I know I shouldn't contribute to the hype, but am wondering whether any of you bought / tried an Ipad and is willing to share some impressions.
If you want an example of how NOT to write a review, check out this review and then scroll down and look at the wicked comments he got from some readers.
O
I know I shouldn't contribute to the hype, but am wondering whether any of you bought / tried an Ipad and is willing to share some impressions.
If you want an example of how NOT to write a review, check out this review and then scroll down and look at the wicked comments he got from some readers.
O
Being a big Mac/Apple fan, and usually an early adopter, I have not yet felt that need and rush other products can generate.
Many people are wondering for which audiance the iPad is. I think it could be for those people who just want a few things to go along their morning coffee before heading out to work. Checking email, a few news sites, and when you come back home in the evening, share some pictures of your last trip with your dinner guests, plug in a jack and it plays that nice dinner music (but the iPod/iPhone already does that) and then read a book on it.
Not everybody like to set the laptop on their lap for a long time to browse the web, do email, organize pics, write a blog, etc. I think that the iPad could be a replacement for this situation (being on the couch).
I will have a look at it once it gets to Geneva (end of this month??) and decide then. Also, the new iPad/iPhone/iPod OS4 will hopefully change a few good things on this nice looking product. It should be out tomorrow.
Being a big Mac/Apple fan, and usually an early adopter, I have not yet felt that need and rush other products can generate.
Many people are wondering for which audiance the iPad is. I think it could be for those people who just want a few things to go along their morning coffee before heading out to work. Checking email, a few news sites, and when you come back home in the evening, share some pictures of your last trip with your dinner guests, plug in a jack and it plays that nice dinner music (but the iPod/iPhone already does that) and then read a book on it.
Not everybody like to set the laptop on their lap for a long time to browse the web, do email, organize pics, write a blog, etc. I think that the iPad could be a replacement for this situation (being on the couch).
I will have a look at it once it gets to Geneva (end of this month??) and decide then. Also, the new iPad/iPhone/iPod OS4 will hopefully change a few good things on this nice looking product. It should be out tomorrow.
Patrick, you really call yourself as an early adopter, with Apple products!? Give me a break. I think you're more like working for Apple or at least owning their shares :P
Lets see what comes out of this comment. :) Referring to a thread few months back ;)
Patrick, you really call yourself as an early adopter, with Apple products!? Give me a break. I think you're more like working for Apple or at least owning their shares :P
Lets see what comes out of this comment. :) Referring to a thread few months back ;)
Pepso, no, I am not an early adopter of APPLE product, I meant it generally in technology devices.
Pepso, no, I am not an early adopter of APPLE product, I meant it generally in technology devices.
I know I shouldn't contribute to the hype, but am wondering whether any of you bought / tried an Ipad and is willing to share some impressions.
If you want an example of how NOT to write a review, check out this review and then scroll down and look at the wicked comments he got from some readers.
O
The only thing worse than Apple fanbois are Google-Fanbois ;-)
That said, the iPad - according to those who have had one in their hands - is a product that has got to be used and experienced first-hand to be able to make a judgement about.
http://www.digitec.ch/
offers it up in Switzerland now, for the we-don't-really-make-any-money-from-this bargain-price of 799 CHF (16 GB WLAN version).
;-)
The only thing worse than Apple fanbois are Google-Fanbois ;-)
That said, the iPad - according to those who have had one in their hands - is a product that has got to be used and experienced first-hand to be able to make a judgement about.
http://www.digitec.ch/
offers it up in Switzerland now, for the we-don't-really-make-any-money-from-this bargain-price of 799 CHF (16 GB WLAN version).
;-)
Patrick, I meant early adaptor and using Apple products usually doesn't make sense. though seen few exceptions...
What about Gemini instead? ...if I will ever see it in shelves...
http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/06/icds-tegra-2-powered-gemini-is-the-most-feature-complete-tablet/
Patrick, I meant early adaptor and using Apple products usually doesn't make sense. though seen few exceptions...
What about Gemini instead? ...if I will ever see it in shelves...
http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/06/icds-tegra-2-powered-gemini-is-the-most-feature-complete-tablet/
Yeah man - how is it?
Are you happy or disapointed?
Oded
Keroubim....i want to see, no surprise there! and i'll be getting one as soon as I can.
Keroubim....i want to see, no surprise there! and i'll be getting one as soon as I can.
are you saying that for the moment there are no apps for the office suite ( text, spreadsheet, etc?)
are you saying that for the moment there are no apps for the office suite ( text, spreadsheet, etc?)
@keroubim: awesome! that would be so cool. But, I don't understand what you meant about the App Store....
I don't have an iPad, but I was able to connect to the iTunes store, go to the Apps page, click on "iPad" and I just downloaded the iBooks and Kayak.
Yes, my account is in the US, but I'm clearly in Geneva so IP filtering....? I dunno about that.
David
@keroubim: awesome! that would be so cool. But, I don't understand what you meant about the App Store....
I don't have an iPad, but I was able to connect to the iTunes store, go to the Apps page, click on "iPad" and I just downloaded the iBooks and Kayak.
Yes, my account is in the US, but I'm clearly in Geneva so IP filtering....? I dunno about that.
David
Sorry guys, couldn't help myself not to post this when I saw it 
http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/15/ipad-printing-solved/
Sorry guys, couldn't help myself not to post this when I saw it
http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/15/ipad-printing-solved/
are you saying that for the moment there are no apps for the office suite ( text, spreadsheet, etc?)
There are iPad version of Apple's iWork desktop applications.
But from what I heard, syncing files between desktop and iPad still needs to be worked on (by Apple).
No doubt, though, that in one year we will look at "normal" laptops the same way we look at "normal" phones now.
"Things will never be the same again"
;-)
There are iPad version of Apple's iWork desktop applications.
But from what I heard, syncing files between desktop and iPad still needs to be worked on (by Apple).
No doubt, though, that in one year we will look at "normal" laptops the same way we look at "normal" phones now.
"Things will never be the same again"
;-)
Touch Screen mobile computing has been around for quite some time already. The Windows Mobile phones have always used touch screens (for almost 10 years now) and "Tablet PCs" have been around in both low and high resolution formats for almost the same period of time.
So there are options out there, that are probably worthwhile looking at too.
The advantage of the approach taken by Apple is that everything is controlled - you can only install on the iPhone and iPad what they approve for installation via the app store. That means, in theory, it should be more stable (although they use some other restrictive practices to help ensure that also - like stopping your apps from running while you take a phone call). The disadvantage is just that - you cannot install whatever people out there decide to create for the device, you always need approval from Apple, and there have been a number of cases of clear anti-competitive behavior from Apple in this respect. But if what you are looking for is a glorified iPhone with a nice big screen, that probably gets close to ebook-reader quality, then the iPad is probably a good choice for you.
For those that actually a more complete computing/laptop solution that can run whatever you like, but with the usability of a multi-touch interface (i.e. a modern touch screen), there are many options in the PC laptop domain. The mainstream business laptop makers like IBM and HP have offerings, but also do the more competitively priced and in some respects more "home user friendly" makers like Acer and Asus.
See this link for more summary info from Acer: http://us.acer.com/showrooms/touch/touchapps.html
And here's a link showing the type of things they are working on for the next generation: http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/08/acer-working-on-frameless-laptop-with-touchscreen-keyboard/
I've used several touch-screen laptops over the years. Currently, I have an "old" Asus Eee PC, which is only 1kg, runs for around 5 hours, and is great for travel (watch movies, deal with email, read and edit documents and presentations, etc). Keyboard and screen are a little too small for long-term use, screen is only 9 inch, but for travel it is fine. The new version (Asus Eee PC T101MT) is very slightly bigger and can be found in Geneva: http://www.1000ordi.ch/53617 - 680CHF - which means the 9 inch version is probably up for "reallocation" for school homework and hence a new 10 inch version may be required soon :- ) Just looking for one with built-in 3G capabilities, which can be achieved with many netbooks and laptops these days, but some ship with the SIM card slot enabled, and some require a technician to enable it (getting a technician to enable it is annoying and not recommended for non-techies as it can void your warrantee).
There are also touch-screen desktop computers available, or you can upgrade any existing Windows Vista or Windows 7 PC with a touch-screen for as little as 300CHF!
One thing is for sure, if you have kids that are just starting to use computers, the investment in a touch-screen or even just replace your mouse with a touch-pad (like Bamboo touch+pen from Wacom) is very much worthwhile. From what I've seen so far, kids seem to take to touch-screen interfaces like ducks to water.
Just be sure to take a look around at what's on offer before choosing a touch-screen computer. The technology is not as expensive as it was 5 years ago, but some vendors continue to charge a heavy premium for it.
Touch Screen mobile computing has been around for quite some time already. The Windows Mobile phones have always used touch screens (for almost 10 years now) and "Tablet PCs" have been around in both low and high resolution formats for almost the same period of time.
So there are options out there, that are probably worthwhile looking at too.
The advantage of the approach taken by Apple is that everything is controlled - you can only install on the iPhone and iPad what they approve for installation via the app store. That means, in theory, it should be more stable (although they use some other restrictive practices to help ensure that also - like stopping your apps from running while you take a phone call). The disadvantage is just that - you cannot install whatever people out there decide to create for the device, you always need approval from Apple, and there have been a number of cases of clear anti-competitive behavior from Apple in this respect. But if what you are looking for is a glorified iPhone with a nice big screen, that probably gets close to ebook-reader quality, then the iPad is probably a good choice for you.
For those that actually a more complete computing/laptop solution that can run whatever you like, but with the usability of a multi-touch interface (i.e. a modern touch screen), there are many options in the PC laptop domain. The mainstream business laptop makers like IBM and HP have offerings, but also do the more competitively priced and in some respects more "home user friendly" makers like Acer and Asus.
See this link for more summary info from Acer: http://us.acer.com/showrooms/touch/touchapps.html
And here's a link showing the type of things they are working on for the next generation: http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/08/acer-working-on-frameless-laptop-with-touchscreen-keyboard/
I've used several touch-screen laptops over the years. Currently, I have an "old" Asus Eee PC, which is only 1kg, runs for around 5 hours, and is great for travel (watch movies, deal with email, read and edit documents and presentations, etc). Keyboard and screen are a little too small for long-term use, screen is only 9 inch, but for travel it is fine. The new version (Asus Eee PC T101MT) is very slightly bigger and can be found in Geneva: http://www.1000ordi.ch/53617 - 680CHF - which means the 9 inch version is probably up for "reallocation" for school homework and hence a new 10 inch version may be required soon :- ) Just looking for one with built-in 3G capabilities, which can be achieved with many netbooks and laptops these days, but some ship with the SIM card slot enabled, and some require a technician to enable it (getting a technician to enable it is annoying and not recommended for non-techies as it can void your warrantee).
There are also touch-screen desktop computers available, or you can upgrade any existing Windows Vista or Windows 7 PC with a touch-screen for as little as 300CHF!
One thing is for sure, if you have kids that are just starting to use computers, the investment in a touch-screen or even just replace your mouse with a touch-pad (like Bamboo touch+pen from Wacom) is very much worthwhile. From what I've seen so far, kids seem to take to touch-screen interfaces like ducks to water.
Just be sure to take a look around at what's on offer before choosing a touch-screen computer. The technology is not as expensive as it was 5 years ago, but some vendors continue to charge a heavy premium for it.
Quick note, the WePad is supposed to be better, google it.
iPad lacks in a numerous places, thus I think the wePad will surpass it possibly.
Quick note, the WePad is supposed to be better, google it.
iPad lacks in a numerous places, thus I think the wePad will surpass it possibly.
Competition is good - that is what the commoditised hardware market is all about - and which is what Apple piggie-back on like many vendors in the computing industry. The post was hence about highlighting choice, as the Apple marketing machine seems sometimes to help people forget there is plenty of like-for-like stuff around, and some of it at lower prices also ;-)
Competition is good - that is what the commoditised hardware market is all about - and which is what Apple piggie-back on like many vendors in the computing industry. The post was hence about highlighting choice, as the Apple marketing machine seems sometimes to help people forget there is plenty of like-for-like stuff around, and some of it at lower prices also ;-)
I lived in NYC until a week ago and spent 3 hours in the Apple store when it came out. Even listened to the 30 min training they give every 30 min...
Anyway my takes: the larger screen is great even if not all applications are ready for it. Great for watching videos and for book reading (I did not think I would ever read a book on a video, but the experience was pretty amazing). The music reader is great too, as well as the IWorks suite, particularly the Numbers (like Excel) one. You can block the portrait or landascape view with a side button.
Still lacking the 3G until end of this month. A bit heavier than it should be according to many. Some sync problems and definitely not all applications ready for larger size (so you see them in the center of the screen in Iphone size or enlarge but lose resolution).
Other specific questions just ask, but I would wait for version 2 (like they did with the Iphone, they will fix some issues and lower prices).
Luca
I lived in NYC until a week ago and spent 3 hours in the Apple store when it came out. Even listened to the 30 min training they give every 30 min...
Anyway my takes: the larger screen is great even if not all applications are ready for it. Great for watching videos and for book reading (I did not think I would ever read a book on a video, but the experience was pretty amazing). The music reader is great too, as well as the IWorks suite, particularly the Numbers (like Excel) one. You can block the portrait or landascape view with a side button.
Still lacking the 3G until end of this month. A bit heavier than it should be according to many. Some sync problems and definitely not all applications ready for larger size (so you see them in the center of the screen in Iphone size or enlarge but lose resolution).
Other specific questions just ask, but I would wait for version 2 (like they did with the Iphone, they will fix some issues and lower prices).
Luca
