[NTLUG:Discuss] More iPad hands on

[Chris Cox]

On Tue, 2010-05-04 at 14:36 -0500, Robert Pearson wrote:
...snip...
> 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.


Therefore, he has a VERY expensive iPad with a monthly data plan extra
through ATT.

If just using WiFi, you will be VERY limited (no train for sure... even
so with ATT data, not sure how effective that will be).

> Now you will say that you can do the same thing on a laptop but the
> delivery on the iPad is unquestionably better.

??? bizarre and not accurate.  How can, "whatever you want" be less
flexible to "static, you get what you get"?

> 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.

As if touchscreen is the correct interface all the time... and it IS
NOT.  Sure glad you can't use a stylus...  fat fingered people beware.

> 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

Has VERY (very) low end "full computer capability".  The iPad, CAN serve
as a remote front end device to compute resources, BUT ONLY for
protocols supported by iPad applications (which is limited).

I can do FULL demos on my laptop running multiple virtual machines
simulating a complete network environment.... without a network
connection.  I can play ALL media types, I can play DVDs.  My device is
heavier than the iPad, but measures 8.5" x 11" and has 6+ hours of
battery life (fewer when running full tilt though).

My PMP is smaller, lighter, has WAY more batter life and can connect
easier to external displays and projectors, including pico projectors
and the sum cost of the two is less than half the cost of the iPad.
It's possible that some might say same about their smart phone (except
price of course).

> 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.

Until you try to use it in bright daylight or try to copy a page using a
copier/scanner.

The Kindle is not a general purpose device.  However, it does come with
a built in FREE data plan from anywhere with Sprint coverage (which.. is
arguably more limited than other WWAN providers... depends).

What does the Kindle do (now):

1. Free data via Sprint

2. Limited web browsing (more restricted than the iPad)

3. Kindle book (proprietary) and PDF doc viewing (now with zoom)

4. Games (nothing terribly great)

5. MP3s (basic playing functionality)

Doesn't do:

1. WiFi, but can communicate directly with computer (and normal hacks to
network through it... but with caveats like with iPad).

2. Doesn't do "general" stuff... but arguably an iPad only does the
general computing stuff allowed by Apple.  Let's just say Kindle is for
reading books primarily.

3. Touchscreen, thus it does what you tell it to do instead of hit or
miss.


Cost of iPad with WiFi + 3G: $629 - 829 PLUS additional $20 (limited) -
30/mos. (unlimited)

Cost of a Kindle: $259 (no monthly for 3G)
Cost of a Kindle DX: $489 (here just to compare with size of iPad)

I find it interesting that iPad wants to compare itself to Kindle...
iPad is a poor ebook (limited viewing ease.. iPad is not book like).
iPad is more like a giant PMP... and many PMP's have PDF/ebook-ish like
features now.  And many smart phones are PMP-ish, thus you get WWAN and
phone... something you don't fully get with iPad (you get a larger
screen to break than what you get with the iPhone for example).

Kindle folks want a book that is many books.  And the Kindle serves that
up... that's what it is.  The fact that you can browse facebook, etc
with it, is simply a tack on (not the primary purpose).  It's VERY book
like (e.g. At night, requires a book light.  Can be copied like paper.
Best viewed in brighter light.)

iPad is a touchscreen tablet PC with many restrictions, a high price tag
and many restrictions (said twice, because I can't overemphasize that).
The good news is that the data plan is VERY reasonable in comparison to
a standard laptop/tablet data plan (which makes you wonder btw, and
possibly hate ATT and/or Apple all the more).

Also, let's see... do I want a throwaway netbook at $200 or a device
that will make me cry in pain if something happens to it?




> 
> 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...

New + shiny + expensive + Apple.... == meant for EVERYONE
:-)