Why are people assuming that because every single iPad in the US did not sell out this thing is a flop?
That is pretty much how it goes. The flip side of their vitriol is calling Apple incompetent for not making enough product or, my personal favourite, claiming Apple purposely shorted supply to increase demand despite that maneuver only making sense when interest is nearly non-exsistent.
What a ridiculous post. Does this thing make tea? No. Because it's not designed to.
You point out four points, all of which do not form part of the function of this device. Sorry that you don't "get it".
Re. Your fourth point - what a shame that the $30 kit only allows the connection of the standard media card formats - what a shame that it (only?!) supports MMC/SD/SDHC cards, and a USB adapter which allows you to connect your camera directly to it. How limiting.
Why are you even here - if you've nothing positive to say it just makes you look stupid to repeatedly come out with the negative, narrow minded narrative.
If you'd taken even a second to actually read my posts, rather than just embarking on some vitriolic fanatical rant, you'd have noticed that these are simply a sampling of questions that others were asking, and the responses they were given, not (necessarily) my own opinions, valid as they are.
Note: I don't go around showing my support for a device/technology solely by cutting and pasting a bunch of company talking points from Apple KeyNote speeches/web material, I actually purchase/experience said item for myself, and go from there.
(As previously stated) I ordered an iPad 64gb/3g for myself, and purchased a 64gb/WiFi for my nephew today.
Then there are the "Big Bang Theory" geeks. Those are the full time geeks. The iPad will be great. They can carry ALL their comic books around with them ALL of the time!
Comic books? I have it on good authority that the iPad will be the ultimate Dungeons & Dragons companion.
After I bought my two ipads at the UWS Apple store in NYC on the lower level, I came upstairs and went to the crowded demonstration tables. People were truly fascinated with them. I'm sure some were buying and some were just checking them out.
One guy commented to me "I don't know if I'll get one - I heard some sites don't work on the iPad"
One woman mentioned "it's heavier than my kindle". I told her that's true but usually when reading you rest the (kindle/iPad/actual book) on your lap etc. Don't usually read by holding book or device with two outstretched arms....
Yes, it will take time for people to convince themselves about this device. Until people stop comparing to laptops and kindles and have a better understanding of how and what it is designed for, they may think it has shortcomings.
I do agree there is a perception problem with the lack of video on sites with flash. However that will change quickly. CNN, NYTimes, HULU, and others have changed to non flash video and many more will as the ipad gains in popularity.
Meantime, I got mine to serve as a casual home device - in the living room, kitchen, bedroom, etc for checking emails, surfing the net, watching a video, social websites, reading a book, games, readings news and sports scores etc.
To that end, there is no more elegant, beautiful, well designed, easy to use device than the Apple iPad!
I think it fits nicely between the cell phone and the laptop... I certainly don't see it replacing the laptop. And I doubt the astute expect it to. It's nice for its purpose. Seems people are angered by the iPad. I just can't understand why. Maybe if Google's name appeared on it, the reception would be different.
I won't be packing my notebook anymore when I go to school. I can do everything I need to do on the iPad....
Blame any anger on either the overexposure or the name itself, which sounds like an Apple-ized ink blotter.
Have you seen this thing? Played with it? Imagined what it will be able to do?
I just spent three hours with mine, and it is way more interesting and powerful than I had imagined. You have to hold one of these things in your hands to get an inkling of how this (and its progeny) will change the way we relate to "computing."
Revisit your comments in one year. No, come back in six months. Wait, scratch that -- see what's happening vis a vis the iPad in 90 days.
After playing with the iPad for only ten minutes yesterday, afterward I had an amazing impulse to touch the screen on a MacBook Pro in the Apple Store... then I was disappointed I couldn't. Computers have evolved in a huge way for iPad buyers and there's no going back.
After playing with the iPad for only ten minutes yesterday, afterward I had an amazing impulse to touch the screen on a MacBook Pro in the Apple Store... then I was disappointed I couldn't. Computers have evolved in a huge way for iPad buyers and there's no going back.
That's the exact same way I felt about tablet/slate computers some 6 years ago when I bought my first Compaq TC1000, and again some 3 years ago when I bought my first Hp TouchSmart desktop.
Touch - It's A Great Way To Interact With One's Information, and Apple has realeased a reasonably intriguing computer peripheral with the iPad... but hardly anything revolutionary or remotely 'magical'- IMO.
That's the exact same way I felt about tablet/slate computers some 6 years ago when I bought my first Compaq TC1000, and again some 3 years ago when I bought my first Hp TouchSmart desktop.
Touch - It's A Great Way To Interact With One's Information, and Apple has realeased a reasonably intriguing computer peripheral with the iPad... but hardly anything revolutionary or remotely 'magical'- IMO.
You are right, there is nothing revolutionary or magical about holding that HP desktop in your palm while surfing the net, reading ebooks and generally doing all mannor of things anywhere you want But hey, I guess it does have touch, must make the iPad look like a whimper piece of wanna be
You are right, there is nothing revolutionary or magical about holding that HP desktop in your palm while surfing the net, reading ebooks and generally doing all mannor of things anywhere you want But hey, I guess it does have touch, must make the iPad look like a whimper piece of wanna be
As someone who is currently surfing the net on a 64gb Apple iPad, I can attest to the impracticality/near-impossibility of using the device to surf the net etc. by holding it 'in your palm', unless said operator's hands are sized far beyond that of normal human beings. \
Had you taken the time to read my response within the context of the post to which it referred (After playing with the iPad for only ten minutes yesterday, afterward I had an amazing impulse to touch the screen on a MacBook Pro in the Apple Store), you might also have concluded that few (if any) users would find it practical/possible to hold a MacBook Pro, "in your palm while surfing the net".
Verdict: In this case your Snarky (alleged) Retort = Abject Failure
the fact that many are holding back waiting for the Macbook Pros
Maybe people aren't that interested in it! But I doubt that...
Preorders is a huge reason - I ordered three iPads, two in hand now, and a 3gs version coming - all from home. Conversely, my son and I were waiting on two different lines for the original iPhone in two different malls to see who would get lucky.
And as others have noted, no activation process with the iPad - it took 10 to 20 minutes to "sell" a single iPhone because of the activation process/problems, etc., creating backlogged lines. In 20 minutes, Apple could probably complete 5-7 iPad sales. Far fewer questions as well, I would think, than those wondering about transferring their number, plan options. etc., with the iPhone.
Recession is probably not the issue for this early adoption period - that will play out more over the long haul I think, for the entire sector. But Apple's growth has been surprisingly recession proof - though buyers are more careful with their money, it seems people are looking at Apple's quality and overall experience as a good place to spend those limited tech dollars.
Well... I've been to every Best Buy/Apple Store in the metro Las Vegas area today, and N O N E of them came remotely close to selling out of the iPad, and only two of them had a few (less than 10) people waiting at the door at store opening (as per the sales associates).
Why did you do this? There are 7 Best Buys and 3 Apple stores in the Vegas area. You traveled to ten locations in one day to gauge reaction to the iPad for what reason? Do you write a blog? If so how about a link? It's not that I don't doubt that some customers have asked these questions, I just can't fathom someone doing this without a journalistic reason. Heck, even the WSJ only referenced 2 Apple stores and 1 Best buy for their story.
I'm still not convinced on the iPad. I'm sitting right now on the beach typing away on my 3GS. I just finished reading AnandTech's Nexus One review, and I'm getting ready to read his iPad article.
My 13" MacBook Pro is back at the cottage -- since this was a "working" vacation, I was using my MBP tethered by Bluetooth to my 3GS for Internet.
Hence my dilema; the iPad fits nowhere into my usage scenarios. If I'm on the go, my iPhone fits in my pocket and does music, web, email, movies, gaming, and document creation. If I'm more sedentary, my MBP is infintely more useful than my iPhone or an iPad.
The iPad is closer in capabilities to my iPhone (only with a larger screen), but isn't pocketable.
Maybe I'll wait for the 2G model and see how the apps stack up because now, it totally isn't worth it.
Why did you do this? There are 7 Best Buys and 3 Apple stores in the Vegas area. You traveled to ten locations in one day to gauge reaction to the iPad for what reason? Do you write a blog? If so how about a link? It's not that I don't doubt that some customers have asked these questions, I just can't fathom someone doing this without a journalistic reason. Heck, even the WSJ only referenced 2 Apple stores and 1 Best buy for their story.
I have long (over 20 years) been a part of the 'gadget reviewing' community, under DaHarder as well as two other pseudonyms both in America and Japan.
I essentially purchase, test, and review most major manufacturer media playback devices and portable computers, so it's not the least bit unusual for me to spend entire days traveling from store to store, purchasing various items, and observing consumer reactions/attitudes towards new products.
What could be more 'positive' than the fact that I long ago ordered a 64gb/3g for myself, and picked up a 64gb WiFi for my nephew's graduation present next month.
Frankly, I really have no concern for 'the experiences' of others in this case, as all I was doing was posting what I saw over the last 9 (or so) hours.
That's what you say. It's difficult to believe it when you have nothing good to say about anything Apple produces, or does.
That's what you say. It's difficult to believe it when you have nothing good to say about anything Apple produces, or does.
If that's your perception of the situation, then so be it, but it appears to be more a matter of selective memory than anything based in fact, as I simply post my opinions (both flattering and otherwise), though many in this forum do tend to focus solely on those 'opinions' with which they don't agree... yourself included.
But this thread really isn't about me, personally, it's about first day iPad buying/sales experiences.
It's interesting that in the various iPad discussions I've read today some people are very defensive of the new device when anything negative is said about it. I'd think they were on Apple's payroll if I didn't know better.
No one here has a lot of experience with an iPad (some, just over a half day) and many of us are trying to determine the pluses and minuses of using or buying one. If we want nothing but a rosy picture, we'll look at Apple's website.
We have seen lots of reviews by this point in time. Not one of them has been anything but strongly positive, other than one by a Microsoft devotee. Even PCMagazine gave it 4.5 out of 5, better than Macworld, which gave them a still very good 4 out of five. But then, Apple specific publications are always harder on Apple products than are more neutral publications.
You don't have to use something yourself to get a very good idea of the qualities of a product. With all the excellent reviews across the spectrum of media outlets, and the videos that are being provided by them, we know how well the device performs.
Anyone therefor who makes disparaging comments not based on any of their own experiences or the reading of some of those reviews, has no more credibility than any of the people you mention who are positive and criticizing their statements.
So far, the only reoccurring themes I've been seeing as possible negatives, are the lack of Flash, multitasking, and a couple of other more minor omissions. The lack of Flash isn't even being considered to be a major problem for many reviewers, just a temporary one. The same for multitasking.
A number of criticisms here are often not well thought out, and seem to be made just for the purpose of making them, often by the very same people who are always criticizing Apple's products, services, or the company itself. It's easy to tell who is serious, and who is just trying to be annoying.
If that's your perception of the situation, then so be it, but it appears to be more a matter of selective memory than anything based in fact, as I simply post my opinions (both flattering and otherwise), though many in this forum do tend to focus solely on those 'opinions' with which they don't agree... yourself included.
But this thread really isn't about me, personally, it's about first day iPad buying/sales experiences.
We read your posts. We see what you write. If I read 100 posts by someone, and 98 are negative, it's easy to get an idea of where they're coming from. With more balanced posting it's easier to take negative remarks seriously. I mostly am positive, otherwise I wouldn't be using Apple's products, but I make more than enough negative posts about products and actions by Apple when I feel they are warranted. So, if you really are going to buy an iPad, and "review" it here, I would expect your review to pretty much reflect the results of all the other reviews now online. If it's out of left field, then we would be scratching our heads about why, and wondering how.
And did you really spend all those hours going around the city looking at all those stores trying to see how many people were lined up? Really now!
I'm also in the 'I don't get it crowd' - I just don't see it with any killer apps that make it worth anything at all really. It's missing soooo much including flash, ability to edit docs and a webcam.
Luckily, these things are easily overcome'able if Apple decides to implement them. I suspect we'll see a webcam and editable docs soon, but not the flash (ever).
The iPad's saving grace, imho, is going to come from a third party...namely: dropbox
As soon as dropbox adds in editing support - I'm ENTIRELY on the iPad bandwagon. The device turns from utterly worthless from something I can actually use on the road without bringing out my laptop. Ofcourse, I'd need the 3g version - but I suspect this will be the more popular of the two soon (if it isn't already) anyhow simply because wifi is too limiting (as we saw with the iPhone and iPod Touch.)
Until this happens, this appears to be a very expensive ebook reader with a screen that isn't even ideal for reading off of.
I'm very much looking forward to actually being able to get work stuff done with this though - even if just replying to emails while on a plane/train/auto.
Comments
Why are people assuming that because every single iPad in the US did not sell out this thing is a flop?
That is pretty much how it goes. The flip side of their vitriol is calling Apple incompetent for not making enough product or, my personal favourite, claiming Apple purposely shorted supply to increase demand despite that maneuver only making sense when interest is nearly non-exsistent.
What a ridiculous post. Does this thing make tea? No. Because it's not designed to.
You point out four points, all of which do not form part of the function of this device. Sorry that you don't "get it".
Re. Your fourth point - what a shame that the $30 kit only allows the connection of the standard media card formats - what a shame that it (only?!) supports MMC/SD/SDHC cards, and a USB adapter which allows you to connect your camera directly to it. How limiting.
Why are you even here - if you've nothing positive to say it just makes you look stupid to repeatedly come out with the negative, narrow minded narrative.
If you'd taken even a second to actually read my posts, rather than just embarking on some vitriolic fanatical rant, you'd have noticed that these are simply a sampling of questions that others were asking, and the responses they were given, not (necessarily) my own opinions, valid as they are.
Note: I don't go around showing my support for a device/technology solely by cutting and pasting a bunch of company talking points from Apple KeyNote speeches/web material, I actually purchase/experience said item for myself, and go from there.
(As previously stated) I ordered an iPad 64gb/3g for myself, and purchased a 64gb/WiFi for my nephew today.
How many have you purchased -
Then there are the "Big Bang Theory" geeks. Those are the full time geeks. The iPad will be great. They can carry ALL their comic books around with them ALL of the time!
Comic books? I have it on good authority that the iPad will be the ultimate Dungeons & Dragons companion.
One guy commented to me "I don't know if I'll get one - I heard some sites don't work on the iPad"
One woman mentioned "it's heavier than my kindle". I told her that's true but usually when reading you rest the (kindle/iPad/actual book) on your lap etc. Don't usually read by holding book or device with two outstretched arms....
Yes, it will take time for people to convince themselves about this device. Until people stop comparing to laptops and kindles and have a better understanding of how and what it is designed for, they may think it has shortcomings.
I do agree there is a perception problem with the lack of video on sites with flash. However that will change quickly. CNN, NYTimes, HULU, and others have changed to non flash video and many more will as the ipad gains in popularity.
Meantime, I got mine to serve as a casual home device - in the living room, kitchen, bedroom, etc for checking emails, surfing the net, watching a video, social websites, reading a book, games, readings news and sports scores etc.
To that end, there is no more elegant, beautiful, well designed, easy to use device than the Apple iPad!
It's only been one day and I love it!
Typed on my iPad.
I think it fits nicely between the cell phone and the laptop... I certainly don't see it replacing the laptop. And I doubt the astute expect it to. It's nice for its purpose. Seems people are angered by the iPad. I just can't understand why. Maybe if Google's name appeared on it, the reception would be different.
I won't be packing my notebook anymore when I go to school. I can do everything I need to do on the iPad....
Blame any anger on either the overexposure or the name itself, which sounds like an Apple-ized ink blotter.
Have you seen this thing? Played with it? Imagined what it will be able to do?
I just spent three hours with mine, and it is way more interesting and powerful than I had imagined. You have to hold one of these things in your hands to get an inkling of how this (and its progeny) will change the way we relate to "computing."
Revisit your comments in one year. No, come back in six months. Wait, scratch that -- see what's happening vis a vis the iPad in 90 days.
After playing with the iPad for only ten minutes yesterday, afterward I had an amazing impulse to touch the screen on a MacBook Pro in the Apple Store... then I was disappointed I couldn't. Computers have evolved in a huge way for iPad buyers and there's no going back.
After playing with the iPad for only ten minutes yesterday, afterward I had an amazing impulse to touch the screen on a MacBook Pro in the Apple Store... then I was disappointed I couldn't. Computers have evolved in a huge way for iPad buyers and there's no going back.
That's the exact same way I felt about tablet/slate computers some 6 years ago when I bought my first Compaq TC1000, and again some 3 years ago when I bought my first Hp TouchSmart desktop.
Touch - It's A Great Way To Interact With One's Information, and Apple has realeased a reasonably intriguing computer peripheral with the iPad... but hardly anything revolutionary or remotely 'magical'- IMO.
That's the exact same way I felt about tablet/slate computers some 6 years ago when I bought my first Compaq TC1000, and again some 3 years ago when I bought my first Hp TouchSmart desktop.
Touch - It's A Great Way To Interact With One's Information, and Apple has realeased a reasonably intriguing computer peripheral with the iPad... but hardly anything revolutionary or remotely 'magical'- IMO.
You are right, there is nothing revolutionary or magical about holding that HP desktop in your palm while surfing the net, reading ebooks and generally doing all mannor of things anywhere you want
You are right, there is nothing revolutionary or magical about holding that HP desktop in your palm while surfing the net, reading ebooks and generally doing all mannor of things anywhere you want
As someone who is currently surfing the net on a 64gb Apple iPad, I can attest to the impracticality/near-impossibility of using the device to surf the net etc. by holding it 'in your palm', unless said operator's hands are sized far beyond that of normal human beings.
Had you taken the time to read my response within the context of the post to which it referred (After playing with the iPad for only ten minutes yesterday, afterward I had an amazing impulse to touch the screen on a MacBook Pro in the Apple Store), you might also have concluded that few (if any) users would find it practical/possible to hold a MacBook Pro, "in your palm while surfing the net".
Verdict: In this case your Snarky (alleged) Retort = Abject Failure
There are three reasons for the thinning lines
Maybe people aren't that interested in it! But I doubt that...
Preorders is a huge reason - I ordered three iPads, two in hand now, and a 3gs version coming - all from home. Conversely, my son and I were waiting on two different lines for the original iPhone in two different malls to see who would get lucky.
And as others have noted, no activation process with the iPad - it took 10 to 20 minutes to "sell" a single iPhone because of the activation process/problems, etc., creating backlogged lines. In 20 minutes, Apple could probably complete 5-7 iPad sales. Far fewer questions as well, I would think, than those wondering about transferring their number, plan options. etc., with the iPhone.
Recession is probably not the issue for this early adoption period - that will play out more over the long haul I think, for the entire sector. But Apple's growth has been surprisingly recession proof - though buyers are more careful with their money, it seems people are looking at Apple's quality and overall experience as a good place to spend those limited tech dollars.
Well... I've been to every Best Buy/Apple Store in the metro Las Vegas area today, and N O N E of them came remotely close to selling out of the iPad, and only two of them had a few (less than 10) people waiting at the door at store opening (as per the sales associates).
Why did you do this? There are 7 Best Buys and 3 Apple stores in the Vegas area. You traveled to ten locations in one day to gauge reaction to the iPad for what reason? Do you write a blog? If so how about a link? It's not that I don't doubt that some customers have asked these questions, I just can't fathom someone doing this without a journalistic reason. Heck, even the WSJ only referenced 2 Apple stores and 1 Best buy for their story.
My 13" MacBook Pro is back at the cottage -- since this was a "working" vacation, I was using my MBP tethered by Bluetooth to my 3GS for Internet.
Hence my dilema; the iPad fits nowhere into my usage scenarios. If I'm on the go, my iPhone fits in my pocket and does music, web, email, movies, gaming, and document creation. If I'm more sedentary, my MBP is infintely more useful than my iPhone or an iPad.
The iPad is closer in capabilities to my iPhone (only with a larger screen), but isn't pocketable.
Maybe I'll wait for the 2G model and see how the apps stack up because now, it totally isn't worth it.
Why did you do this? There are 7 Best Buys and 3 Apple stores in the Vegas area. You traveled to ten locations in one day to gauge reaction to the iPad for what reason? Do you write a blog? If so how about a link? It's not that I don't doubt that some customers have asked these questions, I just can't fathom someone doing this without a journalistic reason. Heck, even the WSJ only referenced 2 Apple stores and 1 Best buy for their story.
I have long (over 20 years) been a part of the 'gadget reviewing' community, under DaHarder as well as two other pseudonyms both in America and Japan.
I essentially purchase, test, and review most major manufacturer media playback devices and portable computers, so it's not the least bit unusual for me to spend entire days traveling from store to store, purchasing various items, and observing consumer reactions/attitudes towards new products.
Now Back To The Topic At Hand
What could be more 'positive' than the fact that I long ago ordered a 64gb/3g for myself, and picked up a 64gb WiFi for my nephew's graduation present next month.
Frankly, I really have no concern for 'the experiences' of others in this case, as all I was doing was posting what I saw over the last 9 (or so) hours.
That's what you say. It's difficult to believe it when you have nothing good to say about anything Apple produces, or does.
? http://www.loopinsight.com/2010/04/0...the-first-day/
Thanks.
I see a couple stories this morning on macsurfer siting Munster.
Great news if that pans out.
That's what you say. It's difficult to believe it when you have nothing good to say about anything Apple produces, or does.
If that's your perception of the situation, then so be it, but it appears to be more a matter of selective memory than anything based in fact, as I simply post my opinions (both flattering and otherwise), though many in this forum do tend to focus solely on those 'opinions' with which they don't agree... yourself included.
But this thread really isn't about me, personally, it's about first day iPad buying/sales experiences.
It's interesting that in the various iPad discussions I've read today some people are very defensive of the new device when anything negative is said about it. I'd think they were on Apple's payroll if I didn't know better.
No one here has a lot of experience with an iPad (some, just over a half day) and many of us are trying to determine the pluses and minuses of using or buying one. If we want nothing but a rosy picture, we'll look at Apple's website.
We have seen lots of reviews by this point in time. Not one of them has been anything but strongly positive, other than one by a Microsoft devotee. Even PCMagazine gave it 4.5 out of 5, better than Macworld, which gave them a still very good 4 out of five. But then, Apple specific publications are always harder on Apple products than are more neutral publications.
You don't have to use something yourself to get a very good idea of the qualities of a product. With all the excellent reviews across the spectrum of media outlets, and the videos that are being provided by them, we know how well the device performs.
Anyone therefor who makes disparaging comments not based on any of their own experiences or the reading of some of those reviews, has no more credibility than any of the people you mention who are positive and criticizing their statements.
So far, the only reoccurring themes I've been seeing as possible negatives, are the lack of Flash, multitasking, and a couple of other more minor omissions. The lack of Flash isn't even being considered to be a major problem for many reviewers, just a temporary one. The same for multitasking.
A number of criticisms here are often not well thought out, and seem to be made just for the purpose of making them, often by the very same people who are always criticizing Apple's products, services, or the company itself. It's easy to tell who is serious, and who is just trying to be annoying.
If that's your perception of the situation, then so be it, but it appears to be more a matter of selective memory than anything based in fact, as I simply post my opinions (both flattering and otherwise), though many in this forum do tend to focus solely on those 'opinions' with which they don't agree... yourself included.
But this thread really isn't about me, personally, it's about first day iPad buying/sales experiences.
We read your posts. We see what you write. If I read 100 posts by someone, and 98 are negative, it's easy to get an idea of where they're coming from. With more balanced posting it's easier to take negative remarks seriously. I mostly am positive, otherwise I wouldn't be using Apple's products, but I make more than enough negative posts about products and actions by Apple when I feel they are warranted. So, if you really are going to buy an iPad, and "review" it here, I would expect your review to pretty much reflect the results of all the other reviews now online. If it's out of left field, then we would be scratching our heads about why, and wondering how.
And did you really spend all those hours going around the city looking at all those stores trying to see how many people were lined up? Really now!
Luckily, these things are easily overcome'able if Apple decides to implement them. I suspect we'll see a webcam and editable docs soon, but not the flash (ever).
The iPad's saving grace, imho, is going to come from a third party...namely: dropbox
As soon as dropbox adds in editing support - I'm ENTIRELY on the iPad bandwagon. The device turns from utterly worthless from something I can actually use on the road without bringing out my laptop. Ofcourse, I'd need the 3g version - but I suspect this will be the more popular of the two soon (if it isn't already) anyhow simply because wifi is too limiting (as we saw with the iPhone and iPod Touch.)
Until this happens, this appears to be a very expensive ebook reader with a screen that isn't even ideal for reading off of.
I'm very much looking forward to actually being able to get work stuff done with this though - even if just replying to emails while on a plane/train/auto.