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If iPads are “post-pc devices” why must I sync with iTunes before I can use one?

thestartupfoundry.com

41–50 of 227 posts

Re: If iPads are “post-pc devices” why must I sync with iTunes before I can use one?

#41

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Thanks, I just ordered one. I have a G2 now, but I've had everything from the G1 to the CLIQ to the MyTouch Slide and it's been really confusing figuring out what microSD will work and what won't. I don't know what the technical issues are, but I can't wait until you can match the storage of an iPod. I love doubleTwist, and if I could have it just sync everything automatically it would be so ideal, but my collection…

That's an SD card - not microSD - you might want to revisit your order. Sandisk 32Gb ( http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-MicroSDHC-SDSDQ-032G-A11M-Reta... ) works for me on 2-3 devices.

Yeah, my mistake, I just saw the similar description and figured it was the same model. The Amazon link is the one I ordered. Good looking out though, thanks.

Re: If iPads are “post-pc devices” why must I sync with iTunes before I can use one?

#42
We talk a lot about "lean startups" here. I think this is an example of Apple being lean and going where the market has taken them. My guess is that, as they were building the iPad, they had a hunch things could go this way (e.g. "post-pc device"), but weren't sure. Rather than spend billions building out an infrastructure on a hunch, they build the device and have followed the market.

The market is saying the iPad is "post-pc", so Apple will (eventually) get there. And we'll likely be charged for the privilege (most likely through MobileMe).

Personally, it is a huge complaint I have. I would love to switch my mother to an iPad, but the requirement to continue having a PC doesn't make things easier.

Re: If iPads are “post-pc devices” why must I sync with iTunes before I can use one?

#43

actually they'll unlock it in the store if you don't own a PC.

This is true, but I think a "post-pc" device should be able to stand on it's own two legs. Thanks for pointing this out, I meant to include it in my article.

>This is true, but I think a "post-pc" device should be able to stand on it's own two leg

The 'Post-PC' statement is just posturing and hype to be lapped up by the media, the general public and Apple friendly bloggers like Gruber. Not meant to be subject to interpretation by real geeks/hackers.

How many people totally have just a tablet and no other 'PC' at home? Maybe a few grandmas but that's it. Have iPad owners sold off their PCs? Is that even desirable? Tablets are just another segment of computers that cover use cases like browsing on the bed, couch, plane seat, car seat, using touch apps, for kids etc.

They're bad for other use cases that need screen estate, heavy typing, serious spreadsheet work, coding etc. etc.

joke:

Maybe it was just an attempt to use the RDF influence to counteract the furor over the 30% forced cut of revenue for online services. I wish Post-PC devices wouldn't come with a 30% consumption tax ;)

/joke

Re: If iPads are “post-pc devices” why must I sync with iTunes before I can use one?

#44

actually they'll unlock it in the store if you don't own a PC.

Curious, does the iPad packaging or advertising point this out? If the iPad is supposed to be a post-PC device designed for mom, pa, grandpa and geek alike, then it, IMO, shouldn't need to be connected to a computer for any reason. The fact that it can is surely a plus. I personally have no issue, but to herald it as past current PC devices is slightly disingenuous if I have to connect it to a supposed relic.

Re: If iPads are “post-pc devices” why must I sync with iTunes before I can use one?

#45
post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yes

That's good to know. Thanks.

I sure wish Post-PC devices can be used to copy over content, be updated etc. without taking the trouble to physically take them to stores, especially in this day of the Internet and the cloud.

Can you imagine if Windows PCs needed to be taken to the Microsoft Store for Windows Update? Patch Tuesday would need to be made a national holiday and just imagine the queues, rush, the traffic and the parking.

Re: If iPads are “post-pc devices” why must I sync with iTunes before I can use one?

#46

We talk a lot about "lean startups" here. I think this is an example of Apple being lean and going where the market has taken them. My guess is that, as they were building the iPad, they had a hunch things could go this way (e.g. "post-pc device"), but weren't sure. Rather than spend billions building out an infrastructure on a hunch, they build the device and have followed the market. The market is saying the iPad i…

If you get one unlocked in the store, why can't your mother switch?

Re: If iPads are “post-pc devices” why must I sync with iTunes before I can use one?

#47

We talk a lot about "lean startups" here. I think this is an example of Apple being lean and going where the market has taken them. My guess is that, as they were building the iPad, they had a hunch things could go this way (e.g. "post-pc device"), but weren't sure. Rather than spend billions building out an infrastructure on a hunch, they build the device and have followed the market. The market is saying the iPad i…

>The market is saying the iPad is "post-pc"

It is? How?

Re: If iPads are “post-pc devices” why must I sync with iTunes before I can use one?

#49
post #29

The author seems to assume that Apple is either unaware of the contradiction or aware of it with no plan to change. In other words, that the management of Apple is either stupid or blind. Recent history does not suggest that either is the case. It seems more likely to me that Apple is very much aware of the contradiction but has plans to change this, but no intention of telling us about it yet. Gotta wonder what that…

The author mentions the data center and it's likelihood as a solution. His point was that until that DC comes on line and is used as a solution it's disingenuous to call the iPad a post-pc device because it isn't, it's a peripheral. If and when they fix that then you can start calling a post-pc device. Meanwhile an Android pad really is a post-pc device right now no waiting.

What can you do with an Android pad that you can't do with an iPad bought unlocked from the store?
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