dollars. Now only if apple could do the same then there would be no need to go through building a hackintosh ;)
Posted by v_j at April 1st, 2010 at 4:24 amTHE IPAD TOUCH? PERSONAL NOTEBOOK WANNA BE PC which has no flash,not real harddriver or anything that a computer has and you have to buy apps for it from the app store lame dump and pointless for APPLE to even make something like this wow!!!! they fail no wonder why they drop off the map back in the day thinking of dumb stuff like this i mean who would buy this it will never replace the labtop or notebook pc it just looks like a over size iphone/i podtouch with out the phone nice screen tho but who would want to carrything around with this college students i think not business men i think not apple just need to recall this very size touch screen ipod
Posted by jimmy2010 at April 1st, 2010 at 4:33 amI'm glad to hear Walt liked the iPad typing experience.
I've wagered that typing on the iPad will not only be tolerable but that people will actually be able to get Real Work done.
Over the past two months I have been involved in a project to develop a typing training application for the iPad. Our hope is that people will use TapTyping to get over the iPad-typing learning curve very quickly.
More info here: http://flairify.posterous.com/
Posted by Adam Wolf at April 1st, 2010 at 4:36 amcurious??? I am a pc person, Ater owning a mac I didn't like the lack of upgrade ability with a mac. However that is not my question.. I have Itunes on my pc. If I was to attach this to my pc. (I am assuming if it is like an iphone or ipod it will have a wire that connects to the bootom for uploads.) Can I take videos in my itunes folder and transfer them. Pretty much will my pc see this device?
Posted by locsphere at April 1st, 2010 at 4:36 amI beleive that similar to other products produced by this fantastic and creative company, Apple will enhance the I-Pad with added features that are highly desired such as the USB -Port and muti tasking, etc. This is the 1st generation of I-Pad and we should all be up for a huge surprise within a year or so for the I-Pad to be the beginning of an end for all laptops. How bautiful is it not to have to boot up or down the I-Pad? I love it already and cannot wait to get my hands on one.
Posted by nickfinia at April 1st, 2010 at 4:39 amMy fear would be a closed software system. Having phone software restricted is one thing, but for a laptop like device? I had to jailbreak my iphone just to get an app that changes the sounds. I would not be happy with no freedom of apps on this device.
Also I'm not sure why they would exclude the obvious things like a webcam, and it's not a widescreen aspect ratio. Fear of a new version coming up would hold me off.
Finally Walt, the most taxing software for battery life is normally games, high cpu usage. The video is likely aided by a video processor and would not consume the life. For my iphone, cpu clearly is the battery stealer.
Posted by ricklabanca at April 1st, 2010 at 4:40 amI believe this iPad will certainly be a great alternative to laptops…Not only will it perform the critical tasks for which most of us use our laptops; it will bring with it the simplicity and elegance of the iphone design. I've been pleased with my kindle, but it certainly lacks the wide range of tools that the iPad will come with….This appears to be the beginning of another Apple revolution.
Posted by Moe Abdou at April 1st, 2010 at 4:58 amSure it's useful if you don't currently use your laptop for anything more than a child would use it for…Got to the part where he's watching “The Closer”…rendered the review all but irrelevant….
Posted by ceej010 at April 1st, 2010 at 5:02 amI won't get it. not that I don't like it, but there are so many, much better alternatives to the ipad. one of them that interests me being the HP slate. it actually has windows 7, which i absolutely love. that means it can do anything a normal computer can do, like multitasking and even flash, as well as play any format videos, and video editing, all in a touch screen the size of an ipad. it really is a full computer, and i don't even have to touch it to know its capabilities. and my guess is that it'll be cheaper than the ipad, too.
oh, and since it's a full computer, I can do my most beloved thing, MULTITASK!
Posted by supersnot4 at April 1st, 2010 at 5:27 amYawwwwwn!
Posted by chandrac1 at April 1st, 2010 at 5:32 amAnd after all that effort, get this, add that, cross your fingers and fart three times …. it'll still be a DULL.
Brilliant advice but most people have a life.
If not way to reeplace a laptop.
Posted by edguzz at April 1st, 2010 at 6:16 amFixed battery and no able to expand memory….
Was the test performed with serious commercial application?
Software like games, movies, music, web surfing are home application.
It is so narcicist to believe that it occur.
lacking of features is done purposely to make new model for higher profit
Posted by huntermike at April 1st, 2010 at 6:56 amHey you guys, stop criticizing!! Apple spends a lot of money on these shameless promotions and you'd do well to go spend your hard earned money to make sure they can keep paying for these things! Thats just being a good consumer. I mean, actually understanding what a lack of multitasking and Flash does to the device is besides the point. The point is that it is magical, and you should buy it, because money was spent, and you're all good consumers aren't you??
Posted by Shawn The Bohn at April 1st, 2010 at 7:07 amWhat you're to stupid to pull it off? Sorry man, guess you'll have to bust out the wallet and give SteveO's cock a little rub if you want to play with a computer.
Posted by Shawn The Bohn at April 1st, 2010 at 7:18 amThanks for the detail review Walt! I've been waiting for it since I saw your short video with you and Steve talking at the Apple Event when the iPad was presented. There is only one thing missing, which I would you to clarify please, which is – what about the Finder equivalent on the iPad? How does the device manage files, particularly documents?
Posted by ComboApp at April 1st, 2010 at 9:31 amThey need to add user accounts and individual logins. I want to leave the iPad in the living room and let other family members use it. But I want my own settings and my own email accounts and my own bookmarks.
Posted by bbock at April 1st, 2010 at 9:35 amThe most important aspect of iPad (as with iPhone and iPod) is that it will bring people into the Apple stores in droves … from which perspective customers will see a better alternative to Windows at work.
Should these new customers buy a Mac, they'll learn that operating systems can actually work as promised. And Mac will have acquired another loyal user.
I've often likened Apple to Honda in that both companies offer what customers want in simple, elegant packages that perform as advertised and retain value.
While both provide adequate versatility, they also avoid myriad configurations and options that tend to make what should be a simple ownership experience too complex for many people.
But most important, both produce products that perform outstandingly as advertised, making the ownership experience pleasant, rewarding, and satisfying.
As one who liberated himself from Windows back when the G5 was introduced, I can testify to the elegance of the Mac experience. Well-designed and innovative while retaining operational simplicity. I've often been amused at the contrast between installation instructions for Macs and Windows computers when adding a peripheral device. Always a simple one-paragraph instruction for Macs vs. a multipage complex of instructions for Windows users. With Windows, you just keep paying and paying.
Gee, what will Microsoft come up with as a copycat device?
Hmmm … iPod led to the Zune. Will iPad lead to the Zane? Or maybet Zany?
Posted by bobwebster at April 1st, 2010 at 9:40 amTablets have a future, for sure. But the iPad is highly overpriced, there are many cheaper and better Android powered Tablets on the market like Archos or coming on the market very soon. An ARM Powered tablet running Android doesn't have to cost more than $200.
Saying it's better for reading is ridiculous, you will never read a whole book on a transmissive LCD screen. It's like staring into a light bulb. The Tablets need to use Pixel Qi 3Qi screens that reflect light instead of transmitting it.
Posted by Charbax at April 1st, 2010 at 10:00 amDid you ever hear a fan? If so, is it loud?
Eg: Under heavy processor load – perhaps while watching video?
Thank-you!
Posted by PeterNorman at April 1st, 2010 at 10:23 amGreat review.
Posted by Lorrin Lee at April 1st, 2010 at 11:35 amThanks.
Despite the praise of this “new type of computer” by early reviews, I just don't see anything groundbreaking here. Sure, many consumers have wanted a tablet for sometime that was reasonable, not $2k. But Apple didn't deliver, considering you can't even write on it. Sure, it's touch interface, but they've been doing that for years now. Their need to control caused them to leave too much out in my opinion.
Posted by Steel at April 1st, 2010 at 11:51 amNow THAT would be closer to a laptop, other detractors notwithstanding.
Posted by Lisaloha at April 1st, 2010 at 11:53 amToo much information….. Danger Dr. Smith…… That's not logical……
The iPad in its current iteration cannot compute…..
Posted by Lisaloha at April 1st, 2010 at 11:55 amP.S. People often forget that a computer, be it a desktop or a laptop, is so very much more than a way to navigate the web. In fact, people owned and used computers for decades before the internet was even available to the general public. For people who are only interested in the web, fine. Get the iPad.
But if you want a computer, buy a COMPUTER.
Posted by Lisaloha at April 1st, 2010 at 2:55 pmFor those of you (Lisaloha et. al) that want Adobe Flash, a physical keyboard, a full desktop OS, USB ports, removal batteries, multitasking and webcams: This device is NOT for you. You don't have to repeatedly post about the same points over and over again and promote whatever agenda you have. I don't understand why you folks are so strongly trying to dissuade others from purchasing an ipad.
Walt Mossberg had a fair, unbiased review. You people obviously have some hidden agenda. If you are not interested in the ipad or anything else Apple makes, move on. No one is forcing you to buy an ipad. Go buy your HP Slate or Courier or Archos 9 and enjoy.
Posted by johnmaine at April 1st, 2010 at 2:59 pmYou should read the Archos 9 reviews. It has been rated as one of the worst devices ever.
Posted by johnmaine at April 1st, 2010 at 3:03 pmYeah, so now everyone will abandon their laptop and, literally, the millions of apps that it can run, the freedom of getting ANY content on and off their device, the freedom to visit ANY website, not to mention the webcam, USB, memory card reader, physical keyboard, multitasking, etc. Sure, laptops are doomed. LOL
Posted by intosh at April 1st, 2010 at 3:11 pmI'm sold for v2 — and was originally in the “iPad – I Pass” crowd.
That started to change for me the night of the original announcement when my son (a creative director) gently reminded me i was contrasting iPad with a much wanted concept I held for an Apple NETBOOK.
He was correct. Then he also gently and quietly went on to remind me of my first iPod experience (4th Gen) and how much I loved that and still do. AND…what it ushered in for the world of not just music but how I also use it for so many other purposes, including handy recording. Then he correlated the iPad as a new pioneering effort – but similar in dynamic.
Ah…I started to reconsider and to no longer collapse distinctions between what I wanted – vs what possibilities did exist with an iPad era beginning.
Thanks, Walt, for now following with this amazingly detailed and clear report on your experience to date.
I will certainly follow with gratitude and interest what you learn and post next.
Posted by sherrylowry at April 1st, 2010 at 3:31 pmAwesome Article! I would have loved to have been able to preview an IPad. and I totally agree with you. This device may not be for everyone but it does have the potential to be a game changer for the majority of people who currently use net books. The nice thing about the competition is that it really looks like there some solid Android and possibly Windows competitors to the Ipad and that can only make for better future products.
Posted by Geektechlive at April 1st, 2010 at 4:23 pmArchos 7 Home Tablet, runs Android on a 7″ touch screen to be released in April for $179.
People working at computers DO NOT stare at hundreds of pages of a book at a time. Never. Working on a computer screen involves short attention span devoted to short texts mostly. Tweets, blog posts, parts of articles and that's about it.
Posted by Charbax at April 1st, 2010 at 4:59 pmRated like that by Apple capacitive touch screen fanboys that's about it. A capacitive touch screen is not worth a $300 premium on the price of things.
For people that want Windows 7 tablet, there is no better value than the Archos 9 pctablet. If you don't like the idea of Windows 7 on tablets, then Archos is making 3x cheaper Android powered tablets as well.
Posted by Charbax at April 1st, 2010 at 5:02 pmIt does have a keyboard, via bluetooth. and you said email twice
Posted by jiraffe at April 1st, 2010 at 6:23 pmwhoa! sooooo want one!!!
Posted by abz97 at April 1st, 2010 at 6:32 pm7″ is comparable to 10″? looking at archos' larger tablets i'd say apple's pricing is right on target. i doubt archos is going to capture the non-geek consumer market in any meaningful way.
people actually WORKING on computers are looking at the screen (lightbulb?) pretty much all the time. you should be fired! ;-)
Posted by suqsidsuomynona at April 1st, 2010 at 6:44 pmwell put.
Posted by Tofino at April 1st, 2010 at 7:57 pmA 10″ screen costs about $10 more than a 7″ screen. So yes those tablets are comparable. There are dozens of companies coming to the market with 10″ Android tablets below $200. Sure Archos and other Android makers aren't going to capture mass market if media and press like Walt Mossberg keep being so focused on only covering Apple all the time.
People look at computer screens a lot, but NEVER to read long texts, never to read whole books. That is just not going to happen.
Posted by Charbax at April 1st, 2010 at 7:59 pmNo ulterior motive here. No agenda. No Apple hating. Why is it that if a person does not share the opinion of others they are suddenly a hater with motives?
I love Apple. It's sexy. It's easy to use. It's cutting edge. I own and treasure my iPod Touch. I prefer using some of the applications on OSX vs. Windows.
I am not trying to dissuade anyone from buying an iPad. What I AM trying to do, is to voice my opinion (developed after reading not one, but several reviews) that this is not a laptop replacement, as so many less-informed consumers might assume it is. I have been reading the reviews so ardently so that I can convince myself to purchase it and ditch my bulkier laptop. But it's just not justified. At least not yet.
Just like the Netbook is not a laptop replacement simply because it has a familiar look and many of the same functions, and the digital still camera is not a replacement for a digital video camera, just because it *can* record video and sound.
The iPad is ideal for the very low-end user who basically only wants to surf the web and use Apple's proprietary and 3rd party-developed software, and only be able to watch movies purchased through iTunes or available websites such as YouTube, which is identical to the deal with the iPod Touch, which is ALSO not a computer.
I have never said anything different. If I did, it did not come out the way it was intended and I apologize to any Macophile who has taken my criticisms personally, almost as if THEY have some stake in it or were part of the developing team.
Posted by Lisaloha at April 1st, 2010 at 8:22 pmActually, I have read several Kindle books on my iPod Touch and, although small, it is quite comfortable. It's also lightweight, so I can lie in bed and hold it at a good reading angle without any fatigue. You can also chose sepia background with brown print, which makes it actually quite soothing.
I would assume that the iPad would be a similar reading experience, but perhaps not so comfortable in bed because of his heftier size.
Posted by Lisaloha at April 1st, 2010 at 8:36 pmAh stop it. Nobody reads books on LCD transmissive screens. No matter how low brightness you set it to, no matter what background you use, you are still staring at a lightbulb for hours and hours if that's how you want to suggest that the 5 million per year Kindle and other e-ink users are to use such transmissive LCD screens instead. BS and double BS.
Posted by Charbax at April 1st, 2010 at 9:06 pmApril Fools, right?
Posted by Masterdingo at April 2nd, 2010 at 1:16 amThe lack of Flash support killed it as an internet browser.
Posted by TareX at April 2nd, 2010 at 2:47 amThe lack of HD playback, or a widescreen killed it as a movie player.
And for what's left, there's iPhone.
The lack of Flash support, killed it as in internet browser.
The lack of HD playback, output, or a widescreen killed it as a movie player.
For everything else, there's iPhone.
Posted by TareX at April 2nd, 2010 at 2:49 amhere is my issue…why use a Flash video player discussing an article that is about the iPad?
start using HTML5 please…that way people can watch your vids on the iPhone and iPad
Posted by alexisshemale at April 2nd, 2010 at 1:13 pmKeep Up… Two words that have evolved in the last decade are “computer” and “phone”.
Actually, what IBM had on the market back in '99 could run multiple apps at once. Anything from the MS dos era we call a computer because we have no other word for it.
A simple house phone is called a phone, but so is my Android “phone”. However, totally different experience.
Simply put, the English language has not evolved as fast as technology.We need a new word for computer, any thoughts?
Posted by kevinpike at April 2nd, 2010 at 1:35 pmKeep Up… Two words that have evolved in the last decade are “computer” and “phone”.
Actually, what IBM had on the market back in '99 could run multiple apps at once. Anything from the MS dos era we call a computer because we have no other word for it.
A simple house phone is called a phone, but so is my Android “phone”. However, totally different experience.
Simply put, the English language has not evolved as fast as technology.We need a new word for computer, any thoughts?
Posted by kevinpike at April 2nd, 2010 at 1:35 pmGreat and informative review, thanks to Walt. I cannot wait getting an iPad under my fingers, usually it takes at least 6+ months for us to wait here in germany…
Posted by luckyfolks at April 2nd, 2010 at 8:25 pmI wonder when PC users will start wondering why their quad core 3GHz PC with oodles of RAM and a huge graphics card still can't open a web page or office document as smoothly and nice looking as the iPad.
That ARM chip inside it makes all the difference!
Posted by quatermass at April 2nd, 2010 at 9:28 pmPeople who keeps mouning – it's just a big Ipod Touch- have completely missed the point of this device. Have you seen The Elements App for the Ipad or the E*trade? Can you do that with an Ipod Touch?
The Kindle is basically dead.
Can you imagine how many of these devices will Apple sell to schools?!
I am sorry but if you cannot see the potential then you are blinded or just want to critic.
How much more I would have loved Chemistry if I had an App like The Elements 20 years ago?
People criticise as they don't have the vision that only one man in the planet and his team sitting in Cupertino have.
For the rest of the Apple haters keep buying your stock of Microsoft shares and let us make the money on APPL.
Posted by nicklondon at April 3rd, 2010 at 10:54 amThank you for your various insights & observations regarding the iPad. I am still “on the fence”–mostly because I have yet to have any real need for a mobile device. I do not even have a cellular telephone–and, so far, not having one has not impacted my life. But curiosity might get the advantage @ some point. It is possible I might make it to the 21st Century. When I do, it will be, in part, because of being informed. Thanks, again, for such a good read, that hit on all of my concerns about this product!
Posted by Thomas_Outt at April 3rd, 2010 at 6:37 pmif more people new about the mod book they would not be praising the ipad to this extent. if you want to see a real “touch-screen device from Apple has the potential to change portable computing profoundly, and to challenge the primacy of the laptop.” check out the modbook and modbook pro. true they both were laptops to begin with but then are tansformed into “THE BEST MAC BASED TABLET ON THE MARKET” if you own or plan to own an ipad because you think a tablet pc would be nice. then keep the money and shell out the extra cash for a conversion or a brand new apple tablet.
(if you are reading this on an iPad you may not want to fallow these links because you may start to cry i warned you!)
modbook: http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook
modbook pro: http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbookpro
Posted by teh_spartan at April 3rd, 2010 at 10:42 pmSorry but there is no way i'm going to believe its even close to laptop killer. Its a big iPod touch. No multitasking, bad VGA video output, no camera, no USB expandability with out apples dock connection, no software with out apples approval. This violates everything a personal computer is about. it's a platform specific device that has lost its way. it's a newton. The iPhone OS made sense for the iPhone and iPod. but apple never attempted to bill them as tablets.
Modbooks are cool, but have always lacked the apple multi-touch goodness. I want my TouchBook Pro.
Posted by nik at April 3rd, 2010 at 11:51 pmI love apple but i disagree, i think the statement of “this is a big ipod touch” is valid, and i will vote with my wallet.
The iPad missed the mark of what their consumers were bluntly asking for. It's like they didn't even bother to ask Google what their users wanted. they just decided “ebook reader”.
And the fact that its controversial at all says to me that till the problems are addressed (perhaps next gen or with iPhone OS 4) The iPad line will be an expensive novelty.
So in response: No, i'm not an idiot, i got the point. It's an e-reader, a niche market product. i have every right to not buy one, and complain if this is Apples response to our requests for a tablet.
Posted by nik at April 4th, 2010 at 12:17 ammodbook pro has multi touch and there is a app that can turn your iphone or ipod touch (and i gess your ipad) into a multi touch touch pad. and same for the magic mouse.
Posted by teh_spartan at April 4th, 2010 at 12:25 amPS: i doubt we will be seeing these in school in any big way any time soon, perhaps on an experimental basis. Text book publishers are not big on e-Books at the moment.
Giving internet enabled devices to children causes legal, parental and loss risk issues. Forcing college students to pay for them would be downright cruel. Outside of private institutions i don't even see it as a school supported alternative to physical textbooks beyond recreational reading.
Laptop experiments have been done and have resulted in legal cases stretching to the supreme court, money loss, and parental rejection. I highly doubt schools will adopt iPads soon, but individual students? of course.
This really has nothing to do with apple or the product, simply the logistics of the idea.
Posted by nik at April 4th, 2010 at 12:27 ami said “No home button”…it has a home button…Dead on Concept.
Posted by nik at April 4th, 2010 at 12:46 amIt's billed as a laptop killer, or a tablet. If this is Apples response to the several year long, loud, constant, and specific request for a Tablet Mac. Then it's a failure.
If this is Apples response to eReaders, and a general purpose platform specific device then its a so so deal. Apple continues to directly profit from every single for-profit piece of software made for it, intentionally limits its abilities by requiring all software to be approved, and forcing users to agree to constantly changing terms of service agreements.
It's a revolution alright, its a revolution to where a apple now fills its pockets off of its products use, regardless of how you use it.
So kudos if that what the target market wants. But i consider that all a system far more convenient for Apple then for the consumer when you extend beyond phones and PDAs.
Posted by nik at April 4th, 2010 at 12:58 amAwesome i cant wait to get my iPad found this awesome video http://mac-gear.co.uk/ipad-review/ :)
Posted by N1NJA7 at April 4th, 2010 at 12:59 amYes i use such iPhone apps to control my media centers.
And thats all bolt on, part of my love for mac is that so much of what i want is native to the OS. Apple seems to have decided that the iPhone OS that feeds them money every day is more profitable then OSX.
Now it's possible that OSX 10.7 will have native multi-touch nibs, and accept screen based gesture events. The fact that apple is hiding behind compatibility ghosts is lame. a digital track pad mode works fine.
generally I'm starting to expect ALL devices that have a screen to be touch sensitive, even if they have a keyboard and mouse. Touch sensitive screens should be a third input method. and i'm getting really annoyed with Apples trend of telling me what i can and cant do with $400+ device.
I remember ModBook when it was fresh and new. Sadly the ModBook is exactly my point. i think we were pretty clear about what we wanted from Apple, and we've been saying it for a long time. Mac OSX tablet.
Supporting Apple by buying an expensive product with the explicit intent of modifying it is unacceptable to me. ModBooking my oldest MacBook Pro would probably result in major burns to my hand, as it gets hell fire hot.
I feel like Apple has essentially told me that i don't know what i want. I'm an Apple fan boy, so that actually stings given how much money i've given them over the years.
I support Apples consumer grade devices, but i want my tablet. Where Apple doesn't try to feed me and wipe my butt. I want my platform that Apple doesn't tightly control, doesn't charge to develop for, doesn't have to approve everything i make or distribute for it, doesn't REQUIRE a cut from what i made and want to be payed for.
… can you tell i feel strongly about this?
Posted by nik at April 4th, 2010 at 1:42 amum…is that being taken for granted? i think the novelty of it has worn off, that's all. i believe the multi-touch hand gesture thing needs to be integrated into all displays, regardless of if its the primary input method or not.
I think whats being completely taken for granted here (because apple only half commited to the concept) is a device that operates on one level in your lap, and another on your desk.
The iPad keyboard dock effectively makes it a hybrid computer. Touch on the go, type at your desk. THAT would have been an innovation. they clearly thought about it, but failed to implement it to the point bloggers are asking “why bother?”
As an artist and web designer i can promise you the iPad would not even replace %80 of my time on the computer. If it had the usb, and mac osx. it would replace my use %100. and the innovative dual function would have changed the way i use a work machine on a core level.
Posted by nik at April 4th, 2010 at 2:11 amthe sad thing is that if we were all to tell apple what we want they will not do it
Posted by teh_spartan at April 4th, 2010 at 2:32 amSigh, that might be true.
Posted by nik at April 4th, 2010 at 3:09 amwill never replace laptops or mac-books ..this is just another iphone like device with bigger screen.
Posted by gstarnet at April 4th, 2010 at 4:00 amFor $500 bucks and it still can not compare to a 4 dollar paper back book. No hyphenation and incorrect word/letter spacing. How long do you think you can read before getting tired or eye strain? You would have thought that Apple would understand this basic concept of typography. Microsofts ebook reader program is the only one that has even come close.
Posted by polymorphic at April 4th, 2010 at 4:49 amI tend to agree. This is going to change personal computing the way the iPod change our consumption of movies and music.
Posted by gwats1957 at April 4th, 2010 at 4:59 amI am an Apple lover and will buy an iPad. But this review is a disgrace. Walt you should be ashamed of yourself – how much did Apple pay you? A laptop killer? NOT EVEN close! Multitasking (basic laptop function)? 250 GB storage (basic laptop amount)? 1.6 GHZ clock speed (basic netbook speed)? No to all of the above and more.
People will buy the iPad for a host of reasons, but to advise them that it is a replacement for a laptop is bad reporting.
Posted by cdam at April 4th, 2010 at 5:17 amApple missed the mark of what? Did Jeff Bezos asked what consumers were asking for? Apple takes you in something new that consumers could not ask because they could not think of (See Mac, Ipod and Iphone)
Apple is massively present in schools already. My 2 cents S. Jobs thought about it when they developed the product. For me this thing will help students a lot. Just imagine an e-book about the universe or the atom with roughly the same information of the paper book but lots of animation and interactions.
Re your first post I never dubbed anyone as idiot but I still think it's not a big Ipod Touch because for sure Apple is not so idiot to release such a stupid product.
Anyway time will say if they are right again or whether it's their biggest flop in a decade.
Posted by nicklondon at April 4th, 2010 at 6:46 amIf I had to bet, or purely read what analysts say, i would put my 2 cents on the former and not because people are idiot and buy a bigger Ipod Touch without realising it's just a bigger Ipod Touch
Good god i hope not. I mean are people really willing to allow apple to lord over their personal computer as they do the phone?
Posted by nik at April 4th, 2010 at 5:05 pmWhat a BS review. Walt, I hope Apple is paying a handsome sum for your “opinion”. I cannot take you seriously anymore with the way you're promoting this product. With the other Apple stuff, OK… it had merits. I own a 24″ iMac. I wouldn't give them the glowing reviews you did, but the cons certainly didn't outweigh the pros.
But not this time. How can you possibly sit there and declare this almost a “laptop killer” or recommend this device for someone who primarily surfs the web when it's crippled because it's lack of Adobe Flash?? You know, Flash? The web's #1 plugin? The thing that's not going away anytime soon?
For the iPhone/iPod Touch, ok… it made a bit of sense. Not a lot, and people didn't agree with it (I was one of them), but you don't want your mobile-device using lots of battery power and bandwidth cause someone did a site in flash.
But for an iPad? A standalone device that isn't using the 3G network for anything else other than data transfer (or not using the 3G network … at all)? Designed not to be as mobile as any cell phone? Designed to be a “laptop killer”?? Not a chance.
Apple's choice to ban Flash is the dumbest thing they could've done for this device. Netbooks are stepping up their game in all ways and the only downside they all seem to share is their OS isn't that great. The iPhone OS seems a lot more solid and while this iPad COULD be a clear winner, it won't because of Apple's petty grudge against Flash.
But that's Apple's choice, and they are entitled to it. However I would hope someone tasked to be objective and review this product would call them on their choice, their VERY stupid choice. However, you failed to do this. You failed to do what everyone with any technological background knows needs to be done. To tell Apple that this is unwise, and really advise people that because of this decision by Apple, this is not a good device for browsing the web.
It's not like it'd really hurt the sales, or that you would be telling us anything we didn't already know. But instead, you chose to feed us the Apple Corporate Line.
Like I said, I hope they paid you well, cause you just sold your credibility.
Posted by Revitup1028 at April 4th, 2010 at 8:59 pmI wonder what device Walt used to create his video review?
Short of having installing an app…Walt can't even watch his on video on this device.
In 2 years this will be a good device. Right now…not to much. But thanks to everyone who purchased it so they can keep funding Apple's R&D.
Posted by don_key at April 5th, 2010 at 12:26 amWhy is apply so stiff all the time?
No USB hence you can't really do backups or copy files to your desktop or laptop… not like you would be able to create your own very rich content on it though, and they did not even think to include an external card reader port;
No webcam… in this modern age?;
No group emailing… Why??? even within their organization do they not send groups emails? why leave out a great feature like that, which is quite essential these days? Just the same way they left out text forwarding on the first version of the iPhone.
Why don't they just create a cool device and put all they know people want to use in it… and not that they don't know… but they just choose not to include those things… then they will include it in future versions… But if they claim don't know then I wonder what sort of requirements specification they had carried out in their project design.
Posted by pimisi at April 5th, 2010 at 9:45 amWhy is apply so stiff all the time?
No USB hence you can't really do backups or copy files to your desktop or laptop… not like you would be able to create your own very rich content on it though, and they did not even think to include an external card reader port;
No webcam… in this modern age?;
No group emailing… Why??? even within their organization do they not send groups emails? why leave out a great feature like that, which is quite essential these days? Just the same way they left out text forwarding on the first version of the iPhone.
Why don't they just create a cool device and put all they know people want to use in it… and not that they don't know… but they just choose not to include those things… then they will include it in future versions… But if they claim don't know then I wonder what sort of requirements specification they had carried out in their project design.
Posted by pimisi at April 5th, 2010 at 9:47 amWhy is apply so stiff all the time?
No USB hence you can't really do backups or copy files to your desktop or laptop… not like you would be able to create your own very rich content on it though, and they did not even think to include an external card reader port;
No webcam… in this modern age?;
No group emailing… Why??? even within their organization do they not send groups emails? why leave out a great feature like that, which is quite essential these days? Just the same way they left out text forwarding on the first version of the iPhone.
Why don't they just create a cool device and put all they know people want to use in it… and not that they don't know… but they just choose not to include those things… then they will include it in future versions… But if they claim don't know then I wonder what sort of requirements specification they had carried out in their project design.
Posted by pimisi at April 5th, 2010 at 9:49 amWhy is Apple so stiff all the time?
No USB hence you can't really do backups or copy files to your desktop or laptop… not like you would be able to create your own very rich content on it though, and they did not even think to include an external card reader port;
No webcam… in this modern age?;
No group emailing… Why??? even within their organization do they not send groups emails? why leave out a great feature like that, which is quite essential these days? Just the same way they left out text forwarding on the first version of the iPhone.
Why don't they just create a cool device and put all they know people want to use in it… and not that they don't know… but they just choose not to include those things… then they will include it in future versions… But if they claim don't know then I wonder what sort of requirements specification they had carried out in their project design.
And worst of all… it does not support Adobe flash… hence they are saying all the companies who have designed sites in flash should re-contract those sites to be designed in another format or forget about reaching their customers. What is wrong with these people?
I truly love the device but because of all these flaws I do not intend on getting one… until they release the upcoming version(s) with all these things sorted out.
They want to create a device that only they can control what the user can use on it… I am not sure it even support other video formats apart form .mov and .m4v.
You have created a device for the consumers… let them use it with freedom… after-all they are paying for it with their own money… users can not even install a software of their choice… it has to be what apple wants them to install.
Sorry to say but this is no Laptop killer at all… not even close
Posted by pimisi at April 5th, 2010 at 10:00 amI want a Ipad – but i see no use for me to have an Ipad when i have a computer.
Posted by 8bitpixel at April 5th, 2010 at 1:44 pmI want an Ipad – but see no use for me to have one when i have a computer.
Guess its the hype that have got to me.
Posted by 8bitpixel at April 5th, 2010 at 1:47 pmwow
Posted by ramonespinosa at April 5th, 2010 at 3:02 pmwe need ability to copy from one application and paste to another application. when surfing we should be able to save info from the viewing page to a chosen application such as note
Posted by saintfleur at April 5th, 2010 at 4:33 pmWhy was my comment removed? What's the matter, did I get too close to the truth there?
As for Notafraidofchange's argument… you are 100% right, it ISN'T a full blown computer. That's the whole point I, and others, have been trying to make. The only people who are telling that it is is Mossberg and Apple. THEREFORE, by your own logic… it SHOULD NOT and CANNOT be declared a “Near laptop killer”. It should not and can not be considered an ideal web-browsing device. It should not and cannot be considered in the same class as laptops and netbooks. BECAUSE IT DOESN'T DO THE SAME TASKS.
I have no problem with Apple choosing to omit flash, other plugins, and multitasking. I think it's a stupid choice, but it is their business, their product, and their choice and no one is forcing me to buy this product if it does not suit my needs.
Where I do have issue is when someone like Mossberg, who is here to ASSESS whether or not this device will fill those needs with accurate facts and educated opinions, sits here and tells me “this is ideal for those primarily surfing the web” and “it's a near laptop killer”. How is this possible when it can't do a fifth of the things a normal laptop/netbook can do or has? How can something, by simple reasoning, not be in the same class yet still be considered in league, and at the top of, with that class? Because Mossberg clearly isn't telling us the truth. Because Mossberg is clearly getting something out of this by promoting Apple.
To take your F150 and Corvette analogy, this is like Mossberg telling you “The Corvette will haul almost as much cargo as the F150 and look better doing it! Chevy says this, and I agree with them” No… it won't. It won't even get close. So why is a Reviewer, who is supposedly credible, telling me that it will?
As far as your “buggy/slow/currupted flash comment”, get used to it. Flash has been around for a long time, it's a free plugin, and no one is going to bail on it simply because of the iPad. Flash is a fundamental staple to the web as much as Javascript. Flash also can still do more than HTML5 in terms of interactivity and animation.
All this “Apple abandoning of flash” ends up doing is making more work for companies who now feel the need to make their sites compatible for different platforms. It's the browser wars allover again. Where you had to add special code so your HTML site would look correct on each browser because they couldn't be bothered to adhere to a standard(anyone remember Netscape 4.x?). PCs aren't abandoning flash, and they are FAR more popular than ANY Apple device. Flash isn't going anywhere, to think that it will because of the iPad is naive.
That's really what this whole thing boils down to: Standards. Apple has decided to ignore them (both in software and hardware) and create their own. It's their choice do so.
To Mr. Mossberg, shame on you for selling your credibility to Apple. I'm sure your tons of kickbacks makes you sleep like a baby, but you are now a joke in my eyes.
Posted by Revitup1028 at April 5th, 2010 at 5:41 pmWhat about the radiation and microwaves. iPhone has a warning that it shouldn't be held within one inch of the cranium due to concern with tumors. It's also suggested that the iPhone not be carried in the pocket due to fertility concerns. The device is larger, and stronger. And also seems to be used on the lap.How does the iPad fair with these concerns?
Posted by ipadconcern at April 5th, 2010 at 7:25 pmSeemed to be huge buzz for the iPad as always with apple products. There have been some critism of the iPad ranging from Apps to video playback.
Posted by japanaustralia at April 6th, 2010 at 12:28 amWow, my comments are removed because I call this reviewer on his bullshit.
Great site you guys have here. Why are others allowed to stay but mine are removed? I had not used any profane language until now.
Posted by Revitup1028 at April 6th, 2010 at 1:53 amummmmm…… How do you test the iPad for 'a week or so' when it was launched only a few days ago?!
Posted by mattjelonek at April 6th, 2010 at 5:43 amTHE iPad CAN'T BE A LAPTOP KILLER — since it REQUIRES A LAPTOP! (or other computer) for syncing and software maintenance/updates.
Posted by xxxciter at April 6th, 2010 at 11:25 amAmen. I love Apple, and having played with it for a couple of days now, I love the iPad (in some ways).
But it's extremely frustrating and troubling that you cannot download freeware software to it from any old website. I can understand the security concerns that existed on the iPhone, which led to the whole “walled garden” approach to software.
But this iPad is more powerful than most Macs were prior to the G4 processor, from what I can tell. It has more memory, too. Yet the user cannot access the files on it. It has no USB. You cannot install your own software without Apple's approval. You cannot organize your photos and documents into folders. In many respects, it's a piece of garbage, and nothing more than a game-player ultimately. You must have a computer to use it. It's of limited use.
I'm saddened by this turn that Apple is taking; it's clearly profit-driven, yet all the profit-driven magazines and newspapers that see dollar signs as they all imagine they will be selling their own newspapers' and magazines' apps, some imagining they can even sell digital copies of their magazines for the same price (!!!!) as the print version. This has caused the media to completely gush over this device and not criticize it for the way in which it creates a computing environment in which only apps approved by the device maker can be used.
I'm not giving any money to anyone, ever, for such a device. As cool as the interface is, I'm ultra-pissed-off that it retains the iPhone's closed software environment, which of course, Apple is doing because it makes them so much money.
Posted by darkgoob at April 6th, 2010 at 12:30 pmI'm impressed & am looking forward to where they take the I-Pad.
Posted by Fretpick at April 6th, 2010 at 4:57 pmI'm impressed by the I-pad & am looking forward into where the I-pad is going.
Posted by Fretpick at April 6th, 2010 at 4:59 pmEvery thing you have named from 1:12-1:25 my ipod can do the thing the ipad is just a giant ipod with a few extra tweeks. It took apple three years to do from the iphone release.
Posted by jimmywellz at April 6th, 2010 at 8:08 pmI'm having a hard time imagining how this device might even be remotely ergonomically friendly. I haven't used it myself so I could be way off base but it seems that typing would be horribly uncomfortable.
Posted by skifreakrcer at April 6th, 2010 at 9:15 pmI purchased on of the iPads this past weekend and I quickly noticed the some cons along with the tons of pros. For starters the iPad (as well as the iPhone) lacks file access. This simply means that for users needing to “append” attachments directly to a website, original email, or anything of that sort “can not”. Now there are some work arounds that become time consuming but this is the first and foremost reason why it can't replace a laptop.
Secondly, I didn't think the absence of flash would make a difference until I had to work during the final four and wanted to track the game and video from espn.com. Well, it was in flash there as was everywhere else. That's when I realized this maybe something I can't live without after all.
Thirdly, the second night I decided to sit in bed and read an iBook. Well Apples decision not to combine the e-ink technology with the platform was bad. I noticed that after an hour my eyes began to water and the glaring light made it a challenge.
Lastly, they forgot USB. I know the workaround is bluetooth, but this is not always the case. They missed an opportunity to allow device connectivity that enables a world of integration.
On a final note, apple still does not seem to feel the need to integrate MIME into their platform. At some point they have to realize that true encryption is needed beyond their 3rd party SSL. That misstep prevents them from crossing over to home-business and government application.
Posted by johnsodd at April 6th, 2010 at 10:12 pmOh for those that think I maybe an apple basher, I own an iMac, iPhone, and iPod. I am definitely a fan of Apples products. However, their market research appears to only be internal. I also read a post that someone added about ergonomics. I simply placed my iPad next to my mac keyboard and answered a question there engineers should have raised. The screen is about 2 inches shy of of the mini US 74 key standard. Had they measured the keyboard first and designed around that dimension they would have eliminated this typing nightmare and allowed users to virtually type just like a regular keyboard.
Posted by johnsodd at April 6th, 2010 at 10:25 pmTo be honest, I killed my macbook pro.
Only use now for some heavy things (photoshop, 3D, programming)
My ipad taked place now. And love it
Posted by anderson_oliveira at April 7th, 2010 at 4:19 amtry this web based iPad simulator
http://www.allofcraigs.com/p/ipad-preview.html
Posted by allofcraigs.com at April 7th, 2010 at 1:07 pmLaptop Killer? I sure hope not. I'm looking to upgrade my PowerBook G4 with the new refresh of the MacBook Pro line. Although I find the iPad intriguing, there's no way it can even begin to replace, let along kill laptops. Right now it's nothing more than a slick entertainment devise. Laptops are the new desktop killers. The iPad has a long way to go before it replaces personal and enterprise computing as we know it. Netbook killer, sure! Laptop killer? I don't think so.
Posted by Mike_L_555 at April 7th, 2010 at 5:07 pmI have been a considered an Apple fanboy by many people, however, I have reservations on this unrefined device Apple has released.
“If you’re mainly a Web surfer, note-taker, social-networker and emailer, and a consumer of photos, videos, books, periodicals and music—this could be for you.”
What? This sounds a lot like the functionality of the iPhone. Yes, iPad has a gorgeous screen, yes it has great graphics and fast hardware, however, the software base for the iPad (iPhone) OS does not meet the quality of the hardware along with small yet significant misjudgments in the realm of using stylus vs multi-touch, or perhaps both. I am a science major, I was eager to get my hands on this device for note taking, bigger datebook, etc. After testing the iPad at the local apple store, I found that I would be doing the same exact things that I would be doing on the iPhone, since I could not take effective notes using a stylus or a hardware keyboard for that matter. Since I read the general consensus that Pogo stylus stinks for writing due to mushy cumbersome pen tip, the iPad ranks poorly for education. If you are a media junky–I admit I am–you seem better to stick with the iPhone, unless you are willing to pony up 5 bills for a big screen.
Sadly, the iPad, after trying it out and doing research online, is an imbalanced product with overall great hardware, despite the lack of a stylus, and inferior, unrevolutionary software beyond the already-known genius of the iPhone. I am taking a hard look at the Asus Eee PC T101MT to meet my note-taking needs at the moment.
Posted by ThomasG33K at April 7th, 2010 at 7:43 pmThe I-pad is AMAZING!
Posted by lilian3 at April 7th, 2010 at 9:08 pmThe iPad is an important addition to the computing experience ecosystem, but it is not going to replace the laptop. It does too little. It is downright lousy at content creation.
Posted by paramendra at April 8th, 2010 at 2:07 amHey walt, I just wanted to throw my two cents in. Apple knows how to market people. Thats how they make $$ for future development. If Apple didn't just reveille the new MACBOOK PRO UNIBODY less than a year ago, they would of developed a thing called the APPLE TABLET which would take place of the MACBOOK PRO UNIBODY. Since so much time and money went into developing the MACBOOK PRO, Apple certainly needs to make their royalties from all those wonderful people who designed that wonderful beast of a machines. (I own one)
An example of what APPLE IS DOING…
First ipod was 5 – 10 gb they sold like crazy. Later Apple decided to move on to more storage, Toshiba agreed to supply the demand then we had 20 – 40 gigs then 60 to 80. The second type of IPOD was thinner sleeker, and could support a color screen. Same thing happened the sizes increased, 20gb to 40gb to 60 gb.
As the third IPOD came everyone I knew had owned an ipod. Apple was saved by the music booooooom. Ok well you obviously see where this is going.
People who were expecting Apple to step up to the tablet give it an OS and rebuild that beast called the APPLE Tablet but they didn't. Instead they made a giant IPOD. It's like having an IPOD TOUCH AND an IPHONE in your pocket. They thought, “we'll market this puppy until it sells out just like the iphone , then we'll add things to it like 3G , and then when we move on to the second generation IPAD we'll give them a MODEM so that they can make phone calls with it. The third generation Ipad, we'll add a web cam so they can skype or what not.
3 years APPLE will Come out with an APPLE TABLET once they have made enough $$ then tablets will take over laptops, why. Well simply becasue apple will have enough money to take a leap into OSX TABLETS =)
As it is of now I wouldn't trade my iphone or Ipod or , Mac for one of those giant IPOD TOUCHES, feel free to market those damn things old people who sit on their Kindles reading there favorite romantic novel over and over again.
“Make it simple. Make it memorable. Make it inviting to look at. Make it fun to read.”
Posted by rrdumitrescu at April 8th, 2010 at 6:05 amFair enough.
What was the point of that, exactly?
Posted by nizoral at April 8th, 2010 at 10:44 amI don't think Ipod could kill notebooks :)
Hmmm no flash, so that's no online games, no video, etc, shame would have been good if they had included it.
Posted by ella_s at April 8th, 2010 at 1:06 pmIt's been fun reading all these previous comments, the highly technical 'dissection' of the product, all the flaming, etc. Bottom line, I've seen one, held one and played with a bit. As a HEAVY user of my iPhone, I'm definitely planning on getting one, just waiting for the hub-bub to drop along with the price a bit. It's a TOOL, folks, just like any other. Not applicable to everyone at every time, but I'm betting it's got a very wide application window and will sell BIG, with many 'copycats' and upgrades to the iPad to come in the future. Down with bulky, clunky laptops when most 'power crunching' is done on desk tops anyway. Ever watch the typical laptop user at a coffee shop or in the airport? They are NOT drafting huge spreadsheets full of formulas and data, they are READING the WSJ, Politico, or playing games, if not e-mailing on facebook. Come on, it's a TOOL, lighter, more nimble and will earn a worthy place on the peg board. Why not own an iPhone, a MAC, a desktop AND an iPad? I certainly will.
Posted by almostgeorgia at April 8th, 2010 at 4:02 pmThe only bad thing is that you can not print directly from the ipad
Posted by valdezfmcomcastnet at April 8th, 2010 at 8:36 pmI don't think it has enough memory
Posted by drewboo at April 8th, 2010 at 8:54 pmWell, I've never been called an Apple fan boy, and until Apple has a greater share of the computer market, I won't own one of their computers (and I hope they never do, because I like building my own computer and controlling myself what goes in there and what it can do), but I bough an iPhone a little over a year ago and it has found a place in my life. It is my phone away from home, GPS, music player while walking or driving, helps me find restaurants, look things up when away from home, keeps my son entertained now and then when he's bored, etc. etc. So when the iPad was announced I thought “ooh, a really big iPhone!” and I kind of wrote it off as unnecessary. But I went out and got one, thinking that I could possibly entice my technophobe mom into the new millennium. The jury is still out on that, though she has actually used it and asked if she can get certain things for it, so things are looking good. In setting it up for her and playing with it over the last week, I can say that it is probably not meant for hardcore users. It is meant for people like my mom who might want to email the grandkids or check out facebook or watch movies on it or read books… Casual uses. And it is VERY good at those casual uses. Despite the big hoopla that people make about it not supporting flash, I have yet to run across pages with huge swaths of content missing because of it (of course if I went to allflashgames.com, that would probably be a different story). I think Walt could be right. For a fairly good percentage of people, the iPad COULD replace their laptop. Let's face it, not a very large percentage of people are power users (though perhaps a large percentage of readers of techy blogs are lol).
Posted by Matt_in_NC at April 9th, 2010 at 8:07 pmMatt has a very good point. This devise may replace the laptop… but not yet. I bought one on the release date last Saturday. Have run it through a lot over the past week. I'm certain that future generations of the iPad will have improvements like the addition of a webcam and perhaps usb support and I'm sure some industrious person out there will develop an effective app for printing from the iPad. If I can print wirelessly from my iMac to a printer connected to my Airport wireless wi-fi in another room then I'm sure printing from my new iPad is not far behind. Matt-in_NC is correct when he says that iPad is for casual, not hardcore users. People in airports are reading the WSJ or watching videos or websurfing or checking email or social networking. The iPad is PERFECT for those things. The built in keyboard is big and awesome and the little screen looks great. I still plan on purchasing a wireless keyboard for it though or maybe the add on keyboard. Thanks Walt for your article and thanks Apple for not resting. We all benefit from this in some way.
Posted by larryinsandiego at April 9th, 2010 at 11:34 pmI AM AN APPLE FANATIC! I love the iPad. =) I also believe that it will help encourage the multi-touch function everywhere. Come on, someday doctors, nurses, business meetings, transportation systems, teachers, and students will be using it everyday. But I think the iPad will be a STEP into the Tablet era. I really hope it'll end up being like Minority Report type. The only downfall I think of the iPad would be the iPhone/iPod Touch interface. I really wish it could be the Macbook/iMac interface. But let's wait for the iPad to mature a bit. Who knows? The next generation could have a camera in the front for video conferencing! =) But, like I said…. who knows?
Posted by burbank_kid at April 11th, 2010 at 8:40 pmMy friend, a computer geek who's also our i.t. dude, just got one. He says this thing is awesome. I hope they'll come out with a version that will run Final Cut. I'm a small indie filmmaker and I would love using something like that on the set.
Posted by john13v34_35 at April 12th, 2010 at 2:24 pmI will check out the ipad for serious consideration in purchasing it when they get voice so it can be used as a cell phone. With an ear device it would be great. Since it has GPS with 3G also, the cost of the ipad would be less than a built in GPS and since the screen is large I could see it better then the one on my iphone.
Posted by San84544K at April 12th, 2010 at 6:04 pmFirst of all, your so called “Hardware Specs” are silly, vague and very sketchy, how fast is the 16 gigs? (i can barelly fit 3 hd movies on that crap with 16 gigs)
Posted by devonguse at April 13th, 2010 at 4:02 amAlso, you said “Replace the iphone”? ok, HOW IS THIS PIECE OF JUNK SUPPOSED TO FIT IN MY POCKET TO MAKE CALLS?
It has a SINGLE CORE processor, How much RAM? never even mentioned by anyone, how do i know if i can have multiple applications open at once without crashing the piece of crap.
Secondly, the “Hardware Specs” are noob specs, i want to know the specs on their custom board for the thing, transfer rates, how fast the ram runs at, how fast the silly 16 gig “storage” runs at.
Third, every video i am seeing where people review it are saying that its pretty much the BEST THING EVER MADE. all it can do is go on the internet, do email, word processing, umm… their so called “games” OH! Movies and pictures and… music? I can understand why someone would want to watch movies on this, but listen to music? obviously if it had speakers, they would suck A**, so if i listened to music i would have to use headphones, meaning i would have to LUG this giant anchor everywhere? no way.
And Lastly, where would i use this? i most likely would only se it at home, i would look like a friggin tard walking around with this slow, silly, pathetic excuse for a touch screen entertainment tablet.
Interesting article. I don't think that the tablet has enough capabilities to take over that of a macbook. People are too ADD, and they enjoy multitasking too much. Check out this clever video about the iPad.
Posted by HankCooper at April 13th, 2010 at 2:42 pmhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ66yY8y68s
Great device and holds a ton of potential like everything apple comes out with. But its scores below average on HARD DRIVE space. Seriously 16 to 64 gig at $500 – $800 price point! The cheapest laptops run 120 gigs and a fraction of that cost. Apple come back with a versions with 100, 150, and 200 and then watch your profit margin sky rocket.
Posted by GagetGOD at April 13th, 2010 at 9:19 pmSorry but no, this is miles from a lap top killer it is not even a close call i would take a 200$ laptop over the highest priced iPad.
The lack millions of programs you use a computer for and YES the lack of USB ports DOES make a difference, i have 4 in use right now as well as a memory stick and a SD card none of which are in the iPad. Then we have the flash incompatibility… ugh, listen Jobs i do not care how mush you hate flash, millions of us use flash as do millions as web sites. Not having it is a massive problem.
Now on top of that i detest AT&T's wireless, it is abominable where i live. The iPad would be nice if it was half the price, but it's not and thus it is no worth my consideration. My Mac Book is Win, My iPod is win, this iPad is useless.
Posted by DANEgerous at April 13th, 2010 at 10:44 pmhas anyone tested connecting a flash drive to the iPad? would it work? If not, how do you transfer information to your iPad while on the move? How do you back up information if you don't have another PC/Mac?
Posted by thartala at April 15th, 2010 at 5:19 pmIt's pointless it's just a big ipod touch!!!
Posted by Charlie888 at April 15th, 2010 at 8:29 pmArrogance as if. My netbook is cheaper, runs faster, and I run my own applications of my choosing. Open source applications too. Kill closed source.
Posted by electroteque at April 16th, 2010 at 12:05 pmHow could we know it?
Posted by chenillen at April 23rd, 2010 at 4:44 amYeah – i'm with bigblock2 on this one. no USB connectivity (except for phot-uploads) is a deal killer for me – and taking the device out of the running for video-conferencing on the move by not providing a cam is an enormous mistake in my view.
Posted by beebop1 at April 23rd, 2010 at 1:35 pmgreat article. i'm really keen on getting an iPad, but don't see it replacing my MacBook Pro,
Posted by barringtonarch at May 7th, 2010 at 9:51 amI was one of the lucky few to get my hands on an iPad last week and I must say, so far so good. It's an incredible piece of technology and I think it will change the way we read, watch movies, listen to music and more. I just want to find more apps and sites related to iPad, which seem to be hard to trace online. I see on FriskyMongoose that the ipad review index http://www.dozenipad.com is the only place ranking ipad apps and blogs. The best thing about iPad is going to be video and HTML5. Most of the video sites such as youtube and vimeo can be accessed by the iPad and I think it'll improve the ultimate viewing experience.
Posted by ipadreview at May 13th, 2010 at 9:23 amhere's my take for students wanting to use their iPad as eReader http://arturopaulinoblog.com/?p=534
Posted by Arturo Paulino at May 29th, 2010 at 4:48 pmThis is a wonderful opinion. The things mentioned are unanimous and needs to be appreciated by everyone.
Personal Finance Bible
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Posted by johnkenedy at June 12th, 2010 at 3:44 amjohn
it is a laptop and netbook killer, and also HP SLATE KILLER!!!
Posted by iPad Covers at June 15th, 2010 at 6:23 amThis is without a doubt a perfect device for a lot of people, but it's just not the device for me (at least now). Apple has done a great job of appealing to a large amount of people with the iPad, that's for sure.
Posted by TechDubDoob at June 24th, 2010 at 3:19 amGreat article!..Planning ti get my hands on a Wi-fi model. Even though the Ipad won't replace laptops – for the meantime, i wonder what will the Ipad 2g will do.
Posted by PC_to_Ipod at June 24th, 2010 at 4:32 pmNice article. I'm planning to get my hands on an Ipad and you really helped. Although Ipad won't replace laptops – for the meantime, I wonder what will it do when Apple releases Ipad 2G :)
Posted by PC_to_Ipod at June 24th, 2010 at 4:37 pmThe iPad fails miserably at nearly every task it allegedly supports. Its kludgey non-standard interface and grossly inflated price will no doubt relegate this piece of techno-junk to growing pile of “Edsel” and “New Coke” marketing disasters.
Posted by FlushGarden at July 11th, 2010 at 12:12 pmYou might also consider my Aligata iPad leather cases. Genuine bovine leather, natural grain. (I work for Aligata).
Regards,
Posted by Tom at July 26th, 2010 at 10:24 amTom
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