iPad reviews & news

1.5"-2 thick, 7lb probably if we take a tablet laptop as a guide.

Speaking of which, this is iSuppli's assessment of the material costs of the iPad.

$346.15 is quoted for the 64GB 3G variant and $829.00, translating to about making 239% return on that thing in production cost.

This is rather much better than PS3, since iSuppli quoted it at $336.27 as of December 2009! People are dead serious about Sony losing money just to make a PS3, let along recovering the R&D costs.

 

I just need an easy way to read PDF's on this thing since none og my books are epub format.

 

I got an iPad in my hands Yesterday. It was seriously the biggest iTouch ever! It just didn't seem like it would be useful for anything but a grandma who just sends a few emails to her kids and reads the NYTimes...

The guy at the apple store was trying to sell it as if it was the end-all-be-all. He was talking to some ~14 yr olds like "well we had cell phones, and those evolved into smart phones and we had computers, [and then we had spaceships], but now the iPad has combined all of those into one. It's the beginning of a whole new category."

I just feel like it's being marketed to the people who don't need it, and not to the people who could make use of it. I think people here on NBR know this, but "common people" (and I don't mean to sound elitist) fall into the marketing schemes of apple. Which are pretty genius, by all means. A quote from someone whose name I do not remember "it's the greatest invention you never knew you needed". All Apple has to do is convince people that they need it.

A list of consumer computer niches:

• Desktop - When Lots of power is needed, or when a cheap system is need with no desire for portability. Great for creating content.
• Full Laptop - Has the power you need, and can be brought with you.
• CULV/netbook - Has enough power for most things Like web and Typing a document and video.
• iPad - Same as smartphone, but a little more screen space at the expense of portability and phone.
• Smartphone - Basic email checking, basic web, music, call people. Fits in your pocket.

Doesn't it feel like the iPad is trying to force itself to become a new niche where one wasn't ever needed? Oh and the iPad still needs a carrying bag, just like a small CULV or netbook would.


YES I am ripping on the iPad like crazy. If I missed something call me out on it, I'm not just here to rant.

 

It basically comes down to this:

If you've never sat on your couch or in a chair, surfing the web on your iPhone or iPod Touch while your laptop sits closed right next to you, and thought "this would be perfect if the screen were just bigger," then you don't get the point of the iPad. And you never will. There's nothing wrong with that; just don't buy one. But there are a lot of people who have had that very thought several times. It doesn't make them wrong or stupid.

 

I will not be getting it anytime soon (first reason being I'm still broke ). However, I think it still has much potential to develop, just as the first iPhone wasn't universally welcomed (and for good reason, as with the iPad), but certain things improved and were added over time to make it a much better device.

I'd like to see strong contracts with textbook publishers - if they can get that together, I would definitely be interested in carrying this, rather than say 5 university textbooks. A "10-month rental via DRM" of a textbook would be interesting as well.

I'd like to see very strong media support - in terms of streaming. Its getting there, with Netflix and CBS, but if it can get even further, that is very appealing too.

And a stylus would be awesome! It basically functions as a Wacom Cintiq, but at a cheaper price and with more functionality!

 

I think being able to use a mouse would be awesome. Not always... just certain occasions.

 

convert them to the ePub format. that's what I did today for my iPad.

 

Which application would you recommend to do that? I tried one yesterday (forgot the name but it started with a C) and it was very slow and basically locked up.

 

No, I thought: Hey, wouldn't be cool to pay $500+$30/month just so I can do that? How many devices to surf the web do you need? Are you living on the internet?

 

it would be nice to check scores and emails, and as a TV guide. If they do go down in price (which I doubt it) I might pick one up, and use it as a "sitting on sofa" or "lying in bed" tool. I don't see myself using it in public, as I might as well be carrying a notebook.

 

For me, 11.6" laptop fits perfectly into that role (and many many others). I'd say the idea behind iPad is to carry it around, since the batter life is a bit better than on many laptops/netbooks. Well but not surprisingly, given it's limitations and lack of functionality compared to those. So I can hardly see it replacing a laptop. But if you already carry a laptop, why would you carry iPad? Just adds weight.

 

Look, we get it. An iPad doesn't make sense for you. Bravo. You're not the only one Apple was hoping to sell to.

To me, a netbook doesn't make sense. Why wouldn't I just take my MacBook? It gets better battery life, weighs maybe a pound more, is barely larger (and is actually thinner than most netbooks), and it has an optical drive. And it runs the OS I prefer to work with. But that doesn't mean I think netbooks are pointless... they do exactly what people who buy them want them to do.

 

People just have to be realstic, it is what it is and does it very well.
Is it gonna replace a "regular" every day laptop.Nope.
It's a much better browser than the ipone/ipod and with the Netfix,HULU and CBS apps more and more appealing.
It's not for everyone but it's a neat device for those that know exactly what it's cabable of.

 

And what exactly is that??? Surfs the internet and plays videos, rofl! (With a dream that at some point could be jailbroken and play MKV -- good luck w/ that). Oh yeah it's also an LCD-based book reader ("yay"). It has a 1GHz G4 CPU and 256MB RAM -- Yeah I can see the new games will run "great" (and no input controller or keys).

Yeah Apple can't sell it to me, because I wasn't brainwashed by their idiotic advertising campaigns - apparently unlike a lot of other people.

I don't get your netbook comparison. Asus EEE (for example) has a ~10hr battery life. Most small laptops don't come with optical drive because they're being phased out by downloadable online content. Point of a netbook is being light and a portable computer. MacBooks aren't, apart from Air. Your choice about the OS, then I guess you'd love it in prison.

 

Not comparing it to a netbook bro!
I see that you don't like it and it's pointless to you and that's fine but don't be a hater just becuase other people actually like it.
I don't even have one and I'm defending it..lol

 

Netbooks can now break the 10hr mark while weighing under 3lb. I'm not even sure the iPad is materially lighter once you add a case and the external keyboard. Your MBP is 50% heavier or more and obviously significantly more powerful. It also costs 3-5X as much and few people would expect you to ditch your MBP for a $300-400 toy of a computer. How has Apple improved that use case by stretching an iPod to 10", charging $500-800 and adding a crippled iWork? Don't forget a basic MB is now available at Microcenter at a reasonable $800.

What are the limitations of most Netbooks? My MSI Wind ran Office usably and my biggest complaint was the lack of screen real estate when working w/ spreadsheets (something the iPad doesn't fix). I wasn't coding on it and since I had 2 of them on top of the 3 other laptops + 2 desktops I had, there was never a computer more than a few ft away but the netbooks were just fine at email, browsing, and light productivity. It didn't like Hulu in full screen but that's not an issue for new models and the iPad can't play it either. Given you can now get 720p netbooks and even 11.6-12" models that weigh in under 3lb or even hybrids like the ULV powered Acer Timelines...there's sufficient processing power available if your budget breaks the $500 mark.

 

knocking it without trying it = fail.

iPad will help you do most people's common tasks faster than on a regular computer, with consistent results and quality.

you can really think of the iPad as a videogame console vs. gaming on a computer. sure, the computer gives you more power, more flexibility, and infinitely more control over your peripherals and experience...

...but console gaming is popular for the exact opposite reason. console owners enjoy not having to worry about settings, details, crashes, which peripherals will work, etc. if the games have the logo of their console on the box, they can rest assured that it will run properly and with minimal effort.

some PC gamers hate gaming on console because they can't up the resolution or add on the 16xMSAA blah blah blah. but those who don't mind sacrificing absolute control for a consistent experience that is often times faster, easier to understand, and allows you to focus on your CONTENT than the process of getting to the content are very, very damn happy with their consoles.

learn the lesson.

 

This is true, but consoles are mostly popular because they're cheap. You have to pay a premium for a good computer to play computer games. I'm sure xbox fans would love it if an xbox "pro" came out allowing them to play their games at 16 x super sample and full 1080p. The thing about the iPad is its only "simple" because it lacks so many features, your paying a premium price, $500+ for a something that's out featured by its $300 rivals. Why would people who hate computers (same ones that apparently love how simple the iPad is), pay $500+ for such a device, when their actual computers probably cost them less?

I believe once the initial rush is over, this product will cater to a very niche market. The only thing revolutionary about the iPad, is the amount of money companies will make off of it. I have used it, and its like the first time I used my iPod touch back in 2007. Not much has been improved other than a few sites being "ipad" friendly. You still even get the checkerboard loading screen if your scroll to fast. I've never seen my phone do that.

 

I am considering buying one right now. Seems like a perfect device to have at the bedside in the morning and at night, have recipes up on in the kitchen (touch interface usually works alot better then keyboard with dirty hands, easier to clean)....or to take to the can with you. Currently I use a smartphone for all that, and alot of the time I do with it had a bigger screen. If it cost $350 it would be a no-brainer for me to buy one.

 

more than fair.

I really like the device, but I'd have a heart attack if I didn't know my PC was near by. I disagree with what other people are saying: this thing is about 90% consumption device and 10% creation device. but it does that 90% very well.

I went to espn.com today and was well pleased to find that all of their videos work on the iPad. ALL of them. that's one of my most traveled websites, so I'm happy to see that. still wish it had Flash. But considering how much more consistent h.264 video playback is, I don't mind if the iPad makes web developers use it for their video needs going forward. seeing videos play without that infrequent "stutter" that I see in flash, whether with my ULV processor or my i7-920, I won't miss it at all (for video).

 

Its a good reader while your inside, if you try to read outside on a sunny day your only going to see a reflection of your face. The back-lit screen may also cramp your eyes in prolonged reading compared to e-ink displays. Simply put its not as "hard core" a reader as a kindle is, but does suffice for reading inside.

The Kindle bookstore is a lot bigger than the iBooks. iBooks is small but will probably grow.

Marvel app is an app, if your not into comic books I'm not sure if it will mean much, if you are then you'll probably like it. Pretty much an online comic book store.

The iPad is not as good as a reader as a kindle, but the iPad has many more functions. Its pretty much does everything an ipod touch does, but on a bigger screen. + runs iWork.

 

solid. you'll want to have a secondary source of light on, and it's not great in daylight unless you crank the brightness all the way up...but it's reasonably pleasant on the eyes. it has a good style and feel to it. it's also very easy to convert books to the ePUB format to ad whatever you want to add to it.

fine. but it doesn't matter. you can add your own stuff or use the Kindle bookreader for access to all of Amazon's stuff.

it's popular and people are satisfied with it.

of course, but many people would rather discuss what they don't like. it makes them feel better about not buying it.

 

I heard Ipad has wifi problems lost connection and overheating etc issues .. does anyone of you who own one has this problems?
cuz my friend want to get one and im just pretty doing some reading for him
here is the link to back up my post
http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/06/dost-thine-ipad-trouble-thee/#comments
i post more link if you guys want to

 

I have the wifi issue.

it's not heat related. not in my case. thing is as cool as the other cheek on a polar bear's . but it will randomly "seizure". basically, it'll give an error message over and over again (like 1 pop-up every second) for maybe 8-10 seconds, then it'll reconnect to the network. you basically just have to wait for it to wake back up. it may do this 2-3 times while typing in Safari for 10 minutes on a web forum like NBR.

Since I know I'm going to have to take it back, I'm going to use the next 10 days to decide if the iPad in general is worth keeping. this wifi issue gives me an excuse to return it for full refund if I choose to do so. so this issue is something of a blessing in disguise for me.

As for your friend, I wouldn't let it discourage them if they want one. Apple will exchange it without question most likely.

 

WiFi issue here as well, and its annoying as heck. have not had a heat issue but my ambiant temp is nice and cool at the moment and I have not baked it on a hot day in sunlight yet. now as for reading it in direct sunlight ... thats an experience in eyestrain

 

Why would this be the case if you liked the Ipad so much and the things it could do?

 

because it's still a *want* not a need. impulse buy was impulsive. still an excellent product regardless.

 

You just made my day .

For a product that comes with so much bug out of box and when you even experienced it first hand, I must say you are pretty label forgiving.

 

Spent a few minutes at Best Buy lookin at these. Sorry, but I just don't get it. Is there a way to make it like the Kindle for reading? Otherwise, I think its too hard on the eyes for serious reading.

Of course, since I own nothing Apple, I am not Mr. Jobs' target consumer.

Bronsky

 

Thanks

ill just report back to him and if he still "want" it then he just go ahead i did however ask on the other forum some do have heated issue and some dont even reconnect bc Ipad somehow some point forgot the wep code that's weird

Thanks again

 

umm...okay. you're welcome? does keeping my options open with regard to a product I don't need somehow reflect badly on the product that was never billed as a "need" product? it certainly shouldn't. though I know we have people here that are looking for a reason to think the product isn't high-quality or otherwise hate on what other people are enjoying.

if someone told you this is a necessity, you're misinformed. if you just want to be assholish, troll elsewhere.

well yea, that is weird. i've not had that happen. and whoever those people on the forum are, they need to upgrade their wireless security. WPA2 security or nothing at all. WEP is a sad joke in 2010.

 

No one *needs* a PC, netbook, notebook, desktop, iPhone, iTouch, iPad, or any other electronic device for that matter... nor do I think the fact you're possibly (definitely?) returning the iPad reflects badly on you, or anyone else for that matter... However ..

I'm intrigued then - considering the fact that you've impulsively (again not a bad thing ) bought the iPad and you're apparently planning to return it - the question I'd ask is: why? Why not keep the iPad to replace one of your other electronic devices that you, fundamentally, don't *need* either? Why not sell one of your other devices in order to replace it with the iPad from a functional perspective?

I, along with others here, am still questioning the true purpose of this particular device. I'm a self-professed gadget freak. I've owned/used/worked with products from Palm to Blackberry to iPhone to Motorola, from Mac OS to Windows to IBM OS/2 to Linux to Unix to VAX/VMS to Burroughs, from Mainframes to Supercomputers to PCs and everything else in between. This is the FIRST product of it's kind in this market - and I just really don't get what it's for? From, what I can tell, it's a mish-mash of a larger (albeit still neutered) iPhone/iTouch with an apparent aim as an alternative for the netbook market segment. I get the idea that it's purely a consumption device. However - past playing with various apps, reading/consuming media, and browsing the web - I really don't get the purpose of it. Especially, considering the fact that at it's current price point just for the WiFi model - you can obtain a product for much cheaper that can do *so* much more from a comparative/quantitative standpoint?

I can see why the media loves it, as noted, it's going to potentially drive a lot of users back to those respective outlets, albeit in an online form. As someone else noted - the 3G model doesn't really make sense either...

As most reviews have pointed out as well - if you're a techie - most have stated you're not going to love it - otherwise - you will. I'm not so sure of that - as most families are going to consult these same "techies" within their family to get their thoughts about purchasing a $500+ computing device (at least that's what happens in my extended family).

So I ask.. What is it, specifically, about the iPad that forces/compels you to entertain so quickly returning the unit (other than the fact it was an impulse buy), especially when most techies (like myself) have the latest technologies in our hands, we typically make a concession (i.e. sell the older stuff ) with older technologies in order to keep the latest/greatest?

When I'm struggling to find even one reason to purchase the iPad (and I've looked at it *SEVERAL* times now) above other similar devices - I find it *really* interesting that some people are already considering returning the current "next greatest thing since sliced bread" so soon after it has been introduced to the market...

 

that's an interesting assertion. I find that I *DO* need a computer for my business. I *DO* need a notebook for my mobile presentations. I *DO* need a phone for communication. Maybe you know of a better way to do my digital graphic work and programming than on a "PC, netbook, notebook, desktop, ... or any other electronic device."

Maybe you don't? then speak for yourself. And maybe you should sign yourself out of NBR for making such a straw-grasping and ridiculous argument as that.

As for the iPad, it's a *want* product for someone with a smartphone and a laptop and knows how to use them. I find it to be as such because it's a device for which every feature you can already accomplish on the laptop/desktop you already own. I have no problem with *want* products and it's not to denigrate the product in any particular way. It's just an objective conclusion. For the technically astute, it doesn't do anything that equipment you already own doesn't do, unless you don't own a portable computer in the first place...but then I'd wonder how you found yourself at NoteBookReview.com.

Because...why? My iPad is defective, moron. It's going back no matter what. In what universe do you live in where returning a defective products reflects badly on the purchaser? You have some kind of X-Ray glasses or superhero vision that allows you to detect bad wifi chipsets in computer products?

I may come home with a replacement; I may get my money back and spend it on something else as I wait for them to iron their bugs out. In my universe, that's just business. I still think the iPad as a product is an excellent product for certain buyers or people who want a new toy. But the iPad I bought has wifi seizures on a regular basis.

I didn't even bother to read the rest of your post because you started off so poorly. Hope someone else enjoys it. and i hope it reflects better on your comprehension skill set than your first 2 points did.

 

Maybe I should have included the word "basic" with "need" in my response - but I figured I didn't need to word it that specifically...

Agreed.. and with that last sentence - you've clarified, at least in part, what I was looking for - thanks..

Eh - wow? I fixed your "quote" for you (not sure if it was by selective omission or not) - if you actually go back and READ my post (per your comment/admission - you didn't) I never said it reflects badly on anyone to return a product - defective or not - there's various reasons for returning a product - I was simply asking/prompting for your input...

Obviously you either have a problem sharing that input in a reasonable format or possibly have a corncob stuck up an inappropriate spot causing extreme displeasure and therefore causing the maligned response you just posted .. not sure.. Sorry for bothering you.. just asking because you're the first I'd seen that actually was returning the unit.. - Jeez.

 

This thread has turned into back-and-forth arguing so it is now closed. Feel free to start a fresh thread on the same topic.