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[Vinci]

I'm sorry but no way in hell can an iPad replace a laptop or a computer. Netbook yes, but that's how far it will go.

I'm sorry, did I suggest in any way that it would do that for you? No. I said for the mainstream public. You know, the people who do nothing but email, surf the web, use Facebook, etc? For people who are primarily interested in low-to-mid end content consumption, which is the vast majority of people, the iPad removes all of the inconvenience and 'unnecessary' complexity associated with traditional computer models.

 

[Tobor]

Looks interesting. I'm not sure how popular a pen based interface would be with the masses at this point, but they could be successful within a smaller niche focused on business.

They could have content problems by going with a unique form factor. The major magazines, newspapers, and textbook publishers are all working on single screen apps using touch interface. They'd have to be completely redesigned for this. Regular ebooks would obviously work without issue.

 

[C.Dark.DN]

I'm sorry, did I suggest in any way that it would do that for you? No. I said for the mainstream public. You know, the people who do nothing but email, surf the web, use Facebook, etc? For people who are primarily interested in low-to-mid end content consumption, which is the vast majority of people, the iPad removes all of the inconvenience and 'unnecessary' complexity associated with traditional computer models.

Edit:

The inability to use hulu, flash, netflix, dvd says it's not going to replace desktop/notebook for many many people.

 

[Zozz]

I'm sorry, did I suggest in any way that it would do that for you? No. I said for the mainstream public. You know, the people who do nothing but email, surf the web, use Facebook, etc? For people who are primarily interested in low-to-mid end content consumption, which is the vast majority of people, the iPad removes all of the inconvenience and 'unnecessary' complexity associated with traditional computer models.

I'm sorry, did I suggest in any way that it wouldn't do that for me? No. I find that the iPad serves no purpose other than a good e-book and comic reader. Smartphone market share is growing, it's putting the internet on the go like never before. With laptops you basically have a pc on the go. Now the iPad does both of these thing but neither as good one of these. Instead of carrying a smartphone and a iPad, wouldn't you rather want a device that is optimized on the each of the extreme ends rather than the middle?

LOL

 

[Vinci]

Edit:

The inability to use hulu, flash, netflix, dvd says it's not going to replace desktop/notebook for many many people.

And I'm saying that there's still a very large number of people out there who don't know what Hulu, Flash, and Netflix are. And most of them are going to watch DVDs on their TVs, not on a computer.

Perhaps I'm wrong, but I think the iPad is going to be absolutely huge - particularly at its pricepoint - and to a vast population that still feel like things should be simpler than what traditional computers offer. The convenience of the touchscreen and the massive library of content Apple has at its fingertips is going to make it a very powerful product for the average home.

 

[DataStream]

The new video on engadget (some of the opening is old, but the rest is new) is some really brilliant stuff.

 

[Nerevar]

I'm sorry, did I suggest in any way that it would do that for you? No. I said for the mainstream public. You know, the people who do nothing but email, surf the web, use Facebook, etc? For people who are primarily interested in low-to-mid end content consumption, which is the vast majority of people, the iPad removes all of the inconvenience and 'unnecessary' complexity associated with traditional computer models.

I couldn't disagree more. You're really underestimating how most people use their computers. If you can't synchronize and backup your photos to the ipad, then it cannot replace a computer for 90% of the people I know (and that includes my entire family, parents, in-laws, etc). Not to mention managing your digital music library (64 GB is not enough for most people if you're going to be throwing apps, magazines, books, and everything else). This is basic computing functionality to people that the ipad can't replace. It is not a desktop or laptop replacement and never will be.

 

[Tobor]

I couldn't disagree more. You're really underestimating how most people use their computers. If you can't synchronize and backup your photos to the ipad, then it cannot replace a computer for 90% of the people I know (and that includes my entire family, parents, in-laws, etc). Not to mention managing your digital music library (64 GB is not enough for most people if you're going to be throwing apps, magazines, books, and everything else). This is basic computing functionality to people that the ipad can't replace. It is not a desktop or laptop replacement and never will be.

I'm loathe to get into this because this whole discussion is off topic, but you can sync photos to the iPad. Carry on.

 

[Zozz]

I'm loathe to get into this because this whole discussion is off topic, but you can sync photos to the iPad. Carry on.

Can it torrent?

 

[C.Dark.DN]

And I'm saying that there's still a very large number of people out there who don't know what Hulu, Flash, and Netflix are. And most of them are going to watch DVDs on their TVs, not on a computer.

Perhaps I'm wrong, but I think the iPad is going to be absolutely huge - particularly at its pricepoint - and to a vast population that still feel like things should be simpler than what traditional computers offer. The convenience of the touchscreen and the massive library of content Apple has at its fingertips is going to make it a very powerful product for the average home.

I think the vast majority of people buying this will be computer literate and still rely on desktops/notebooks.

Looking at smart phones and how a lot of them don't rely completely on touch, a lot of people do not like touch. My 25 year old sister hates it while I, 22, love it.

People who only email and internet already have a device to do it with. They aren't going to shell out a lot of money to do the same thing.

 

[Tobor]

Can it torrent?

:lol No. Now, about that Courier...

 

[Pristine_Condition]

I really liked it the first time I saw it, and am glad to hear that it seems to be going forward. It's the sort of thing I instantly imagined the first time I picked up a Nintendo DS.

I still like the iPad more, mostly since I'm no fan of the stylus, and I like a single surface, but I do think Microsoft is on the right track with this device. It'll be different than the iPad for sure, but in this case, different is good. Some people will love that it has two screens and a stylus. I really feared after the iPad reveal that Microsoft would scrap this and go with an iPad-style device.

I'm assuming it will be running 7 Series instead of a 6.x variation. And, with the direction I've seen with Windows Phone 7 Series, I think they'll actually be able to pull it off.

What kind of ecosystem will this device live in? Has anyone heard about what MS has planned for these next-gen mobile devices? I'm guessing they'll keep it relatively locked down, like the iPhone/Touch/iPad, to keep as secure as possible and as efficient and speedy as possible.

I have much more confidence in this being a real device with a good interface than something like the NotionInk Adam, even though we have very little info at this point. Microsoft seems to be on the right track software-wise.

Let's see about that hardware design next. I can't imagine they want a repeat of the 360 debacle, and since I've heard very few complaints about the ZuneHD, I'm pretty confident they'll bring the QA.

Here's a hint for them though in case any Microsoft guys are lurking: MAKE SURE THOSE HINGES ARE ROCK-SOLID, MS!

 

[Stat Flow]

Oh lord I want this.

 

[LCfiner]

:lol No. Now, about that Courier...

waiting for Courrier torrent killer app.

 

[layzie1989]

Looking at that first video on engadget im liking what im seeing. It's not something to complete projects on, but just something to spark the thought process and organizing your ideas together. I liked the part where she made the 4 square diagram and pulled the pieces in there. I want to see how fast the thing works in real life though. Imaginary demos that completely meet the dreams of the designer are great, but i want to see someone using it.

Also, as a mac user and graphic designer, i hope the thing isnt tied to windows that would be a serious bummer

 

[C.Dark.DN]

I'm loathe to get into this because this whole discussion is off topic, but you can sync photos to the iPad. Carry on.

he may have said it because my post said it before i edited.

i only looked at the inputs/outs. afterward, i thought that'd be too retarded, and googled until i found the adapter. then i edited it.

 

[widgetraf]

day fucking one.

 

[luoapp]

Also, as a mac user and graphic designer, i hope the thing isnt tied to windows that would be a serious bummer

A bit off-topic: whoever designed it must be a mac user as well

PS: who knows what's the deal with that "AFI.com" in the video? or is it AF1.com? none of them make any sense. Could be nike's airforce 1 sneakers, but the url...

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

Can it torrent?

This is a joke right? I'm having a hard time telling for sure...

 

[Pimpwerx]

The folding has the added bonus of protecting the screen. If they include Live and gets some touch games, it could be a multi-threat. PEACE.

 

[FunkyMunkey]

The iPad is meant to replace these two alternatives for many, many people.

:lol

 

[Vinci]

:lol

Well constructed insight.

 

[LCfiner]

Looking at that first video on engadget im liking what im seeing. It's not something to complete projects on, but just something to spark the thought process and organizing your ideas together. I liked the part where she made the 4 square diagram and pulled the pieces in there. I want to see how fast the thing works in real life though. Imaginary demos that completely meet the dreams of the designer are great, but i want to see someone using it.

Also, as a mac user and graphic designer, i hope the thing isnt tied to windows that would be a serious bummer

I'll make a bold (lol) prediction. it will sync with MS cloud services. it will not need a desktop app for syncing your notes and web clips, images, etc. all stuff related to work/ info/ notes/ images, etc will be editable from a rich desktop webapp.

worst case is you install silverlight on your mac.

BUT, for media syncing, you'll need the Zune software, which is Windows only. that doesn't appear to be a focus of this thing, so it probably won't determine who buys one.

 

[Karma]

Perhaps I'm wrong, but I think the iPad is going to be absolutely huge - particularly at its pricepoint - and to a vast population that still feel like things should be simpler than what traditional computers offer. The convenience of the touchscreen and the massive library of content Apple has at its fingertips is going to make it a very powerful product for the average home.

Simpler? How is the iPad simpler than a netbook? Click on the web browser icon on both. Only difference is one is a $300 and one is $500 and you can do far more on the cheaper one.

iPad will find a market to sell to but all this talk about running over laptops and PCs and being absolutely huge seems like wishful thinking to me.

 

[RSLAEV]

If I can manage to use this to draw with instead of Artrage it's a day one for me (and if it's under $600) Lugging around my tablet PC is such a pain in the ass!

 

[Mudkips]

...out of curiousity, how many people write anything these days?

If I was still a student at school, I wouldn't want an iPad or a Courier, but a full-blown laptop or tablet.

Typing is infinitely faster than writing and you can look at the board/teacher while you do it versus writing. People who write notes are dinosaurs in my opinion (outside of formula heavy classes) :lol

You have never taken a math or science class, I guess?

Jesus, the fucking hate coming from the Apple crowd is beyond insane.
It's a foldable tablet that does something people want a tablet to do.

 

[Sol..]

Well constructed insight.

it is pretty funny though. Personal Computer companies must be working on some good information for them to assume all people do on computers is look at photos and surf the web all the damn time. Thats not just the ipad either. Anything that shares the dimensions of a piece of paper or smaller.

 

[Piper Az]

I can see myself using this; this can replace my current pocket pen/paper notebook I carry around. The iPad...I'm not sure what I would do with it.

 

[Dega]

IF the price is right I can see myself getting one of these. Really look like something that will help me out for class and work.

Edit: :lol Piper.. broken record.

 

[Zozz]

This is a joke right? I'm having a hard time telling for sure...

Of course.

 

[leroy hacker]

This is very productivity oriented whereas the iPad isn't. From that standpoint, I could see it winning over business and design types that just want something for jotting down ideas really fast and prefer using a pen for such practices. Really, I don't think the two are competing for the same crowds. Which is probably better for them both.

Your first sentence cuts to the core of it. This thing simply isn't designed for the same kind of entertainment as the ipad, just as productivity is an afterthought in the ipad's design. On the other hand, the digital textbooks and educational uses many envision for the ipad should be equally feasible here.

The way this device is designed seems perfect for how I work. As long as this has a good pdf reader it could completely replace and improve on my tablet.

 

[Vinci]

Simpler? How is the iPad simpler than a netbook? Click on the web browser icon on both. Only difference is one is a $300 and one is $500 and you can do far more on the cheaper one.

iPad will find a market to sell to but all this talk about running over laptops and PCs and being absolutely huge seems like wishful thinking to me.

Look: I love my computers. Adore them. But I've shown that iPad reveal video to tons of people - family, friends, co-workers, etc. - and the people who aren't tech-heavy or gamers? They love it. They want it. And they agree with that Cheshire Cat guy when he says, "It just feels so right to hold the internet in your hands." Sure, he's gif fodder to us - but I'm watching these people as they watch that video, and they're nodding their heads. They get it. And it reminds me a great deal of how they responded when I'd show them videos of the iPhone and Wii.

Anecdotal as hell, I know, but... Apple isn't likely to have decided on this course of action without testing it with people. They know what they're doing. And yes, the iPad is going to be huge. It might not '[run] over laptops and PCs,' but I think for many folks it will become a far easier, more natural alternative.

 

[Phaethon0017]

Man I love this. I can just imagine reading e-books on this with that flip design and leaving notes on the document as I read. That alone would be insanely helpful.

If this can hook up to Zune Pass and play music consider me sold.

 

[Zozz]

If someone told me I would hold the internet in my hands in the future i would slap them for heresy.

 

[LCfiner]

so i finally saw the second of the engadget videos and it looks like it confirmed my guess up above that there will be a web viewer for sharing courier data on PCs.

 

[border]

Hey -- a thread about the Courier!

And all people are doing is debating the iPad.

I guess that gives you an idea of how much traction this thing will have.

 

[Zozz]

Hey -- a thread about the Courier!

And all people are doing is debating the iPad.

I guess that gives you an idea of how much traction this thing will have.

Well it's the iPad fanboys who came here to shit on it.

 

[Nerevar]

Look: I love my computers. Adore them. But I've shown that iPad reveal video to tons of people - family, friends, co-workers, etc. - and the people who aren't tech-heavy or gamers? They love it. They want it. And they agree with that Cheshire Cat guy when he says, "It just feels so right to hold the internet in your hands." Sure, he's gif fodder to us - but I'm watching these people as they watch that video, and they're nodding their heads. They get it. And it reminds me a great deal of how they responded when I'd show them videos of the iPhone and Wii.

Anecdotal as hell, I know, but... Apple isn't likely to have decided on this course of action without testing it with people. They know what they're doing. And yes, the iPad is going to be huge. It might not '[run] over laptops and PCs,' but I think for many folks it will become a far easier, more natural alternative.

Yeah, but both those devices (iphone and wii) are complementary devices, not replacements. A personal computer of some sort is a requirement of a lower-middle-class or above 20th century household, like a refrigerator or oven. You're arguing that the microwave should replace the oven. In that same vein, the courier is like the toaster oven, another complementary device to achieve a different function. They can all live together harmoniously, doing their own job, and doing it really well. There is overlap in functionality, but they excel at different things, so you keep them around. Sure, you can survive with just a microwave or a toaster oven. But any sensible family is going to have an oven to cook dinner, because that's just what "normal" families do.

 

[Dresden]

Any discussion about mp3 players will include the iPod in it, same for phones. Nothing wrong with being compared to the market leader (or in this case, the presumed market leader).

 

[captive]

Look: I love my computers. Adore them. But I've shown that iPad reveal video to tons of people - family, friends, co-workers, etc. - and the people who aren't tech-heavy or gamers? They love it. They want it. And they agree with that Cheshire Cat guy when he says, "It just feels so right to hold the internet in your hands." Sure, he's gif fodder to us - but I'm watching these people as they watch that video, and they're nodding their heads. They get it. And it reminds me a great deal of how they responded when I'd show them videos of the iPhone and Wii.

Anecdotal as hell, I know, but... Apple isn't likely to have decided on this course of action without testing it with people. They know what they're doing. And yes, the iPad is going to be huge. It might not '[run] over laptops and PCs,' but I think for many folks it will become a far easier, more natural alternative.

until they try to open up their outlook for their email and then they call people like us asking about outlook on the ipad.

 

[Liu Kang Baking A Pie]

until they try to open up their outlook for their email and then they call people like us asking about outlook on the ipad.

"Mail" is a good application.

 

[justjohn]

:lol

 

[justjohn]

i'm so confused right now. the ipad was day one now this.

Spoiler

at least it has flash

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

Well it's the iPad fanboys who came here to shit on it.

Who was shitting on the Courier? The most I've seen is people, like myself, saying we're not sure this is designed for a mainstream audience. In the right hands, it looks like a cool tool, but not sure what market MS is going for.

 

[Zozz]

Who was shitting on the Courier? The most I've seen is people, like myself, saying we're not sure this is designed for a mainstream audience. In the right hands, it looks like a cool tool, but not sure what market MS is going for.

The thread not the device.

 

[Vinci]

Yeah, but both those devices (iphone and wii) are complementary devices, not replacements. A personal computer of some sort is a requirement of a lower-middle-class or above 20th century household, like a refrigerator or oven. You're arguing that the microwave should replace the oven. In that same vein, the courier is like the toaster oven, another complementary device to achieve a different function. They can all live together harmoniously, doing their own job, and doing it really well. There is overlap in functionality, but they excel at different things, so you keep them around. Sure, you can survive with just a microwave or a toaster oven. But any sensible family is going to have an oven to cook dinner, because that's just what "normal" families do.

My argument is that computers are needlessly complex and unintuitive to people, even those who use them regularly, and that the iPad represents a stripped-down, more friendly and easy to use method for accessing much of the same content they care about. Yes, this might not get them to say, "Well, we've got the iPad now - lets toss out our desktop PC!" but I wouldn't be surprised if a person looking for a new laptop or desktop sees the iPad and feels it's the better option for their lifestyle and level of commitment. I think similar to what happened with the Wii, computers are still advancing in a way that is overshooting a large portion of the market. They are simply too powerful and come loaded with application after application that many don't know how to use and have little to no interest in learning. Most people who play games on computers don't play Crysis or FPSs or RTSs; they play simple, accessible titles like the ones found from top to bottom of the App Store. Most people don't have hundreds of hours of music or video on their HDD.

So yeah, I think the ease of use, sheer sleekness, and vast array of content the product will offer seamlessly might very well show that PCs and laptops aren't bought and used because people like them - but because there wasn't an easier, more accessible alternative.

EDIT: Maybe I'm wrong. That would be fine. I don't lose anything by being wrong.

 

[evil solrac v3.0]

Can someone explain just why everyone wants a tablet system?

While I agree 100% that visually this thing looks pimp, and it's stroking my futuristic looking tech-boner a good bit...but why would I want this instead of a personal computer or a laptop?

I've used a tablet as my work machine before and it really wasn't anything special. It even supported multitouch gestures and it was hokey at best, broken at worst. Navigating around the interface with a stylus was cool, but in order for the system to be portable, it had shitty specs, and this was a new system only a year ago.

What everyday activity are people doing where they need to be drawing on their screen? Outside of students and graphic designers, I'm not seeing the market for this. It's more awkward to use on your lap without a desk, and with a desk it'll be flush against the surface causing you to have to lean over to see straight down on it.

I don't know, I was obsessed with the idea of tablets until I got one and foun out they're not the massive leap in usability and productivity that I was expecting...and at least that model had a keyboard.

Looks nice, but I'm not seeing the use case where I need this.

i think it's more portable than a laptop (on the subway at least) and it's better for note taking, drawin designs etc.

 

[Karma]

Look: I love my computers. Adore them. But I've shown that iPad reveal video to tons of people - family, friends, co-workers, etc. - and the people who aren't tech-heavy or gamers? They love it. They want it. And they agree with that Cheshire Cat guy when he says, "It just feels so right to hold the internet in your hands." Sure, he's gif fodder to us - but I'm watching these people as they watch that video, and they're nodding their heads. They get it. And it reminds me a great deal of how they responded when I'd show them videos of the iPhone and Wii.

Anecdotal as hell, I know, but... Apple isn't likely to have decided on this course of action without testing it with people. They know what they're doing. And yes, the iPad is going to be huge. It might not '[run] over laptops and PCs,' but I think for many folks it will become a far easier, more natural alternative.

Dude you really do that? Show people videos of Apple products and watch their reactions? That is weird.

Maybe these people are just freaked out by some guy showing them videos of tech stuff and are afraid to not say they love it. I would be.

Also, what is huge for you? 5 Million a year? 10 Million? More?

 

[Zozz]

:lol :lol :lol :lol

 

[Vinci]

Dude you really do that? Show people videos of Apple products and watch their reactions? That is weird.

I'm in marketing and public relations. I always watch how people respond to advertising and different marketing campaigns; I find it educational to see what impacts people and what doesn't.

Maybe these people are just freaked out by some guy showing them videos of tech stuff and are afraid to not say they love it. I would be.

You've never shown someone you know a movie trailer for something you think looks cool? That's pretty similar. Or have you ever queued up a show you have on DVR for someone to watch because you thought it was funny or moving?

Also, what is huge for you? 5 Million a year? 10 Million? More?

Wii numbers. More or less. Over 10 million a year, easy.