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[Maxwell House]

BTW, this is going to be perfect for trading stocks on the go...just perfect. I am sure many of the good brokers out there will release new versions of their trading platforms specifically for the iPad. The screen looks just right for stock charts..great for day trading while away from home.

I don't understand how anyone can doubt that the iPad is going to sell like gangbusters. It is going to be absolutely huge.

 

[Maxwell House]

nm

 

[Battlezone]

As with most new products by Apple, I have a feeling you're going to have to play with this before you can really make any judgments about it.

I don't understand the hate for the bezel, for two reasons. One-it really isn't that much thicker than the bezel on my MBP. And for two, where the heck else would you hold the thing? The iPhone has a thin bezel on the side because you mostly hold it with one hand and scroll with your thumb. This is clearly a two handed-device, and if you're going to hold it like a magazine or a book, you need to be able to hold it where you'd hold a magazine or book.

As I mentioned way back in the anticipation thread, all I really wanted out of this device was a color e-book reader. I read a lot of design books and magazines that do not work well at all on a Kindle. And I read for small spurts of time when I do, so I'm not terribly concerned about refresh rates or anything like that. This will be perfect for that. Here's hoping I can get my HOW, Print, and Communication Arts subscriptions on this thing. And I hope Zinio goes back to the drawing board to make an app optimized for this, because I would subscribe to a lot more digital magazines with the right interface.

That said, I agree with the people criticizing the UI. It does seem a bit lazy, and not at all in line with most things Apple does. Take the home screen and dock. I'm hoping I can put more than four apps in the dock, because it looks like I could easily fit five or six. I would have liked to see them take a design cue from the Nook-not necessarily the second screen, but a row of icons that I could access at any time, and scroll through. If it worked like Dashboard in OSX, that would be phenomenal for me. Click once to access the Dashboard and apps, click twice to go back to the home screen.

Have three separate stores on the iPad also seems clunky, especially when it's all handled in one application on the desktop. I could see why you'd separate the App Store and iTMS on the iPhone, but with a redesigned interface for the iPad, I can't see why it couldn't be in one app.

As for multitasking, I really only want that so I can listen to ESPN Radio or Slacker while doing other stuff. For just about every other situation on my phone, I've found that I can jump back and forth between apps with very little delay. And from what I hear from on-site reports, the iPad seems to be significantly faster on that end. I think all this will be moot, as I'm sure 4.0 will bring multitasking and a whole slew of other functionality to this.

I'm cautiously optimistic about the iPad. As with the iPhone, I think it will take app developers to really show what this device can do. I'd like it at $399 a heck of a lot more than I do at $499, especially for what I need it for. This will enable me to not constantly lug my MacBook Pro around, especially when I travel, and I'm just using it to browse the Internet from my hotel room.

 

[Buckethead]

The more I think about, the more this is a GREAT multimedia, computing 'toy'/tool. It ink everyone (myself included) was expecting a proper computer, but I think this is so cool.

I get most excited about more "boring" stuff on it like the eBooks, Keynotes, Pages documents, QuickBooks, taking notes, and other stuff like that.
Basically the stuff opposite of what's on iPhone, but that's just me.

...oh yeah and it also needs a Wacom made screen, so that ain't happening.

Yeah but a pressure pen would go a long way.

 

[WickedAngel]

BTW, this is going to be perfect for trading stocks on the go...just perfect. I am sure many of the good brokers out there will release new versions of their trading platforms specifically for the iPad. The screen looks just right for stock charts..great for day trading while away from home.

I don't understand how anyone can doubt that the iPad is going to sell like gangbusters. It is going to be absolutely huge.

It's an expensive product with questionable usefulness in contrast to the rapidly growing netbook market. How is it hard to understand the doubt?

The base model is more expensive than my EEE 1000H. Newer netbooks will be coming with faster CPUs, GPUs, more RAM, and built-in 3G for less while running a full-fledged OS...

 

[Ollie Pooch]

i shook my head when i first saw this, but again i'm not really the market for it.

i can easily see it appealing to people who want a cheap hassle-free computer to access the net, check emails, sort their photos and stuff like that. my mum has a regular windows laptop and is often asking me for help with it. the approach with this thing seems to be a setup-less, non threatening, user friendly and non-'computerish' way for people to interact with the internet and their digital content.

it's a little light on storage and i'm a little worried by how closed off it feels - like the iphone really, but at the same time it completely removes all the shit that goes with running a computer, for people who hate dealing with computers. i've always thought the way the iphone keeps involving with new software updates etc is pretty awesome, and it sounds like this would follow a similar line. sounds like multitasking is on the way, and it seems very responsive. flash being omitted is not surprising (and i'm kinda glad apple is sticking to their guns on this one) - as a web/email/photo device i can see it being ideal for a few people i know.

 

[MilesWebber]

So...why the camera options in the SDK?


maybe I better wait for iPadG2

 

[Captain N. Tenneal]

This name seems destined to failure in regions with certain accents. I'm thinking Boston and the like.

"Yeah, I'd like one'a them iPads."

"An iPod? Here you go!"

"No man, an iPad! iPad!"

I really wish Microsoft would release the Courier. I desperately want a decent slate tablet PC that has full pressure sensitivity (with a Wacom digitizer or something that works as well as that) with a highly accurate stylus for sketching on the go.

Sorry Apple, your giant iPod does not impress me.

 

[SnakeXs]

Ideally, something that doesn't look like a more primitive version of an enlarged Ipod Touch, and has some kind of innovative feature, like multitouch was when Ipod was announced. More realistically, at least a front facing webcam, the lack of which is really puzzling and disappointing for a device like this.

That's the problem with creating a revolution in control and design: You can only do it once.

The job now is leveraging software, which if you look general hands on impressions, and things like the NY Times app, they are to an impressive degree.

I've stated my disappointment which borders into wtf-land many times. A video chat capable device like this would have been an instant buy as a gift to a relative, and would have definitely made my desire for one increase dramatically. I've also stated my far fetched reasoning as to why it's likely not there.

 

[mrkgoo]

It's an expensive product with questionable usefulness in contrast to the rapidly growing netbook market. How is it hard to understand the doubt?

The base model is more expensive than my EEE 1000H. Newer netbooks will be coming with faster CPUs, GPUs, more RAM, and built-in 3G for less while running a full-fledged OS...

Again, the numbers are generally meaningless. If the software on the iPad is optimized for an iPad, and they run very smoothly, it doesn't matter how much RAM it has if what it does it does well. It's about the experience. Let's say Joe businessman wants a device to read the NYT on the bus - will all that ram, speed and storage in a netback help you with that? No, and a netback for that purpose is pointless on the bus.

The netback will definitely have a use elsewhere, no doubt, but I think the iPad is not about the numbers.

 

[Michan]

Does anyone have a link to the full conference? I can't find it anywhere. Thanks!

 

[gimmmick]

I'm wondering why they didn't announce the amount of ram this tablet will have under it's hood. It's going to be pretty disappointing if it is under 512 megs.

 

[MilesWebber]

Does anyone have a link to the full conference? I can't find it anywhere. Thanks!

apple.com?

 

[Maxwell House]

Yeah, this is much more portable than a netbook. The screen is much better than you get on a netbook. It is also a touch screen lending itself as a very good ebook, enewspaper and emagazine reader.

IMO it is almost the perfect portable web browser, game player, video player and ebook reader all wrapped up into a very clean, beautiful package. I think it is going to be a huge hit. It is very unlike a netbook, which for the most part are clunky underpowered imitations of laptops.

 

[Karma]

Again, the numbers are generally meaningless. If the software on the iPad is optimized for an iPad, and they run very smoothly, it doesn't matter how much RAM it has if what it does it does well. It's about the experience. Let's say Joe businessman wants a device to read the NYT on the bus - will all that ram, speed and storage in a netback help you with that? No, and a netback for that purpose is pointless on the bus.

The netback will definitely have a use elsewhere, no doubt, but I think the iPad is not about the numbers.

Why?

 

[Raistlin]

Again, the numbers are generally meaningless. If the software on the iPad is optimized for an iPad, and they run very smoothly, it doesn't matter how much RAM it has if what it does it does well. It's about the experience.

Well, if it is true the iPhoneOS is going to offer multitasking in the future, then RAM certainly does matter. Also, RAM obviously limits what can be done for future applications, even if it remains single tasking.

Even for right now, RAM can easily limit your internet browsing experience when you start opening a number of tabs.

 

[Maxwell House]

duurrr...

 

[zerostackers]

these thread title changes are getting cryptic.

 

[Ptaaty]

Here is the thing...get a CULV based ultraporable around $500.

Just vs the Laptop I have (3lb CULV):

Browsing, no. I have a screen rez that works with websites 1366X768 plus flash, all the way to HD

email, not even close. I can type on a real keyboard

Viewing and sharing photos. Again no. Better res, widescreen, any PC app.

Watching video. Again no. Actual widescreen HD rez vs sub rez, worse DPI

Games. Debatable. Laptop can play all flash games no problem plus older PC games

Reading ebooks. Yep you won one. But I would like eink.

 

[aoi tsuki]

Well, if it is true the iPhoneOS is going to offer multitasking in the future, then RAM certainly does matter. Also, RAM obviously limits what can be done for future applications, even if it remains single tasking.

Even for right now, RAM can easily limit your internet browsing experience when you start opening a number of tabs.

It's not like they can't announce an iPad with more RAM in the future.

How does Backgrounder handle multitasking with apps when RAM becomes limited?

 

[Flying_Phoenix]

It's not even an old people problem.

Younger people know how to type fast (usually) and can get around the Internet, but their computers are still a fucking mess, and they don't know anything once you tell them to open the file explorer or Control Panel. Going into either of those completely trips them out.

When all of us can honestly say that we have never had a friend or relative bug us about fixing or helping with anything computer-related at all, we can say that computer illiterates are not the majority of people.

Exactly. It's like all they know is what's on their desktop and how to get to their documents and find programs in the "Start" Menu. It usually pretty much ends there.

I'll probably be interested in the year 2 or year 3 version. Give it higher resolution, some level of multitasking, and an eye-popping screen, and it'd probably make a great portable image viewer (photo sharing, comic reader, etc.), and occasional movie viewer and "couch" web browser. But this model seems very first gen, not nearly attractive enough to buy yet.

This. I can see the potential and what they're going for, but it's a far too early build.

Remember how bad the first generation iPhone was when it first came out?

 

[soco]

honestly, from what i've read of this today, it sounds like this thing has been rushed.

as in, they started with something different, that didn't work and about a year ago they canned it and started from scratch, and are putting it out the door now in an attempt to head off other things.

that's not to imply it's a bad product by any stretch of the imagination, but it really doesn't add much of anything. it's an ipod touch with a higher resolution and larger format, and they've built in an e-reader.

 

[mrkgoo]

Why?

I dunno, maybe it's just me, but holding a laptop form factor in one hand is not the best for reading. It's not totally crap, but but a tablet form factor with just a screen, in portrait orientation seems like a better choice for me (in that situation).

Well, if it is true the iPhoneOS is going to offer multitasking in the future, then RAM certainly does matter. Also, RAM obviously limits what can be done for future applications, even if it remains single tasking.

Even for right now, RAM can easily limit your internet browsing experience when you start opening a number of tabs.

Oh, for sure, RAM is important. I'm just saying that if a device does what it needs to do well, the actual number is meaningless to the user. For example, I want to view full screen photos and swipe through them smoothly - I don't know how much it takes, but if it runs well on the iPad, that's all I need (for that.). No doubt more is always better, and indeed important for more intensive apps, and will improve as we go. I know what you mean, I feel the squeeze of my iPhone 3G trying to run apps on 3.0, I know it's not enough.

I'm not saying RAM isn't important, I'm saying the actual amount to consumer is irrelevant, so long as it does what it needs to. If it's not enough to do what it needs, then it's obviously an issue (for example in browser, as you mention), but just saying that a device is going to have more doesn't say much if it doesn't need that much.

It's like I have an Apple computer with 4GB RAM. BUT you say! I can buy this computer over here for the same price with 8GB of RAM! But do I need it? Probably not. I was merely responding to the notion that something that gives you more ram (and other numbers) for the same money is automatically better. Well, I guess it is, but if it's an amount better than you need to run well, then it's irrelevant, at least over other features that may distinguish the products.

 

[mrkgoo]

honestly, from what i've read of this today, it sounds like this thing has been rushed.

as in, they started with something different, that didn't work and about a year ago they canned it and started from scratch, and are putting it out the door now in an attempt to head off other things.

that's not to imply it's a bad product by any stretch of the imagination, but it really doesn't add much of anything. it's an ipod touch with a higher resolution and larger format, and they've built in an e-reader.

I think you're right, it didn't add a s much as people were hoping - but It ink that's a testament to how good the iPhone is. As Steve said, the iPhone was 5 years ahead of it's time. We're hitting that soon! iPhone in your computers.

 

[Raistlin]

IMO it is almost the perfect portable web browser, game player, video player and ebook reader all wrapped up into a very clean, beautiful package.

Really? I thought some of the ones shown at CES look to be the better option, assuming they pan out well.

Particularly the Notion Ink Adam. Likely a better web browsing experience (flash support), much better video support (1080p, including HDMI output), and better viewing as an e-book (Pixel QI screen). Granted, it may not have the game support (that depends on the Android marketplace), but it seems to be the better performing package overall ... and it's planned to be cheaper.

 

[BertramCooper]

I am totally confused by this.

If a person has a desktop but not a laptop, then I could sort of see why someone would want this. But in that case, why not just get a freaking netbook? You can get ones cheaper than this that can do more AND have an actual keyboard and camera.

This is indeed a head scratcher.

 

[mrkgoo]

I am totally confused by this.

If a person has a desktop but not a laptop, then I could sort of see why someone would want this. But in that case, why not just get a freaking netbook? You can get ones cheaper than this that can do more AND have an actual keyboard and camera.

This is indeed a head scratcher.

Again, for the experience. Touch screen, higher quality screen, form factor and so on. If these things don't matter to you and it's just about specs and content, then sure, a netback will be better ... for you.

Personally, I have a laptop, so I never saw the need for a netbook. Why do I want a laptop AND a netbook? There's only one reason - size. The Tablet gives me a new way to experience everything, and not just on the go, I would use a tablet at home on the couch too.

To me, the head scratcher is why you want a netbook if you already have a laptop.

See, the key here is Apple are going for a new digital experience. This happens to be taking the iphone experience larger, as opposed to taking the desktop experience smaller. Again, for me, that makes for a more compelling argument.

I get the argument for portability, but I suppose Apple see it as "do you really need a complete desktop environment when you're on the go?". I'd think an iPad would be much more interesting to add to my iPhone/Laptop combo over adding a netbook.

 

[DjangoReinhardt]

Finally was able to watch the Keynote and some hands-on videos: the iPad looks like something I would use everyday. Multi-tasking would be nice, but it's not a deal-breaker for me. Like the iPhone, it'll probably be flat-out amazing in a year or two with hardware and software revisions under its belt and all of the cool shit that third-party developers bring to the table.

 

[NinjaFridge]

What is a netback?

 

[ChoklitReign]

If I wanted to pay $500 for an "experience" I would take a vacation.

 

[Karma]

Again, for the experience. Touch screen, higher quality screen, form factor and so on. If these things don't matter to you and it's just about specs and content, then sure, a netback will be better ... for you.

Personally, I have a laptop, so I never saw the need for a netbook. Why do I want a laptop AND a netbook? There's only one reason - size. The Tablet gives me a new way to experience everything, and not just on the go, I would use a tablet at home on the couch too.

To me, the head scratcher is why you want a netback if you already have a laptop.

See, the key here is Apple are going for a new digital experience. This happens to be taking the iphone experience larger, as opposed to taking the desktop experience smaller. Again, for me, that makes for a more compelling argument.

What is better about the screen?

Also, a netbook is not much bigger than the iPad. So if it is size then you might consider a $300 netbook.

 

[Battlezone]

I'm watching the keynote right now, and I have to say, I would really, really, love that iPod interface for the movies, tv shows and such on the Apple TV.

 

[VGChampion]

I am totally confused by this.

If a person has a desktop but not a laptop, then I could sort of see why someone would want this. But in that case, why not just get a freaking netbook? You can get ones cheaper than this that can do more AND have an actual keyboard and camera.

This is indeed a head scratcher.

Well, I have no interest at all for a netbook. For one thing, I've grown accustomed to having Apple's OS in my tech. Besides boot camp, I don't want to use Linux or Windows again. Plus, I want something that sort of feels like a book. A netbook is going to feel like a laptop.

 

[Stat Flow]

Again, for the experience. Touch screen, higher quality screen, form factor and so on. If these things don't matter to you and it's just about specs and content, then sure, a netback will be better ... for you.

Personally, I have a laptop, so I never saw the need for a netbook. Why do I want a laptop AND a netbook? There's only one reason - size. The Tablet gives me a new way to experience everything, and not just on the go, I would use a tablet at home on the couch too.

To me, the head scratcher is why you want a netback if you already have a laptop.

See, the key here is Apple are going for a new digital experience. This happens to be taking the iphone experience larger, as opposed to taking the desktop experience smaller. Again, for me, that makes for a more compelling argument.

Bigger iphone is better than a smaller desktop? What?

Also, Netbooks have HD screens nowadays...

It seems like most of the people comparing the tablet to the netbook and thinking the tablet is better are thinking of 1st gen netbooks, when they were shitty. In 2010 Netbooks will be WAY better than the iPad.

 

[WickedAngel]

I dunno, maybe it's just me, but holding a laptop form factor in one hand is not the best for reading. It's not totally crap, but but a tablet form factor with just a screen, in portrait orientation seems like a better choice for me (in that situation).



Oh, for sure, RAM is important. I'm just saying that if a device does what it needs to do well, the actual number is meaningless to the user. For example, I want to view full screen photos and swipe through them smoothly - I don't know how much it takes, but if it runs well on the iPad, that's all I need (for that.). No doubt more is always better, and indeed important for more intensive apps, and will improve as we go. I know what you mean, I feel the squeeze of my iPhone 3G trying to run apps on 3.0, I know it's not enough.

I'm not saying RAM isn't important, I'm saying the actual amount to consumer is irrelevant, so long as it does what it needs to. If it's not enough to do what it needs, then it's obviously an issue (for example in browser, as you mention), but just saying that a device is going to have more doesn't say much if it doesn't need that much.

It's like I have an Apple computer with 4GB RAM. BUT you say! I can buy this computer over here for the same price with 8GB of RAM! But do I need it? Probably not. I was merely responding to the notion that something that gives you more ram (and other numbers) for the same money is automatically better. Well, I guess it is, but if it's an amount better than you need to run well, then it's irrelevant, at least over other features that may distinguish the products.

Ever had a marketing class?

This thing is altogether doomed to anyone that isn't already in the Apple ranks if they bother to start feature-shopping.

Cost? No contest; netbook wins. Functionality? No contest; netbook wins. Features? 1GB (Average), 1.6Ghz processors (Average), HD screen (Some), webcam (Average), 3G (Some), GPUs (Some), and 10x the storage space (Average)?

The iPad is going to have some things going for it; it's an Apple device so the fact that it is sleek goes without saying. It will likely have a fantastic battery life. It's usefulness past a few limited activities is questionable at best. It isn't going to be useful for any real work; touchscreens aren't useful for that. You're not going to be typing any long documents or working on any complicated spreadsheets with it. You're not going to build presentations with it (Though you may present a few). You're not going to listen to music on it (You've already got a dozen devices that are equally capable). What do you have left? You can watch movies and browse the internet on the road (If you're willing to cough up the significantly higher cost of a monthly subscription and a higher cost of entry)...$130 more for the device and an extra $30 per month for the subscription. You're also limited by the app store.

 

[BertramCooper]

Again, for the experience. Touch screen, higher quality screen, form factor and so on. If these things don't matter to you and it's just about specs and content, then sure, a netback will be better ... for you.

Personally, I have a laptop, so I never saw the need for a netbook. Why do I want a laptop AND a netbook? There's only one reason - size. The Tablet gives me a new way to experience everything, and not just on the go, I would use a tablet at home on the couch too.

To me, the head scratcher is why you want a netback if you already have a laptop.

See, the key here is Apple are going for a new digital experience. This happens to be taking the iphone experience larger, as opposed to taking the desktop experience smaller. Again, for me, that makes for a more compelling argument.

I understand that they aren't just trying to make a touchscreen netbook, but the exclusions they made are pretty mindboggling. No USB ports? Seriously? And no camera? On a device like this, it should be a given, especially considering the $500+ price point. I mean, it's practically BEGGING for a camera.

On paper, it just doesn't come remotely close to justifying the price tag.

 

[SnakeXs]

On paper, it just doesn't come remotely close to justifying the price tag.

On paper almost no Apple product ever has.

In practice, well, business speaks for itself.

 

[Hasan]

I think we can all agree it'll be a good product and will be amazing to use but I/everyone was expecting something groundbreaking. I always laughed when people posted the enlarged Iphone pic but I guess they got the last laugh now. It's so underwhelming.

 

[Juice]

Yeah, I'm in for at least one. It saddens me, but the vast majority of people no longer need a general purpose computer. This as an appliance is already most-of-the-way there to what the average Joe needs.


Rising Stocks:
+ iWork file formats
+ Novelty Chairs that prop up thighs
+ Developers working on vector illustration apps
+ AAPL

Falling Stocks:
- Whoever wrote Eucalyptus or any of the other book readers on iPhone
- All the mobile office / spreadsheet app developers in the current app store
- People who hate explicit references to "gold rushes" regarding software development
- The word Slate.

 

[BertramCooper]

On paper almost no Apple product ever has.

In practice, well, business speaks for itself.

Very true, but for whatever reason, the disparity just seems especially egregious here.

Most other Apple products did something to advance the digital experience, and I just don't see that here. I don't see any real progress made with this product.

 

[favouriteflavour]

So is there going to be a media player on this thing or will it be restricted to itunes? Basically what I am getting at is will I be able to play my multitude of movies on this thing at all or will I need to buy it from itunes?

 

[mrkgoo]

What is a netback?

An overzelaous spellchecker

What is better about the screen?

Also, a netbook is not much bigger than the iPad. So if it is size then you might consider a $300 netbook.

Just a higher quality IPS screen, that I'm expecting to have a better colour gamut and viewing angles. I honestly don't know how good netbook screens are these days. Resolution is only part of the story for me.

It's not size, it's also interaction.

Bigger iphone is better than a smaller desktop? What?

Also, Netbooks have HD screens nowadays...

It seems like most of the people comparing the tablet to the netbook and thinking the tablet is better are thinking of 1st gen netbooks, when they were shitty. In 2010 Netbooks will be WAY better than the iPad.

As a third device? Yes. It's something that fits into my other devices. Perhaps unnecessary, but it would be enjoyable. See, I think you're approaching the iPad vs. a netbook from the wrong perspective. You're seeing as a direct comparison as it's own device. I'm seeing it as complimentary to my laptop and iPhone. A bigger iPhone adds more to my lineup than does a smaller laptop.

As a strictly better device on its own? Perhaps a netbook would be better, after all as you say it will do more. But with my other stuff, I think I'd get more out of an iPad.

And again, a screen is more than just resolution. Apple are pretty good at using nice high quality displays, so I'm kind of giving them the benefit of the doubt here. If it is worse than the typical netbook screen, I'd reconsider.

Yes, netbooks will be 'better', but depends on your circumstances, your use, and what you already have. Otherwise, I may swell compare a netbook to a full laptop and say that a laptop is better.

 

[rareside]

Everyone thinking the name is a big deal obviously hasn't learned much from the Wii.

 

[DeathbyVolcano]

So is there going to be a media player on this thing or will it be restricted to itunes? Basically what I am getting at is will I be able to play my multitude of movies on this thing at all or will I need to buy it from itunes?

I'm going to assume that if you can get it in iTunes (aka, get iTunes to recognize the movies and their formats) it'll be able to play on this.

 

[artist]

Here is the thing...get a CULV based ultraporable around $500.

Just vs the Laptop I have (3lb CULV):

Browsing, no. I have a screen rez that works with websites 1366X768 plus flash, all the way to HD

email, not even close. I can type on a real keyboard

Viewing and sharing photos. Again no. Better res, widescreen, any PC app.

Watching video. Again no. Actual widescreen HD rez vs sub rez, worse DPI

Games. Debatable. Laptop can play all flash games no problem plus older PC games

Reading ebooks. Yep you won one. But I would like eink.

Ok.

You lose portability with the ultraportable. Yes, you do.
No Multi-touch, browsing is fine but not the same experience.
Flash? Yes. Whoop dee doo.
Email? They're about the same.
Photos? PC Apps. Yeehaw.
Worse dpi? Debatable but I think iPad screen has better DPI. Plus IPS panel too. Try finding that in a $500 ultraportable.
Games? iPad wins.
eBooks? Its about the same.

And last but the biggest flaw in your theory, cant find a CULV based ultraportable for $500.

People here and a lot of journos dont seem to get one thing. Its the user experience. Multi-touch is the new cool thing. Price the HP Slate accordingly and get all the other things in place (App store, Book Store, Music Store) among other things and you have a potential product against the iPad (which will not happen). Until then we're all just whining about features of locked capabilities that we've known Apple does for years now.

 

[Buckethead]

It's getting a lot of bad press, which is mostly just a byproduct of the iPhone launch going so well.
Maybe Apple will take longer to launch products post-announcements now. Who knows.

But the flaming and predictions are really boring me. We'll see what happens in March.

 

[PhoncipleBone]

So is there going to be a media player on this thing or will it be restricted to itunes? Basically what I am getting at is will I be able to play my multitude of movies on this thing at all or will I need to buy it from itunes?

It supports the same formats ipod touch and iphone do. Go to apple.com and read the specs for supported formats.

 

[Juice]

It's getting a lot of bad press, which is mostly just a byproduct of the iPhone launch going so well.
Maybe Apple will take longer to launch products post-announcements now. Who knows.

But the flaming and predictions are really boring me. We'll see what happens in March.

The stock is actually stable. I was hoping the press would freak out irrationally (check), stock would crash, I would buy extra stock for my FY09 Roth IRA accounts.

Fail! Freak out more people! So I can buy stock! And in a year you can all change your minds and buy the iPad Mini or whatever. And I can sell stock!

 

[WillyFive]

My mom saw it and wanted to know more about it.

 

[Maxwell House]

The $15 a month 250MB limited data plan is a very good deal IMO. For web browsing 250MB is more than enough. $15 to be able to web browse anywhere in the US is awesome. It also makes the iPad a true portable GPS device.

Also, the screen on this thing is much, much better than the screens you get on netbooks. Netbooks have resolutions of 640 x 480 if I recall correctly and are just your normal LCD. The iPad has a 1024 x 76 super crisp LED backlit screen and it is touchscreen to boot. Web browsing, games, video, etc. will look much crisper and vibrant on the iPad versus the otehr netbooks out there.

That alone makes it much more valuable than netbooks IMO.