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[Marty Chinn]

Recently I borrowed my cousin's ipad 2 when I was doing liveblogging for AX earlier this month. I had my netbook at the hotel for my actual document writing, but mostly carried the ipad for coverage days.

Typing was a bit awkward at times - mostly because coveritlive doesn't support landscape, as was taking a picture, but for all intents and purposes - it was perfect. Compared to everyone else in the rooms doing coverage - hunched in their seats to type on their netbooks - I was liveblogging while paying attention to everything. Used data when I needed to (the ipad was a verizon one) and turned it off when done, long battery life, lightweight - it ended up being the perfect device.

I'll most likely be picking up the ipad 3 when it comes out - easily replaces the need for a netbook, particularly for something as simple as liveblogging.

I don't get it, liveblogging implies typing? Doesn't a physical keyboard make more sense when trying to pay attention to something over an onscreen touch keyboard? It's way too easy to stray accidently if you're focused on something else while typing. I would think a netbook would be a better device in that scenario or even an ASUS Transformer which IMO is the best balance of the two because you get both.

 

[Piecake]

Currently I own just a laptop, no smart phone, no ipad, no desktop, no nothing.

A couple of years, I think I might go the desktop ipad combo. Basically, the ipad does most everything that use my computer for right now, but with superior mobility. The desktop would be there so I can play high end PC games and Word - all of which are better sitting down anyways.

 

[Tobor]

Do you know what app they used?

They used a bunch of apps, here's a list:

http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/27/gorillaz-ipad-album-now-available-as-are-the-apps-used-to-make/

 

[iKeepPlaying]

The logic still applies...tablets are instant on.

Houston, I think we have a problem. Someone didn't read the OP.

If you have both a smartphone AND a laptop...

Now proceed.

 

[kehs]

Houston, I think we have a problem. Someone didn't read the OP.



Now proceed.

Having all three, I reach for my tablet > phone > laptop, in that order, when I need to check something quick, because the first two are instant on, the third is not.

Is that hard to understand?

Shit I sometimes reach for my tablet, while I'm on a computer because certain things are easier to access (mutiple email accounts).

 

[SolidusDave]

I guess the answer to the OP is Apple? (and public news reports being quite positive IIRC, while only the informed people laughed about it just being a giant iPhone?).

fanboy's note: I love my little seashell =)




edit:

Having all three, I reach for my tablet > phone > laptop, in that order, when I need to check something quick, because the first two are instant on, the third is not.

Is that hard to understand?

Shit I sometimes reach for my tablet, while I'm on a computer because certain things are easier to access (mutiple email accounts).

Waking up my netbook from standby (which it always is in during battery mode) takes 5 seconds... (and I'm much more efficient doing stuff with it, be it work or browsing)

also, wat? @ multiple email accounts. You don't use software to check all your email accounts at once/constantly?

 

[Fusebox]

Phone != Tablets.


You don't need a tablet if you have a: Laptop or a Smartphone.

So phones aren't tablets, but you don't need a tablet if you have a phone?

As both a tablet and smart-phone owner I just can't agree, a tablet fills requirements that neither the phone or the laptop can begin to meet.

 

[Marty Chinn]

So phones aren't tablets, but you don't need a tablet if you have a phone?

As both a tablet and smart-phone owner I just can't agree, a tablet fills requirements that neither the phone or the laptop can begin to meet.

You could also make an argument on there being a specific need/requirement for a 17" laptop, a 14" laptop, and a 10" laptop but most people wouldn't buy all three because there are specific use cases that each size would be more beneficial.

 

[Auron_Kale]

I don't get it, liveblogging implies typing? Doesn't a physical keyboard make more sense when trying to pay attention to something over an onscreen touch keyboard? It's way too easy to stray accidently if you're focused on something else while typing. I would think a netbook would be a better device in that scenario or even an ASUS Transformer which IMO is the best balance of the two because you get both.

It's actually easier because I can type one handed while using my other arm to support the ipad - since I was stuck typing in portrait mode. Everyone else has to hunch down to type, whereas because I had to zoom in with coveritlive, the keys are big enough that you can glance and type easily so I was able to sit up properly the entire time. Other times, I typed with my thumbs - like I would on my iphone. Was easy enough for me.

 

[Fusebox]

You could also make an argument on there being a specific need/requirement for a 17" laptop, a 14" laptop, and a 10" laptop but most people wouldn't buy all three because there are specific use cases that each size would be more beneficial.

I wouldn't make that argument because I don't have the need or requirement.

I do, however, have a huge requirement for a tablet.

 

[Jasoco]

I get so much use out of my iPad. It's my primary gaming machine, my remote control for my Mac mini Media Center and I use it all the time for browsing when I just feel like lounging around.

It's very convenient.

 

[rezuth]

10 hours is the advertised battery life. So that means 6 hours of overheating.

Dude, get your facts straight.

 

[tino]

I have had 4 netbooks and 2 7" tablets.

Tablets are much easier to use when you are on bed, on sofa, etc.

They are also better entertainment/consumption devices than laptops. Only thing laptop has over tablet is making reply in forums. If you spend alot of time writing BS on the internet, then you need a laptop.

Tablets can also run longer and can be made cheaper due to the raise of ARM hardware.

Two years from now, mainstream tablets will be cheaper than main stream laptops.

 

[quickwhips]

Its way faster to get to a webpage on the go on a tablet then a laptop. Its slicker and easier to put away. It can read digital comics. What isn't to like?

 

[George Claw M.D.]

Despite considering myself something of a tech/gadget geek, I really don't see the appeal of these things, regardless of platform. If you have both a smartphone AND a laptop (everyone I know who owns a tablet falls into this category), what are you getting out of the tablet that you can't get more conveniently from the other devices?

What am I missing?

Funny thing is, I find the iPad even more appealing because I already have a smart phone and a laptop. My phone and laptop are more important to me than the iPad, and I would never get an iPad, if I still lacked one of the former.

Some of the things that I find are better to do with the iPad:

1) Couch/bed surf
2) Display new recipes I want to try, on the countertop, while I'm cooking
3) Pass around to other people when I want to show them something
4) Use as a remote control to control other media devices
5) Charge it overnight, while I'm not using it, instead of having to be tethered to a power cord, because it couldn't last throughout the day
6) Play iOS games
7) User interface is better than a laptop for various things
8) The larger screen, itself, makes the iPad better than a smartphone for many things

I'm sure there are a lot of things I missed, but these are already more bullet points in favor of a tablet, than Kindle users have over a laptop, and I don't see so much backlash over those.

 

[waxer]

I have an online store and when people come to the house to see & buy stuff nothing has prices. We have 3000 separate products listed now so having access to the website while being able to walk around with customers is great. Also acts as a great sales tool as we have our own video tutorials that can be shown or just any info off the net can be browsed and used to help with sales.
On the other hand I also work in my restaurant and like to watch movies/episodes in my breaks so the screen real estate is nice while not being a pain to carry around like a laptop. I used to have one but only ever bothered taking it in a few times due to it being a pain.
Then i have games etc
Its also my goto device for quickly checking emails news etc in the morning. The bulk of real work is still done on my desktop but the ipad compliments it really nicely.

 

[Oppo]

Plenty of scenarios, but here's a big one to me. How do I copy photos from a camera onto a large storage device with an iPad?

You can't move them to an arbitrary device, but you can move them to the iPad itself. Even a 16GB model holds a lot of photos. Previous to the iPad I used to just take my memory card into a local place and have it burned to CD (you can do this practically anywhere). But if you are insisting on moving the photos to iPad and then to some other device besides an iTunes-equipped Mac or PC, then no.

 

[Blackace]

Don't own a smartphone and laptop is only for DJing OP fails

 

[NullPointer]

10 hour battery life.
Nothing to plug in until I charge it before bed. Just like my phone.
Small form factor makes it more comfortable to position for reading or watching.
Touch is just better for a lot of things. Makes interacting with my iPad more personal, more intuitive, more human.

Because of that it's now one of my essential possessions, and I take it everywhere.

 

[victreeb3l]

I do some rudimentary graphic design (all in the name of marketing though) and use CS daily. I get what you're saying, but when it comes to actually selling the design/concept/idea, the iPad is fantastic. You can hand it over to your client/vendor, have them point out changes IRL, make spot corrections, take notes freehand or typed, email the thing back to your primary work station if necessary, get and send "business cards" and all sorts of things that help in my line of work.

ugh now i really want one

 

[Marty Chinn]

I wouldn't make that argument because I don't have the need or requirement.

I do, however, have a huge requirement for a tablet.

The point is you can make a use case scenario of a dozen different devices but it doesn't mean most people get a device for every use case scenario.

You can't move them to an arbitrary device, but you can move them to the iPad itself. Even a 16GB model holds a lot of photos. Previous to the iPad I used to just take my memory card into a local place and have it burned to CD (you can do this practically anywhere). But if you are insisting on moving the photos to iPad and then to some other device besides an iTunes-equipped Mac or PC, then no.

So that's not really solving the problem is it? My SD card for my camera is 16 gigs so if I filled it, it probably wouldn't even fit on a 16 gig iPad. That would have to assume that you had no apps or anything on there to begin with and even then doesn't iOS reserve a bit of space so you don't get the full 16 gigs? Plus say I go on vacation for a week, that means I get to dump photos once and then I'm stuck? How is that better than having a laptop to offload photos onto?

Your suggestion of taking it to a local place to dump to a CD is even worse. I'd have to take time out of my vacation to find a place, pay money to do so, and then what, dump them on to 20 CDs or 4 DVDs? That doesn't sound like a reasonable solution to me either.

The simple bottomline is the iPad is incapable.

 

[Syckx]

I don't know, man. A lot of people are dismissing the versatility of tablets. I use my iPad for work, and I use it at home as my primary computing device. I am able to type documents, spreadsheets, and handle a ton of other stuff while standing and in places I otherwise wouldn't be able to with a laptop. I don't carry my tablet with me everywhere, but anytime I am going to have to do some kind of computing I slip it into my messenger bag. I moved into my new home in the middle of May, and I am yet to unpack my laptop or desktop. I simply don't need them at this time.

Having said that, I don't use my laptop or desktops for games, or heavy multimedia. With Dropbox, Citrix, and iWork installed on my iPad, I just simply don't find a need right now to unpack my desktop and laptop. I won't get rid of them, because you never know, but I'm finding that I need them less and less. I have issues with Dropbox every now and again, but that's due to it's limitations within iOS, and Safari could really use tabs. Fortunately, iCloud, and iOS 5 are looking like they will address these issues.

Bottom line, it may not be the right tool for you, but a healthy number of people can replace all of their computing devices with an iPad and be more productive.

 

[Fusebox]

The point is you can make a use case scenario of a dozen different devices but it doesn't mean most people get a device for every use case scenario.

But you only suggested 3 different laptop sizes, and for my needs they all suffer from the same problem as every other laptop. Short battery life, heat, poor form factor for chilling and surfing.

It doesn't matter if it's a 10", 14" or 20" laptop, it's still a laptop. Making them in a different size doesn't change the use case scenario.

My SD card for my camera is 16 gigs so if I filled it, it probably wouldn't even fit on a 16 gig iPad..

So get a 64GB iPad then...

 

[Tobor]

The point is you can make a use case scenario of a dozen different devices but it doesn't mean most people get a device for every use case scenario.



So that's not really solving the problem is it? My SD card for my camera is 16 gigs so if I filled it, it probably wouldn't even fit on a 16 gig iPad. That would have to assume that you had no apps or anything on there to begin with and even then doesn't iOS reserve a bit of space so you don't get the full 16 gigs? Plus say I go on vacation for a week, that means I get to dump photos once and then I'm stuck? How is that better than having a laptop to offload photos onto?

Your suggestion of taking it to a local place to dump to a CD is even worse. I'd have to take time out of my vacation to find a place, pay money to do so, and then what, dump them on to 20 CDs or 4 DVDs? That doesn't sound like a reasonable solution to me either.

The simple bottomline is the iPad is incapable.

You take 16GBs of photos in a week? You need pro gear. Buy one of those hard drive enclosures that dump photos off your card.

The iPad is designed for normal users, they won't take 16GB of photos over the life of the iPad.

 

[Marty Chinn]

But you only suggested 3 different laptop sizes, and for my needs they all suffer from the same problem as every other laptop. Short battery life, heat, poor form factor for chilling and surfing.

It doesn't matter if it's a 10", 14" or 20" laptop, it's still a laptop. Making them in a different size doesn't change the use case scenario.

Different sizes do make a difference because they convey certain types of laptops. A 10" is likely to be a long battery life, ultra portable, but low powered netbook. A 17" laptop tends to be a more powerful desktop replacement but you may not want to carry it around everywhere. A 14" is a balance of the two. There are different scenarios and situations where each make more sense. You have to buy in the different screen real estate, portability etc if you want to claim that an iPad is not just a larger iPhone, otherwise how is it any different to have a 10" laptop and a 17" laptop than say an iPhone 4 over an iPad?

So get a 64GB iPad then...

Seriously you really want to push the fact that a 64GB is fucking expensive and still has fixed storage? Assuming I had nothing on the iPad, and man why are we trying to assume we're not actually putting stuff on the iPad, I could only offload the card 3 times. My last vacation to Hawaii for just one week, I took 36 gigs of photos. Imagine if I went on a two week vacation. Plus does the iPad using the photo connector only allow JPEG or will it accept CR2 files? Suggesting a $700 tablet which only overcomes this limitation and not others to bring instead of a netbook or laptop is silly. Mind you I already played out this scenario when I was in Hawaii and had both with me.

You take 16GBs of photos in a week? You need pro gear. Buy one of those hard drive enclosures that dump photos off your card.

The iPad is designed for normal users, they won't take 16GB of photos over the life of the iPad.

At 25 megs per picture, you can only take 300 something photos before running out of space. It's not hard to snap a lot of photos, especially if you want to make sure you got the shot. DSLRs are pretty common among people who aren't pros ya know?

 

[Fusebox]

how is it any different to have a 10" laptop and a 17" laptop than say an iPhone 4 over an iPad?

I already told why a tablet is different to a notebook.

... for my needs they all suffer from the same problem as every other laptop. Short battery life, heat, poor form factor for chilling and surfing.

It doesn't matter if it's a 10", 14" or 20" laptop, it's still a laptop. Making them in a different size doesn't change the use case scenario.

And did anyone suggest the iPad is the answer to everyones needs? Seems you really don't need an iPad Marty, it wouldn't fit into your workflow - I highly suggest you don't purchase an iPad. I have no interest in convincing you to buy one, but for ME, the iPad is fucking mana from heaven baby, I've never got so much use from one device.

 

[EleventhDoctor]

When I'm on the train to work for an hour each way, and can't get a seat-I can't use a netbook, but I can use an iPad.

And I do, everyday.

 

[Jasoco]

And did anyone suggest the iPad is the answer to everyones needs? Seems you really don't need an iPad Marty, it wouldn't fit into your workflow - I highly suggest you don't purchase an iPad. I have no interest in convincing you to buy one, but for ME, the iPad is fucking mana from heaven baby, I've never got so much use from one device.

Unfortunately you can use this argument for everything, but people are still going to argue about how they think it's the stupidest thing ever. Windows vs. Mac, Xbox vs. PS3 vs. Wii. Cable vs. FiOS. DVD vs. Blu-Ray. Pepsi vs. Coke. Pizza Hut vs. Dominos. Breathing vs. not breathing. Etc...

 

[Marty Chinn]

I already told why a tablet is different to a notebook.

I wasn't comparing a tablet to a notebook. I was comparing in this case an iPhone to an iPad being similar to a 10" netbook and a 17" laptop. Physically they're both different sizes but in use yo feel each hav etheir scenarios where they work better. How is that different than two laptops of different screen sizes?

And did anyone suggest the iPad is the answer to everyones needs? Seems you really don't need an iPad Marty, it wouldn't fit into your workflow - I highly suggest you don't purchase an iPad. I have no interest in convincing you to buy one, but for ME, the iPad is fucking mana from heaven baby, I've never got so much use from one device.

But I already have an iPad and fortunately it was free. I really think a Windows 8 tablet is where the true game changer will be. All the ease and access of something like an iPad but the flexibility of a laptop/desktop OS underneath. I already see the potential in something like my ASUS Transformer which allows me to dock and undock utilizing both form factors and some of the less restrictions of Apple.

 

[planar1280]

there is no precision in tablets, there is no true multi-tasking. You need to jailbreak or root a tablet to manipulate it. you cannot run a VM on a tablet. the Camera on a tablet cannot afford to use a big sensor HD webcam which you can use with a laptop externally. tablet typing is a pain as compared to a keyboard especially for long posts and articles. there is no true microsoft office suit on the tablet. The browsers on tablets are extremely basic with no concept of extensions and/or applications within the browser which at the same time giving a fast experience. games are on par with those on hand helds in terms of immersion and graphics and you cannot get high quality games on tablets. the concept of large storage is non existent on current tablets, show me a tablet with built in 500 gb drive. there are a huge number of accesories for laptops and the vastly high in number in comparison to tablets. there is no program with the features of a adobe lightroom or even photoshop. the concept of file sharing is very mundane and fundamentally incomprehensible because of the lack of a file and folder structure. there is the peace of mind of using a laptop to do anything technology related with the use of addons and peripherals. you cannot add a blu-ray to get TRUE 1080p on a tablet

these are just the few on the top of my head.

 

[kehs]

there is no precision in tablets, there is no true multi-tasking. You need to jailbreak or root a tablet to manipulate it. you cannot run a VM on a tablet. the Camera on a tablet cannot afford to use a big sensor HD webcam which you can use with a laptop externally. tablet typing is a pain as compared to a keyboard especially for long posts and articles. there is no true microsoft office suit on the tablet. The browsers on tablets are extremely basic with no concept of extensions and/or applications within the browser which at the same time giving a fast experience. games are on par with those on hand helds in terms of immersion and graphics and you cannot get high quality games on tablets. the concept of large storage is non existent on current tablets, show me a tablet with built in 500 gb drive. there are a huge number of accesories for laptops and the vastly high in number in comparison to tablets. there is no program with the features of a adobe lightroom or even photoshop. the concept of file sharing is very mundane and fundamentally incomprehensible because of the lack of a file and folder structure. there is the peace of mind of using a laptop to do anything technology related with the use of addons and peripherals. you cannot add a blu-ray to get TRUE 1080p on a tablet

these are just the few on the top of my head.

-This post sent from 2009.

 

[planar1280]

-This post sent from 2009.

bravo, if that is your best counter

 

[Tobor]

there is no precision in tablets, there is no true multi-tasking. You need to jailbreak or root a tablet to manipulate it. you cannot run a VM on a tablet. the Camera on a tablet cannot afford to use a big sensor HD webcam which you can use with a laptop externally. tablet typing is a pain as compared to a keyboard especially for long posts and articles. there is no true microsoft office suit on the tablet. The browsers on tablets are extremely basic with no concept of extensions and/or applications within the browser which at the same time giving a fast experience. games are on par with those on hand helds in terms of immersion and graphics and you cannot get high quality games on tablets. the concept of large storage is non existent on current tablets, show me a tablet with built in 500 gb drive. there are a huge number of accesories for laptops and the vastly high in number in comparison to tablets. there is no program with the features of a adobe lightroom or even photoshop. the concept of file sharing is very mundane and fundamentally incomprehensible because of the lack of a file and folder structure. there is the peace of mind of using a laptop to do anything technology related with the use of addons and peripherals. you cannot add a blu-ray to get TRUE 1080p on a tablet

these are just the few on the top of my head.

Here in a rather large nutshell is why the iPad is so popular. There is a very large segment of people who don't want or care about any of this stuff.

 

[kehs]

bravo, if that is your best counter

I'd bore the shit out of myself trying to correct all the things you're wrong about.

 

[planar1280]

Here in a rather large nutshell is why the iPad is so popular. There is a very large segment of people who don't want or care about any of this stuff.

I am in the sector of having options, and ability to do anything on the machine i purchase, this is why as of today, tablets are not there to give this experience

 

[planar1280]

I'd bore the shit out of myself trying to correct all the things you're wrong about.

give it your best shot.

 

[I_D]

Tablets probably don't make any sense to you now because they're so devoid of features.


Once they're powerful enough to compete with today's laptops, they'll be worthy replacements.

EDIT: This is assuming you don't mind using a keyboard and stand for desk use.

EDIT 2: And that's assuming cellphones don't just plow through tablets in the next few years.

 

[Marty Chinn]

Tablets probably don't make any sense to you now because they're so devoid of features.


Once they're powerful enough to compete with today's laptops, they'll be worthy replacements.

Pretty much this.

EDIT: This is assuming you don't mind using a keyboard and stand for desk use.

Simple, do something like the ASUS Transformer and it'll be perfect.

 

[VanWinkle]

I am in the sector of having options, and ability to do anything on the machine i purchase, this is why as of today, tablets are not there to give this experience

A certain type of device is not designed to appeal to every single person. No product can do that. Clearly these types of tablets are not for you. That doesn't make it a useless device. For people that want convenience, simplicity, and speed, it's great. For people that want customization, ports, and options, this isn't for them, and luckily there are products out there that are awesome for them.

 

[Freestyler]

I am in the sector of having options, and ability to do anything on the machine i purchase, this is why as of today, tablets are not there to give this experience

You're in the sector of being a nerd.

90% of the market doesn't know what 1080p means.

90% of the market doesn't care about "true multi-tasking" (nor do I - iOS' implementation is fine)

90% of the market doesn't do VM

90% of the market already has a smartphone or camera with which to take photos

90% of the market doesn't write "long posts or articles"

98% of the market doesn't use extensions in a browser (wtf do you need these for when you just wanna watch porn, check your Facebook and do some emailing?)

And then I got bored and couldn't bother replying to your other filth.

 

[SlipperySlope]

They will forever be useless to me until they get a keyboard, mouse, Windows, and a good CPU and GPU (or a good APU).

But to get those, they're essentially a laptop.

 

[Nizz]

Funny how I had asked my brother the same question last night that the OP mentioned. Just what is the appeal of tablets? But reading through this thread some of you guys definitely sold me on the idea of getting one now.

I just need the money.

 

[maxxpower]

If I had the money I would get a table even though I have laptop. If you have a tablet you might as well get as much use out of it.

 

[Fusebox]

I was comparing in this case an iPhone to an iPad being similar to a 10" netbook and a 17" laptop. Physically they're both different sizes but in use yo feel each hav etheir scenarios where they work better. How is that different than two laptops of different screen sizes?

Because those two laptops with two different screen sizes share all the same qualities of every other laptop that I'm trying to avoid.

Fact is, it doesn't matter what size of laptop or netbook you use an example - compared to tablets they all get hot, have low battery life, and most importantly can't be used standing up or lying down.

there is no precision in tablets, there is no true multi-tasking. You need to jailbreak or root a tablet to manipulate it. you cannot run a VM on a tablet. the Camera on a tablet cannot afford to use a big sensor HD webcam which you can use with a laptop externally. tablet typing is a pain as compared to a keyboard especially for long posts and articles. there is no true microsoft office suit on the tablet. The browsers on tablets are extremely basic with no concept of extensions and/or applications within the browser which at the same time giving a fast experience. games are on par with those on hand helds in terms of immersion and graphics and you cannot get high quality games on tablets. the concept of large storage is non existent on current tablets, show me a tablet with built in 500 gb drive. there are a huge number of accesories for laptops and the vastly high in number in comparison to tablets. there is no program with the features of a adobe lightroom or even photoshop. the concept of file sharing is very mundane and fundamentally incomprehensible because of the lack of a file and folder structure. there is the peace of mind of using a laptop to do anything technology related with the use of addons and peripherals. you cannot add a blu-ray to get TRUE 1080p on a tablet

these are just the few on the top of my head.

What the hell? Were you using using iOS 1.0 on an iPad prototype or something? You'll be pleasantly surprised by the newer models, we have colour screens now.

 

[kehs]

Because those two laptops with two different screen sizes share all the same qualities of every other laptop that I'm trying to avoid.

Fact is, it doesn't matter what size of laptop or netbook you use an example - compared to tablets they all get hot, have low battery life, and most importantly can't be used standing up or lying down.

I can use my laptop laying down.


My balls are not very keen to the idea however.

 

[Marty Chinn]

Because those two laptops with two different screen sizes share all the same qualities of every other laptop that I'm trying to avoid.

Fact is, it doesn't matter what size of laptop or netbook you use an example - compared to tablets they all get hot, have low battery life, and most importantly can't be used standing up or lying down.

Those aren't all facts though. I've got two laptops here that don't get hot at all. In fact, I'm wearing shorts and it's resting on my bare leg right now just fine. I can understand if you use say a Macbook where you get the idea that they all get hot, but believe it or not, some have great heat management. Battery life also isn't true. I've got a netbook that gets 8 hours of battery life. I can use any of these laptops lying down as well. Different form factors of course have different advantages, but come on, you're saying there's no difference between a use case or situation of a 10" netbook vs a 17" laptop?

You seem to be missing the point here though. Let me phrase it a different way, why do I need an iPad when I have an iPhone 4?

 

[Lonely1]

I do like their form factor, but I dislike the fact that they are smartphones with big screens. I will keep using desktop/laptop OSes with touch screen for when i feel like browsing the web in sofa.

 

[Jasoco]

Because an iPad does not equal an iPhone 4. They are two different beasts.

 

[Fusebox]

Those aren't all facts though. I've got two laptops here that don't get hot at all. In fact, I'm wearing shorts and it's resting on my bare leg right now just fine. I can understand if you use say a Macbook where you get the idea that they all get hot, but believe it or not, some have great heat management. Battery life also isn't true. I've got a netbook that gets 8 hours of battery life. I can use any of these laptops lying down as well. Different form factors of course have different advantages, but come on, you're saying there's no difference between a use case or situation of a 10" netbook vs a 17" laptop?

Oh come on Marty, do you really expect me to believe that you can watch 8 hours of video straight on your netbook without it going flat or generating heat?

You seem to be missing the point here though. Let me phrase it a different way, why do I need an iPad when I have an iPhone 4?

Ever tried reading a comic or a magazine or watching a video on your iPhone? Now imagine if the screen was bigger... can you think of any advantages?

 

[Plumbob]

They look like a heckuva lot more fun on long plane rides without wifi than a laptop. Flipping through your music library and apps in the middle of the night....