I think the most important thing I've gathered from this article among others is that the iPad can do a lot for you and can do it pretty well, but possibly not exactly as you would like it. I think it has one the best sleek form factor to performance ratios out there, with style and ease of use to boot. So it really can't help but produce entertaining and useful software for people (with developer support). Power users who already have multiple desktops/laptops may struggle to justify their purchase, but in a large household I don't think people will be questioning the irony of the device when they're too busy using it.
Why the iPad isn't for me
11–20 of 134 posts
Re: Why the iPad isn't for me
#12The author thinks third party apps that open browser "sheets" are using an Apple "API". There goes any credibility he had.
His credibility to talk about the usability of an iPad goes away when he shows himself to be uneducated on some software terminology? I don't have a clue about the chemical makeup of sucralose, but I feel confident stating that the new Splenda Diet Coke tastes better than regular Diet Coke.
Re: Why the iPad isn't for me
#13The author thinks third party apps that open browser "sheets" are using an Apple "API". There goes any credibility he had.
UIWebView isn't part of the Apple API?
Re: Why the iPad isn't for me
#14Am I the only one who found, when set at an angle using the apple case, that I can type at about 80% of my regular typing speed?
Re: Why the iPad isn't for me
#15> Just think about it on an airplane. I could load it up with movies and watch for an entire flight, thanks to the iPad's excellent battery life. Of course, because of the lousy keyboard I can't use it in place of a laptop, so I would have to carry the iPad and my MacBook. How is it that, for years, I've pined for a lighter laptop, and now I'm considering carrying an extra pound-and-a-half just to watch videos on an airplane?
Or, don't. The iPad goes with you into the seat. Apple's wireless bluetooth keyboard goes in your carry-on, and stays there until the hotel room desk where you might actually do some typing. The rest of your business trip, the iPad lets you reference things, make minor edits, show Keynote on a VGA projector, and keep up with email and news.
(And for printing at the client's location, you do the same thing with your iPad you do with your "real" laptop: email the client the file for them to print because their IT won't let your laptop see their printer queue.)
Re: Why the iPad isn't for me
#16With respect of iPads for moms and grandparents, I am also a bit doubtful. Since a lot of web sites probably don't work as expected (ie no Flash, among other things), wouldn't that be confusing to the noobs? I am waiting for the first review from an iPad-Mommy.
My wife is dubious. She doesn't like the lack of Flash. She doesn't like trying to type on the software keyboard. Her parents, definite technophobes, were intimidated by it. The first thing they wanted to look at was a slideshow on smugmug.com, some pictures of their granddaughter. Also Flash. They looked at me incredulously as I explained to them that you couldn't view the slideshow on the iPad. They tried to use th…
a slideshow on smugmug.com, some pictures of their granddaughter
I have a feeling that if the iPad sells well, the "why do it in HTML when we could do it in Flash" style of site will die out. It's no consolation right now, of course, but I wouldn't complain if that ends up happening (and, really? Flash just to show some pictures one after another?).
Re: Why the iPad isn't for me
#17Here's a prototype of my iPad killer! http://twitpic.com/1fb2ox
The only thing I'd suggest is getting rid of the XP chrome.
Re: Why the iPad isn't for me
#18Earlier quoted context omitted.
My wife is dubious. She doesn't like the lack of Flash. She doesn't like trying to type on the software keyboard. Her parents, definite technophobes, were intimidated by it. The first thing they wanted to look at was a slideshow on smugmug.com, some pictures of their granddaughter. Also Flash. They looked at me incredulously as I explained to them that you couldn't view the slideshow on the iPad. They tried to use th…
a slideshow on smugmug.com, some pictures of their granddaughter I have a feeling that if the iPad sells well, the "why do it in HTML when we could do it in Flash" style of site will die out. It's no consolation right now, of course, but I wouldn't complain if that ends up happening (and, really? Flash just to show some pictures one after another?).
Ehh...I'd say that, if anything, web developers don't want apple dictating how they design their websites. The reality is that the overwhelming majority of people aren't HN readers and really don't care that adobe has changed their CS5 pre-order app to flash. They like going to smugmug and having it just work.
Re: Why the iPad isn't for me
#19Neither is it for me. I'm sending mine back. Things I don't like: (a) Eye strain, (b)It doesn't provide enough utility for me to justify another device in my life, and I don't want another media consumption device. In short, it's another toy. (c) An awkward device angle when touch-typing and trying to read what I'm typing.
What does the return policy look like?
Re: Why the iPad isn't for me
#20With respect of iPads for moms and grandparents, I am also a bit doubtful. Since a lot of web sites probably don't work as expected (ie no Flash, among other things), wouldn't that be confusing to the noobs? I am waiting for the first review from an iPad-Mommy.
My wife is dubious. She doesn't like the lack of Flash. She doesn't like trying to type on the software keyboard. Her parents, definite technophobes, were intimidated by it. The first thing they wanted to look at was a slideshow on smugmug.com, some pictures of their granddaughter. Also Flash. They looked at me incredulously as I explained to them that you couldn't view the slideshow on the iPad. They tried to use th…
That's a very interesting experience.
and watch her videos in a flash.
Delicious irony.