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Poll: Are you getting an iPad?

news.ycombinator.com

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Re: Poll: Are you getting an iPad?

#91

Post by petesalty »

jmatt wrote: post #56
novum wrote: post #32

No. Who is the iPad for? I don't understand the target market. People whose computing needs are basic enough that this can serve as a primary computer? It plays video, and runs apps, and syncs with iTunes, but so does my iPhone and so does my macbook. It's too big to fit in your pocket, so you need a bag for it, but why not just put my macbook in the bag? I'm a power user and I demand a lot from my computers. That's…

Who is the iPad for? I've been thinking about this for awhile. I think the target is people who use a laptop for web browsing and email most of the time. Rarely they'll need to use it to create a document or presentation. If you ask them what web browser they use - they probably don't know or care. If you ask them what email client they use - they look back at you with confusion. In almost all circumstances these use…

Yes, but will that segment shell out that much money for it - $630 is a lot for Mom to shell out for something to surf websites on - especially when they already have a computer in the house that surfs the web just fine.

I don't think you'll see real adoption until the price comes down a lot (say $300 or less) and I doubt Apple will do that, although others might.

In the end I suspect that it'll be a pretty niche market for the people who already buy everything Apple.

Now, I could be wrong and I'm sure Apple did at least some homework on it's marketability, but still, seems this way to me.

Re: Poll: Are you getting an iPad?

#92

Post by lallysingh »

I don't particularly dislike the device -- it looks exactly like what I'd expect out of Apple for that product.

But frankly, I live my life in emacs and a terminal. It's just not for me. I'm even swapping in my iPhone for a N900.

Re: Poll: Are you getting an iPad?

#96

Post by bjplink »

novum wrote: post #32

No. Who is the iPad for? I don't understand the target market. People whose computing needs are basic enough that this can serve as a primary computer? It plays video, and runs apps, and syncs with iTunes, but so does my iPhone and so does my macbook. It's too big to fit in your pocket, so you need a bag for it, but why not just put my macbook in the bag? I'm a power user and I demand a lot from my computers. That's…

I think your list of negatives is the big sell of the iPad for most computer users... of which there are many on this planet who don't care about open source or installing different broswers or jailbreaking or any of the other reasons most HN readers won't want one of these devices.

Re: Poll: Are you getting an iPad?

#97

Post by spudlyo »

joezydeco wrote: post #80
sjs wrote: post #47

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The iPad replaces a computer for most people, and does a lot more by being so portable and simple to use. Seriously, get one of these a keyboard dock and you're good to go. For developers and other content creators we still need the power of a notebook. If we have a smart phone then this isn't as compelling, but for most "normal" people who consume content this is huge. Make no mistake this is a game changer.

I was kind of interested in the keyboard dock at first glance. Here's a way to turn an iPad into a simple computer that my kid can use for school tasks or email without trashing my desktop computer setup. But on second glance: how do you drive the UI from the keyboard? Can you use a mouse? Are you going to have to lift your arms and gesture all over the place to open a file, change apps, etc? If they have an answer t…

It supports a bluetooth keyboard, it seems sensible it would support a bluetooth mouse.

Re: Poll: Are you getting an iPad?

#99

Post by mrtron »

I am considering getting the wifi version.

Primary use: Browsing

I would like to eliminate casual surfing on my laptop and only use it for work - so this might be a great excuse to get the ipad.

edit: After attempting to read a book on my laptop and iphone - I think this would be a great device for reading pdf books too. You can hold it where you want and you aren't continually scrolling.

Re: Poll: Are you getting an iPad?

#100

Post by jsz0 »

novum wrote: post #32

No. Who is the iPad for? I don't understand the target market. People whose computing needs are basic enough that this can serve as a primary computer? It plays video, and runs apps, and syncs with iTunes, but so does my iPhone and so does my macbook. It's too big to fit in your pocket, so you need a bag for it, but why not just put my macbook in the bag? I'm a power user and I demand a lot from my computers. That's…

It is half the price of the cheapest MacBook. The target audience is clearly netbook buyers. People who just want to do a handful of focused tasks. Let's not forget this is going to be an amazing gaming platform. Can you game on a $299 netbook? No because PC games are largely written for desktops with modern powerful GPUs. This device has some real advantages to anyone who has a checklist of 5 or 6 things they want to do with a small portable device.
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