Shownotes:
Today, Steve Jobs took the stage to satisfy the cravings of thousands of geeks. We’ve been hearing rumors about the Apple Tablet for well over a year now, and the past month has been sheer torture with all the speculation surrounding this unicorn of a device! It’s called the iPad . I’ll get to the price in a couple minutes, but first let’s take a look at what it does.
Steve talked about having a spot to fill between the iPhone and a laptop. There’s a gap there that netbooks have tried to fill, but they haven’t been so successful at filling the need. I’d agree with Steve on that with the exception of the Nokia Booklet 3G. There is a need for a portable device that’s larger and does more than the iPhone but isn’t as heavy or cumbersome as a laptop. That was Apple’s goal with the iPad. They wanted it to be better, more intuitive at browsing the web than a laptop is. They wanted people to be able to share and browse photos and videos, listen to music, play games and read eBooks. My initial opinion? They mostly succeeded, with a couple exceptions.
The device is very thin at 1/2 an inch, and it weighs 1.5 pounds. No netbook that I’m aware of matches these specs. The screen is 9.7 inches, which I’m thrilled about. I really didn’t want an 11 incher. They’re using a custom silicon chip called the A4 and Steve says “it screams”. It has 802.11n, WiFi and Bluetooth. The battery life is 10 hours. That’s much better than the iPhone and better than most netbooks. Of course, it has an accelerometer, a compass, a built in speaker, a mic and a dock connector. There are a couple accessories. One of them is a black case that doubles as a stand. The other is a dock with keyboard. I love that they did this. I don’t mind a virtual keyboard one bit but it certainly is nice to use a real keyboard from time to time.
Outside of the expected apps on the iPad like Calendar, iTunes, Mail and Google Maps, there will also be three things to look forward to – iWork, iBooks and 3rd Party Apps. Apple has spent the last year rebuilding iWork to play nicely with the iPad. Keynote, Numbers and Pages are all available in a format that looks very pleasant to use. You can even hook up a projector to display your Keynote Presentation. Each iWork app will be available for $9.99.
iBooks is their eBook reader application. The browsing and purchasing process is very visual – it looks like a bookshelf so you can not only see book titles but also the covers. You’ll of course be able to download books directly from the iPad. Apple teamed up with Penguin, Harper Collins, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, and Hachett Book Group to provide a full library of books. Not only best sellers and classics, but also textbooks.
You’ll have access to the same 3rd party apps from the App Store without the developers having to make any modifications. Devs can modify their apps with the new SDK, but they don’t have to. When you’re viewing an app, tap a button to scale it to full screen. I expect this will be tied to your iTunes account, so whatever you have on your iPhone, you should be able to get on your iPad.
There are two major things the iPad lacks. There is no camera. At all. So no iChat or video conferencing with this device, which is going to be a huge disappointment for a lot of people. The other thing is multitasking. Unfortunately I think this might be a deal breaker for me. For the iPad to truly be in the middle…in between the iPhone and a laptop, it really should have the ability to run a couple applications at once. The main reason Apple doesn’t do this is because running multiple apps makes it possible for the device to crash from time to time. But, it’s more of a hinderance on the educated consumer to not be able to do what we need to do than to have to deal with a crash from time to time.
Let’s get down to business. I know you want to know one thing and only one thing. What are they charging?? There are three base models. The 16GB model is $499, the 32 gig is $599 and the 64GB version is $699. These are WiFi devices only, and if you want 3G capability, add $130 to any of those base prices. We all thought Verizon would be taking claim to the 3G contracts, but as it turns out, there will be no contract with AT&T. It’s prepaid and you can cancel at any time. The 250MB plan is $14.99/month. Unlimited access is $29.99/month. This is half the price of any other data plan you can get on any of the networks. We can expect the WiFi models to start shipping in 60 days, and the 3G versions in 90 days. International plans will be coming in June.
The prices are better than we expected, but it’s lacking some functionality. Will you be buying one? Leave a comment or tweet me . This episode was brought to you by Angie’sList.com where you can use discount code GEEK to save 25% off your subscription. Angie’s List will help you find respected contractors, housekeepers, plumbers and more. I’m Cali Lewis. Thanks for watching!
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January 27th, 2010 at 11:47 pm
i’m really not loving the tablet right now.. The biggest mistake Apple did is NO FLASH and NO MULTITASKING. i would have to skip this “magical product” and wait for it to evolve a little more.
January 28th, 2010 at 12:10 am
I’ll be waiting until this product matures, the way it is now, it’s more of a toy then a work device of any sort. I may consider it for an ebook reader later, but that’ll depend on how amazon enhances their kindle app for this device if at all.
January 28th, 2010 at 12:40 am
While I think the idea is great, I find the execution to just not there yet. I feel many people are still getting used to smart phones and their capabilities and how they work with our daily lives and a product like this is a little too much (in terms of what it will practically be used for) too soon. In a year or two I see iPad 3.0 being much more of a must have device than it is right now.
January 28th, 2010 at 1:04 am
I have been very disappointed with my iPhone. I’ve jailbroken the device and customized it with lots of add-ons. This slows down the phone and makes it so that I can’t get support from Apple without restoring it to factory settings. But without these jailbroken features, I would never want to own an iPhone. They are absolutely fantastic features. On a non-jailbroken iPhone, I feel very limited by what I’m capable of doing. I know it’s simply because Apple is saying no and not because the device is incapable of doing more.
With the release of the iPad, I am bummed that the device is basically a faster, bigger version of an iPhone. If I’m going to continue using an iPhone in the future, or ever buy an iPad, the OS needs to change and be more open. At the very least multitasking MUST be enabled. Only running one application is an absolute joke.
By the way, I am surprised that you did not talk about the name of the device, Cali. iPad? Seriously? It’s unoriginal, it sounds silly, and it reminds many people, including me, of maxi pads. Even the Pad or the Pad Pro would have been a better idea.
Another very important feature to consider is the connection format. Will a cord that charges my iPhone charge my iPad? If the format has changed (again) then any accessories will be trash. This would also mean buying new charging cables at the incredibly inflated price of $30 a pop.
Lastly, one word. AT&T. I hate AT&T. Despite the fact that there is no contract termination fee for the iPad, AT&T’s coverage is just as much of a joke as Apple’s disapproval of multitasking. I can’t get data on my phone on a normal basis. And I live in Silicon Valley, home of Apple and all things tech.
I will not be buying an iPad.
January 28th, 2010 at 3:11 am
I was really looking forward to the new tablet from Apple, and unfortunately, it’s not lived up to my expectations. Looks fantastic, but the no multitasking, no video camera, and no USB pushes it over the edge for me. I’ll be waiting for iPad 2gen!
January 28th, 2010 at 5:36 am
I’m echoing the sentiment with others on here. The lack of multitasking, camera and flash makes it a dealbreaker for me. I am happy that there is a dock with a keyboard but I have to admit that I find the idea that it has GPS a little silly for anyone that isn’t walking (i.e. outside of a major metropolitan area) because putting that 10-inch up on the dash of your car would be just dangerous.
January 28th, 2010 at 6:32 am
First, I am not an apple fan, but I was waiting and hoping it was something I could buy instead of the HP slate. I was ready to buy 2!
But we have the two major issues, no camera at all and the OS is the same as the iPod Touch (no multi-tasking). Why would I want to buy an over sized iPod touch for $500!!
I already had to switch from an iPhone to a Droid(love it!) because Apple is lagging behind the competition.
I am buying an HP Slate as soon as it is released!!! Windows 7 full OS + KindlePC + WebCam!. Maybe in 1-2 years Apple will catch up.
January 28th, 2010 at 6:53 am
I really like my Iphone–only got it because my kids and lovely wife wanted it and we went with a family plan. Now that I have it, it’s great. It is incredibly convenient.
Now I want something that is a little bigger (but not too big) that I can carry with my work laptop. Also, as I get a little older, I want a bigger display and print than my Iphone can deliver (over 50 crowd). I am an industrial consultant and easy connectivity at key times is important to me.
So what about multi tasking, I am not going to do serious work on it or if I do any work, it will only be email. It will be a convenience and useful tool and a really great time killer while traveling and waiting.
I am sold and will buy one as soon as it is available.
January 28th, 2010 at 7:00 am
As usual, a day late and way short..you’re always lightyears behind the crowd. Your live stream yesterday was sad…TWIT was the way to go…Geek What? Loose the Head Bob–White Ghetto Chick!
January 28th, 2010 at 7:30 am
I am constantly surprised at the moving goalposts in the geek community. Now, geeks look at the tablet as a potential laptop replacement, spoiled by lack of features and multitasking.
I don´t get it. The iPad is marketed as a consumer device, a casual entertainment device which, yes, can allow you to do some simplistic work. Camera, multitasking and USB ports… leave those for the other devices.
I will buy two of the 16gb wifi versions to have sitting around the house. Casual sofa browsing, bedroom reading, recipes in the kitchen, emailing in the garden… this is more than enough.
January 28th, 2010 at 7:43 am
I won’t be getting one anytime soon, either. I don’t care about the lack of a camera, but no multitasking and no flash makes it a hard sell. I hope they see the light and include these two things before release. I think it is a little too close to the iPod Touch and too far from a Mac Book to be very useful.
Judging from parts of Steve Job’s speech, if I get one of these with 3G, I will no longer need my iPhone or Kindle. I can just go with any plain phone with a camera and carry an iPad with me. I don’t think so. Reading from a backlit screen bothers my eyes too much to replace my Kindle. However, since Kindle doesn’t have a monthly fee or have to have WiFi to buy books, one could download books purchased from Amazon and read them on the iPad using the Kindle iPhone app. Unless, of course, (prophecy here) Apple blocks that app from being used on the iPad, which wouldn’t really surprise me, since that is the way they treat all competitors, which is what the Kindle will be.
January 28th, 2010 at 7:55 am
Apple Users! Save $800 on the Apple Tablet by simply buying a magnifying glass to look at your iPod Touch through!
January 28th, 2010 at 8:02 am
Like all new Mac products the first gen is revolutionary, but its not till the 3rd gen that I will buy it. Hopefully later models can attach to hard drives or have large internal memory. I want to use the ipad for on site photo back up, instead of dragging my laptop around or using a photo drive with a tiny screen.
January 28th, 2010 at 8:29 am
I will definitely be being one Cali. As great as my iphone is, I do not like to read more than a few paragraphs on it, nor type more than a few paragraphs on it, and I have yet to meet anyone who loves to type on it for extended writings. Nor do I want to continue to carry my laptops to lunch meetings, conferences, weekend travels, friends houses, etc.
The iPad is a fantastic mobile solution. One I’ve been wanting for several years now. And I’m sure they’ll add that web cam on the next version. As for the multitasking, I think its one of those “features” that Apple knows users want but wouldn’t really use. Other than listening to music while you work, what else can you do? Play a game while writing an email? Read an ebook while chatting on IM? We only have one brain. On a desktop the kinds of things we multitask with don’t apply to a small mobile device, so I think Apple continues to go the right direction with that decision.
Thanks Cali!
January 28th, 2010 at 8:30 am
Did you say “multi-tasking” is what causes the device to crash? Any computer device can crash regardless of multi-tasking.
Stop making excuses for the lack of multi-tasking in a device that will be released in 2010.
And what about WiFi or BT syncing? I can’t believe you still need a USB cable to sync this with an existing iTunes library. After all the Apple TV syncs over WiFi, why can’t this?
And why is Apple charging an extra $130 for the 3G version when a 3G chip costs them about $7. Add in a few more costs and $50 is a better price. It smells like the 3G versions will subsidize the $499 version.
January 28th, 2010 at 8:35 am
Brian – I completely agree with you. There seems to be a tendency to try to shoehorn devices into something they are not. The iPad is obviously not a workhorse computer and the geek demands for multitasking are aimed to turn it into a skype phone, pandora streaming, twitter and sms machine. A fairly intense usage which is probably not what the iPad is ideal for.
January 28th, 2010 at 8:40 am
Somewhere around generation 2 or 3 it will start to get interesting.
January 28th, 2010 at 8:44 am
I agree with most of the comments here but I must make a plee. I think the iPad will be just fine for most people with a couple of key exceptions. With no flash and no HDMI out. With these two things the ipad becomes a more useful device but don’t forget how people love the ipod touch. Remote and home automation apps keep popping up on the app store. This can be the perfect device to be an interface to the tech around you.
[Now back to you regularly scheduled apple bashing]
The ipad isn’t a netbook killer. it’s too close to an iphone. I’m glad they tried to keep the price down but charge me a couple hundred more and give me multitasking, HDMI, USB ports, cameras, and anything els a $200 crapbook has.
January 28th, 2010 at 8:45 am
I think I too will wait until v2.0…….Anyone know if the safari browser will default to mobile versions of websites? that would be horrible. also if this thing ran a full version of OSX with touch integration i would spend $2000 on it! it’s cheap in theory but expensive for a giant iPod touch.
January 28th, 2010 at 8:46 am
I not getting it for two reasons.
One is I wanted a camera with flash to take pictures. I would have loved to go to conventions, edit photos, and upload to flickr.
Two is I was hoping for contract with Verizon as my upgrade to new phone is next month.
I have to add I would fear dropping it.
January 28th, 2010 at 8:50 am
Typical, everyone expects every product released to be as powerful as a top of the line laptop and as sexy as an iphone for the price of an ipod.
I think the iPad is an excellent device that fits in between the laptop and the iPhone. Reading on the device will be better than the iPhone, as will browsing, emailing, tweeting, etc. The form factor makes it easy to move around the house with it. I also think the app possibilities are very promising.
As to no expandable memory, drives, etc., take a look at the accessories. There is a connector for SD cards, and for USB devices, both of which thanks to the SDK can probably be used by developers to accept other inputs.
As to multiprocessing, it’s not a laptop, I’m really not sure why that matters so much. App switching on the iPhone isn’t bad. Most apps maintain their previous state when relaunched, so yes switching is slower than a PC, but not inconvenient.
And I completely disagree that multiprocessing and possible rebooting trumps stability. Rebooting is a pain, especially if you need to hard reboot. My iPod Touch takes about 1.5 min. to hard reboot. The point of a tablet over a PC is that it launches without the long boot times, otherwise I’d be using a laptop.
To me a main part of buying Apple is that things are stable, well designed, and very usable. I think those are much more important than having extra features. I for one am looking forward to the iPad release.
January 28th, 2010 at 9:13 am
I would have loved to see a webcam, but that won’t be holding me back from buying one. My only debate is whether I should get one with 3G or not. I’ll probably buy the 32GB version.
January 28th, 2010 at 9:18 am
Cali — by the way, I love your show. I enjoy watching you via my Apple TV each night. Keep up the great work!
January 28th, 2010 at 9:25 am
I fully expect limited multi-tasking to be available in the iPhone 4.0 software update. Naturally, it would then be available on the iPad as well.
The iPad is pretty much exactly what I expected it to be. I’m most excited about the MLB.com app. I can watch a game anywhere I go, or even along my iMac in its dock.
January 28th, 2010 at 9:31 am
Hi all !
Here are my solutions to a few of the iPad’s drawbacks:
1. Camera: you should be able to connect a bluetooth webcam to the device and video call using iChat or Skype. And I bet a couple of companies will bring out “iPad dock cams” (reversible and maybe with LED flash)
2. Multitasking: from what I see the iPad is so fast you will be able to switch from one app to the other without noticing they weren’t running at the same time. iPad Apps should auto open and save your last used documents so let’s say you’re working on Numbers, press the home button, open Keynote, copy, home, Numbers, paste. Just as fast but no crashes (We’ll maybe have some sort of multitasking with iPhone OS 4.0)
The last one isn’t a problem but is a nice idea I think. If you already have an iPhone with a nice data plan, get the iPad with WIFI only ! And tether your data connection using WIFI or bluetooth !!! Sweet way to save 30$ a month :)
January 28th, 2010 at 9:34 am
Not impressed, no multitasking, no flash, no video camera so no video conferencing, can’t play true HD video.
More interested in the Notion Ink. Which, yes run android but can do most of the things that the ipad can’t.
January 28th, 2010 at 10:52 am
I’ll wait until future generations of this product before considering buying. The price is nice, but no USB port or multitasking sort of brought the wall down, in a manner of writing. I guess I could upload and download by means of 802.11g/n, but that’s still comparatively slow to a hard-wire interface. ^..^~
January 28th, 2010 at 10:54 am
Adobe is working on a better flash platform for mobile devices, this will most likely be incorporated into an upgrade for iPad software. One of the major reasons they didnt include multitasking, is not because of crashes… It’s actually simpiler than that: Battery Life. If you run multiple apps, youre more likely to drain the battery faster. Also keep in mind, that if you had the 3g or Wifi version, you could use Skype or Google Voice with apple recently lifted the ban on, so you could use it as a phone. The camera will most likely be an add-on accessory you can buy.
January 28th, 2010 at 11:23 am
No flash = Nuff said. HP slate has infinite functionality compared to this Pad. The HP Slate comes with full blown Windows 7. I mean, really, is there even a comparison? Something else bothering me, it’s widescreen, or even close to it, which means that you’ll be getting enormous black bands covering more than 30% of the screen when you play a movie.
January 28th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
I really was looking forward to this device and had put off my plans of buying a smart phone in anticipation of what Apple were bringing to the table.
What have the brought? A huge iPod touch.
The iPad doesn’t have any innovative features as everything it does can already be achieved on smaller and cheaper devices.
No flash support? How can Apple claim to be able to access all of the web and call this the ‘best experience’ when it won’t work with flash enabled sites?
No webcam? The Apple promotional videos show users in the home sitting with it on their laps – it’s screaming for a webcam for face-to-face communication.
No multi-tasking? This omission is bordering on criminal and should have been included from the start.
If just one of these three had been included I would have been tempted. Just. But the omission of all three has meant that I’m back in the market for portable, connected, multi-tasking device that gives me all of the web … with no exceptions.
Come on in Nexus One. You will be mine. iPad? Nice idea, poorly executed.
January 28th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
No flash & no multitasking = not right now for me. I’ll wait a year or so and see what happens. I expect a update will be release which includes flash (or similar) at some point. Hopefully by then the price will have dropped a little.
January 28th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
@DaveH
Seeing as Apple haven’t (and never will) allow Flash on their mobile devices, I seriously doubt that they’ll let the iPad access Flash. Their heads are firmly buried in the profits made from the app store.
January 28th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
“The main reason Apple doesn’t do this is because running multiple apps makes it possible for the device to crash from time to time.”
I have to disagee with you there, Cali. Apple has very explicitly stated that they haven’t allowed 3rd party multitasking on the iPhone because of the deleterious effect it has on battery life. I presume that’s their reason for not enabling it on the iPad as well, although I have to think it will come eventually, perhaps with iPhone OS 4.0.
I do agree with you though that it might be a deal-breaker with me as well. I can live without it on the iPhone, but iPad screams for the ability to multitask.
January 28th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
I am conflicted on the iPad. Mostly because of timing. One of my gifts at Christmas was a eReader and I have a netbook at home for casual internet surfing. Had this been out before I bought either it would be a much easier purchase. However, it doesn’t add anything to what I can already do except have a single device. Add my iPhone to the mix and I am ahead of the game.
Multi-Tasking is I think for most people a misconception. True multi-tasking is when a application continues to process in the background (Like the Phone application currently does on iPhone during a call). I think most people see saving state as being multi-tasking which is very different. So when I am looking at pictures and I jump out to send a text I want to come back to the same spot in the pictures I was when I left. (the iPhone puts you back at the main photos screen in this situation.) That is state not multi-tasking. You can achieve that on the iPhone today if the app is programmed to do it.
If they automated state saving I think it would meet MOST peoples needs. Not everyone. But you design to the 90% not the 10% because 100% like long battery life. Try running an app like Yahoo messenger in the background on a Windows Mobile device and you can almost watch the battery meter go down. I constantly had to go the the process management tool my Windows Mobile device to kill apps because they would eat precious memory and battery.
Whoa… I think my soapbox is about to break under the weight. Time to get off.
January 28th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Wow I developed a typing impediment there at the end.
January 28th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
I apologize for not making myself clear in the previous comment. The most important thing in the world to me regarding a computer or device, is the ability to back-up my data to a (more or less) universal media for which that data can be easily retrieved. ATM, that would be FireWire or USB for my Mac, a MicroCard for my Sansa Fuze and Nokia N800.
January 28th, 2010 at 12:30 pm
I meant it’s NOT widescreen, or even close to it…
January 28th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Seems the iPad is meant to be an iPod Touch/Kindel hybrid, with no intention of giving it enough functionality to threaten the MacBook market. With no flash, multitasking or webcam, it can’t even compete with similarly priced netbooks. This is definitely a niche product meant to be purchased in addition to an iPhone and a MacBook. Personally, I’ll be passing on getting one until they improve the functionality, which means probably never.
Not the unicorn I was hoping for. :(
January 28th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Nice blog, just book marked it for later reference
January 28th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
I was very surprised at the iPad announcement, especially on the price – with pundits predicting anywhere from $800 to $1000+ a $500 price point was quite refreshing.
Now – will I be buying one? That would be a definite… maybe. But a maybe trending towards yes. Here’s why.
One of the things I really want in an e-reader is the ability to both read and search PDF’s while on the go. This is one of the reasons why I bought a Kindle DX. However, the DX’s PDF handling was, in a word, disappointing. In two words, VERY disappointing. However the DX succeeds in every other respect as an e-reader – I LOVE reading books on the thing.
Now, if the iPad had decent handling support, it would totally meet my needs. The iPad has all the Apple functionality (iTunes, App Store, PDA functionality, iWork, etc.). The iPad will have the Apple iBooks store. AND it also supports the open ePub format. AND with the Kindle iPhone app, it will also support Kindle books. Now, the only question remaining is how it will handle PDF’s. There are probably some PDF apps already on the iPhone/iPod touch, and if these can be leveraged to work seamlessly on the iPad, then Steve Jobs has gained himself another customer – I’d gladly list my Kindle DX on eBay in a heartbeat.
January 28th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
I would have like to have seen a few things done differently, though I have no issue with there being no camera, I have a MBP and an iMac with one and I don’t know anyone that is willing to do video chats. they have no interest in doing those.
With no flash thats not a surprise becauseApple has really been trying to push HTML 5 standard where you don’t need flash for video and other media content.
January 28th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Dude! No camera….no dice.
It’s like TOTALLY annoying when Apple holds back hot features so they can just dangle ‘em yer face next year, yeh know?
Like who doesn’t wanna sit back in that kool Steve Jobs chair and totally talk it up with the chicks through the iPad?
C’mon Apple. It doesn’t take a surfing degree to see what y’all are up to!
January 28th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
I’ll stick with my Acer netbook and iPhone.
The iPad is nothing more than the Touch on steroids.
January 28th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
A lot of negative feedback going on with the iPad, which in some respects is spot on, but only some. However it came to me a little earlier, that there may be a sweet spot to the device which seems to be vastly overlooked. The field of medicine. For a moment, bar all media aspects of the device, and what are you left with? A very lightweight, easy to read screen perfectly suited for displaying a patient’s charts or records, from Google Health for example. Plus if you aren’t watching video, unless it’s recorded ultrasounds or other medical imagery, the iPad has a fairly long battery life, perfect for around a doctor’s office. Provided the doctor is up to date with the idea of digital records for ease of access. Plus even at the basic $499 edition, it’s a very small expense for the convenience.
January 28th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Cali,
How could you NOT mention the fact that the browser still doesn’t support Flash on the browser. You know, the very same technology that I find when I go to geekbrief.tv. How is it possible to have the best web browsing experience EVAR, if you can’t view Flash video.
So, no webcam, no multi-task, and NO Flash, means NO sale.
January 28th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
I like that it’s pretty, I figured it was going to be a giant version of the Jesus Phone and I was right. As a photographer, part of me wants it as a portable portfolio, but due to certain limitations of it, I’ll have to wait to see if the 2nd Gen. would add more functionality. Or if a jailbroken, would it all extra functionality.
Bottom line, the hype was better than the truth. Sorry Steve, it was a let down to me personally.
January 28th, 2010 at 3:43 pm
Best critical review of iPad: Apple betrays loyal customers with micro-SIM slot http://www.hurl.ws/agqt
January 28th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
It certainly looks good and at a good price point – but with it only being available in 2/3 months time, I doubt they will receive as big as a hit as they anticipate…
We have seen confirmations from people like Asus who will be releasing their line of eReaders at a much lower price point. There are also the eDGe and Windows 7 Slates PC coming to the market. On top of that Lenovo showcased their “convertible” tablet, and laptop manufactures are leaping into Core iX processors.
Without the mutitasking capability, no camera nor a stylus, and the fact that you can only dock it in portrait mode, *and* combining these with its late release, I think the popularity of the iPad in this iteration will definitely take a big hit as non-Apple-follower will weigh out the advantages of other comparable products with these desired features. Even if Apple then later releases these as assessories, the will defy the point of having ONE compact and self-contained product… There is also the fact that 3D displays are already being adopted by laptops at a regular price…
… so may cons and not enough pros I would say …!
January 28th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
A micro-sim? I guess this is to stop customers swapping the SIM from their iPhone into the iPad. How devious and underhand is this revalation?
January 28th, 2010 at 5:51 pm
I for one am very disappointed. How can Jobs claim this is the “best browsing experience” without at least flash support? No hulu. No video from the other network websites. I would have been happier to see a $1000 tablet which was a tablet version of a macbook. No camera. No multitasking.
Everything that can be done easily on a $300 netbook. And with vastly more storage space.
January 28th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
wow this is nice this 2010 it will become most popular phone just like iphone does. Although it does not have a card slot but it has high capacity buil-in memory. Click here Sikat ang Pinoy
January 28th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
I thought Apple didn’t include multitasking because it drains the battery?
January 28th, 2010 at 8:43 pm
Well, the good news is that the impending colossal failure of the iPad will create a buying opportunity for Apple stock. Apple was a very strong company before the iPad and will recover from the failure just fine and the stock will eventually recover too. In the meantime, the inevitable market panic when the iPad fails should temporarily drop the stock to bargain prices.
And that’s really about the only good thing I can think of to say about the iPad.
January 28th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
I’m not surprised at all that it doesn’t have several of the features us geeks wanted – I fully expected there to be an upgrade path on these that has new features with each new release.
I expect those who were considering a Kindle (like me) or even already have one, will now seriously look at the iPad just because it does what the kindle does, but in colour and does more besides.
I also wonder if the keypad/dock will work with the Touch/iPhone?
There are some YouTube videos out there about adding Flash to your iPhone/iPod – wonder if that’ll work with the iPad.
So many questions, now just waiting until they can be answered.
January 28th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
I’ll be waiting for more…. Ability to run multiple apps, camera and hopefully a better key pad.
Until then…. My 13″ MacBook and iPhone will have to do.
January 28th, 2010 at 11:13 pm
To build on what Bryan said above, the real power is what this platform can be, and that will be up to the developers and businesses. It may not be the answer to everyone’s dreams, but remember your iPod history, it is only the first generation.
This may be the “coffee table computer” handy to grab and use during commercials or pass around during a party. Always at arms reach, not off in another room or in a case. Then there’s the iPhone app that can make this into a universal remote.
I’d rather take this on a plane. I’ve tried using my laptop in coach once, never again.
If it is compatible with Mikey I could see this as a location recorder with FiRe, and not have to worry about it ringing during the take because I forgot to mute the phone.
Will I buy one before the Drobo that is more necessary? When’s that universal remote app going to be ready?
January 29th, 2010 at 6:59 am
With the exception of a couple things it’s an oversized ipod touch. If this was the most important thing Steve has done in his life. He needs to rethink his priorities. No flash and no multitasking. I’ll pass.
January 29th, 2010 at 8:39 am
I would like to point out Microsoft has had tablet computers around FOREVER!!! And they [microsoft] “announced” the courier back in like September-October 2009. It looked like a really awsome computer (it has multi touch and it can multi task, i don’t know if it has a USB port). For once I pretty sure Microsoft kicked apples butt at something but no one will say so. I mean hello! all the ipad is is a jumbo i-touch (which really isn’t that good to begen with, I had to teach my mom how to turn up the volume on it and she works her windows xp running computer just fine) I don’t see why people would want a fat, bulky, itouch that can’t even multi task. Good idea, but terrible made, especially from apple who is apperintly good at their disigning things (I think all their stuff looks like pillows). Microsoft BEAT Apple.
January 29th, 2010 at 9:39 am
I’m not convinced that the whole iPad story has been told yet and here’s why. The iPad is running iPhone OS 3.2. Apple will most likely be releasing iPhone OS 4.0 at least by June/July corresponding with the iPhone update, if not sooner – or at the very least announce the upcoming 4.0 before then. I think it’s likely that the 4.0 will include limited multitasking and it’s possible that we’ll see this in 60 days when the iPad is suppose to become available.
We’ll probably also see the Flash issue resolved as well.
Just ask yourself – why would Apple demo the iPad with 3.2 and not mention anything about iPhone OS 4.0. I think the bigger news will be iPhone OS 4.0 – why didn’t Apple make any mention of it whatsoever?
January 29th, 2010 at 11:03 am
This is the real deal. The price point is perfect. Those who are criticizing it are those that are comparing it to a laptop. Those that love it are comparing it to an iPod or iPhone. Last time I checked, you don’t get HD on netbooks. No multitasking allows a lot more of the memory to be available for apps and storage (check out now much of the various Android phones memory is available for apps and storage). You can still listen to music while you use another app and if you shut down a Pages doc to switch and then reopen Pages, it will open back up right where you left off.
Lets face it. Most people use computers for media, web surging, mail and social media. Other than the lack of a camera, this device can replace a computer for 75% of non-business computer owners.
January 29th, 2010 at 11:16 am
Steve Job’s revolutionary iTablet will eventually gain some steam after this initial push launch during it’s launch. The A4 chip and Mac’s potential to fix hardware will definitly to make the product a success in for the forseeable future.
January 29th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
A cross between a netbook and an iPod is NOT the iPad. My netbook can install any computer program I am using now – I don’t have to use only their apps. As far as using it for work…. I frequently need to print. I haven’t heard any mention of being able to throw a file or screen shot to the printer.
January 29th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
Mac’s new product will eventually gain some steam after the pumped up time during it’s launch. The touch screen and Job’s potential to fix hardware will definitly to make the iTablet a success in time.
January 29th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
I think I’ll wait for this one to have multitasking available. Between work, uni and the morning news, it’s what I really need to get work done on those long 50 minute train rides to Brisbane. I’ll to stick to my little eeepc and iPhone for now.
January 29th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
I think it is about time that Apple starts thinking about its product palette. There is overlap everywhere and only loosely coupled products.
This iPad in its current state is an epic fail in my view. I feel Steve is loosing it. What a nightmare demo during the iPad introduction… Showing email… Showing browsing in Safari… OMG. And THAT is a magical device? It was one big disappointing deja-vu.
What about automatic wireless syncing? I hate the idea that I will have to hookup the iPad to… yet again a computer to make it fly. I’d like to see it computer-independent – either docked or in my hands.
What about an integration to MobileMe so that I could at least buy one for my parents to have my pictures automatically show up on their iPad 300 miles from where I live? I got the feeling the picture slideshow only worked if they were previously uploaded to the iPad.
Thinking further on that idea of my parents having one as a photo frame:
What about iChat video conferencing with an integrated camera?
What about printer connectivity?
If the iPad would have these things, it could become an ideal device for those people who really do not want a PC/laptop, but still want some connectivity and for which a netbook would still be too much laptop-like-trouble. A simple ready-to-use device that never fails, like the radio or telephone but then for communication through the internet. An ideal grandpa/grandma device or something that lies around in my living room to quickly do something if I do not feel like switching on a real computer. Checking the TV program for tonight. Operate your recorder. Act as a remote to play music if you have guests. Make notes while talking on the phone. The central family phone book & agenda.
What Apple needs to do is consolidate and integrate their products.
They need a strategy how these products can both act standalone but also connected to each other. Contacts/agenda/pictures through MobileMe. Music/video/books through the WLAN when connected.
Apple needs a real media center / hub where other components can hook into. Hahaha, they would probably call it iBase! The current AppleTV comes close to be such a component. This component stores all music, movies, videos, pictures, books etc..
They need the capability to add more storage for the AppleTV in the form-factor of AppleTV/Mac Mini/Airport.
These devices should be stackable horizontally/vertically. Integrated design. Connect to each other without cables – not even for power.
Other clients like iTunes on my MacBook or my iPhone or iPad should connect to that hub and only sync specific content wirelessly if I tell it to do so (“make available offline”).
What about adding airTunes capabilities to the iPad / AppleTV?
The iPad should be able to act as a wireless display for AppleTV, with audio going to my stereo through airTunes.
Frontrow on a Mac should be a copy of AppleTV either operating with local data or be able to connect to the central media center/hub iBase / AppleTV.
All of this stuff should know user preferences, so that you can have multiple users using the system in their way with their content. If the iPad had a camera, it could recognize its operator.
If Apple would do stuff like that, I would actually start to invest in their products to build an all-apple, integrated media system. One that finally works. One that finally integrates computer technology and multimedia. Each component would be able to work alone with its synced data, but also in support of other components. A Mac Pro to edit my videos. A Mac Mini to act as family web server. Perhaps they could even start to produce setop box accessories to make cable/satellite/DVB-T/radio programs available…
Currently the iPad sits there as a big iPod Touch, which only has a theoretical market space – no practical. Some type of iNewton.
I kind of feel that there was no market group with a demand that stood at the cradle of the iPad, but only the wish to categorize technology “properly”.
Think Apple! Think! Make devices that people NEED! Not devices they should THEORETICALLY need.
January 31st, 2010 at 8:59 am
Reading through the comments here gave me pause; we need to step back and look at the big picture, folks. iPad represents a further evolutionary step away from the personal computing paradigms that dominated the early 1980s and somewhat changed in the late 1990s, and advances toward a personal technology one that is starting to define this decade. Apple isn’t the only company doing this, either. Amazon, Microsoft, Nokia, Sony, etc. are all pushing this envelope too with tailored technologies focused on function and convenience rather than operating systems and features that all-too-often get in the way of getting things done.
Some get angry about Apple not allowing this or not including that, but in the greater scheme of things it figured out what people want — convenience and simplicity wrapped into an elegant solution that fits into one person’s life, and if it doesn’t fit into someone else’s life right now, then maybe something else next year will. Music players, smart phones, ebook readers and mashups across them all reflect a “product-for-me” vision. That’s a personal technology paradigm. In contrast, personal computing today revolves around generalized hardware targeted at specific price points set by marketing teams and support models that require high-touch. Can’t afford Windows Ultimate? Get Windows Home. Can’t afford a MacPro? Get an iMac. People are growing weary of having to choose and maintain all of this generalized stuff. What makes me think this? Shows with a broad appeal like GeekBrief couldn’t have existed five years ago. People are looking to simplify their lives through applied technology, not complicate them, and are turning to people like Cali to help them figure out what fits in what niche.
Anyhow, my full thoughts on this subject are too long to fit into a comments box, so I posted them on my blog:
http://fridaysushi.com/2010/01/apple-ipad-and-a-paradigm-shift.html
January 31st, 2010 at 12:34 pm
While the iPad might not be for me, it’s still a very nice-looking product with an elegant UI and worthy of further development.
I’m an old-school geek from back in the day who still prefers a desktop machine with a full size keypad and the VIm text editor.
I sometimes wonder if we’re not expecting the same kind of functionality and multi-tasking from our portables as we do our desktops.
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:47 pm
They say this Apple iPad will bridge the gab between my netbook (Samsung NC) and a smartphone (Blackberry, Windows HTC, Google Phone or iPhone). I am not seeing how.
My netbook will run rings around this, ok so it doesn’t look as pretty. If someone could develop phone software for the iPad, and had a mic and headphone socket (oh it has that) then surely this is just a big iphone? The iPad just looks like a handbag carriable lower class netbook. Buying this would just be a blind following of Apple.
February 4th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
WOW lots of the same limited perspective thoughts towards flash and multitasking. The iPhone does do multiprocessing. I can play music and send a text. It doesn’t do multitasking because how would you? Seriously? Someone explain to me how the interface would afford that? What gesture would you have? Besides all that someone explain to me why it is important. What specifically I need an example.
No flash is a moot point. The web is going HTML5. It takes only one big one to make the change to make everyone make the change. YouTube.
February 10th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
no multi no way!!