You can try last gen mini which is much cheaper and it's the same without touch id. Also try any retina iPad, I would go 4gen because gen 3 emits more light, for a very decent price off of eBay, or owc (macsales - they have great deals). It's a shame to go with chromebooks, they really offer no value in terms of the universe of excellently done applications and games on the iPad, book, pdf and article reading (longform, instapaper, readability), you can do on them, etc. etc. Off the top of my head I can come up with at least 200+ apps that work and look better on the iPad than any platform on the globe. And cheap MS notebooks are much better value too.
I am not saying you shouldn't be naturally enjoying and being attached to your own chromebook, as a decently done (privacy invading, sorry I had to say that, cause it's true) notebook, but you are missing out on a magical device. Ain't no doubt about it, people might have laughed then, but SJ was absolutely right.
If you really want a product because you know it's better than the competition you can also have a look at the Grade A+ used or refurb market. And there are plenty of iPads that sell for around that price and have a long long life ahead of them.
The only qualm I have with the third and fourth gen is the weight. 1.4 pounds is a lot compared to 1 pound for the Air, .96 for the Air 2, and around three quarters of a pound for the Minis.
The Air at $399 is a great value, but the refurbs are really good as well. I think it's $319 for a refurb 16GB Air now (crazy to think I paid $570 for mine last year, after taxes and warranty).
Agreed on the magical apps and uses. I use my iPad more than any other computing device (and I have a lot of computing devices). I just downloaded Monument Valley (mainly to support the dev) and FTL, both great experiences.
Depends. If your private data is worth something to you than Chromebooks are the most expensive option on the market. Especially with the cheap Windows laptops available now.
A tempest in a teapot IMHO. So you might see an ad based on your interests. Big deal. That hardly rises to the level of a danger to you and yours. Even Apple is getting more involved with targeted advertising so it can't be bad can it? If there were no Google providing advertising services then someone else would fill the spot, someone unlikely to provide you anything of value in return (ie, search engine, business software, email service, mapping)
We know what Google does with it. They work with companies like Ford, Proctor and Gamble, Nike and others like them to place ads to those that might be interested in their products, but never giving those companies access to anything personal. Google guards it like gold. Advertising is just plain evil huh?
So what is the data sharing from ISP's, pharmacy records, credit reporting agencies, data aggregators like Axciom and credit card companies like Mastercard called and what do you get of value in return?
A tempest in a teapot IMHO. So you might see an ad based on your interests. Big deal. That hardly rises to the level of a danger to you and yours. Even Apple is getting more involved with targeted advertising so it can't be bad can it? If there were no Google providing advertising services then someone else would fill the spot, someone unlikely to provide you anything of value in return (ie, search engine, business software, email service, mapping)
Heck, unlike Google do you realize your credit card provider is likely selling information about you? I know that Mastercard does and has for some time and Amex has started down that same path. So is ATT. So is Verizon. Records of what prescriptions you've had. Yup those are shared too. What happens to that information and how is it used? Is that going to now change your mind about using a cellular provider or credit card or pharmacy or insurance company? Also unlike Google that possibly incorrect information can have a financial impact, leading to higher rates interest rates, more costly insurance policies or worse declined services altogether.
We know what Google does with it. They work with companies like Ford, Proctor and Gamble, Nike and others like them to place ads to those that might be interested in their products, but never giving those companies access to anything personal. Google guards it like gold. Advertising is just plain evil huh?
So what is the data sharing from ISP's, pharmacy records, credit reporting agencies, data aggregators like Axciom and credit card companies like Mastercard called and what do you get of value in return?
Like I said, a tempest in a teapot.
I don't have a credit card, I didn't opt into Verizon's reward points scam (and hardly use their data network). I use companies that respect consumers and their privacy, and I'm always cautious where I place my data (heck, I keep my personal journal on an eMate 300, hardly a target for data theft).
Cowardly PC Manufacturers: "What is going on!?!? Apple's stock keeps rocketing and their products are eating all the profits out of the industry! IDC???"
IDC: "Yes, my liege?"
Cowardly PC Manufacturers: "We need a propaganda to distribute to all clueless analysts and consumers of the world. We don't pay you millions for nothing!"
IDC: "Yes my liege!"
(Five minutes later)
IDC: "My liege?"
Cowardly PC Manufacturers: "Yes, are you done yet?"
IDC: "Oh yes my liege. We've determined the lowest price of Apple's iPads and claim that only cheaper devices are growing. (mouth breathing) You know, all those generic, white label Android devices that no one ever sees anywhere except on shelves in corner pharmacies and pawn shops."
Cowardly PC Manufacturers: "Excellent. My evil plan is executing nicely. Imagine all the disappointed children this Christmas who receive a Pantech iDap 8.2" tablet instead of the iPad they asked for... Their parents can throw it in a drawer in 3 months when it's infected with Chinese malware and porn!!! Muhahwahahwaha!" (overly annoying evil laughter)
The only qualm I have with the third and fourth gen is the weight. 1.4 pounds is a lot compared to 1 pound for the Air, .96 for the Air 2, and around three quarters of a pound for the Minis.
The Air at $399 is a great value, but the refurbs are really good as well. I think it's $319 for a refurb 16GB Air now (crazy to think I paid $570 for mine last year, after taxes and warranty).
Agreed on the magical apps and uses. I use my iPad more than any other computing device (and I have a lot of computing devices). I just downloaded Monument Valley (mainly to support the dev) and FTL, both great experiences.
You are right about the weight, should be factored in for a purchase choice.
Monument Valley looks absolutely stunning and lovely, thanks for the head's up, love the art deco inspired design.
I didn't opt into Verizon's reward points scam (and hardly use their data network). I use companies that respect consumers and their privacy, and I'm always cautious where I place my data (heck, I keep my personal journal on an eMate 300, hardly a target for data theft).
You don't have to opt-in. As a Verizon or ATT subscriber you're automatically targeted and your data shared. You should read the links I provided before assuming your data is safely in your own hands and under your control. You obviously did not so before posting.
It would be interesting to know what the average replacement period is for someone who owns both an iPad and an iPhone. I have an iPad 4 and iPhone 5. I am keen to replace my iPhone next May when my 2 year contract ends as I can see the added value of an iPhone 6. For my iPad, having tried out the new Air and Mini, neither felt compelling enough to seek an upgrade.
I'd be curious to know that as well. I'm in a similar boat as you. I have a 5s, and will upgrade to either a 6 or 6+ next summer. I like the NFC addition and would love to use Apple Pay. On the flip side, I've got a 1st gen iPad Mini that still works great for me. I mainly use it for books, some light gaming and keeping up with football scores on the weekends. I'm leaving it on iOS 7 for the moment - not sure how well it would run 8 (if there's even a difference).
I guess the general rule is that people use their phones a lot more than their iPads, so we're more likely to upgrade those as often as we can. Tablets probably are closer to computers on the upgrade cycle, so maybe every 3 or 4 years.
Cowardly PC Manufacturers: "What is going on!?!? Apple's stock keeps rocketing and their products are eating all the profits out of the industry! IDC???"
IDC: "Yes, my liege?"
Cowardly PC Manufacturers: "We need a propaganda to distribute to all clueless analysts and consumers of the world. We don't pay you millions for nothing!"
IDC: "Yes my liege!"
(Five minutes later)
IDC: "My liege?"
Cowardly PC Manufacturers: "Yes, are you done yet?"
IDC: "Oh yes my liege. We've determined the lowest price of Apple's iPads and claim that only cheaper devices are growing. (mouth breathing) You know, all those generic, white label Android devices that no one ever sees anywhere except on shelves in corner pharmacies and pawn shops."
Cowardly PC Manufacturers: "Excellent. My evil plan is executing nicely. Imagine all the disappointed children this Christmas who receive a Pantech iDap 8.2" tablet instead of the iPad they asked for... Their parents can throw it in a drawer in 3 months when it's infected with Chinese malware and porn!!! Muhahwahahwaha!" (overly annoying evil laughter)
Most of those cheap tablets are pure trash that are barely useable in their primary function... No wonder Tablet sales are going down with such bad PR. Yes, I have seen some of those unfortunate "tablets".
I just noticed HP has rolled out some new Windows 8.1 tablets called the Stream 7 and the Stream 8 for $100/$150. They definitely are targeted to the low end of the market but they are most definitely not "pure trash".
The interesting thing about these tablets is that they both come with 1 year of Office 365 Personal which would run at least $70 if purchased alone. That makes these things a real bargain.
It would be interesting to know what the average replacement period is for someone who owns both an iPad and an iPhone. I have an iPad 4 and iPhone 5. I am keen to replace my iPhone next May when my 2 year contract ends as I can see the added value of an iPhone 6. For my iPad, having tried out the new Air and Mini, neither felt compelling enough to seek an upgrade.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Freshmaker
I'd be curious to know that as well. I'm in a similar boat as you. I have a 5s, and will upgrade to either a 6 or 6+ next summer. I like the NFC addition and would love to use Apple Pay. On the flip side, I've got a 1st gen iPad Mini that still works great for me. I mainly use it for books, some light gaming and keeping up with football scores on the weekends. I'm leaving it on iOS 7 for the moment - not sure how well it would run 8 (if there's even a difference).
I guess the general rule is that people use their phones a lot more than their iPads, so we're more likely to upgrade those as often as we can. Tablets probably are closer to computers on the upgrade cycle, so maybe every 3 or 4 years.
I plan to do a two year cycle with my iPad, just like my iPhone, at least for now. But in alternating years. This year was iPhone year, next year is iPad year.
Obviously not everyone will do this, but the Air 2 solves a lot of the issues I had with the Air (hello, laminated display). That means the Air 3 will solve even more (and perhaps bring back the mute switch).
We bought the 1st gen mini this summer when Target and Best Buy had them for $199. It was the magic price point. Over that was too high.
Wouldn't mind the retina mini, but Apple has kept tablets in the luxury realm for most buyers - whether they can't afford it or don't want to pay that price.
If you are going to read books and have the occasional game, the device should not be expensive. Not when you can get a laptop for the same price or cheaper than an iPad. Going back to Chromebooks, they offer far more value than an iPad and at a lower cost (and I type on one now as its my go-to computer).
The 1st gen mini is fine for $199. $249 is a little high, but still okay (because of the software available). For those of us used to retina iPhones, they are a bit of a step down and a disappointment.
A 1st gen mini is just fine for most people for nearly all purposes and you don't have to spend an arm and a leg.
If a person only wants to read books, get the new Kindle. It's highly recommended.
If a person only wants to read books, get the new Kindle. It's highly recommended.
Unless you like typography choices, it's been panned for having the usual ones. I've never had a Kindle (still have my Sony Reader) but I've heard the fonts are less than stellar, and the new one isn't any better.
"I view it as a speed bump, not a huge issue" is exactly how I view the iPad Air 2 over the already excellent iPad Air I bought last year. My upgrade cycle is 2 years. My iPhone and iPad purchases fall on different years.
Unless you like typography choices, it's been panned for having the usual ones. I've never had a Kindle (still have my Sony Reader) but I've heard the fonts are less than stellar, and the new one isn't any better.
The font choice they offer is indeed shit, I can only stand palatino on it, but it's a great reader and the os works great. Consider trying the new voyage, it's close to or better than typography (300 ppi, which with e-ink "dispersed" pixels it means close to 350 ppi for lcd, and the embedded light source really makes a huge difference (of course amazon is certainly not the only vendor to offer it) over the non lighted reader. I can read much better on the kindle what with my astigmatism than on paper, and I still have the paperwhite. Plus you can easily hack it and add your font.
Sadly Sony's out of the reader market, despite being the first in and making some great devices, the reader included, because again as on the pc markets they messed up big time for not following the light inclusive trend, not stream-lining their line up and effing up with drm). They have that 13.3" pdf reading device (they don't market it as a reader) out now, which is almost prototype quality with lamentable ppi, and again, in their infinite wisdom, no included light source.
They had the best pc notebook making business and the first and best e-ink reader business and they missed both ships. They have no one but themselves to blame, their awful management and business choices, as well as their utter lack of vision moving forward has been incredible.
No way I'd recommend a 1st gen iPad mini to anyone. I don't know why Apple is selling it other than getting rid of existing stock that might be remaining.
For those price conscious customers that don't need the latest and greatest.
IDC: we make up numbers to benefit our clients.
...and it's great for the kiddies who haven't a care in the world about dots per inch.... It always amuses me when someone on this board considers ALL consumers are equally anal retentive... especially after the story explains the low-end crap is selling well.
The font choice they offer is indeed shit, I can only stand palatino on it, but it's a great reader and the os works great. Consider trying the new voyage, it's close to or better than typography (300 ppi, which with e-ink "dispersed" pixels it means close to 350 ppi for lcd, and the embedded light source really makes a huge difference (of course amazon is certainly not the only vendor to offer it) over the non lighted reader. I can read much better on the kindle what with my astigmatism than on paper, and I still have the paperwhite. Plus you can easily hack it and add your font.
Sadly Sony's out of the reader market, despite being the first in and making some great devices, the reader included, because again as on the pc markets they messed up big time for not following the light inclusive trend, not stream-lining their line up and effing up with drm). They have that 13.3" pdf reading device (they don't market it as a reader) out now, which is almost prototype quality with lamentable ppi, and again, in their infinite wisdom, no included light source.
They had the best pc notebook making business and the first and best e-ink reader business and they missed both ships. They have no one but themselves to blame, their awful management and business choices, as well as their utter lack of vision moving forward has been incredible.
Sadly, yes. It's always a shame to see the wreck that the SS Sony is today. I think Hirai will be able to stop the ship from sinking (though their latest financial report showed them making a profit in all sectors apart from smartphones (a race they should just exit).
I looked at the Kobo devices, but the Aura HD felt a wee bit cheap to me. The H2O is supposed to be pretty good...it's just the matter of them being Canadian based, it's hard to buy their stuff in the US for some reason. That being said, my Sony book library is tied to them now.
I would get a Kindle...I just hate what Amazon tried to do to Hatchett.
This is why I wish Apple would (I know they won't) make an eInk reader, I've always preferred that over a LCD screen, and I have quite a few books in iBooks.
These days, because my Reader is too old to be used with the Kobo books, I just use it for Gutenberg titles, plus the ones I had on the device when they canned the Reader Store.
But after you factor in warranty accruals and some tax accruals that will never be paid its pretty close to 25%
This compares to 0% profit growth by Google.
Where in that doc does Apple break out tablet profits? Answer: they don't. It's entirely conceivable that Apple's tablet profits have plunged, buoyed by great returns on iPhones and to a lesser degree Macs and services. There's not been a single recent article indicating Apple is enjoying increased profitability this year from their iPad's that I can recall. Can you? On the contrary even Tim Cook has felt the need to discuss the apparent sales lag/reduced demand.
Most of those cheap tablets are pure trash that are barely useable in their primary function... No wonder Tablet sales are going down with such bad PR. Yes, I have seen some of those unfortunate "tablets".
I just noticed HP has rolled out some new Windows 8.1 tablets called the Stream 7 and the Stream 8 for $100/$150. They definitely are targeted to the low end of the market but they are most definitely not "pure trash".
The interesting thing about these tablets is that they both come with 1 year of Office 365 Personal which would run at least $70 if purchased alone. That makes these things a real bargain.
When the nicest thing you can say about the HP tablet is that it comes with a crippled rented version of Office, that speaks volumes about it.
A year from now, if it's still being used, it will spend it's days tethered to the charger.
With Apple it's not just the hardware or the software... it comes with a world-class ecosystem, customer service, and app store for free!
1 year of Office 365 Personal which would run at least $70 if purchased alone.
Right, because an arbitrary value attached to a pedestrian office suite (pretty much a commodity product category now, if there ever was one) enhances the perception of value for the purchaser.
Comments
You can try last gen mini which is much cheaper and it's the same without touch id. Also try any retina iPad, I would go 4gen because gen 3 emits more light, for a very decent price off of eBay, or owc (macsales - they have great deals). It's a shame to go with chromebooks, they really offer no value in terms of the universe of excellently done applications and games on the iPad, book, pdf and article reading (longform, instapaper, readability), you can do on them, etc. etc. Off the top of my head I can come up with at least 200+ apps that work and look better on the iPad than any platform on the globe. And cheap MS notebooks are much better value too.
I am not saying you shouldn't be naturally enjoying and being attached to your own chromebook, as a decently done (privacy invading, sorry I had to say that, cause it's true) notebook, but you are missing out on a magical device. Ain't no doubt about it, people might have laughed then, but SJ was absolutely right.
If you really want a product because you know it's better than the competition you can also have a look at the Grade A+ used or refurb market. And there are plenty of iPads that sell for around that price and have a long long life ahead of them.
The only qualm I have with the third and fourth gen is the weight. 1.4 pounds is a lot compared to 1 pound for the Air, .96 for the Air 2, and around three quarters of a pound for the Minis.
The Air at $399 is a great value, but the refurbs are really good as well. I think it's $319 for a refurb 16GB Air now (crazy to think I paid $570 for mine last year, after taxes and warranty).
Agreed on the magical apps and uses. I use my iPad more than any other computing device (and I have a lot of computing devices). I just downloaded Monument Valley (mainly to support the dev) and FTL, both great experiences.
A tempest in a teapot IMHO. So you might see an ad based on your interests. Big deal. That hardly rises to the level of a danger to you and yours. Even Apple is getting more involved with targeted advertising so it can't be bad can it? If there were no Google providing advertising services then someone else would fill the spot, someone unlikely to provide you anything of value in return (ie, search engine, business software, email service, mapping)
Heck, unlike Google do you realize your credit card provider is likely selling information about you? I know that Mastercard does and has for some time and Amex has started down that same path. So is ATT. So is Verizon. Records of what prescriptions you've had? Yup those are shared too. What happens to that information and how is it used? Is that going to now change your mind about using a cellular provider or credit card or pharmacy or insurance company? Also unlike Google that possibly incorrect information can have a financial impact, leading to higher interest rates, fewer employment opportunities, more costly insurance policies or worse declined services altogether.
http://adage.com/article/dataworks/mastercard-amex-feed-data-marketers/240800/
http://www.fudzilla.com/home/item/36203-verizon-and-att-appear-to-be-selling-customer-data
http://www.consumersdigest.com/special-reports/life-insurance-companies-bad-faith-policies/P4
http://patientprivacyrights.org/basic-health-privacy-faqs/
We know what Google does with it. They work with companies like Ford, Proctor and Gamble, Nike and others like them to place ads to those that might be interested in their products, but never giving those companies access to anything personal. Google guards it like gold. Advertising is just plain evil huh?
So what is the data sharing from ISP's, pharmacy records, credit reporting agencies, data aggregators like Axciom and credit card companies like Mastercard called and what do you get of value in return?
Like I said, a tempest in a teapot.
A tempest in a teapot IMHO. So you might see an ad based on your interests. Big deal. That hardly rises to the level of a danger to you and yours. Even Apple is getting more involved with targeted advertising so it can't be bad can it? If there were no Google providing advertising services then someone else would fill the spot, someone unlikely to provide you anything of value in return (ie, search engine, business software, email service, mapping)
Heck, unlike Google do you realize your credit card provider is likely selling information about you? I know that Mastercard does and has for some time and Amex has started down that same path. So is ATT. So is Verizon. Records of what prescriptions you've had. Yup those are shared too. What happens to that information and how is it used? Is that going to now change your mind about using a cellular provider or credit card or pharmacy or insurance company? Also unlike Google that possibly incorrect information can have a financial impact, leading to higher rates interest rates, more costly insurance policies or worse declined services altogether.
http://adage.com/article/dataworks/mastercard-amex-feed-data-marketers/240800/
http://www.fudzilla.com/home/item/36203-verizon-and-att-appear-to-be-selling-customer-data
http://www.consumersdigest.com/special-reports/life-insurance-companies-bad-faith-policies/P4
We know what Google does with it. They work with companies like Ford, Proctor and Gamble, Nike and others like them to place ads to those that might be interested in their products, but never giving those companies access to anything personal. Google guards it like gold. Advertising is just plain evil huh?
So what is the data sharing from ISP's, pharmacy records, credit reporting agencies, data aggregators like Axciom and credit card companies like Mastercard called and what do you get of value in return?
Like I said, a tempest in a teapot.
I don't have a credit card, I didn't opt into Verizon's reward points scam (and hardly use their data network). I use companies that respect consumers and their privacy, and I'm always cautious where I place my data (heck, I keep my personal journal on an eMate 300, hardly a target for data theft).
Cowardly PC Manufacturers: "What is going on!?!? Apple's stock keeps rocketing and their products are eating all the profits out of the industry! IDC???"
IDC: "Yes, my liege?"
Cowardly PC Manufacturers: "We need a propaganda to distribute to all clueless analysts and consumers of the world. We don't pay you millions for nothing!"
IDC: "Yes my liege!"
(Five minutes later)
IDC: "My liege?"
Cowardly PC Manufacturers: "Yes, are you done yet?"
IDC: "Oh yes my liege. We've determined the lowest price of Apple's iPads and claim that only cheaper devices are growing. (mouth breathing) You know, all those generic, white label Android devices that no one ever sees anywhere except on shelves in corner pharmacies and pawn shops."
Cowardly PC Manufacturers: "Excellent. My evil plan is executing nicely. Imagine all the disappointed children this Christmas who receive a Pantech iDap 8.2" tablet instead of the iPad they asked for... Their parents can throw it in a drawer in 3 months when it's infected with Chinese malware and porn!!! Muhahwahahwaha!" (overly annoying evil laughter)
IDC: (saliva-laden snickering)
The only qualm I have with the third and fourth gen is the weight. 1.4 pounds is a lot compared to 1 pound for the Air, .96 for the Air 2, and around three quarters of a pound for the Minis.
The Air at $399 is a great value, but the refurbs are really good as well. I think it's $319 for a refurb 16GB Air now (crazy to think I paid $570 for mine last year, after taxes and warranty).
Agreed on the magical apps and uses. I use my iPad more than any other computing device (and I have a lot of computing devices). I just downloaded Monument Valley (mainly to support the dev) and FTL, both great experiences.
You are right about the weight, should be factored in for a purchase choice.
Monument Valley looks absolutely stunning and lovely, thanks for the head's up, love the art deco inspired design.
It would be interesting to know what the average replacement period is for someone who owns both an iPad and an iPhone. I have an iPad 4 and iPhone 5. I am keen to replace my iPhone next May when my 2 year contract ends as I can see the added value of an iPhone 6. For my iPad, having tried out the new Air and Mini, neither felt compelling enough to seek an upgrade.
I'd be curious to know that as well. I'm in a similar boat as you. I have a 5s, and will upgrade to either a 6 or 6+ next summer. I like the NFC addition and would love to use Apple Pay. On the flip side, I've got a 1st gen iPad Mini that still works great for me. I mainly use it for books, some light gaming and keeping up with football scores on the weekends. I'm leaving it on iOS 7 for the moment - not sure how well it would run 8 (if there's even a difference).
I guess the general rule is that people use their phones a lot more than their iPads, so we're more likely to upgrade those as often as we can. Tablets probably are closer to computers on the upgrade cycle, so maybe every 3 or 4 years.
Cowardly PC Manufacturers: "What is going on!?!? Apple's stock keeps rocketing and their products are eating all the profits out of the industry! IDC???"
IDC: "Yes, my liege?"
Cowardly PC Manufacturers: "We need a propaganda to distribute to all clueless analysts and consumers of the world. We don't pay you millions for nothing!"
IDC: "Yes my liege!"
(Five minutes later)
IDC: "My liege?"
Cowardly PC Manufacturers: "Yes, are you done yet?"
IDC: "Oh yes my liege. We've determined the lowest price of Apple's iPads and claim that only cheaper devices are growing. (mouth breathing) You know, all those generic, white label Android devices that no one ever sees anywhere except on shelves in corner pharmacies and pawn shops."
Cowardly PC Manufacturers: "Excellent. My evil plan is executing nicely. Imagine all the disappointed children this Christmas who receive a Pantech iDap 8.2" tablet instead of the iPad they asked for... Their parents can throw it in a drawer in 3 months when it's infected with Chinese malware and porn!!! Muhahwahahwaha!" (overly annoying evil laughter)
IDC: (saliva-laden snickering)
Manufacturers (besides Apple):
IDC: (and analysts):
Consumers (pre Apple):
Apple:
Consumers (post Apple):
Most of those cheap tablets are pure trash that are barely useable in their primary function... No wonder Tablet sales are going down with such bad PR. Yes, I have seen some of those unfortunate "tablets".
I just noticed HP has rolled out some new Windows 8.1 tablets called the Stream 7 and the Stream 8 for $100/$150. They definitely are targeted to the low end of the market but they are most definitely not "pure trash".
The interesting thing about these tablets is that they both come with 1 year of Office 365 Personal which would run at least $70 if purchased alone. That makes these things a real bargain.
Competition, good for everyone.
-kpluck
It would be interesting to know what the average replacement period is for someone who owns both an iPad and an iPhone. I have an iPad 4 and iPhone 5. I am keen to replace my iPhone next May when my 2 year contract ends as I can see the added value of an iPhone 6. For my iPad, having tried out the new Air and Mini, neither felt compelling enough to seek an upgrade.
I'd be curious to know that as well. I'm in a similar boat as you. I have a 5s, and will upgrade to either a 6 or 6+ next summer. I like the NFC addition and would love to use Apple Pay. On the flip side, I've got a 1st gen iPad Mini that still works great for me. I mainly use it for books, some light gaming and keeping up with football scores on the weekends. I'm leaving it on iOS 7 for the moment - not sure how well it would run 8 (if there's even a difference).
I guess the general rule is that people use their phones a lot more than their iPads, so we're more likely to upgrade those as often as we can. Tablets probably are closer to computers on the upgrade cycle, so maybe every 3 or 4 years.
I plan to do a two year cycle with my iPad, just like my iPhone, at least for now. But in alternating years. This year was iPhone year, next year is iPad year.
Obviously not everyone will do this, but the Air 2 solves a lot of the issues I had with the Air (hello, laminated display). That means the Air 3 will solve even more (and perhaps bring back the mute switch).
If a person only wants to read books, get the new Kindle. It's highly recommended.
If a person only wants to read books, get the new Kindle. It's highly recommended.
Unless you like typography choices, it's been panned for having the usual ones. I've never had a Kindle (still have my Sony Reader) but I've heard the fonts are less than stellar, and the new one isn't any better.
is exactly how I view the iPad Air 2 over the already excellent iPad Air I bought last year. My upgrade cycle is 2 years. My iPhone and iPad purchases fall on different years.
Unless you like typography choices, it's been panned for having the usual ones. I've never had a Kindle (still have my Sony Reader) but I've heard the fonts are less than stellar, and the new one isn't any better.
The font choice they offer is indeed shit, I can only stand palatino on it, but it's a great reader and the os works great. Consider trying the new voyage, it's close to or better than typography (300 ppi, which with e-ink "dispersed" pixels it means close to 350 ppi for lcd, and the embedded light source really makes a huge difference (of course amazon is certainly not the only vendor to offer it) over the non lighted reader. I can read much better on the kindle what with my astigmatism than on paper, and I still have the paperwhite. Plus you can easily hack it and add your font.
Sadly Sony's out of the reader market, despite being the first in and making some great devices, the reader included, because again as on the pc markets they messed up big time for not following the light inclusive trend, not stream-lining their line up and effing up with drm). They have that 13.3" pdf reading device (they don't market it as a reader) out now, which is almost prototype quality with lamentable ppi, and again, in their infinite wisdom, no included light source.
They had the best pc notebook making business and the first and best e-ink reader business and they missed both ships. They have no one but themselves to blame, their awful management and business choices, as well as their utter lack of vision moving forward has been incredible.
...and it's great for the kiddies who haven't a care in the world about dots per inch.... It always amuses me when someone on this board considers ALL consumers are equally anal retentive... especially after the story explains the low-end crap is selling well.
The font choice they offer is indeed shit, I can only stand palatino on it, but it's a great reader and the os works great. Consider trying the new voyage, it's close to or better than typography (300 ppi, which with e-ink "dispersed" pixels it means close to 350 ppi for lcd, and the embedded light source really makes a huge difference (of course amazon is certainly not the only vendor to offer it) over the non lighted reader. I can read much better on the kindle what with my astigmatism than on paper, and I still have the paperwhite. Plus you can easily hack it and add your font.
Sadly Sony's out of the reader market, despite being the first in and making some great devices, the reader included, because again as on the pc markets they messed up big time for not following the light inclusive trend, not stream-lining their line up and effing up with drm). They have that 13.3" pdf reading device (they don't market it as a reader) out now, which is almost prototype quality with lamentable ppi, and again, in their infinite wisdom, no included light source.
They had the best pc notebook making business and the first and best e-ink reader business and they missed both ships. They have no one but themselves to blame, their awful management and business choices, as well as their utter lack of vision moving forward has been incredible.
Sadly, yes. It's always a shame to see the wreck that the SS Sony is today. I think Hirai will be able to stop the ship from sinking (though their latest financial report showed them making a profit in all sectors apart from smartphones (a race they should just exit).
I looked at the Kobo devices, but the Aura HD felt a wee bit cheap to me. The H2O is supposed to be pretty good...it's just the matter of them being Canadian based, it's hard to buy their stuff in the US for some reason.
That being said, my Sony book library is tied to them now.
I would get a Kindle...I just hate what Amazon tried to do to Hatchett.
This is why I wish Apple would (I know they won't) make an eInk reader, I've always preferred that over a LCD screen, and I have quite a few books in iBooks.
These days, because my Reader is too old to be used with the Kobo books, I just use it for Gutenberg titles, plus the ones I had on the device when they canned the Reader Store.
When the nicest thing you can say about the HP tablet is that it comes with a crippled rented version of Office, that speaks volumes about it.
A year from now, if it's still being used, it will spend it's days tethered to the charger.
With Apple it's not just the hardware or the software... it comes with a world-class ecosystem, customer service, and app store for free!
1 year of Office 365 Personal which would run at least $70 if purchased alone.
Right, because an arbitrary value attached to a pedestrian office suite (pretty much a commodity product category now, if there ever was one) enhances the perception of value for the purchaser.