How do you explain the iPad ?

sarge78 · 4 Mar 2011 at 16:22

Definitely the future of content consumption, can't wait for large, foldable newspaper type computers.

MrLOL said:
Interesting ipad editorial from Engadget

http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/03/editorial-its-apples-post-pc-world-were-all-just-living/

Wonder if they will give up on the tablet experience the same way they've given up trying to fight the MP3 player sales ?

Wow, if you want to understand the power of multinational branding just read this article.

bitslice · 4 Mar 2011 at 20:43

Somnambulist said:
You can't pass a laptop about in the same way you can a tablet.

I remember a manager breaking a really expensive laptop, because he tried to swivel it around to show someone else, but by holding the screen :eek:

Now that I think about it,
old people who may just want to use video calling and do some online grocery shopping, are the ideal users of an iPad. Just think about the fun and games we've all had teaching relatives how to move a mouse and click on an icon :rolleyes:

Raymond Lin · 4 Mar 2011 at 20:50

bitslice said:
Just think about the fun and games we've all had teaching relatives how to move a mouse and click on an icon

Left click the mouse....what's a left click?

Lol

Or

Touch which ever photo you want to open.

Blackhawk47 · 6 Mar 2011 at 15:11

Think different.

To be fair though it does just work and has much better battery life then most devices out there.

Tunez · 6 Mar 2011 at 16:04

I would say the Ipad is an (expensive) accessory for a laptop or desktop, if you got the money and have an applicable use for it in your line of work its a great gadget. There are a lot of businesses out there that have genuine use for the Ipads for presentational purposes, but its also a great household item for the family. Depends on what you do I suppose, I personally wouldn't have a use for it, although I would love one anyway.

Faustus · 6 Mar 2011 at 16:14

EVH said:
You have no idea, do you.

A company like Apple will have product road maps far beyond the next 2 or 3 years. Oh, and Tim Cook has done a pretty good job steering the ship when he's not been around, so to say they're doomed without Jobs is ill-founded IMO.

You only have to look at the reaction of stock markets when Jobs isn't at the helm or has to leave the helm due to leave of absence to see the effect his physical presence exerts. His attention to design and detail is legendary, stock markets are already worrying about what will happen once he's gone.

Faustus · 6 Mar 2011 at 16:18

Now that I think about it,
old people who may just want to use video calling and do some online grocery shopping, are the ideal users of an iPad. Just think about the fun and games we've all had teaching relatives how to move a mouse and click on an icon

Why the constant need to patronise people of more mature years? Some of us were using computers and writing code whilst you younger ones were just a twinkle in your parents eyes.

Deleted member 77746 · 6 Mar 2011 at 16:25

Faustus said:
Why the constant need to patronise people of more mature years? Some of us were using computers and writing code whilst you younger ones were just a twinkle in your parents eyes.

I was dropped off by a stoke. I arrived on the door step. When my parents went out to get a bottle of milk, I was lay there in my wrapped up in cloth.

Faustus · 6 Mar 2011 at 16:32

sarge78 said:
Definitely the future of content consumption, can't wait for large, foldable newspaper type computers.

Wow, if you want to understand the power of multinational branding just read this article.

Personally I think it shows a real contempt for the consumer and if true makes me suspect that the average Apple user would also be a likely candidate for a sect - worrying.

Spit · 6 Mar 2011 at 18:54

My Mum.

Never owned a computer before but always wanted to have a go. She couldnt get her head around windows so I got a her an iPad. Cant get it out of her hands now. She is getting an ipad 2 on day 1 so she can video call.

It is really amazing for me to watch her go from technophobe to browsing shops, emailing, storing her photos and buying things when she wants instead of asking me or my Dad to do it.

It really has transformed things in that respect.

Ricki · 6 Mar 2011 at 19:21

Ease of media consumption on the go.

The only time I find myself reaching for my iPad is when I'm going away and then I make sure it's fully charged and has a few games and load of movies and tv shows loaded. It's handy when I'm on holiday and all I need to do is check emails and the odd bit of web surfing (both of which I can do with my mobile instead).

When I'm at home I simply boot up my PC and use that - I almost never touch the iPad. My PC is faster, has a far bigger screen and easier text input. I can access just as much online content and all works correctly.

I love the battery life of the iPad, which was one of the key reasons I bought it, but I'm not overly impressed with the quality of the screens or the frankly pathetic 'multi-tasking'. I'm also not impressed with Safari - it may just be the way I browse the internet but it is constantly reloading tabbed pages and the fact you have to click twice rather than once and go through 2 animations to switch between tabs is just annoying and slow.

My professional roles requires a fair amount of writing, CAD, interfacing with different bits of equipment and use of the web - all of which is more easily and quickly done with a desktop of laptop.

Spyhop · 6 Mar 2011 at 19:42

Ricki said:
I'm also not impressed with Safari - it may just be the way I browse the internet but it is constantly reloading tabbed pages and the fact you have to click twice rather than once and go through 2 animations to switch between tabs is just annoying and slow.

The original iPad is light on RAM (256MB vs iPhone4's 512), which is the culprit for forced reloads.

It would be cool if there were a one action gesture to move between tabs. 4 finger swipe!

Glaucus · 6 Mar 2011 at 21:09

It is the form factor mainly. Some people don't get it, but try holding a laptop with keyboard out, with no table to put it on. Many are far heavier and the keyboard makes it unbalanced and hard.

2nd is mobile Is it makes things faster and so much easier.

Faustus · 6 Mar 2011 at 23:35

iDroid84 said:
I was dropped off by a stoke. I arrived on the door step. When my parents went out to get a bottle of milk, I was lay there in my wrapped up in cloth.

That sentence makes no grammatical sense at all. :eek:

Faustus · 6 Mar 2011 at 23:41

Emphacy said:
Innovation. Progressing Technology.

Remember the days when a Nokia 3310 was the big thing.

Yep still using mine and see no reason to change it. It does what a mobile phone should do i.e. makes and receives phone calls. :cool:

Ev0 · 7 Mar 2011 at 09:59

I guess one things you could say is it can be used as a Digital/electronic clipboard.

Why carry sheets of paper/pens around when it can be done electronically, linking in directly to systems etc.

A laptop is not suitable for this due to it's size/bulk, the iPad can truly be used as such.

Spyhop · 7 Mar 2011 at 13:02

Ev0 said:
I guess one things you could say is it can be used as a Digital/electronic clipboard.

Why carry sheets of paper/pens around when it can be done electronically, linking in directly to systems etc.

A laptop is not suitable for this due to it's size/bulk, the iPad can truly be used as such.

Have to watch out though. I remember all the "gimmick" rage at that Jake guy when he used one while presenting F1

Ev0 · 7 Mar 2011 at 14:23

Idiot rage more like

That's one example of a situation where it's a pretty good idea

Slogan · 7 Mar 2011 at 18:53

I like to describe it as a magical device at a revolutionary price...

In all seriousness, Apple have done a wonderful job with the iPad. Those who said it was 'just a big iPhone' and that it 'wouldn't sell' have been so far wide of the mark, it's not even funny. Those still bitter about its success play the line 'Apple could sell its customers anything', without truly looking at what it has done for the industry.

Like the iPhone, it has really made it's mark in a sector of portable computing and aside from being an important product, it has further served to encourage competitors to try and make similar products - so even those who don't like Apple products or prefer something different are still benefiting from Apple's push in the market sector. That is not to say that other companies are not innovative but I think the iPhone and iPad have certainly did a lot to accelerate their respective product markets.

I would say that aside from the general hate that Apple get, some of it deserved and some of it not, the iPad genuinely does have to be held to be truly understood. Using it for a short time in an Apple store was far more beneficial to me than the numerous online reviews available.

I think many view it as a luxury item and I can kind of see where they're coming from on that front. But as the iPad's (and others) capabilities continue to grow, the need for the portable computer (see: laptop) will diminish. For now the laptop is not only more powerful but more useful - but not for much longer.

Faustus · 7 Mar 2011 at 23:21

For now the laptop is not only more powerful but more useful - but not for much longer

Yes I can really see one typing a longish email/document on an iPad - NOT.

Using it for a short time in an Apple store was far more beneficial to me than the numerous online reviews available.

I was no more enamoured with the product after using it than I was previously. I don't doubt it is really useful for some niche areas of business etc. but for most it is just another piece of must have gadge bling. I suspect a lot of those who bought them on an impulse now have them languishing in a drawer along with other pieces of tech they didn't really need but wanted anyway.