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Poll: Are you getting an iPad?

news.ycombinator.com

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Re: Poll: Are you getting an iPad?

#131

Post by Kaizyn »

GHFigs wrote: post #109
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…

People whose computing needs are basic enough that this can serve as a primary computer? You say that as if it is a small market. It seems to me that it covers most of what most people do with a home computer today. What is the iPad incapable of that the average computer user can be expected to miss? I'm a power user What do you mean by this, exactly? I mean, how would I know if I am a power user or not?

A computer user basically uses a computer to do the following: 1) Surf the web, 2) Check email, 3) IM chat, 4) Download/purchase digital media files, 5) Manage/share your digital photos, 6) Watch movies, 7) Play games, and 8) Author documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

Anyone who does more with their computer than the above and isn't afraid to tinker with the operating system or install/remove programs usually considers themselves a "power user". One thing I just realized is that all the things a "Power User" does in a Windows or Linux environment as compared to a regular user is trivially easy to do in Mac OS X, to the point where the distinction is meaningless.

Re: Poll: Are you getting an iPad?

#132

Post by intellectronica »

GHFigs wrote: post #75
intellectronica wrote: post #28

No. I've had it with apple. I bought a few of their products. They're beautiful and clever, but eventually I always end up feeling humiliated by how evil they are - treating me as a user like I was a worthless money machine. Also I find it hard to imagine how I would use such a device - too big to put in my pocket, no e-ink, so it can't serve as a book reader and no keyboard, so I can't use it to create things.

treating me as a user like I was a worthless money machine Could you be more specific?

Yes. Apple makes it impossible for me to do things that I'd like to do and should be able to do with their hardware using DRM and other treacherous computing technologies. I had an iPhone for a while and I just got rid of it because:

1. I had to use iTunes to put music on it. Very inconvenient for me, being an Ubuntu user. 2. As a developer and super user, I was limited in what I can install on my phone. That's a phone I bought, for a lot of money, and belongs to me, and yet I couldn't decide what I put on it - everything had to go through Apple's shop.

Do you know many other companies that poo-poo like that on their customers? The very same people who pay them huge amounts of money?

Re: Poll: Are you getting an iPad?

#133

Post by intellectronica »

pohl wrote: post #106
aohtsab wrote: post #63

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Agreed on the lack of e-ink. When I read that Amazon and Sony would have to struggle to provide a touch-screen, full-color interface, I thought that meant Apple had come out with an e-ink tablet. It looks really cool, yes, but frankly I'm disappointed it's not e-ink. That specific feature attracted me to the Kindle in the first place, and I absolutely love that I'm not staring at light.

What is the appeal of e-ink? I breathed a sigh of relief that it was not based on e-ink - a technology that isn't up to the task of doing what this device can do.

e-ink is the only real replacement for reading of paper (as of today). All other screens simply don't cut it - the resolution is way too low, they flicker, and you'll find that you can't read from them for too long without getting tired.

Re: Poll: Are you getting an iPad?

#134

Post by jrockway »

mortenjorck wrote: post #105
jsz0 wrote: post #88

Sure, why not? At only $499 I feel like it's worth having just to use in my house. I plan to dock it at my computer desk and use it in conjunction with my desktop for music playback, video, etc. I can undock it and go read a book or browse the internet. I certainly could use a laptop for that but this is smaller, cheaper, has a nicer display, and is going to have huge third party support. The iWork demo really shows…

"Only $499" essentially depends on where you are in this recession right now. If you've survived so far or are back on track, if your employer or business is in the black and you're a decently-paid professional without too many expenses, it's probably a worthwhile investment in improving your digital lifestyle. If your outlook is more mixed, especially if you're part of that 10% of Americans currently without a job,…

Some people have savings for both groceries and electronic devices.

(And no, I am not going to buy one of these.)

Re: Poll: Are you getting an iPad?

#136

Post by jrockway »

lallysingh wrote: post #92

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.

Indeed. This is a device for consumers, not for creators.

Re: Poll: Are you getting an iPad?

#137

Post by vyrotek »

cardinal23 wrote: post #113
vyrotek wrote: post #16

Needs: 'No and I won't let any of my family or friends buy one either'

Because Apple is too controlling, right?

Mainly because I'm sick of people expecting me to fix their new computer problems. "I dont know how to do X anymore, my old laptop had a program that did it." Have fun!

Re: Poll: Are you getting an iPad?

#138

Post by sjs »

spudlyo wrote: post #97
joezydeco wrote: post #80

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

I imagine multi-touch will be natural and integral enough that people will forego the mouse altogether. Although, I suppose a magic mouse might fit the bill (haven't used one yet).

Re: Poll: Are you getting an iPad?

#139

Post by rbranson »

intellectronica wrote: post #132
GHFigs wrote: post #75

Earlier quoted context omitted.

treating me as a user like I was a worthless money machine Could you be more specific?

Yes. Apple makes it impossible for me to do things that I'd like to do and should be able to do with their hardware using DRM and other treacherous computing technologies. I had an iPhone for a while and I just got rid of it because: 1. I had to use iTunes to put music on it. Very inconvenient for me, being an Ubuntu user. 2. As a developer and super user, I was limited in what I can install on my phone. That's a pho…

I don't think Apple is the one pushing DRM, they aren't idiots. Apple's hand was forced in the fact that they had to compromise with the record labels. I'm sure Apple would prefer to sell DRM-free tracks, considering it would simplify the user experience. The record industry is responsible for DRM.

Re: Poll: Are you getting an iPad?

#140

Post by PostOnce »

mrduncan wrote: post #64
PostOnce wrote: post #61

The iPad might be called a non-portable PDA. It can't replace netbooks without a keyboard, and it can't replace smartphones because it doesn't fit in your pocket or on your belt; I consider it a toy rather than a tool.

That reminds me of Biz and Ev of Twitter talking at Startup School about when they were first playing around with it (I wish I could remember how it was described). In essence, Biz said that it was neat but not very useful to which Ev replied "neither is iced cream". Just because it's a toy and not a tool doesn't mean it's worthless. Edit: After re-reading your post, I'm not sure that is what you were saying. Apologi…

I was careful not to say that. If it isn't a useful business tool, that doesn't necessarily mean that it won't be as successful as any gaming console/handheld.

They probably are limiting their market to gizmo-fans with a glut of disposable income, and that could affect their bottom line.

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