Apple iPad is here

[Grant Lamontagne]

That's almost as good as the desk that attaches to your steering wheel so you can use your laptop while driving!

Def

[eodtech]

5/31/2010

Apple has had a very successful product on it's hands with the iPad. Before the release many people said it would be a flop... that it duplicated functionality of other devices, that it just wouldn't sell. Apple has proved them wrong. Not only has the iPad created a whole new hardware category, but it's combined the functionality of so many devices into one, and it's done it in a way that people feel is superior to the older devices. All of this is reflected in the fact that Apple has sold over 2 million iPads in 60 days and applications for the iPhone,  iPod and iPad exceed 200,000 !

[Mr. Whippy]

Surprising result, given the economy.  I heard that as capitalized corporation, Apple is now larger than Microsoft.  What a difference a decade makes...

[eodtech]

iPad - first impressions after 48 hours

I researched the iPad on line and had a touchy - feely one hour session at Best Buy. Finding an iPad at a local retailer was not in the realm of possibility so I ordered it online from the Apple Store. I opted for the 16GB wi-fi version ( $500 ) knowing it was the basic iPad and if need be I could always order a 32GB or 64GB model at a later date. FedEx delivered the iPad 18 days later, and I have been getting acquainted with it for exactly 48 hours, as a matter of fact I am typing on it at this moment.

A friend just emailed me and asked what was the difference between the iPad and a laptop. #1 is lightweight portability - it's really a " take it with you everywhere " device. I purchased a foam sleeve fitted for the iPad which fits like a glove and that fits into a padded handgun carrying case ( which looks like a small laptop caring bag )  making it very transportable. It was a pain lugging the MacBook around town. #2 is the price of the iPad ( 50% less than a new MacBook ) and the functionality equal to that of my recently sold MacBook. With built in wi-fi I can use it around the house with my Airport / Time Capsule as well as traveling, the 3G model iPad was not a consideration due to the added monthly expense to AT&T. #3 is the applications available from the App Store are numerous and inexpensive and being released on a daily basis. Examples include: A1 PERFECT web browser for $.99 which runs circles around the supplied Safari iPad application, Easy Notes Pro, another $.99 replacement for the supplied Notes application. Plus a number of FREE applications including Skype, iBooks, Kindle reader, DropBox -  a utility to sync files from computer to iPad , Sudoku daily, USA Today and many more.

Address Book contacts, Safari bookmarks and iCalendar entries were transferred to the iPad on it's first sync.

Typing on the touch screen is very straight forward, an optional wireless keyboard is available. Watching a DVD movie ( The Hurt Locker ) is very impressive with 1024 x 768 pixel resolution. 10 hour battery life is another bonus ( vs 6 hours on my MacBook ). To date I have 22 application, 1 DVD movie, 1 photo screen saver and have 12.7GB remaining of the available 14GB on the iPad - I assume the other 2GB's are used by the operating system and imbedded applications.   


What is missing on the iPad - the only thing that I miss is multitasking , which is rumored to be in the new O/S upgrade, due out this summer. Printing is another requested feature from iPad users, however several " work arounds " as well as printing utilities are starting to show up from developers. With 2 million iPads sold in the first sixty days there are a number of iPad  developers jumping on the band wagon.

Would I sell my MacBook and buy an iPad again - in a heart beat !


iLOVE my iPAD
EODtech

[eodtech]

Plastic BACK COVER TRAY to protect the finish


PADDED SLEEVE to cover and protect iPad


PISTOL CASE ( open position ) to carry the iPad


PISTOL CASE ( Closed position)


Total Cost under US$25

[Crouton]

After a month with mine I give the device a thumbs up.  It's best use is as a coffee table computer.  Literally anyone can use it.  It's the one device in the house that everyone fights over.

[eodtech]

After a month with mine I give the device a thumbs up.  It's best use is as a coffee table computer.  Literally anyone can use it.  It's the one device in the house that everyone fights over.

+1, getting ready to order a second one, my grandson has mine to " try out " !!!   

[Woz]

Got mine yesterday, a 16GB Model with 3G. I love it, a great Device and MT.O Looks fantastic on it. Best on-the-go Internet experience I know so far. 

[ryan1835]

im failing to see the point in them isnt it just a big ipod touch

[Woz]

It is much more, it is a really gerat internet device, a movie player, gaming device...
I like smartphones, but the small displays are not that great for longer surfing. Surfing the net on an iPad is just amazing. Oh, and last but not least: the calender app is the best I've seen so far and I love reading books and magazines on it.

[Chako]

I just don't get this device. After playing with it at one of the local shops, it didn't float my boat. Mind you, I don't even own a cell phone, let alone a smart cell phone...and I just don't get the need for a smart cell phone with its added monthly data package cost anyways.

[Crouton]

I just don't get this device. After playing with it at one of the local shops, it didn't float my boat. Mind you, I don't even own a cell phone, let alone a smart cell phone...and I just don't get the need for a smart cell phone with its added monthly data package cost anyways.

You just aren't in the target demographic Chako. 

I like mine just as a coffee table device, it sits there ready for instant consumption of information, the web browsing experience is actually better than on a PC for me, even though the browser lacks flash.  For me it's about convenience of the one piece, tablet form factor.  I don't have the 3G option on mine and likely wouldn't use it much if I had it.  I have an iPhone 4 for mobile data needs and I love it too.

We are going to see a plethora of tablets from the competition by Christmas time, most of which will be running android.  I will likely be purchasing one of these as well as the iPad is in constant demand around the house. Kmart has a 7 inch tablet for sale now running Android 2.1 and it only runs $150 if you got a raincheck for it, it's $169 otherwise http://www.slashgear.com/augen-gentouch-78-149-android-tablet-headed-to-kmart-2795429/ 
The reviews are decent but it has a resistive touchscreen which isn't ideal for swipe gestures as opposed the the capacitive touchscreen on the iPad.

The near future should be very busy in the tablet form factor field, I can't wait.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Chako is not the target demographic?  Do you know how many netbooks the man owns?  If a gadget junkie with a disposable income isn't the target demographic, who is? 

Def

[Crouton]

Chako is not the target demographic?  Do you know how many netbooks the man owns?  If a gadget junkie with a disposable income isn't the target demographic, who is? 

Def

Hehe good point but Chako said he doesn't own a cellphone, and I suspect a massive chunk of iPad early adopters carry smartphones.

As as I can tell they Apple has created a new market space with people interested from all over the demographic spectrum.  The apple fanboys are buying these up like crazy.  There is also the Nintendo DS crowd looking for something a little more serious.  The casual computer user that has a hard time with a Windows interface is interested.  The middle aged coffee table crowd like me looking for a device that will boot to a web browser faster than you can put your coffee down is buying them.  The uber geek gadget freak is buying it so he can have the latest it gadget.  The hipster crowd thinks it makes them look cool.  It seems to me that older computer users are loving this thing, but I base that only on the high percentage of gray haired folks I saw at the Apple store when getting my iPhone 3GS repaired.

The market will change when there are some solid, credible competing units out there.

I really like the device but I must admit that mine was a gift.  I wouldn't have paid the asking for what apple wants for one.  Despite it's cost though it is a great device with an exceptional user interface.

[Chako]

Well, I don't carry a cell phone for several reasons.

1. The kids aren't allowed to have them in school. I like to lead by example. So if they aren't allowed them, then why should I be allowed to have them. Therefore, I don't have a cell phone. Nothing is more annoying than having some colleague’s cell phone ring while they are teaching, or in a meeting.

2. Which leads to my second reason. I view cell phones like pagers. Nobody can get a hold of me while traveling. I always feel for those poor folks tied to their work 24/7.

3. Point 3, I was tempted to get a smart phone just to see what all the fuss was about. I went to one of the local cell phone stores and had one of their employees walk me through all the reasons for owning one. Frankly, I figured I was best tied to a netbook/laptop as I have no need to phone anyone anyways when I am out of the house.

4. I had a cell phone back in the medieval days. In fact, I was an early adopter. Remember those giant units with the satchel for the battery. I had bought it for emergency calls while travelling. Well, that was all good and well until I found out that it was useless on the highways, which is what I wanted a cell phone for...in case I break down or something. That left...then I bought a more modern cell phone a few years ago. The coverage on the highway was a lot better...but there were issues with 911 calls. That killed that phone for "emergency" use. Then these smart phones came into play. I like the idea somewhat until I found out that I had to buy a data package above and beyond the monthly cell phone charges. The 911 thing is now fixed but the extra charge to access the net on top of the 15 cent charge per txt message...well I just figure it is now an outright money grab.

So there you have it, why I don't have a cell phone right now. Def is right, I am a gadget junkie. I just don't see what the iPad can do that my netbooks or laptops can't. But who cares about that. Just because I can't see the reason for it does not make the device any less viable. Enough people are buying into it for it to have something behind it.

[Crouton]

Nothing is more annoying than having some colleague’s cell phone ring while they are teaching, or in a meeting.

I hear ya on this one, I despise hearing peoples ringtones.  I always have my phone on vibrate in a public place.

I had a cell phone back in the medieval days. In fact, I was an early adopter.

I was actually late adopter for cell phones for two reasons.  1) Like you I didn't want to be tied to my work and 2) I have a dislike of actually talking on the phone.  I like my smart phone because it allows other means of communications.  Most calls go to voicemail, and I prefer email and text to voice calls.

So there you have it, why I don't have a cell phone right now. Def is right, I am a gadget junkie. I just don't see what the iPad can do that my netbooks or laptops can't.

You are absolutely right on this, an iPad does almost nothing that a netbook can't, while a netbook does many things that the iPad cannot.  The iPad is not "magical" as Steve Jobs says but it does offer one compelling reason to buy it, and that's the tablet form factor finally implemented well.

[DaveK]

At work, we're toying with the idea of using iPads for customer software demos - that could be pretty cool

[Chako]

That would be cool.

Macs always had a great user interface.

[cerbera147]

Please reassure me I'm not the only one who thinks this it total madness   

Should a 4 year old boy get an iPad for Christmas? 

Apparently my cousin's little boy will be getting an iPad from Santa this Christmas; WHAT??? She is a single mum and her son is totally spoilt, mostly by his grandparents [my aunt and uncle]  He wants for nothing; he wants he gets. It shows in his attitude to others as well   

I think an iPad in the hands of a child that young is outrageous 

I have to go and teach him how spell Leatherman on his letter to Santa 

[Benner]

No that is a little crazy.

[ducktapehero]

I view cell phones like pagers. Nobody can get a hold of me while traveling. I always feel for those poor folks tied to their work 24/7.

I wanted to comment on this one. Back when I had a pager, WAY back in the 90's, I was working for a company and my boss asked me for my pager number. I asked her if they were going to pay the bill for it. She said of course not and so I said then you can't have the number. It pissed her off but I wasn't a company executive, I worked in a factory. My job wasn't so important that I needed to be on call 24/7. Although, later on they fired me for "having a piss poor attitude". 

[eodtech]

Just signed up for Netflix mobile, now I can show the streaming movies on my L/R large screen TV or just watch them on my iMac or iPad ..... ( Netflix mobile is $7.99 month - unlimited d/l's )

iMac ------>>> WiFi ------->>> iPad------>>> Apple component AV cables --------->>> 50" Sony TV


Sent from my iPad !

[eodtech]

#1. With the new software upgrade, iPad sure is looking more and more like a netbook replacement !

http://blogs.computerworld.com/17327/ipad_4_2_an_even_better_fit_for_business


#2.  Apple Holic BLOG   ""I've said it before now I'm saying it again, the iPad is indeed cannibalizing netbook sales. For proof, you don't have to ask Best Buy's boss, nor do you have to listen to the analysts, you just need to speak with Microsoft. Apple's iPad is exploding into the enterprise, defining new categories and generating huge disruption across many industries, meanwhile competitors are simply unable to keep up as Apple does the business.""

http://blogs.computerworld.com/17289/microsoft_admits_ipad_is_killing_netbook_market

[free2niel]

apple iPad is a cool gadget to have on.. i like to have one myself...  right now im i got a F073 Quad Band Dual Cards with Wifi Analog TV Java GPS Touch Screen Cell Phone
 this gadget is pretty useful for me i never get bored on while i work..i think i bought it online or a hundred bucks only... check it on herelink removed

[Grant Lamontagne]

As a new member with only one post to your name I'm sure you can understand why I removed the link.  If you are a legitimate member, please feel free to stick around and let us get to know you. 

If you are a spammer, please feel free to go somewhere else.

Def

[Medic82]

I tried the ipad at a local mac store today and I liked it and I probably could see me with one, the problem is that I don’t like Apple and Steve Jobs. Sometimes I compare them to the great novel 1984, Steve Jobs is Big Brother, Apple is the Party, Apple owners are the outer party and us that don’t have an Apple product are Proles.

I just can’t come to terms that you HAVE to use itunes, you can’t install Flash since Big Brother says it’s nasty stuff, Big Brother controls what apps you can have on your ipad or iphone.

But I still liked the ipad though

[cerbera147]

I entered a competition in work for iPad last month. I thought I had as good chance as everyone else.

I didn't win  Me sad 
Do you think they will ever do an iPod Touch 3G?

I would love an iPhone but I have a mobile phone provided by work. They cover all calls so to spend big money on an iPhone would be a waste for me. Basically I'd want everything the iPhone has but without the calls. An iPod Touch with some sort of sim card to allow an internet connection on the go 

[ryan1835]

i expect there will be an updated ipad out soon just so apple knock the competition into the dirt again 

[Neil]

I entered a competition in work for iPad last month. I thought I had as good chance as everyone else.

I didn't win  Me sad 
Do you think they will ever do an iPod Touch 3G?

I would love an iPhone but I have a mobile phone provided by work. They cover all calls so to spend big money on an iPhone would be a waste for me. Basically I'd want everything the iPhone has but without the calls. An iPod Touch with some sort of sim card to allow an internet connection on the go 

Best bet would be a Touch and a mifi

[cerbera147]

I entered a competition in work for iPad last month. I thought I had as good chance as everyone else.

I didn't win  Me sad 
Do you think they will ever do an iPod Touch 3G?

I would love an iPhone but I have a mobile phone provided by work. They cover all calls so to spend big money on an iPhone would be a waste for me. Basically I'd want everything the iPhone has but without the calls. An iPod Touch with some sort of sim card to allow an internet connection on the go 

Best bet would be a Touch and a mifi

I like the sound of that 

I have a Vodafone USB Dongle for work like below. Just plug into laptop when out and about; I'm thinking if I could hook into that somehow