1) I think the criticism goes beyond the tech forums. A decade of tablets have used a full version of Windows people are programmed to think that is how it should work with the most pessimistic thinking that Apple is just trying to make more money by forcing an App Store and closed ecosystem on us for no reason.
2) It's funny, I could swear that the same people on tech forums who say that the iPad will fail specifically because all other tablets have failed in this space are the same ones who are saying that Apple should have used Mac OS X on the iPad, despite the unmodified desktop OS being the crux of the problem for a decade of tablet failures.
And being the ones who thought the iPhone would fail. My only complaint with iPad is lack of camera & iChat. Given that the iPad will also sync with windows just like iPhone it would be yet another way to shift people toward Mac.
How many people use the more advanced functions of Excel?
Do you have a link which shows how Excel is used?
I've found Numbers to be perfectly adequate for the things I do.
Yes, but ask someone who uses some of the more advanced features of Excel and you'll find that they find it a little lacking in places. For instance my SO, who worked in credit control and now HR, uses a lot of features in Excel every day that just aren't in Numbers.
I have no doubt that Numbers is adequate for you. It's perfectly adequate for me too. But Excel is still a more capable spreadsheet program (unless you're planning on making it look presentable, when Numbers wins).
Similar with Word vs Pages, Word is a more powerful program but Pages is perhaps easier to use and capable of better looking results.
Keynote, however, is miles and miles better than Powerpoint. They are only just in the same league.
The way I see it is this: Microsoft is good at 'office' stuff, maths and accounting and the likes. Apple, meanwhile, is a wholly creative-minded company. You can see it represented in both companies' products. And it's also why Pages and Numbers, can produce better looking but not as powerful results, and why Keynote, which has a more creative use, is way ahead of Powerpoint.
Got a possible answer for you. Provided you don't have a need to run iTunes, use OS X based software and just want a safe and secure netbook to surf, email and do some personal office software type stuff.
(not a troll here at all)
1: A Dell Mini 10 with Ubuntu Linux installed by Dell all the drivers are included, about $350 or so.
A simple installation of a "theme" in this case either XP or OS X (optional)
The OS X theme is a bit harder to install, the XP theme is effortless and only takes seconds. Naturally the underlining OS is Linux so it won't run Mac or Windows based software.
OpenOffice is pretty decent, it's a free download and Firefox should be included with the Ubuntu Linux install. The add-on's work too as well as the OS X theme applied to Firefox.
There is plenty of free software and even a iTunes like music software, however I don't know if it can access a iPod or not like iTunes can, it certainly can use the iPod as a disk mode. I haven't used it yet.
Despite these small drawbacks, for a $300-$350 little netbook to securely surf, email, write some notes or do some spreadsheets, it's not a bad deal. If you have a bad ass Mac at home to run the heavy duty stuff, multiple OS's etc. The Ubuntu netbook is less expensive than a iPad and comes with a real keyboard and tons of free software with the ability to download them directly from within Ubuntu. 99% of the use of the OS is GUI based, so unless your tweaking things under the hood you shouldn't need to hit the command line.
Files can be easily transferred from Windows to OS X to Linux provided they are saved in universal file formats on USB thumb drives. OpenOffice is available for free on the three major OS's so that makes it a cinch.
A bonus is Linux doesn't get viruses because it's a file permissions based OS just like Unix under OS X. So no need for anti-malware and no need to buy most software, so there is nothing better out there as far as value for price over the long term.
I intend to try a iPad for a few hours and if it doesn't work for me to get a Linux netbook to complement my $4000 MacBook Pro as a more portable/disposable device. If the MacBook Pro dies, to get a desktop, either a Mac Mini or a Mac Pro and use the Linux or iPad as a portable device.
I've tried the touch screen HP desktop, it totally sucks. Not because it's a touchscreen over Windows cursor based UI, but because I have to move my arm constantly to do anything, tapping several times to get things to work. Talk about lost productivity!
Something I've noticed on the HP touch screen, as you bring your finger close to to the surface before touching, a small cursor appears on the screen where your finger is and follows it around. Strange if it's a feature or a glitch.
My opinion is that touch screens are coming out as a means to reduce the costs incurred with a real laptop and increase margins. Just think how easy it is for a iPad to be completely assembled and tested without touching human hands at all. No moving parts neither to fail.
The thing that makes me frustrated is that so many users think that using the desktop version of os X is the way to go,
The really frustrating thing is that it's usually the same people who spend all their time posting "Apple sux" and "Mac OS X is a worthless toy". Funny how they can spend all their time bashing OS X, but when it comes to the iPad, they insist it needs to run OS X. Basically, they simply mindlessly attack anything Apple does because they're opposed to anything Apple does - usually because of their fear of the unknown and/or fear of finding out that their OS is inferior.
Quote:
Originally Posted by zunx
Now, bring Microsoft Office to the iPad and specifically PowerPoint to the iPad and it will make it.
For 99% of users, iWork will do the job - particularly since the iPad will mostly be used for presentations, not content creation.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4miler
I just wanted an OSX tiny netbook with keyboard.
Sure, no great leap in innovation -- but very useful for helping me get things done.
I'm not getting an iPad.
Plus, I do not want to type on glass when doing serious work for lengthy periods -- and likewise, when creating content, I don't like a keyboard that takes up half the screen.
If I want something portable to consume information, the iPhone does that, and it fits in my pocket.
Then don't buy an iPad. Here's a thought for you - Apple is creating a wide range of products and not all of them will suit everyone. But they are designed to do their jobs very well and will therefore appeal to lots of people. The iPad is not a full blown computer. It's not designed for writing the great American novel. It's not designed for building 10,000 row spreadsheets. It's not meant to fit into your pocket. That doesn't make it worthless - it simply isn't the right product for those applications. Apple offers THOSE products, too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmmx
Sorry buddy but your comment about Intel displays total ignorance of the system. The iPhone OS is based on Mac OS and is built on top of the same Unix based kernel. Therefore, there is no technical reason why OSX could not easily be run on the iPad or iPhone.
No, but there are lots of practical reasons. Full-blown Mac OS X would run slowly on this device and suck down battery life like crazy. Not to mention the UI issues discussed in this article.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sippincider
(In reference to what's stopping Microsoft Office from appearing on the iPad): Nothing besides App Store approval.
That's just silly. Apple would accept Office on the iPad in a heartbeat. I would imagine that there's a team at Microsoft looking at it right now - and if they decide to proceed, Apple would welcome it with open arms. What's really preventing Office on the iPad is 20+ years of crud in the Office software package. It would take Microsoft years to rebuild the package into a clean, efficient package that would run well on this device. I just don't see it happening.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sippincider
What part of "Good luck with that ridiculous dock while on-the-go" doesn't Apple understand?
Should be good humor to see how well it works in a lecture hall or airplane seat.
IMO carrying a bagful of desk-only trinkets kinda defeats the purpose of a mobile device.
Here's a hint for you: the iPad isn't a full blown computer and won't be used the same way. It will not replace laptops (or even netbooks, for that matter). If you need a laptop, carry a laptop. The iPad is for people who have tasks that don't require a laptop.
Your complaint is the same as saying that my Corvette is no good because you can't haul a ton of mulch in it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by extremeskater
iWorks doesn't even come close to doing what Office does. Keynote is the best part of iWorks but you have to jump through hoops to show a presentation if you don't live in an all Apple world. Numbers isn't even remotely in the same league as Excel.
That's crazy. You obviously haven't used iWork. iWork is not designed to duplicate 100% of the functionality of Microsoft Office. It's for the overwhelming majority of people who only use 2% of the functions in Office and the other 98% just slow things down. I'm a busy executive and when I write a document, I don't need flashing lights and twisted banners. I need to write and edit the document with a minimum of functions. It is the CONTENT that matters, not the glitz. For the overwhelming majority of users, iWork provides 100% of everything they need. For the tiny percentage who need more than iWork offers, they're going to need Office. It's called market segmentation.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Parkettpolitur
One problem though: you can't really take notes with an iPad in a lecture. You'll need a hardware keyboard for that - hence my wishes for an Air Mini or something like that. Although an Air Pro would be an interesting idea too.
I really wish people would understand. You want a full keyboard. Someone else wants Flash. Someone else wants Microsoft Office. Someone else wants to be able to play first person shoot-em-up games. When you start making a device to make everyone happy, it quickly becomes impractical. Apple set out to create a new device that looks like it's going to be a huge hit by all standards. It won't do everything, but great devices rarely do.
Oh, and btw, I'll bet you that it's just a matter of time before there's an iPad app which allows you to take handwritten notes and either convert them on the fly or send them to your desktop computer for OCR.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cousin Dirk
Yes, but ask someone who uses some of the more advanced features of Excel and you'll find that they find it a little lacking in places. For instance my SO, who worked in credit control and now HR, uses a lot of features in Excel every day that just aren't in Numbers.
I have no doubt that Numbers is adequate for you. It's perfectly adequate for me too. But Excel is still a more capable spreadsheet program (unless you're planning on making it look presentable, when Numbers wins).
That's nice. So she's one of the 0.02% of people who can't live with Numbers. The iPad (and iWork) aren't for everyone. Isn't it nice to have a choice?
Overall I am happy with the choice of iPhone OS for the iPad. (So will it become the iPad OS or will we still call it the iPhone OS?) My only complaint has to do with the limited input options, i.e. TOUCH ONLY. I truly feel that an option to allow for stylus input would have truly given the iPad more options...ESPECIALLY...when it is released in Asia. If Apple had offered a stylus input for East Asian languages such as Japanese, Korean and Chinese (and others), I would have been a first-gen buyer on DAY ONE. As it is now, we are still limited to keyboard input for Japanese. Trying to input a 13+ stroke kanji with an iPhone is insane.
WHY APPLE WHY could you have not provided stylus input and support with the iPad? When people don't take into consideration that the larger number of internet users in the world are Chinese and that the most widely used language on the internet in the next five years will be Chinese (Mandarin), they are making a mistake. This type of ethnocentric thinking really will put a damper on the future expansion of the iPad...or it will require a localized version (stupid stupid stupid) of the hardware/software.
I hope Apple can fix this shortcoming in the near future.
Overall I am happy with the choice of iPhone OS for the iPad. (So will it become the iPad OS or will we still call it the iPhone OS?) My only complaint has to do with the limited input options, i.e. TOUCH ONLY. I truly feel that an option to allow for stylus input would have truly given the iPad more options...ESPECIALLY...when it is released in Asia. If Apple had offered a stylus input for East Asian languages such as Japanese, Korean and Chinese (and others), I would have been a first-gen buyer on DAY ONE. As it is now, we are still limited to keyboard input for Japanese. Trying to input a 13+ stroke kanji with an iPhone is insane.
WHY APPLE WHY could you have not provided stylus input and support with the iPad? When people don't take into consideration that the larger number of internet users in the world are Chinese and that the most widely used language on the internet in the next five years will be Chinese (Mandarin), they are making a mistake. This type of ethnocentric thinking really will put a damper on the future expansion of the iPad...or it will require a localized version (stupid stupid stupid) of the hardware/software.
I hope Apple can fix this shortcoming in the near future.
There are capacitance styli you can buy, but there is an issue with the capacitance sensors not working well with a very fine tip while being great for a much fatter finger for input.
Actually I wonder how much more battery life you would get if you removed the DVD drive on a Macbook Pro and replaced that dead space with extra batteries. 11 hours battery life anyone?
That's just silly. Apple would accept Office on the iPad in a heartbeat. I would imagine that there's a team at Microsoft looking at it right now - and if they decide to proceed, Apple would welcome it with open arms. What's really preventing Office on the iPad is 20+ years of crud in the Office software package. It would take Microsoft years to rebuild the package into a clean, efficient package that would run well on this device. I just don't see it happening.
I don't believe that the iPad paradigm will instantly replace laptop and desktop computers as we know them today.
However the concepts and deliverables in the iPad point the way to what will eventually replace laptop and desktop computers as we know them today... much as the introduction of the Mac in 1984 lead to universal adaption of the mouse/GUi.
People assert that the iPad/Mobile OS X is not capable of running this or that desktop or power app. That is true for now. But, recall that the original 1984 Mac came with just 2 apps: MacWrite and MacPaint-- and it changed the world.
The iPad will come with some "best-of-class" apps that will redefine how computer apps are written, how to interface users, and how to realize productivity.
Sure, the iPad/Mobile OS X paradigm doesn't have the heft to run Photoshop, Final Cut Studio, Microsoft Office... but neither did the 1984 Mac (Do the name Kensch Rutha strike a familiar note?).
Sure, the iPad/Mobile OS X paradigm doesn't support elementary task switching or user-app multi-tasking... but neither did the 1984 Mac (Remember Switcher?)
That doesn't mean that someone out there won't look at Photoshop, Final Cut or whatever and figure out:
1) what 90% of the users need
2) how to implement it to fit the paradigm (easy, intuitive, in-your-face, short attention-span, productive)
3) how to make a profit doing it
Actually, it appears that Apple has primed the pump with the Photos and iWork apps!
Can GarageBand be far behind?
Do you think that Apple is going to restrict this new paradigm to underpowered, battery-only, portable devices?
Savvy developers will see the opportunity to rethink and re-implement their existing apps, eliminate bloat and cruft and deliver on the promise of this new paradigm!
HOw do you know the disc was stolen? Installing it on unapproved HW is a violation of the EULA but it's not stealing.
The interesting thing is that MacOS X runs okay on this class of hardware. But I don't think Apple will every make such a device.
And interestingly, I don't ever really use it. Whereas I think I *would* use a tablet.
My main machine is Mac Pro, and that is my primary work machine. And I have a MacBook Pro for when I visit clients or If I need to run Windows.
I got the Netbook because I thought it would be good to have a lightweight machine I could toss into a bag and not worry about. But to make the machine useable I added a big battery. The keyboard is cramped, the trackpad is awkward, and the screen size is a problem for some software. For serious work it is sub optimal. And for casual use (Media or Web browsing) it is worse.
So yes, I broke the EULA. But morally, I don't think anyone was harmed by this experiment. Not least Apple. The experiment directly resulted in me buying yet another MacBook Pro for my daughter.
So why does this netbook gather dust? I think Jobs was right when he said that netbooks are not better at anything.
The interesting thing is that MacOS X runs okay on this class of hardware. But I don't think Apple will every make such a device.
I've built plenty of Hacintoshes. While they run great compared to other versions of Windows on a netbook it's patently clear that these machines are not ideal for a desktop OSes designed for faster machines with larger displays.
The Apple fanboy brainwash has started....! Maybe Mac OS X isn't THE solution for iPad but that doesn't mean iPhone OS is adequate... How about having a bunch of widgets that run on the desktop where I can access things in a hurry.. Dont give me reasons why this is not possible.. If Apple makes a product which does small things like that, I will gladly buy one.
The iPhone simulator runs my fart app on my Mac. Visibly my Mac is running iPhone OS, which may as well be a topic for quarter long trolling storm.
That said, the iPad UI is surely underdesigned. What it actually is has been created for a phone and has been indisputable perfect for a phone. The pad should have had tabbed bookmark-oriented interface; animations should have resembled turning pages. Which would make it really classy
The same people who criticized the iMac, iPod and iPhone. Boy were they wrong about it all!
I agree, technical people in general seem to have a blind spot when thinking about Apples technology.
Whats hindering them is that:
1. they are not visually oriented; why use a graphical user interface at all, if you can use some obscure key combination to do the same 'a lot faster'
2. they are not sensitive to aesthetics. It doesn't mater if the icon is a god awful array of badly arranged pixels, if it is recognizable it is good enough.
3. they think that all big commercial company's are bad. In the end it doesn't matter if its Apple or Microsoft or Google. No matter what the argument is or how much the history (and criminal behavior ) differs.
4. they are extremely sensitive to conspiracy theory's. If Apple introduces a new technology it must be because they want to rip off the public. No mater (again) what the technical argument is. If Apple poses some restriction, like for example not 'allowing' flash on the iPhone, it must be because Apple wants to hinder them. Pointing out to them that there are several very valid technical reasons to do so results in an almost emotional response that all technical arguments could be valid (they don't agree on any one of them of course) but that they are not the main reason, Apple just wants to restrict people to be able to sell them the unrestricted version later on.
5. after years of struggle they reluctantly use a GUI because they have to. But - to them - the commandline is still the best way to do things. But a touch interface, what in the name of god, is the big deal? Pointing out that touch does make a big difference, like 3D does for movies, is to no avail. Perhaps, they are right, touch doesn't make a difference for them, because they lack feeling.
6. they think that all software must be open to inspect and modify. If it isn't, only bad intentions can account for that. No mater if you point out that (for example) security and development cost are valid reasons to do so. They argue that if you cant handle security you shouldn't use a computer (computer use should be restricted to experts only), and software should be given away freely even if they earn their money from a firm that sells such restricted software.
7. they know best. Without even a hint of realization that their view on software and hardware is only a fraction of all possible views on the subject matter.
My father in law uses a white MacBook circa 2007, his first non-1995ish Windose machine, and while he loves it, it is STILL too much computer for him.
On the PC's he had, he was able to: E-Mail, Browse (when he could get online), and occasionally burn CDs with pictures on them.
Since getting the MacBook, he's learned to: Use iPhoto (and Smart albums!), Use iDVD (couldn't believe it), Use Facebook and play Facebook Games, connect to a TV for slideshows and videos, and manage his finances with QuickBooks.
I'm really proud of him. But he's still only scratched the surface, and is still afraid to go deeper because he lacks that raw understanding of what the computer can/should do. He told me the other day that he sat and watched the beachball spin for 2.5 hours before calling my wife who told him to hold down the power button....
....This is who the iPad is designed for. I can't wait to buy and show him one. He'll still probably want to use iPhoto for organizing the thousands of photos he takes, but when he sees that he can plug in his camera and boom his recent photos are on a gorgeous 10" touchable display, with customizable slideshows (his fav), he'll be sold right there.
When he sees he can play and touch Bejeweled Blitz on that big screen, he'll probably not let me take mine home.
Comments
1) I think the criticism goes beyond the tech forums. A decade of tablets have used a full version of Windows people are programmed to think that is how it should work with the most pessimistic thinking that Apple is just trying to make more money by forcing an App Store and closed ecosystem on us for no reason.
2) It's funny, I could swear that the same people on tech forums who say that the iPad will fail specifically because all other tablets have failed in this space are the same ones who are saying that Apple should have used Mac OS X on the iPad, despite the unmodified desktop OS being the crux of the problem for a decade of tablet failures.
And being the ones who thought the iPhone would fail. My only complaint with iPad is lack of camera & iChat. Given that the iPad will also sync with windows just like iPhone it would be yet another way to shift people toward Mac.
For who and doing what?
How many people use the more advanced functions of Excel?
Do you have a link which shows how Excel is used?
I've found Numbers to be perfectly adequate for the things I do.
Yes, but ask someone who uses some of the more advanced features of Excel and you'll find that they find it a little lacking in places. For instance my SO, who worked in credit control and now HR, uses a lot of features in Excel every day that just aren't in Numbers.
I have no doubt that Numbers is adequate for you. It's perfectly adequate for me too. But Excel is still a more capable spreadsheet program (unless you're planning on making it look presentable, when Numbers wins).
Similar with Word vs Pages, Word is a more powerful program but Pages is perhaps easier to use and capable of better looking results.
Keynote, however, is miles and miles better than Powerpoint. They are only just in the same league.
The way I see it is this: Microsoft is good at 'office' stuff, maths and accounting and the likes. Apple, meanwhile, is a wholly creative-minded company. You can see it represented in both companies' products. And it's also why Pages and Numbers, can produce better looking but not as powerful results, and why Keynote, which has a more creative use, is way ahead of Powerpoint.
I just wanted an OSX tiny netbook with keyboard.
Got a possible answer for you. Provided you don't have a need to run iTunes, use OS X based software and just want a safe and secure netbook to surf, email and do some personal office software type stuff.
(not a troll here at all)
1: A Dell Mini 10 with Ubuntu Linux installed by Dell all the drivers are included, about $350 or so.
A simple installation of a "theme" in this case either XP or OS X (optional)
http://ubuntu.online02.com/node/14
http://sourceforge.net/projects/mac4lin/
The OS X theme is a bit harder to install, the XP theme is effortless and only takes seconds. Naturally the underlining OS is Linux so it won't run Mac or Windows based software.
OpenOffice is pretty decent, it's a free download and Firefox should be included with the Ubuntu Linux install. The add-on's work too as well as the OS X theme applied to Firefox.
There is plenty of free software and even a iTunes like music software, however I don't know if it can access a iPod or not like iTunes can, it certainly can use the iPod as a disk mode. I haven't used it yet.
Despite these small drawbacks, for a $300-$350 little netbook to securely surf, email, write some notes or do some spreadsheets, it's not a bad deal. If you have a bad ass Mac at home to run the heavy duty stuff, multiple OS's etc. The Ubuntu netbook is less expensive than a iPad and comes with a real keyboard and tons of free software with the ability to download them directly from within Ubuntu. 99% of the use of the OS is GUI based, so unless your tweaking things under the hood you shouldn't need to hit the command line.
Files can be easily transferred from Windows to OS X to Linux provided they are saved in universal file formats on USB thumb drives. OpenOffice is available for free on the three major OS's so that makes it a cinch.
A bonus is Linux doesn't get viruses because it's a file permissions based OS just like Unix under OS X. So no need for anti-malware and no need to buy most software, so there is nothing better out there as far as value for price over the long term.
I intend to try a iPad for a few hours and if it doesn't work for me to get a Linux netbook to complement my $4000 MacBook Pro as a more portable/disposable device. If the MacBook Pro dies, to get a desktop, either a Mac Mini or a Mac Pro and use the Linux or iPad as a portable device.
I've tried the touch screen HP desktop, it totally sucks. Not because it's a touchscreen over Windows cursor based UI, but because I have to move my arm constantly to do anything, tapping several times to get things to work. Talk about lost productivity!
Something I've noticed on the HP touch screen, as you bring your finger close to to the surface before touching, a small cursor appears on the screen where your finger is and follows it around. Strange if it's a feature or a glitch.
My opinion is that touch screens are coming out as a means to reduce the costs incurred with a real laptop and increase margins. Just think how easy it is for a iPad to be completely assembled and tested without touching human hands at all. No moving parts neither to fail.
The thing that makes me frustrated is that so many users think that using the desktop version of os X is the way to go,
The really frustrating thing is that it's usually the same people who spend all their time posting "Apple sux" and "Mac OS X is a worthless toy". Funny how they can spend all their time bashing OS X, but when it comes to the iPad, they insist it needs to run OS X. Basically, they simply mindlessly attack anything Apple does because they're opposed to anything Apple does - usually because of their fear of the unknown and/or fear of finding out that their OS is inferior.
Now, bring Microsoft Office to the iPad and specifically PowerPoint to the iPad and it will make it.
For 99% of users, iWork will do the job - particularly since the iPad will mostly be used for presentations, not content creation.
I just wanted an OSX tiny netbook with keyboard.
Sure, no great leap in innovation -- but very useful for helping me get things done.
I'm not getting an iPad.
Plus, I do not want to type on glass when doing serious work for lengthy periods -- and likewise, when creating content, I don't like a keyboard that takes up half the screen.
If I want something portable to consume information, the iPhone does that, and it fits in my pocket.
Then don't buy an iPad. Here's a thought for you - Apple is creating a wide range of products and not all of them will suit everyone. But they are designed to do their jobs very well and will therefore appeal to lots of people. The iPad is not a full blown computer. It's not designed for writing the great American novel. It's not designed for building 10,000 row spreadsheets. It's not meant to fit into your pocket. That doesn't make it worthless - it simply isn't the right product for those applications. Apple offers THOSE products, too.
Sorry buddy but your comment about Intel displays total ignorance of the system. The iPhone OS is based on Mac OS and is built on top of the same Unix based kernel. Therefore, there is no technical reason why OSX could not easily be run on the iPad or iPhone.
No, but there are lots of practical reasons. Full-blown Mac OS X would run slowly on this device and suck down battery life like crazy. Not to mention the UI issues discussed in this article.
(In reference to what's stopping Microsoft Office from appearing on the iPad): Nothing besides App Store approval.
That's just silly. Apple would accept Office on the iPad in a heartbeat. I would imagine that there's a team at Microsoft looking at it right now - and if they decide to proceed, Apple would welcome it with open arms. What's really preventing Office on the iPad is 20+ years of crud in the Office software package. It would take Microsoft years to rebuild the package into a clean, efficient package that would run well on this device. I just don't see it happening.
What part of "Good luck with that ridiculous dock while on-the-go" doesn't Apple understand?
Should be good humor to see how well it works in a lecture hall or airplane seat.
IMO carrying a bagful of desk-only trinkets kinda defeats the purpose of a mobile device.
Here's a hint for you: the iPad isn't a full blown computer and won't be used the same way. It will not replace laptops (or even netbooks, for that matter). If you need a laptop, carry a laptop. The iPad is for people who have tasks that don't require a laptop.
Your complaint is the same as saying that my Corvette is no good because you can't haul a ton of mulch in it.
iWorks doesn't even come close to doing what Office does. Keynote is the best part of iWorks but you have to jump through hoops to show a presentation if you don't live in an all Apple world. Numbers isn't even remotely in the same league as Excel.
That's crazy. You obviously haven't used iWork. iWork is not designed to duplicate 100% of the functionality of Microsoft Office. It's for the overwhelming majority of people who only use 2% of the functions in Office and the other 98% just slow things down. I'm a busy executive and when I write a document, I don't need flashing lights and twisted banners. I need to write and edit the document with a minimum of functions. It is the CONTENT that matters, not the glitz. For the overwhelming majority of users, iWork provides 100% of everything they need. For the tiny percentage who need more than iWork offers, they're going to need Office. It's called market segmentation.
One problem though: you can't really take notes with an iPad in a lecture. You'll need a hardware keyboard for that - hence my wishes for an Air Mini or something like that. Although an Air Pro would be an interesting idea too.
I really wish people would understand. You want a full keyboard. Someone else wants Flash. Someone else wants Microsoft Office. Someone else wants to be able to play first person shoot-em-up games. When you start making a device to make everyone happy, it quickly becomes impractical. Apple set out to create a new device that looks like it's going to be a huge hit by all standards. It won't do everything, but great devices rarely do.
Oh, and btw, I'll bet you that it's just a matter of time before there's an iPad app which allows you to take handwritten notes and either convert them on the fly or send them to your desktop computer for OCR.
Yes, but ask someone who uses some of the more advanced features of Excel and you'll find that they find it a little lacking in places. For instance my SO, who worked in credit control and now HR, uses a lot of features in Excel every day that just aren't in Numbers.
I have no doubt that Numbers is adequate for you. It's perfectly adequate for me too. But Excel is still a more capable spreadsheet program (unless you're planning on making it look presentable, when Numbers wins).
That's nice. So she's one of the 0.02% of people who can't live with Numbers. The iPad (and iWork) aren't for everyone. Isn't it nice to have a choice?
WHY APPLE WHY could you have not provided stylus input and support with the iPad? When people don't take into consideration that the larger number of internet users in the world are Chinese and that the most widely used language on the internet in the next five years will be Chinese (Mandarin), they are making a mistake. This type of ethnocentric thinking really will put a damper on the future expansion of the iPad...or it will require a localized version (stupid stupid stupid) of the hardware/software.
I hope Apple can fix this shortcoming in the near future.
Overall I am happy with the choice of iPhone OS for the iPad. (So will it become the iPad OS or will we still call it the iPhone OS?) My only complaint has to do with the limited input options, i.e. TOUCH ONLY. I truly feel that an option to allow for stylus input would have truly given the iPad more options...ESPECIALLY...when it is released in Asia. If Apple had offered a stylus input for East Asian languages such as Japanese, Korean and Chinese (and others), I would have been a first-gen buyer on DAY ONE. As it is now, we are still limited to keyboard input for Japanese. Trying to input a 13+ stroke kanji with an iPhone is insane.
WHY APPLE WHY could you have not provided stylus input and support with the iPad? When people don't take into consideration that the larger number of internet users in the world are Chinese and that the most widely used language on the internet in the next five years will be Chinese (Mandarin), they are making a mistake. This type of ethnocentric thinking really will put a damper on the future expansion of the iPad...or it will require a localized version (stupid stupid stupid) of the hardware/software.
I hope Apple can fix this shortcoming in the near future.
There are capacitance styli you can buy, but there is an issue with the capacitance sensors not working well with a very fine tip while being great for a much fatter finger for input.
I just wanted an OSX tiny netbook with keyboard.
Get one of these!
C.
Get one of these!
image: http://i48.tinypic.com/2rzwbpz.jpg
C.
Forum etiquette, please create hyperlinks to huge images.
Forum etiquette, please create hyperlinks to huge images.
Sorry - I thought it was a small image! It's easy to forget how large a 2megapixel image is.
Changed it now.
C.
Forum etiquette, please create hyperlinks to huge images.
Forum etiquette,??
are you nuts dude
he showing a picture of stolen apple SW
carni seemed so cool
now i see he is a only lowly low class f..ing thief .
no soup for either one of you guys
That's just silly. Apple would accept Office on the iPad in a heartbeat. I would imagine that there's a team at Microsoft looking at it right now - and if they decide to proceed, Apple would welcome it with open arms. What's really preventing Office on the iPad is 20+ years of crud in the Office software package. It would take Microsoft years to rebuild the package into a clean, efficient package that would run well on this device. I just don't see it happening.
I don't believe that the iPad paradigm will instantly replace laptop and desktop computers as we know them today.
However the concepts and deliverables in the iPad point the way to what will eventually replace laptop and desktop computers as we know them today... much as the introduction of the Mac in 1984 lead to universal adaption of the mouse/GUi.
People assert that the iPad/Mobile OS X is not capable of running this or that desktop or power app. That is true for now. But, recall that the original 1984 Mac came with just 2 apps: MacWrite and MacPaint-- and it changed the world.
The iPad will come with some "best-of-class" apps that will redefine how computer apps are written, how to interface users, and how to realize productivity.
Sure, the iPad/Mobile OS X paradigm doesn't have the heft to run Photoshop, Final Cut Studio, Microsoft Office... but neither did the 1984 Mac (Do the name Kensch Rutha strike a familiar note?).
Sure, the iPad/Mobile OS X paradigm doesn't support elementary task switching or user-app multi-tasking... but neither did the 1984 Mac (Remember Switcher?)
That doesn't mean that someone out there won't look at Photoshop, Final Cut or whatever and figure out:
1) what 90% of the users need
2) how to implement it to fit the paradigm (easy, intuitive, in-your-face, short attention-span, productive)
3) how to make a profit doing it
Actually, it appears that Apple has primed the pump with the Photos and iWork apps!
Can GarageBand be far behind?
Do you think that Apple is going to restrict this new paradigm to underpowered, battery-only, portable devices?
Savvy developers will see the opportunity to rethink and re-implement their existing apps, eliminate bloat and cruft and deliver on the promise of this new paradigm!
*
Forum etiquette,??
are you nuts dude
he showing a picture of stolen apple SW
carni seemed so cool
now i see he is a only lowly low class f..ing thief .
no soup for either one of you guys
HOw do you know the disc was stolen? Installing it on unapproved HW is a violation of the EULA but it's not stealing.
HOw do you know the disc was stolen? Installing it on unapproved HW is a violation of the EULA but it's not stealing.
The interesting thing is that MacOS X runs okay on this class of hardware. But I don't think Apple will every make such a device.
And interestingly, I don't ever really use it. Whereas I think I *would* use a tablet.
My main machine is Mac Pro, and that is my primary work machine. And I have a MacBook Pro for when I visit clients or If I need to run Windows.
I got the Netbook because I thought it would be good to have a lightweight machine I could toss into a bag and not worry about. But to make the machine useable I added a big battery. The keyboard is cramped, the trackpad is awkward, and the screen size is a problem for some software. For serious work it is sub optimal. And for casual use (Media or Web browsing) it is worse.
So yes, I broke the EULA. But morally, I don't think anyone was harmed by this experiment. Not least Apple. The experiment directly resulted in me buying yet another MacBook Pro for my daughter.
So why does this netbook gather dust? I think Jobs was right when he said that netbooks are not better at anything.
C.
Forum etiquette,??
now i see he is a only lowly low class f..ing thief .
Please don't call me a thief. Nothing stolen here. No counting the netbook, this is a seven Mac household.
C.
The interesting thing is that MacOS X runs okay on this class of hardware. But I don't think Apple will every make such a device.
I've built plenty of Hacintoshes. While they run great compared to other versions of Windows on a netbook it's patently clear that these machines are not ideal for a desktop OSes designed for faster machines with larger displays.
The iPhone simulator runs my fart app on my Mac. Visibly my Mac is running iPhone OS, which may as well be a topic for quarter long trolling storm.
That said, the iPad UI is surely underdesigned. What it actually is has been created for a phone and has been indisputable perfect for a phone. The pad should have had tabbed bookmark-oriented interface; animations should have resembled turning pages. Which would make it really classy
Exactly
The same people who criticized the iMac, iPod and iPhone. Boy were they wrong about it all!
I agree, technical people in general seem to have a blind spot when thinking about Apples technology.
Whats hindering them is that:
1. they are not visually oriented; why use a graphical user interface at all, if you can use some obscure key combination to do the same 'a lot faster'
2. they are not sensitive to aesthetics. It doesn't mater if the icon is a god awful array of badly arranged pixels, if it is recognizable it is good enough.
3. they think that all big commercial company's are bad. In the end it doesn't matter if its Apple or Microsoft or Google. No matter what the argument is or how much the history (and criminal behavior ) differs.
4. they are extremely sensitive to conspiracy theory's. If Apple introduces a new technology it must be because they want to rip off the public. No mater (again) what the technical argument is. If Apple poses some restriction, like for example not 'allowing' flash on the iPhone, it must be because Apple wants to hinder them. Pointing out to them that there are several very valid technical reasons to do so results in an almost emotional response that all technical arguments could be valid (they don't agree on any one of them of course) but that they are not the main reason, Apple just wants to restrict people to be able to sell them the unrestricted version later on.
5. after years of struggle they reluctantly use a GUI because they have to. But - to them - the commandline is still the best way to do things. But a touch interface, what in the name of god, is the big deal? Pointing out that touch does make a big difference, like 3D does for movies, is to no avail. Perhaps, they are right, touch doesn't make a difference for them, because they lack feeling.
6. they think that all software must be open to inspect and modify. If it isn't, only bad intentions can account for that. No mater if you point out that (for example) security and development cost are valid reasons to do so. They argue that if you cant handle security you shouldn't use a computer (computer use should be restricted to experts only), and software should be given away freely even if they earn their money from a firm that sells such restricted software.
7. they know best. Without even a hint of realization that their view on software and hardware is only a fraction of all possible views on the subject matter.
I could go on.
J.
On the PC's he had, he was able to: E-Mail, Browse (when he could get online), and occasionally burn CDs with pictures on them.
Since getting the MacBook, he's learned to: Use iPhoto (and Smart albums!), Use iDVD (couldn't believe it), Use Facebook and play Facebook Games, connect to a TV for slideshows and videos, and manage his finances with QuickBooks.
I'm really proud of him. But he's still only scratched the surface, and is still afraid to go deeper because he lacks that raw understanding of what the computer can/should do. He told me the other day that he sat and watched the beachball spin for 2.5 hours before calling my wife who told him to hold down the power button....
....This is who the iPad is designed for. I can't wait to buy and show him one. He'll still probably want to use iPhoto for organizing the thousands of photos he takes, but when he sees that he can plug in his camera and boom his recent photos are on a gorgeous 10" touchable display, with customizable slideshows (his fav), he'll be sold right there.
When he sees he can play and touch Bejeweled Blitz on that big screen, he'll probably not let me take mine home.