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[maharg]

Nothing on any international partners yet I don't think.

But, there's no way we're getting as good a deal as AT&T is offering, unless Apple is capable of a miracle in negotiations. I hope they are, because then I'd pick up a 3G edition in a heartbeat. Being able to activate it for a month right there on the device is awesome. A second data contract? Not so awesome.

They pulled off a miracle getting AT&T to agree to it. My suspicion is they traded an extension of iphone exclusivity for it. That chip's already gone in Canada, though.

 

[DarkJC]

They pulled off a miracle getting AT&T to agree to it. My suspicion is they traded an extension of iphone exclusivity for it. That chip's already gone in Canada, though.

Might be something they can create again if they offered one of the Canadian carriers iPad exclusivity in exchange for a better deal. Then again, the device isn't locked, so all the competing carriers would have to do is offer micro SIMs.

 

[LCfiner]

Nothing on any international partners yet I don't think.

But, there's no way we're getting as good a deal as AT&T is offering, unless Apple is capable of a miracle in negotiations. I hope they are, because then I'd pick up a 3G edition in a heartbeat. Being able to activate it for a month right there on the device is awesome. A second data contract? Not so awesome.

they said the same thing before the 3G launched. we ended up with a 6GB for $30 after some consumer protesting for early adopters. the same as the US's "soft capped" 5 Gb unlimited plan. I think nowadays it's 1 Gb for $30 which is not as good but still decent for a huge number of people.

I'm expecting the 250 MB plan to end up costing around $20 with one of the big carriers here. $15 would be better, of course. I don't think we'll be screwed with some insane 100 MB for $30 plan.

personally, I'm thinking of holding out till the 3G model can be had for ~550 or so. I'm hoping for the refurb store to get some in the summer/ late fall

 

[Raistlin]

Eh, I have some coats with some big interior pockets, but you're right likely not 8-inches wide. It almost looks like he pulls it out of his waistband, looking at it again. *shrug* Whatever!

There's a jacket from Chuck that's actually advertised as iPad compatible :lol

 

[otake]

If a device that does nothing but display text in the most paperlike way possible is not good enough for you.....nothing is.

It's too slow. That was my gripe with it.

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

Wow! That video with the demos for the books is awesome. As an avid traveler, those travel books look amazing, and I'm already planning on taking my iPad on a trip with me two weeks after it's released. I know that there won't be to much of this kind of thing at launch, but it speaks volumes of the potential for the iPad down the line. When people get a load of stuff like this, they're going to buy 'em in droves.

 

[Keylime]

Wow! That video with the demos for the books is awesome. As an avid traveler, those travel books look amazing, and I'm already planning on taking my iPad on a trip with me two weeks after it's released. I know that there won't be to much of this kind of thing at launch, but it speaks volumes of the potential for the iPad down the line. When people get a load of stuff like this, they're going to buy 'em in droves.

I feel like there's some kind of "chicken or the egg?" type scenario at play here.

iPads will sell when people see a lot of these types of apps...but these types of apps won't get widely created if the iPad doesn't sell well.

It would seem like Apple would have an interest in funding or assist in the promotion of a lot of these initial apps so there is a nice selection at launch to entice people.

An iPad specific "there's an app for that" type commercial would be a perfect way to move units if the software continues to be this impressive visually.

 

[luoapp]

I feel like there's some kind of "chicken or the egg?" type scenario at play here.

That's why iPad's price is 499 (and up).

 

[Keylime]

That's why iPad's price is 499 (and up).

That price point, while better than most people's expectations, is still not anywhere near "impulse purchase" levels. People that aren't going to buy this thing because it's a shiny new cool product are going to have to be told why it matters.

Being shown a lot of touch software that looks like it's super futuristic (like these books would likely appear to people) is going to go a long way towards the success of this device.

 

[Timbuktu]

I feel like there's some kind of "chicken or the egg?" type scenario at play here.

I think this is were Apple has the advantage that other companies might not have in that there will be an audience that will get the iPad no matter what. And I think some developers are assuming that it will be a hit already. I mean, the benefit of having an app there early at launch is too big to give up on when it's so hard to stand out from the crowd of iphone apps.

 

[Keylime]

I think this is were Apple has the advantage that other companies might not have in that there will be an audience that will get the iPad no matter what. And I think some developers are assuming that it will be a hit already. I mean, the benefit of having an app there early at launch is too big to give up on when it's so hard to stand out from the crowd of iphone apps.

Well, they did have a piece in the reveal trailer (or whatever you'd call it...the "it's magical" video) where the squirrelly looking dude says "there's going to be a whole new gold rush for developers...etc etc", so they definitely put the carrot out there for people to go after.

They aren't wrong, but if the market isn't there...well...you've got a lot of bummed out developers to answer to.

I don't know where the risk/reward scale is on this product.

 

[Tobor]

That price point, while better than most people's expectations, is still not anywhere near "impulse purchase" levels. People that aren't going to buy this thing because it's a shiny new cool product are going to have to be told why it matters.

Being shown a lot of touch software that looks like it's super futuristic (like these books would likely appear to people) is going to go a long way towards the success of this device.

Commercials like what you're talking about are a given. This isn't the Apple TV, they're going to hit hard on the iPad.

The first commercials will be focused on the device and the built in stuff, they were shot last fall, but after a month or two, I fully expect to see some "app" ads.

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

Apple will likely be running some new ads soon showing these kinds of things on the iPad and starting to differentiate it from the iPhone. Those people saying "It's just a bigger iPhone" will have to shut up when they see some of the things that the iPad can do, and how the interface is far different from the iPhone.

 

[Keylime]

Commercials like what you're talking about are a given. This isn't the Apple TV, they're going to hit hard on the iPad.

The first commercials will be focused on the device and the built in stuff, they were shot last fall, but after a month or two, I fully expect to see some "app" ads.

I personally don't think the built in app suite will be enough to persuade most consumers, but we'll see.

For my needs, I'd really be looking to use the iPad as an eBook reader w/benefits. Toss the incline creation case on that puppy and you've got a nice little web device with some nice other features.

Very niche product for me.

Apple will likely be running some new ads soon showing these kinds of things on the iPad and starting to differentiate it from the iPhone. Those people saying "It's just a bigger iPhone" will have to shut up when they see some of the things that the iPad can do, and how the interface is far different from the iPhone.

I think there's a pretty big uphill battle Apple marketing has to fight in this regard. Initial public perception (in the tech world at least) has been mediocre to bad.

...in all honesty I'm not really sure what non-techie folks think of this thing.

 

[Tobor]

In the non-tech world, "Big iPod Touch" goes from an insult to a compliment.

 

[Keylime]

In the non-tech world, "Big iPod Touch" goes from an insult to a compliment.

Kind of like:

Tech People
It's a big iPod Touch! LOLS! STUPID!!!!

Non-Tech People
The stardate is 63-678...according to my holo-computer, the current weather in my region is a brisk 64 degrees...

 

[Tobor]

Kind of like:

Tech People
It's a big iPod Touch! LOLS! STUPID!!!!

Non-Tech People
The stardate is 63-678...according to my holo-computer, the current weather in my region is a brisk 64 degrees...

Exactly. :lol People are going to see this thing in the Apple store and on TV and flip out.

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

I think there's a pretty big uphill battle Apple marketing has to fight in this regard. Initial public perception (in the tech world at least) has been mediocre to bad.

...in all honesty I'm not really sure what non-techie folks think of this thing.

I can only speak from anecdotal evidence at the moment, but all of my techy friends, and I work IT, are luke-warm on the iPad, but my non-techy friends think it looks great. My girlfriend, who has never had an interest in an iPhone, is pre-ordering an iPad on Day 1. In fact, I have to text her immediately when the pre-orders open. I'm going to do it AFTER I pre-order mine!

Non-anecdotal evidence shows that the iPad has more initial interest than the iPhone according to studies.

 

[commish]

Apple will likely be running some new ads soon showing these kinds of things on the iPad and starting to differentiate it from the iPhone. Those people saying "It's just a bigger iPhone" will have to shut up when they see some of the things that the iPad can do, and how the interface is far different from the iPhone.

how is the interface far different from the iphone? It seems exactly the same to me. And I'd love for Steve to show me what the ipad can do that doesn't' make it merely a bigger iphone. That said, I'm getting one day 1, because I can't help myself and I wanted a reader anyways.

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

how is the interface far different from the iphone? It seems exactly the same to me. And I'd love for Steve to show me what the ipad can do that doesn't' make it merely a bigger iphone. That said, I'm getting one day 1, because I can't help myself and I wanted a reader anyways.

Have you watched any of the videos showing the iPad in action on apps designed for it? The pop-over menus and other enhanced interactions don't happen at all on the iPhone. That alone is going to add more functionality and ease of use.

 

[Tobor]

Anecdotal evidence ahoy!

I was talking to a co-worker who was in the market for an iPod touch to replace his nano. His new plan is to get an iPad and keep the Nano.

 

[VanMardigan]

Apple will likely be running some new ads soon showing these kinds of things on the iPad and starting to differentiate it from the iPhone. Those people saying "It's just a bigger iPhone" will have to shut up when they see some of the things that the iPad can do, and how the interface is far different from the iPhone.

I don't think most people that say "it's just a bigger iPhone", mean it literally. But even for someone like me, who loves his iPhone, there isn't enough differentiation between the two that I feel like I need both.

 

[giga]

how is the interface far different from the iphone? It seems exactly the same to me. And I'd love for Steve to show me what the ipad can do that doesn't' make it merely a bigger iphone. That said, I'm getting one day 1, because I can't help myself and I wanted a reader anyways.

vs.

And so on..

 

[Keylime]

FUUUUUUCK comics...

Is there any announcement of an app or iBook release of comic books? I don't read them now, but would be 5000% more interested if they were offered in a convenient digital delivery format for iPad.

 

[Tobor]

FUUUUUUCK comics...

Is there any announcement of an app or iBook release of comic books? I don't read them now, but would be 5000% more interested if they were offered in a convenient digital delivery format for iPad.

Check out panelfly.

http://www.panelfly.com/ipad/

EDIT: they offer Some Marvel Comics now! RE-EDIT: well a sampling, it looks like. Baby steps.

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

I don't think most people that say "it's just a bigger iPhone", mean it literally. But even for someone like me, who loves his iPhone, there isn't enough differentiation between the two that I feel like I need both.

Maybe you don't see enough differentiation yet, but I think you will. Just look at that comparison above to start to see how things differ. It's more dramatic then you think, and the popover menu items are going to add a new dimension.

Also, look at the video of the books from Penguin that were posted a page back. Those travel books look amazing, and the tapping on an item and having the more info pop-up the way it does, is very nice.

The possibilities for the interface are quite different here, and it's going to be pretty amazing to see how the devs play with it.

 

[Keylime]

Check out panelfly.

http://www.panelfly.com/ipad/

EDIT: they offer Some Marvel Comics now! RE-EDIT: well a sampling, it looks like. Baby steps.

Do you mean Marvel has a partnership with PanelFly to offer content, or Marvel has some other thing they are doing for the iPad?

Dang...my interest in an iPad just went up a notch.

 

[Tobor]

Do you mean Marvel has a partnership with PanelFly to offer content, or Marvel has some other thing they are doing for the iPad?

Dang...my interest in an iPad just went up a notch.

Marvel is offering comic books through Panelfly. Looks like a sampling of books right now. They're probably testing the market before the iPad hits.

The iPhone app is already out if you want to check out what they have. It's good, but the screen is too small. On the iPad it should be perfection.

 

[Keylime]

Marvel is offering comic books through Panelfly. Looks like a sampling of books right now. They're probably testing the market before the iPad hits.

G'damn...I really hope that works out. I have to imagine that they'd hit a whole new audience by changing up their traditional distribution method in favor of a convenient digital one.

...I figured offering comics off the iBook store would make more sense, though, as everyone will have that on their products from the get go.

 

[Tobor]

G'damn...I really hope that works out. I have to imagine that they'd hit a whole new audience by changing up their traditional distribution method in favor of a convenient digital one.

...I figured offering comics off the iBook store would make more sense, though, as everyone will have that on their products from the get go.

iBooks has to be downloaded from the app store, if I'm not mistaken. I thought I read that somewhere.

Anyway, they might offer comics within iBooks, or they might be content to let someone else like Panelfly do it. Either way, they get their 30%.

 

[Napoleonthechimp]

I've got some pretty cool ideas for the screenwriting app that I'm designing. It's difficult to come up with something that combines the level of functionality that I want with a solid and easy to use GUI.

I'd even like to include video conferencing for the 2nd generation iPad which I assume would include a camera. So I already have updates planned. The next step will be to write a complete functionality specification document and draw up some storyboards.

 

[Keylime]

iBooks has to be downloaded from the app store, if I'm not mistaken. I thought I read that somewhere.

That would be a horrible idea...hopefully they make it a native app.

 

[Tobor]

That would be a horrible idea...hopefully they make it a native app.

iBooks
The iBooks app is a great new way to read and buy books.1 Download the free app from the App Store and buy everything from classics to best sellers from the built-in iBookstore. Once you’ve bought a book, it’s displayed on your Bookshelf. Just tap it to start reading. The high-resolution, LED-backlit screen displays everything in sharp, rich color, so it’s easy to read, even in low light.

http://www.apple.com/ipad/features/

Sorry. There are pluses to this though. As a standalone app, they can push updates without having to do a full firmware update.

 

[Mecha_Infantry]

Mock if old, but I see my lil nephew bugging me for my one!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdExukJVUGI

 

[Napoleonthechimp]

Mock if old, but I see my lil nephew bugging me for my one!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdExukJVUGI

Yeah, I saw this earlier. It looks great for certain types of interactive books and material (kids especially).

 

[LCfiner]

http://www.apple.com/ipad/features/

Sorry. There are pluses to this though. As a standalone app, they can push updates without having to do a full firmware update.

plus it avoids nasty complaints from existing app developers like amazon and other ebook readers having to compete with an app pre-loaded onto the device.

 

[Keylime]

Bah to this news of iBooks being an app!

Distributing a major store within another major store just seems backwards to me, but you've got a point with the update stuff.

I am still a bit worried about how well that store will do if it isn't a native app, though.

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

Bah to this news of iBooks being an app!

Distributing a major store within another major store just seems backwards to me, but you've got a point with the update stuff.

I am still a bit worried about how well that store will do if it isn't a native app, though.

It does seem a bit odd, but it'll likely be the first thing I add to my iPad, and once it's in place on the device, it'll function just like the iTunes or App Store Apps I'm sure. And, as Tobor pointed out, it can be updated independently this way, which means they'll likely be adding more functionality to it on a much more consistent basis.

It may also get Amazon to update their Kindle App to offer more features as well. But seriously, it is likely to be the first thing I add.

 

[LCfiner]

Bah to this news of iBooks being an app!

Distributing a major store within another major store just seems backwards to me, but you've got a point with the update stuff.

I am still a bit worried about how well that store will do if it isn't a native app, though.

the ibook store will be plastered on the front page of the app store from day one till, like, infinity.

people who want to read will get it*. it's not a real concern.

(*except anyone outside the US, who can't use it AT ALL until new distribution rights are negotiated. ugh)

 

[Tobor]

the ibook store will be plastered on the front page of the app store from day one till, like, infinity.

people who want to read will get it*. it's not a real concern.

(*except anyone outside the US, who can't use it AT ALL until new distribution rights are negotiated. ugh)

Ahh, this is exactly why it's a separate app. They don't need to update the firmware by region as deals are worked out, just add iBooks to that regions app store.

 

[LCfiner]

Ahh, this is exactly why it's a separate app. They don't need to update the firmware by region as deals are worked out, just add iBooks to that regions app store.

ding ding ding!

once again, it takes a humble, attractive Canadian to show all you US folks that you're not the only country in the world

 

[commish]

plus it avoids nasty complaints from existing app developers like amazon and other ebook readers having to compete with an app pre-loaded onto the device.

the real reason. just look at the MS lawsuits over IE & tying.

 

[numble]

the real reason. just look at the MS lawsuits over IE & tying.

You're probably right. There are already a bunch of ebook apps all over the marketplace. Kindle will go from 80% marketshare to 1% just on the release of the iPad before anybody even connects their iPads to the Internet.

 

[mAcOdIn]

the real reason. just look at the MS lawsuits over IE & tying.

I don't think that makes any sense, why would a music, audio book, movie, television and app store all be acceptable to ship with preinstalled but books tilt it over the edge, that makes no sense.

 

[LCfiner]

I don't think that makes any sense, why would a music, audio book, movie, television and app store all be acceptable to ship with preinstalled but books tilt it over the edge, that makes no sense.

i think part of it is because apple allows apps to sell books and comics within the app now but they're not allowed to sell music or movies since that replicates built in functionality. adding the ibook store as a built in app means that their SDK just got a hell of a lot more complex and confusing. thy would either need to allow other apps to sell music and movies (not gonna happen) or create a weird exception for books since those apps already exist.

or, even worse, not change the SDK license and then ban those other bookstores. yikes!

plus, when you add in the international availability of the ibook store, it just seems to make more sense for apple to offer it separately. less drama, less complications.

 

[commish]

I don't think that makes any sense, why would a music, audio book, movie, television and app store all be acceptable to ship with preinstalled but books tilt it over the edge, that makes no sense.

No other program replicates what itunes does. Sure, it sells music, but it does a lot more, including letting people interact with their ipods, nanos, iphones, etc. Ibookstore or whatever it is does EXACTLY what a kindle program would do - buy and sell books. They are basically interchangeable. It's easy to argue that adding itunes by default is a benefit to consumers - it's their only option for a lot of things, whereas something like IE (or ibookstore) is interchangeable with other products.

 

[Tobor]

The real question is, what does Apple do about the Kindle app?

Right now, apps like Classics , Panelfly, and I assume any other ebook/comic/whatever apps use the in-app purchase system to add new content. This means Apple gets its cut from every purchase. Amazon uses the loophole of kicking you out to Mobile Safari to make the purchase, then bringing you back to the app to download it. Apple get's nothing.

So what is the end result here? Everyone playing nice with the system will obviously be fine, but does Apple leave Amazon alone on this? There's no way Amazon gives Apple a cent, so I doubt the app get's updated to allow in app purchase. On the other side, I don't think Apple can do anything but remove the app and raise a shit storm. That said, they don't seem to be shy about shit storms these days.

So either Apple let's this continue to slide, or they unleash hell. Won't that be a fun thread?

 

[mAcOdIn]

i think part of it is because apple allows apps to sell books and comics within the app now but they're not allowed to sell music or movies since that replicates built in functionality. adding the ibook store as a built in app means that their SDK just got a hell of a lot more complex and confusing. thy would either need to allow other apps to sell music and movies (not gonna happen) or create a weird exception for books since those apps already exist.

or, even worse, not change the SDK license and then ban those other bookstores. yikes!

plus, when you add in the international availability of the ibook store, it just seems to make more sense for apple to offer it separately. less drama, less complications.

Makes sense.

No other program replicates what itunes does. Sure, it sells books, but it does a lot more, including letting people interact with their ipods, nanos, iphones, etc. Ibookstore or whatever it is does EXACTLY what a kindle program would do - buy and sell books. They are basically interchangeable. It's easy to argue that adding itunes by default is a benefit to consumers - it's their only option for a lot of things, whereas something like IE (or ibookstore) is interchangeable with other products.

Doesn't make sense. It makes sense from the SDK standpoint, but the only reason there's no media stores for them to step on is because they didn't allow them on their device, at this point, the fact that Apple has already gotten away with owning basically all of the mobile download market, the majority of the digital music and video market and restricting other applications from talking to their devices I don't think it's over some kind of antitrust bundling shit like Microsoft and IE.

 

[LCfiner]

The real question is, what does Apple do about the Kindle app?

Right now, apps like Classics , Panelfly, and I assume any other ebook/comic/whatever apps use the in-app purchase system to add new content. This means Apple gets its cut from every purchase. Amazon uses the loophole of kicking you out to Mobile Safari to make the purchase, then bringing you back to the app to download it. Apple get's nothing.

So what is the end result here? Everyone playing nice with the system will obviously be fine, but does Apple leave Amazon alone on this? There's no way Amazon gives Apple a cent, so I doubt the app get's updated to allow in app purchase. On the other side, I don't think Apple can do anything but remove the app and raise a shit storm. That said, they don't seem to be shy about shit storms these days.

So either Apple let's this continue to slide, or they unleash hell. Won't that be a fun thread?

If Apple kicks out the Kindle app for the reason you describe, then they've gone off the deep end and would need to be bitch slapped back to rationality.

there's nothing wrong with the way the amazon kindle app works. nothing at all. Apple has no right to force Amazon to use in app purchases when one can use the amazon website to buy a book for their kindle device. remember that those books can be used on a bunch of devices. Apple has no claim to profit from those sales. they might as well say you can't use the safari app to buy a blender from amazon.

I say Apple will leave things as is.

 

[Tobor]

If Apple kicks out the Kindle app for the reason you describe, then they've gone off the deep end and would need to be bitch slapped back to rationality.

there's nothing wrong with the way the amazon kindle app works. nothing at all. Apple has no right to force Amazon to use in app purchases when one can use the amazon website to buy a book for their kindle device. remember that those books can be used on a bunch of devices. Apple has no claim to profit from those sales. they might as well say you can't use the safari app to buy a blender from amazon.

I say Apple will leave things as is.

Hopefully you're right. I assume Amazon would sue, and they'd have a good case.

I wonder how many people even buy books that way? I've done it before, that's what got me thinking about it. It's as painless a process as you could have outside of in-app purchase.