Apple introuduces the iPad

[Ruroshen]

So after all the hype of the past few weeks, Apple finally reveals its much-rumored "tablet", the iPad...which turns out to be an oversized iPod Touch with 3G capability.

Was anyone else really, really underwhelmed? If it had a full OS, and the ability to operate independently without needing to sync with another computer, I'd be impressed...but speaking as somebody who already owns both a netbook and an iTouch, I can't see why I'd need or want this. It's like getting half the Mac for half the price.

I think it'll have legs strictly because it's got an Apple logo on it, and the $499 entry level price point makes it a Kindle-killer...but honestly, my overall reaction was 'meh'.

[JimmyDean23]

HOW DARE YOU START THIS THREAD WITHOUT ME!!

jk

I'll get back to this after class.

[Junkmale]

Yep.
Initial thoughts are that it looks like an iPod Touch only with a bigger screen?

Don't get me wrong. The Touch is a fantastic device but i was expecting something more from Apple.

Time will tell.

[Fish]

9 iPhones duct taped together?

[JimmyDean23]

First off, I need to admit that I am a HUGE Apple fan, Machead, fanboy, etc. and I am extremely biased towards Apple and I generally get super excited about everything they make and eventually buy it.

That being said, the iPad itself is not as good as everyone was hoping for because it was didn't have that one thing that would knock you off your feet. The real problem is that we have all become used to Apple blowing our minds every year and it gets harder for them to live up to our expectations that we set for them. The iPad is a great device, but thats the problem. Apple doesn't do "great", they do "perfect". The real story here isn't the iPad, its the hype surrounding it and it just shows how much control Apple has over us and the media. Check any search engine, the searches for "iPad" and "Steve Jobs" far outnumber "State of the Union." Steve Jobs could sell a pile of dog poop and people would buy it. I'm sure his keynote will be much more interesting (not more important) the that other speech thats happening tonight.

Regardless of whether or not the iPad is the next big thing like the iPhone was, it will be hugely successful not because it has the Apple logo, but because Apple doesn't look for a niche to fill or an audience to target, they create one. Before today, I had no need or use for the iPad, but now I do. Weird, huh? I will definitely buy one this summer after I get a job and I'm sure I will love it and wont be able to live without it. I'm thinking the 64GB WiFi only one. Anyways, I got to get back to watching MacBreak Weekly Live.

[puffyrock2]

I don't keep up with things like this anymore. I only call and text, so i don't need an iPhone. I don't download music and i'm somewhat of an audiophile, so i don't need an iPod. I love physical books, wouldn't imagine reading one on a kindle, so i don't need that. Don't have HD, so i don't need blu-ray.

Yeah, i'm getting behind. I'm OK with that;)

[JimmyDean23]

Nothing wrong with being behind Puffyrock, staying on the cutting edge is exhausting, overwhelming, and expensive. Its not easy but its very rewarding.

[Ruroshen]

The real problem is that we have all become used to Apple blowing our minds every year and it gets harder for them to live up to our expectations that we set for them.

I think part of the problem was that they pushed too hard on the "it works just like the iPhone!" angle, which I think is what led to the widespread criticism on Twitter and elsewhere that it's just an upsized iPod Touch. And the one thing that I think really could have set it apart--the iWorks demo--was by all reports deadly dull.

I'm really intrigued by iBook, though, which has serious potential to become a game-changer for the publishing industry if it catches on the way iTunes has. I hope they release a version for iPhone/iPod Touch as well.

Before today, I had no need or use for the iPad, but now I do. Weird, huh? I will definitely buy one this summer after I get a job and I'm sure I will love it and wont be able to live without it.

Can I ask why? Because while I can see it would have certain advantages over my iTouch or netbook--larger display than the iTouch, lighter and less bulky than the netbook, 3G capability without a contract--it doesn't seem like enough of an upgrade to make it a 'must-have'. It'd be a neat toy to have, certainly, but I don't feel like it's enough of a trade-up to make it worth my while.

[paintballpdh19]

i had the same reaction... i thought it could have been better. not worth buying if you have an iphone and a laptop.

[JimmyDean23]

Its just one of those things that you didn't know you needed until you have it. If you look at it not as a competitor to the iPod touch or netbook, but as an all new category of devices, then it makes more sense. The timing was really off on this, if it had come out two or three years ago, it would have been as big if not bigger than the iPhone. When this thing comes out, go to an Apple store and hold one in your hands and tell me that you don't want one. You don't need one, you just want one.

[Ben]

Headline on Reddit:

Google responds to the iPad by releasing their own "tablet"... Google engineers quoted as saying development "took about six hours".

http://i.imgur.com/PtGZT.jpg

[Ali]

My take on the iPad is that I think it's an okay product. I don't think it's as revolutionary as the iPhone, it certainly doesn't have the wow factor as the original iPhone. I have a iTouch 2G which is basically like the iPhone more specifically the 3g version and I must say I was totally wowed by it when I first got it little less than a year ago. You could do web surfing, Youtube, check your stocks, e-mail, play games, all using the innovate touch features, not to mention the 6 hours of video and 36 hours of audio all packaged in a small and sleek design. I carry it around with me all the time, it's like carrying around a computer with you all the time. I have become fond of my iTouch, this is coming from a life long PC user who used to shun Apple products partly because of thier expensive nature. There are no other product on the market that has these many features not to mention over 75,000 apps to choose from. I have become an admirer of Apple's innovative products. So I do think the iPad lacks in the innovative department, it's really hard for a company to come out with an innovative hit product all the time, everytime, even for a company like Apple. Having said that I think this product will be a succes compared to it's competitors, the attention that this product alone is worth a significant advertising boon that it's competitors can not match. I think it was mistake to not offer the widescreen and higher resolution instead of only 1024 x 768 and not incorporating features such as flash. But I still think the brand name of Apple alone will carry this product a long way.

Note, I am writing this on my iTouch upgraded to the new iPhone OS 3.0 which I found quite an improvement. :)

[dreamer]

the ipad is an overhyped product, no one really needs it. I'm not an apple fan anyway but if i were to buy one of their products it would be an iphone, not a tam pod.

[deanej]

I don't really get the iPad either. I just don't see the category between smart phone and netbook, especially since netbooks are both more powerful and cheaper. The iPad is essentially an oversized iPod touch.

[JimmyDean23]

I am really getting sick of people making fun of the iPad. Sure, it could have had a better name. Making fun of the iPad for its name is pretty low and shows a real lack of imagination. Everyone and their mother is saying "its just a big iPod touch." No, the iPod touch is a tiny iPad. Its all about timing. If the iPad came out first, everyone would love it and be hating on the iPod touch for being too small. And remember, Apple kept their mouths closed on this. The fans hyped it up and made wild ass predictions that Apple couldn't live up too. Who is the real failure here, the iPad or the fans? I live by that old saying, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."

[Ruroshen]

I am really getting sick of people making fun of the iPad. Sure, it could have had a better name. Making fun of the iPad for its name is pretty low and shows a real lack of imagination.

Well, while I can see where they were going with it, Apple really did bring this on itself. I mean, c'mon...nobody in any of the numerous focus groups I'm sure they held cracked a single tampon joke? Or Googled that MadTV sketch from a couple years ago that is being linked to death right now? They knew the job was dangerous when they took it, Fred. :p

Everyone and their mother is saying "its just a big iPod touch." No, the iPod touch is a tiny iPad. Its all about timing. If the iPad came out first, everyone would love it and be hating on the iPod touch for being too small.

Heh. My favorite comment on this was one that I retweeted on the day of the big reveal: "From now on, the iPod Touch should be referred to as the iPad Nano." :p

Anyway, my biggest objection isn't the size, it's the issue of functionality compared to the iPhone/iTouch. If the iPad ran a full OS, or even allowed multitasking between two or more apps at once, I'd be more inclined to upgrade. The increase in screen real estate and a proper touchtype keyboard alone--which would be nice, don't get me wrong--just don't sweeten the pot enough to intrigue me, at least not now. Before I'd bought my iTouch and/or netbook, though? Maybe, maybe not.

And remember, Apple kept their mouths closed on this. The fans hyped it up and made wild ass predictions that Apple couldn't live up too. Who is the real failure here, the iPad or the fans?

Hmm...yeah, I see what you're saying, but that to me says that Apple actually did a very poor job of managing expectations. Keeping as tight a lid on it as they, and not responding to the speculation at all, may have been a tactical error in hindsight. Probably not enough to hurt them significantly, mind you, but it definitely contributed to the backlash.

[Alex]

iPad

http://www.gearlog.com/images/apple%20ipad.jpgWell...at first I was like somewhat disappointed just at looking at just some preview short clips of the iPad I wal like uhhh whatever it's just "an oversized iPod Touch":confused: However, last night I saw the whole Apple Steve Jobs iPad presentation and I reconsidered my previous opinion on the iPad.

I like that it will have and offer:
-Stylish
-Slick/ thin
-10 hours of battery life
-ipod Touch and iPhone apps work perfectly on the iPad, plus there will be additional apps just for the iPad.
-Video Quality (LED)
-YouTube HD video capable
-iTunes
-APPLE stores(app store, itunes, and the iBook store)
-Improved and better gaming experience
-Photos
-etc...
-But the thing I'm REALLY looking forward to and made me chage my mind was that it will offer iWork apps(Pages, Keynote and Numbers) each app for $9.99
-WiFi+3G models will be pre-paid without any contracts :D


The iPad in my opinion will definetly be the #1 competitor against the Kindle DX and any other models soon to come up. I think it is targeted to business men and women, travelers, e-readers, students on the GO. It offers music,video, education and entertainment all in a stylish portable design and comprehensive price.

iWork
I think that by offering iWork in the iPad gives it an extra bonus towards this new product. It will let users to work on their work and projects on the go all in the palm of their hands, and after finishing their presentations using Keynote, they just use an adapter to connect it on a projector.
http://www.fredcavazza.net/files/2010/01/iPad_iWork.jpg


CONS in my taste:
The only things I still don't like or feel disappointed is that the iPad does not offer FLASH, USB input, HDMI output, nor a video/photo camera to be used for example in video chats/conversations or taking an instant picture.:confused::o:rolleyes:


Overall the iPad has caught my eye and interest for its full functions it will offer to its uders. Personally as a college student I have found my iPod Touch to be helpful in times, now I can imagine how the iPad will trully help me in college, when I travel, or in my free time. I plan to wait some time and most possible buy one.:)

FULL APPLE's iPad Demonstration
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[JimmyDean23]

FINALLY! Some one who understands what the iPad is and who it is aimed at! I cant tell you how fed up I am about people comparing it a netbook or the iPod touch. Alex, I agree with you on all of the pros and cons (except Flash, that was a damn good decision on Apple's part, HTML5 is the future and Flash would have made it unstable.) Im curious, if you buy one, which one would it be? Im getting the WiFi only model, not sure on the gigs yet, probably the 16GB. This will great for reading textbooks and doing keynotes in class. Everyday I think of more ways that I could use it. Now if only I had $500 laying around...

Also, if anyone wants to watch the keynote in one video, go to Apple's website or download it on iTunes. You can get all of Steve's previous keynotes that way.

[Alex]

..., Im curious, if you buy one, which one would it be? Im getting the WiFi only model, not sure on the gigs yet, probably the 16GB. This will great for reading textbooks and doing keynotes in class. Everyday I think of more ways that I could use it. Now if only I had $500 laying around...

Well dude, I'm planning in also getting the 16GB model, yet I'm still deciding on wether I should get the WiFi or WiFi +3G model. The good thing about the WiFi+3G model is that there will be NO monthly contracts, and AT&T's two plans are price reasonable so that's s bonus :), plus if you travel around internationally it's just a matter of purchasing a SIM card and you have your 3G signal once again available.

Most probably I'll get mine during August if not December. The thing is that I have in my head some stuff I want to buy such as a NIKON camera, but I'll see what I get first depending on how much money I have available:p

[marik]

Well dude, I'm planning in also getting the 16GB model, yet I'm still deciding on wether I should get the WiFi or WiFi +3G model. The good thing about the WiFi+3G model is that there will be NO monthly contracts, and AT&T's two plans are price reasonable so that's s bonus :), plus if you travel around internationally it's just a matter of purchasing a SIM card and you have your 3G signal once again available.

Most probably I'll get mine during August if not December. The thing is that I have in my head some stuff I want to buy such as a NIKON camera, but I'll see what I get first depending on how much money I have available:p

go with Nikon :p

[Ali]

Anyway, my biggest objection isn't the size, it's the issue of functionality compared to the iPhone/iTouch. If the iPad ran a full OS, or even allowed multitasking between two or more apps at once, I'd be more inclined to upgrade. The increase in screen real estate and a proper touchtype keyboard alone--which would be nice, don't get me wrong--just don't sweeten the pot enough to intrigue me, at least not now. Before I'd bought my iTouch and/or netbook, though? Maybe, maybe not.



This is my biggest gripe with the iPad, I fully expected a Leopard OS or something or a stripped down one and not having multiple apps running is definitely a downer especially if you intend it to use it for business productivity. But my guess is an OS would seriously hurt the performance given that the CPU is only 1 GHZ ARM modified processors, plus I think having a full blown OS might be a damper on battery life, if you know Apple they always try to shoot for a long battery life on their products. I also read some where coming from Steve Jobs (don't know if it's accurate or not) but apparently having Flash on the iTouch/iPhone would be big drain on the battery, for me I could live without it, but for the iPad having some sort of flash would definitely have been a plus. I read that Apple is working on allowing more than 2 or 3 apps running simultaneously on the upcoming iPhone OS 4.0, so that might fix one of the issues that people gripe about, I know from experience I hate having to quit apps just so I could surf on safari. I still think that Apple iPad is going to kill all the other tablets because, well, it an Apple. As for

Speaking of OS, is anyone having issues with upgrading to the new iPhone OS 3.1.3 or whatever version it is that Apple released this week for the iTouch and iPhone? I was upgrading my iTouch 2G to the latest OS update and it seems to have frozen in the middle of updating/restoring. :confused:

[Sir Wood]

Looks like she didn't quite get what she wanted either. That's kind of the same stuff I was just listening to Paul Thurott say. Well, I don't know. What did they say a 10 hour battery? Is that huge enough? Maybe not. So, it's just missing the camera really?

I must say, I find the iPad tempting too. I'd have to play with one, but I think if I could use it to offload pictures from my camera, do a little email and some little video watching it would be great for taking on trips instead of my full sized laptop. And if I could do all that and store "e-books" and do some fairly simple writing and drawing on it, it would be great to take to school in lieu of as many books and paper handouts. And this second use case is the more common. Hauling around books in itself can actually be a bit of an issue. I certainly couldn't take any of my text books on a trip. Can't do homework (not like I was doing homework in Nice anyway).

I'd like that to be my entry into Apple land. Not that I ever expect to become an Apple fanboy bigot like Lili! What's up with dissin' the "PC"? Ok, I haven't had a Mac in over 15 years; so...
but I suppose this is a digression...
Really, like most, I too was tempted & hoping that they had included multi-tasking, a cam as well as making it more OneNote capable to help launch e-textbooks. If anything I see this 1st gen as an entertainment device like a PMP, DSi, what have you... (Not sure on productivity even though it has a modified iWorks.) Anyway, I'm still looking to see if a company builds such an affordable tablet. Perhaps the 2nd/3rd gen iPad?

As for the her PC comment, it's what ever you grew up with that makes you most comfortable with. (/looks to see that Amigo! is around :p) Had I grown up with Mac & knew the in's and out's of the OS I'd be saying the same thing about PC due to it's unfamiliar interface and commands/keyboard short-cuts.