The first reason is that it doesn’t act as a computer. You see, tablets like this, e.g. Archos 7, can all act independently as computers. I just think that this tablet is relying on a computer with syncing. Shouldn't it, as a computer, be independent enough to, say, import its own music, sync an ipod from it. It's just that it can't be used as a computer, but alongside one. That means that you have to be tethered beside your computer instead of using as an alternative to one.
Also, why make a 16GB version? Why not a 64GB and a 128GB? Those are proper computer memories. The memories on this make it seem like a big iPod Touch which isn't as portable.
It could easily be described for people to use wifi around the house. But with modern day lifestyles we are spending less and less time indoors and more time out and about. That means the 3G version should be of more use, but it isn't because you need a bag to carry it and most of us like pockets. So, that means it's back to the iPod Touch with wifi then. Even though I don't have one, I want one a hell of a lot more than an iPad.
There is also the fact that it doesn’t do flash internet. This is a real annoyance since this device is almost purely aimed at the web user. Instead you get a similar browser to an iPod Touch which doesn’t do flash.
It doesn’t multitask, I know, but that doesn’t really bother me. I mean, I’m sure it would in the long run. But it is such a let down that they have this new 1GHz A4 chip and can’t even multitask with it.
There is also the fact that it can’t be a very good e-reader. The LCD screen would be too in your face to read for hours and therefore the battery not good enough. Even though they claim a month of standby, but 10 hours of normal usage.
There is also the fact that iBooks doesn’t work outside of the US. This is a real let down since this device is aimed at the e-book market. I guess the US market is big enough, but what about us outside of the US? What are we going to do? Either get an ebook app for it, or just buy a Kindle.
So, until Apple sorts out these problems, I am not spending my money on one. Once it does reach Apple stores worldwide though, you can bet I’ll head along there to try and get my mitts on one of these devices.
You can read my summaries of the iPad here: for the outside , for the insides for the software and design
11 comments:
I have to say that I agree about flash, it makes it a poor web experience. But maybe HTML5 will change that, who knows?
Also, iBooks might be done outside of the US, but in the summer once Apple can get data carriers.
It was never intended to be a computer, and you see very few people who do have a tablet using it as their primary computer. Because of this, the tablet was designed to be used in conjunction with another computer and hence little memory was needed due to the dependance on syncing and clearing... i.e. It's not a computer in it's own right, never intended to be.
Your point about it seeming like a big iPod touch is in no way valid. A desktop seems like a big touch but less portable....
"The LCD screen would be too in your face to read for hours and therefore the battery not good enough." In what way are these two points relative to each other? And ten go contradict yourself and provide a point FOR the iPads battery life immediately afterwards. And how can you complain an LCD screen is too "in our face", in which case my Tv is too in my face... And I would rather that than have to contend with glare similar to the screen on Gameboys,..
Have you handled a kindle? They're horrible, spend some time with one and I'm sure you'll agree, don't provide poor alternatives without utilising them yourself as it's apparent.
Besides, it's first generation, look at the advancements in the iPod, apple can do great things with time, besides, there's yet to be camera integration etc. There will be improvements in the very near future.
I have used a Kindle briefly.
I'm just saying that many tablets can be used as a computer, whereas this one can't.
It, in essence, is a big iPod Touch. It's running the same OS!
I am saying that the LCD screen would be too hard to look at but Apple have done a good job making the battery as good as it is.
I have a Kindle and it is great for what it is: reading black and white text. The iPad will be something completely different, although it can be used for reading text.
It seems that the iPad is disappointing to you for what it isn't, which is a full featured computer. That's not what they are selling in the iPad. It's more of a mobile entertainment device that some people will also use as a computer, but not as a full-featured machine.
Buddy Scalera http://wordspicturesweb.com/?p=668
Thanks for the comment, Buddy.
Maybe I was expecting too much of the iPad. I guess it is there to fill the gap between laptop and smartphone, not replace a laptop.
If I had the money I would buy one, but I don't and am not going to save up for something that lacks what I really want.
I have to agree with you James, the iPad isn't really for me and I did expect a little more wow from Apple. However the idea of the iPad is to corner that market which at the moment is these "Netbooks" the rubbish laptops that are mainly designed for surfing the web, checking email, editing a bit of text etc and the iPad appears to do all this very well.
I do wish Apple had added a USB port though so that you could easily add documents you edited on a computer to the ipad from a computer other than your main syncing one.
Chris says "Your point about it seeming like a big iPod touch is in no way valid" well really it is. All the iPad is, is a large screen iPod touch / iPhone. It runs exactly the same OS with mild "tweaks" to the OS and the apps. A desktop device is completely different as it does far more in terms of applications, OS, Hardware.
Mark
It does have some mild tweaks, like your own background. Does this mean that iPhone OS 4 will have its own background page? Wouldn't put it past Apple to do that.
I like the sound of a bigger ipod touch as at the moment I use mine just as a pda - excel/word docs/invoicing etc. You don't really need usb - I transfer most of my files over wi-fi which is quicker and easier than messing around with itunes. I can just sling this in my bag, same size as my Samsung NC10, so will be portable. I reckon it could actually work as an ereader - I read books on the ipod touch and it's fine.
Just my opinion but I reckon it could be a good purchase depending on price. I like the idea of downloading newspapers as I already do with the metro on the ipod touch and reading them offline on something bigger like the ipad while listening to the radio I've recorded from tune in radio. Maybe I'm just deluded - I'll wait for the first proper hands-on reviews and see!!
UK pricing is still to be announced, so we can't give a review yet as we haven't been able to get our hands on one. But as soon as one is out in the UK we'll be off to an Apple store to try one out and give you a full review.
James, you've written a whole blog detailing why you won't be buying an iPad, stating all of it's downfalls as you perceive them. But in the comments you say you'd buy one if you had the money.
Personally, I like it and there is a strong chance that I will buy one. I think it'll be perfect for what I want.
Yes, I did say that if I had the money I would buy one, but only if I had a huge disposable income which I don't.
I can see why some people would like it, and I hope that you enjoy yours.
Post a Comment