[NTLUG:Discuss] More iPad hands on

[Robert Pearson]

On Mon, May 3, 2010 at 1:01 PM, Chris Cox <cjcox at acm.org> wrote:
> Got to spend some more time on the iPad.
>
> I'm still wondering why on earth this is the greatest thing?
>
> Okay... keyboard usage.  Put the thing down flat, virtual keyboard take
> up AT LEAST 50% of the real estate, leaving a tiny portion of a low
> resolution screen remaining, lying flat, the screen is pretty unusable
> btw in a normal lighting environment.
>
> I'm sorry.. I found that for keyboard entry, the device more than
> stinks.  Sure. you can add the iPad "this or that" module that might
> attempt to make iPad into something usable (for a price), but IMHO, out
> of the box... it truly is a giant iTouch.
>
> I guess I don't see how an overpriced media device sold over a million
> units.  IMHO, this is simply a case of Apple euphoria.  I can envision a
> plethora of these devices collecting dust in a few months (of course,
> that will be because the same user that dumped $800 for a giant iTouch
> was convinced to buy the iPad Ultra or something for $1200).
>
> Sigh... avoid.... bad technology.  Feel free to chime in with something
> different.  It DID NOT impress me at all.
>

Here is some feedback in my reading that may shed some light on the
iPad phenomenon---
Since I can not afford one it is all second hand.

What’s most amazing is Apple iPad is not just being bought by technie
nerds but by normal people, like my beloved accountant, Brendan Smith,
who emailed me why he bought his iPad:
See you are a content creator.
I am a content consumer.
I take the train in the morning.
I listen to a podcast on my ipad.
I check my emails on my ipad.
I read the newspaper on my ipad.
I read certain blogs on my ipad.
Now you will say that you can do the same thing on a laptop but the
delivery on the iPad is unquestionably better.
Plus I provide Tech Support to Partners at the firm who bought 2  last
week.  And they need me to teach them how to use their iPads.

I email  my favorite techie, Dan Good:
You have iPhones, iPods and Macs. What does the iPad do for you that’s
not already being done by your other Apple gadgetry?
He replies:
Like a small computer or even a netbook, it is highly mobile,
lightweight and intuitive to use through its touch screen technology.
I will use it and take it along to quick trips ( next NY trip, of
course) and to business meetings. It is very unobtrusive, unlike what
you lug around. Hidden in a leather, protective case, most people
won’t even realize I have full computer capability at my fingertips. I
will let you try it when I visit — but only if you are nice to me.
Also the iPad is a better ebook reader than Kindle.

A humorous look at the iPad thing---
The technical press is obsessed with the iPad and will find any excuse
to write about their beloved iPad. My favorite is from Business
Insider, who chose to illustrate their story with this wonderful
picture:
(the 4th of the 11 pictures at the link below - the very large man
sitting on the plane aisle)
My favorite quote: “We’re not sure if this is a good thing or a bad
thing about having an iPad, but one of the most salient features of
the iPad experience is that strangers constantly want to talk to you
about it. That’s something that will no doubt change as tablets become
more common, but for now, misanthropes beware: people will come up to
you and ask for a review. If you have trouble meeting new people,
maybe that’s a great perk.”
You can see more delicious Traveling with an iPad photos and read
their story here.
<http://www.businessinsider.com/what-traveling-with-the-ipad-is-really-like-2010-4#the-ipad-is-the-perfect-size-for-the-plane-4>

An interesting comment is that if you don't have an IPhone the iPad
may take some getting use to.

It is not for everyone...  thank goodness...