Hands on with Apple's iPad (with videos and photos) - Page 6

Are they still going to cripple the bluetooth as to not allow bluetooth mic headsets? This always jarateed me with the iPod Touch and pretty much killed any desire for VoIP on the iPhone OS without the iPhone.

Not without flash, its not.




Not with the tiny 4:3 screen its not. Letterboxed videos will be tiny.



The screen is neither large nor hi-res. Are you really serious?



Sorry. With the iPod app, huge amounts of my library need to be transcoded. No support for .flac or .ogg or many other standard formats. None of this stuff is at my fingertips.





You just described every single media player software package now available. But most of them will support common formats, unlike the iPod app.


Yeah? Now I'm excited. How does it differ from the slew of ebook apps already available?



This is similar to every other already existing ebook app, no?

One of the things thats most disappointing for me, is to see where this thing is right now.

Who says this thing won't have flash? it wasn't available during the keynote - there's a few months for adobe to tweak the full plug in to work.

It does have GPS - don't guess, maybe go along to the apple web site and read the tech cpecs.

There is a USB and SD card attachment.

The screen resolution is that of a standard 15" screen, compressed onto a 9.7" size - that's a damn good display.

No proper file system? What are you talking about. This thing will view any important file that is emailed to you:

"Viewable document types: .jpg, .tiff, .gif (images); .doc and .docx (Microsoft Word); .htm and .html (web pages); .key (Keynote); .numbers (Numbers); .pages (Pages); .pdf (Preview and Adobe Acrobat); .ppt and .pptx (Microsoft PowerPoint); .txt (text); .rtf (rich text format); .vcf (contact information); .xls and .xlsx (Microsoft Excel)"

What other essentials are missing from that list?

its not a laptop, it's not a personal computer replacement.

Why don't people get this.

re. the camera - yes, it's a shame that the first version doesn't have one - but how would you hold this thing without your arms aching at an angle that isn't looking up your nose.

No, it's not as good as a macbook pro. It's not meant to be a laptop.

Your comment is full of assumptions based on rumor, which is clearly rebuked via a quick look at the official apple page for this device.

EDIT:

"5. No proper SIM/phone capability."

Yes, because it's not a phone. My hammer can't make my morning coffee. Doesn't make it a bad hammer.

Overall, after sleeping on it. I really like this device. However, since i own an iphone and have a PC, i'm not sure if i'd have a use for it, unless i got it with 3G and that's a deal breaker, since i'm not going to pay for an additional plan. So, either i not get it and live how i am, happily; or i get it and drop my iPhone plan.

Here is my biggest disappointment of the device, lack of home networking. To be more specific, if i could stream my iTunes and sync wirelessly, just like the Apple TV, that would be excellent! Two, if i could print wirelessly to my printer from the iPad, that would be brilliant! I'm not sure why they decided not to do these functions, considering the fact that we heard a while back that the iPad was a family device. If i'm in the kitchen and i want to print out a recipe for a meal, why can't i just print it from the iPad? Or if i'm purchasing online tickets in the living room and want to print the e-ticket before i head to the airport? Seems like a very obvious next step. Third the dock in landscape mode. Why not? if i want to watch a movie but don't want to hold the iPad in my lap or in my hands, i'd have to prop it up on somthing on the coffee table.

These are almost deal-breakers for me. I just don't understand why this device can't do what i've described above? Seems like the in-between that SJ talks about needs some additional measures and apps. I'm really suprised also that i seem to be the only one that has noticed these obvious oversights...anyone else think this way???

What constitutes improved?

I'm just ... really not impressed. It's a big iPod Touch. OK ...

It doesn't have the dual video camera's for video conferencing; indeed it doesn't even have a camera. It's crippled to the AppStore (which I can put up with on an iPhone class device but not a netbook class item). It doesn't have a stylus or text recognition so I'm stuck with the on-screen keyboard or just bring another keyboard with (at which point - why wouldn't I bring the MBP?). And it doesn't support multiple applications at a time. So it's a glorified digital picture frame. Great.

It may serve as a replacement for an iPod Touch but it's not a replacement for a small laptop or an iPhone. I guess if you didn't talk to anyone it could fill in for an iPhone.

Well, for a writer on the road, the iPad could be the object I have always wanted. It is fast enough, has enough software and mobile enough to work on the road. And if needed, the external keyboard is a great addition.

I do not want a laptop; I do not want a netbook. I want a compact screen with editing capabilities. Lookie! iPad!

Printing things is so last decade. Need a recipe? Kick out that cookbook and prop up your iPad on the kitchen counter (though if you're like me, you'll get it all grubby from flipping through it while chopping onions). Need you e-ticket? These days you unfortunately still need a piece of paper for TSA to write some crap on to pass through security. You can print these out using the airport's printer at their self checkins using your confirmation number, i.e. no need to print anything at home, bring your iPad with you and look up the number (though if you had an iPhone I probably would have used it instead as it's easier to pull out).

Actually, I was not proselytizing like many here, I was simply stating an agreement with something someone said about their boss liking it (and how they might use it), and then went on to explain how I'll be using it. So, yeah "FOR ME" is right. Never said anyone else wanted or needed to buy it. Really, not sure what point you're making. Perhaps you didn't read the whole set of missives.

The question of whether or not I "have to get one" is irrelevant.

I expected a game-changing, fully formed device. I was very disappointed to learn that it was nothing but an iTouch on steroids.

I don't believe that is the real tekstud of yestertime. The verbage is all wrong and not quite enough venom.

It might be good FOR YOU, but for the rest of us, the limitations make it less useful than it should have been.

But there will soon be lots of Android and Win7 tablets for the rest of us, so I'm not heartbroken. Just disappointed.

Yes, but now that you know it is an iPod Touch on steroids I am amazed you can't see how brilliant that is. How brilliant that will fit into millions of people's lives and households. How brilliantly it integrates into the Apple eco system and paves new ways. You have established what it is not and what it does not do. Look at what it is and what it does. And then you just may become happily surprised when clever app developers create added functionality.

Sorry Apple, I still don't get what this thing is good for. Now that you've release the iPod Touch/iPhone, the iPad doesn't do enough to justify its size (much less its price). I think its destined to be the coffee-table book of computers: http://agcrazylegs.blogspot.com/2010...computers.html

Did everybody transition to "the paperless office" ten years ago? I think I missed that.

The thing can neither multitask nor print. These are defects, not features.

OK, you just gave yourself away. Why disappointed? Your Android and Win7 tablets will soon be here. Instead of complaining here go to those forums and enthuse about what is to come.

I'm using irony and humor to make my point. Sorry that you were the victim. I like to lampoon.

good one

Apple doesn't develop products for 10 years ago, it's thinking about things that'll be relevant 10 years from now. Not including printing functions would be an indicator that it doesn't consider print or even physical media for that matter to be important. (iPod and digital music, iPad with digital ebooks...). I'd imagine the emphasis for the iWork package on the iPad will be to share documents electronically (who knows if they'll even include a print function in it).


Granted many other manufacturers have envisioned these technologies before Apple, but unlike those other manufacturers, Apple has the formula to making it accessible in the hands of the consumer, likely emphasizing the user experience instead of the technology itself.

My wife had, for the first time, inquired about a laptop about a month ago. She wanted to be able to check email and web surf at times, but not be tied to her computer desk. I told her I could show her how to do that with an iPod Touch and she poo-pooed it as "too small". When she saw the iPad yesterday her initial review was "SWEET! It's adorable!" The iPad, with it's optional dock/keyboard, could be all the computer that's needed for most consumers. Email, web, photos, music, basic word processing... all of the things she normally does now on her Mac Mini with the added benefit of being able to take it with you. I like it.

Tim

Why disappointed? I expected that finally, after wanting one for years, a cool capable tablet computer would be available.

But I'm still waiting. And I'm not waiting for a non-multitasking, locked down, locked-in toy.

Damn, all really wanted was something cool to surf the web while watching TV. But no flash. And something on which I could download and process and chat and surf. But no, it cannot walk and chew gum at the same time.

That is why I am disappointed.

Ditto. iPad is the product I've been dreaming of for a while. I spend a lot of my time in bed with my iPhone tethered to AC. $829 seems way worth it to me.

Although I have a powerful last 13" Black MacBook, it's impractical in bed. May can't come too soon for me. The Multi-Touch Browser, 99 cents, let's me lock in the aspect so the iPhone and soon the iPad can be held on it's side in bed without going portrait. I find the nay-sayers here to have completely perplexing views about this amazing new product. \

Ah, got ya. Hard to tell in type sometimes. For me, it'll be a very good tool, but I tend to be both operating system and hardware agnostic, and use what best fits my purpose (even legal notepads over computers sometimes ). I won't live or die without a camera (but it would be nice as I video Skype with my son a lot). For me, I've already been experimenting with e-book readers for hard copy script replacements during shoots, and this seems much better for that and all the other things it can help with. If I could get a way to stream my monitor feed (maybe via my MBP), I'd be pretty set for a shoot. We'll see how it all works. There are always "glitches" to work out with new hardware.

Well, it might be good FOR HER, but for the rest of us...

I forgot to mention that one other aspect i really wished they'd develop, now that we have a new form-factor to deal with, would be e-notes. They could have developed a way to use hand-writing recognition to be able to use the notes function as an e-note pad. I think this is a useful technology for students and business people alike. If you're talking that paperless life is here, why not for the note taking as well. As an architect, i'd like the notes function to also be developed into a sketch pad as well. no more napkin sketches at a cafe and no more paper pads in the office. Granted SJ hates the idea of a sylus, but for many professions, drawing instuments are crutial to business.

The inclusion of iWork apps is a huge plus, but who wants to sync documents to thier iPad all the time, or email yourself documents to bring to a meeting. What good is giving a presentation on the iPad if you can't print copies for your participant.

I think that gets back to my point about networking this device to a home network and an office network. The iPhone was a niche market until they added exchange server to the email function. I just think these are oversights to the device that i'm hoping to see in the iPad 2.0. That woudl definately open up the market to big business and really boost support.

Yes it is. I am always amazed when I type some kind of fatuous fanboi crap, and folks jump on the bandwagon to agree with me.

I guess I shouldn't be amazed anymore. Hmmmm....isn't somebody here's sig an old Elvis quote? "I used to be disgusted, but now I'm just amused"?

I'll work on getting amused.

Hey - It's YOU with the Elvis Costello quote! I'll notice your posts in the future.

The rest of us are now 'specialized' users. Clearly Apple is thinking of the 'casual' users, which now seem to be outnumbering the 'specialized' users by a large majority.

This is very reminiscent of what is happening in the PC gamers vs couch gamers (i.e. PC gaming vs PS3/XBOX/Wii) gaming. In that business PS3/XBox/Wii is spanking (in terms of sales) the PC gamers because many people just want the damn thing to work and casually play it from their couch. But I digress....

I was initially wondering what happened to the stylus with this thing. I can now see Apple or a third party providing a stylus to use with the iPad if someone so wanted. I mean with the touch screen, the technology is already there....


Now to work on the handwriting character recognition element......

Dang--you saved me from having to write a full post: I agree with everything you wrote above. My story exactly. I work from home, go from room to room through out the day, and have been dreaming about a magazine style computing device for over ten years. Real tired of lugging my laptop around the house, not so convenient. I am ready to buy one today.

Jobs hit the nail on the head - for me. I think the naysayers will always be around, and you know what, for all their doom and gloom, when by next year this thing is bigger than anyone expected you surely will not see them apologise, they'll simply distance themselves from what they said and find other reasons why the product sucks. But, much as I don't like some of what they write, these pundits are required. Everything should be questioned. And I may take one of these critics a little more seriously when they launch their own world-changing, computing device, as Jobs has done a couple times now. Ain't gonna happen.

So the camera accessory would plug in the bottom 30 pin socket, you hold it in portrait orientation, and the camera is giving your audience a nice shot up your unkempt nostrils!

I dont get all this "to do" over a camera. Video conferencing on a handheld device is a recipe for nausea at the other end.

I'm still looking for a comparison photo of both Steves holding their tablets. Then we can talk about where Apple is and where everyone else wishes they could be, okay? Okay!

Why can't it print? I Have a blue tooth printer, this thing has a USB adapter - there are two potential ways to print already. A lot of people making assumptions based on zero facts.

Why does it need to multitask - can you see two applications on this screen at the same time? I think not, so quickly flick between open apps. Easy.

Stephen Fry on the iPad
Stephen Fry:

You know how everyone who has ever done Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? always says, Its not the same when youre actually here. So different from when youre sitting at home watching.? You know how often youve heard that? Well, youll hear the same from anyone whos handled an iPad. The moment you experience it in your hands you know this is class. This is a different order of experience. The speed, the responsiveness, the smooth glide of it, the richness and detail of the display, the heft in your hand, the rightness of the actions and gestures that you employ, untutored and instinctively, its not just a scaled up iPhone or a scaled-down multitouch enhanced laptop it is a whole new kind of device.

I found myself nodding my head in agreement from start to finish.

★
Daring Fireball 10-01-28 11:51 AM John Gruber http://daringfireball.net/

tens of millions of people play Zynga games. their visitor count is something like 1 billion a month and they are very profitable with hundreds of millions of $$$ in revenue. farmville is their biggest hit so far. i don't play but tens of millions of people do

Start here
http://www.idpf.org

$500 Netbook is design for just surfing and light work. It's cheaply built and doesn't last. When you hold one, you know it's cheap.

$500 Ipad from what I've seen is better at what it's designed to do, surf/email/photos/gaming/applications/music/eReader. It probably won't do as well on purely word processing/excel/powerpoint but it's purpose is to edit existing ones.

For $500, you WILL get more use out of an iPad than Netbook (90% of the people). Better use and better value.

Oh....which Netbook do you know can run as many applications as it's available on app store and run them well? Netbook gets bogged down easily when you start using intensive editing programs.

best case is my son will treat the iPad like my blackberry. boooring

he'll want his Thomas the Train and Dora and the websites won't work. He'll say broken. and i'll have to teach him a new word, crippled

Yep!

I've got a 7 or 8 year old 1Ghz Titanium PowerBook that I use like that. I bought a QuickerTek "n" wireless PC Card and it does just fine for wandering around my apartment and web surfing when my MacBook Pro is tied up to my big monitor and doing actual work. It's my MacBook Air!

The iPad will replace the old TiBook for wandering around. I can even take in to Starbucks or a local park (with open wi-fi networks) to escape the effects of cabin fever.

I'm getting one!