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

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11–20 of 227 posts

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

#11

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.

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

#13
post #9

Because syncing a 32gb personal collection of music, movies and photos wirelessly takes too long? Funny I think it's only people without any iTunes purchase complaining about this. The ones enjoying the media capabilities of the iPad, capabilities completely missing from Android, have no complains.

The initial sync didn't seem to take that long on a 802.11n connection using DoubleTwist/AirSync. (around 20G music/videos).

But that's besides the point - the neat thing about wireless sync is that you don't have to wait with the device physically tied up to your PC. In my case I was using it while the sync happened in the background. More over with wireless sync - I buy my MP3s at Amazon on my laptop and they automatically go out to my Android devices without needing any special action on my part.

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

#15
Realistically, people will continue to own multiple computers. Computers have become very cheap, households can usually afford more than one.

For tablets to be successful “post-PC devices” it’s not necessary that people stop buying and using PCs.

Still, it should be possible to get by without a cable. I don’t want to transfer my 40GB media collection wirelessly just yet but the iPad is useful without my media (and can wirelessly sync contacts, calendars, notes, e-mails), there is no reason why I should be forced to connect to iTunes.

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

#16
post #9

Because syncing a 32gb personal collection of music, movies and photos wirelessly takes too long? Funny I think it's only people without any iTunes purchase complaining about this. The ones enjoying the media capabilities of the iPad, capabilities completely missing from Android, have no complains.

What about my Grandma? I wanted to give her an iPad, but the only computer she has is the one she shares with her entire nursing home, and there isn't an Apple store within a thirty minute drive of her house. I get that syncing is faster when connected, but that shouldn't be a requirement for use. Why can't I just turn it on, sign in and be done with it?

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

#17
post #9

Because syncing a 32gb personal collection of music, movies and photos wirelessly takes too long? Funny I think it's only people without any iTunes purchase complaining about this. The ones enjoying the media capabilities of the iPad, capabilities completely missing from Android, have no complains.

The initial sync didn't seem to take that long on a 802.11n connection using DoubleTwist/AirSync. (around 20G music/videos). But that's besides the point - the neat thing about wireless sync is that you don't have to wait with the device physically tied up to your PC. In my case I was using it while the sync happened in the background. More over with wireless sync - I buy my MP3s at Amazon on my laptop and they autom…

Out of curiosity, how much storage have you been able to get on your Android device?

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

#18
If all you ever do is consume digital media, yes the iPad could replace your PC. But PCs are also widley used to produce content, which is something the iPad can't do at all. Where does Apple think all the stuff they sell on iTunes, the AppStore, iBooks comes from? It's not being made on the iPad, thats for sure.

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

#19

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The initial sync didn't seem to take that long on a 802.11n connection using DoubleTwist/AirSync. (around 20G music/videos). But that's besides the point - the neat thing about wireless sync is that you don't have to wait with the device physically tied up to your PC. In my case I was using it while the sync happened in the background. More over with wireless sync - I buy my MP3s at Amazon on my laptop and they autom…

Out of curiosity, how much storage have you been able to get on your Android device?

You can get at least 32GB on most of the phones (plus internal storage ranging from 512MB to 4GB). Some of them may support SDXC, meaning you can go beyond 32GB (I know there are 64GB cards for purchase, probably larger ones for insane prices).

Link to 32GB card that will work in just about all Android devices: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139...

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

#20
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 huge data centre they are building is for, eh?

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