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[brain_stew]

YouTube doesn't need Flash (it can work over HTML5 streaming), not to mention it's built into the device as a dedicated app. And there's an iPlayer app for iPhone too. As for CPU power, netbooks have really crappy ones, at least when used in Windows - I've not seen a netbook run at the speed the iPad does, at least from the videos of it in action.
.

A single core 1GHZ ARM core is much slower than a 1.6ghz ATOM, especially if its not even CortexA9 based as it seems to be. This is a smartphone level device in terms of hardware, not a netbook. It only runs so fast because its running a smartphone OS without even multitasking capability.

 

[cRIPticon]

I'll agree to that extent. The execution could be better. Still...Apple is really the only company out there that can bring a product like this and make it succeed. I think this is going to open up an entirely new market of portable devices.

Here is where I have to disagree. This is the touch version of the MacBook Air. It fills a segment that does not really exist. It is a "limbo" product and there is not enough there that would make people who already have a MacBook and an iPhone want to buy one. IMO of course.

A single core 1GHZ ARM core is much slower than a 1.6ghz ATOM, especially if its not even CortexA9 based as it seems to be. This is a smartphone level device in terms of hardware, not a netbook. It only runs so fast because its running a smartphone OS without even multitasking capability.

:lol :lol :lol So, it needs to run Winxx to be a real computer? The iPhone OS is far from just being a "smartphone" OS. Perhaps you mean embedded OS?

 

[Corto]

Not from a developers point of veiw.

This. All the developers big or small that were already working for the iPhone will love to seeminglessly start developing for the iPad. And also they will be really happy that all the already existing apps will increase their market target with every iPad sold.

But was anyone really expecting Apple to ditch OS X Mobile that already has multi touch interface natively enabled for the OS of the iPad? People saying that this is "only" a bigger iPod Touch are right on the money though they say that to somehow belittle the iPad but the bigger screen real state will be game changing as far as the interface can work. So devs just need to get to work and create apps that will take full advantage of this.

 

[Dreamwriter]

Wrong. Totally.

What made e-readers serious business is when Amazon tied the device to a massive storefront with wireless distribution. Sound familiar? The hook for the iPad is that it runs all of the iPhone/Touch apps you have already invested in. All of them.

If that's so, then why have Kindles been selling amazingly well ever since their launch? You still get that same massive storefront and wireless distribution from your iPhone Kindle app (of which there are far more iPhones out there than Kindles). Yet people are still buying Kindles (and now Nooks). The thing is, any display that's constantly refreshing causes eyestrain - some people may not notice it (heck, *I* don't, and I work with computers all day), but when reading from an e-ink display, it's just more relaxing and feels easier to read.

A single core 1GHZ ARM core is much slower than a 1.6ghz ATOM, especially if its not even CortexA9 based as it seems to be. This is a smartphone level device in terms of hardware, not a netbook. It only runs so fast because its running a smartphone OS without even multitasking capability.

You may be right (not sure, you can't go just by clockspeed and number of cores when comparing CPU's). Good thing the iPad doesn't have a generic single 1Ghz ARM core CPU, it's got a custom CPU designed specifically by Apple to accelerate the iPad software features.

 

[Durante]

I'll agree to that extent. The execution could be better. Still...Apple is really the only company out there that can bring a product like this and make it succeed. I think this is going to open up an entirely new market of portable devices.

No, Nintendo can also take a technically inferior and overpriced product and make it succeed on other merits. They both deserve respect for that.

Anyway, I hope it does succeed, since that will inspire more functional (no USB or SD, seriously?) and reasonably priced imitators, and I actually like the slate form factor.

Good thing the iPad doesn't have a generic single 1Ghz ARM core CPU, it's got a custom CPU designed specifically by Apple to accelerate the iPad software features.

Oh please. Apple does not design CPUs. It has a SoC put together by Apple from off-the-shelf IP cores, and if the main CPU isn't an ARM core I'll eat my hat.

 

[cRIPticon]

If that's so, then why have Kindles been selling amazingly well ever since their launch? You still get that same massive storefront and wireless distribution from your iPhone Kindle app (of which there are far more iPhones out there than Kindles). Yet people are still buying Kindles (and now Nooks). The thing is, any display that's constantly refreshing causes eyestrain - some people may not notice it (heck, *I* don't, and I work with computers all day), but when reading from an e-ink display, it's just more relaxing and feels easier to read.

We agree, the Kindles sell amazing well, I have a 2G one, because people are buying a reading device, not a phone with a 3" screen and reader software built in. eBook readers have been around for close to a decade but it was when Amazon paired them with the storefornt and easy distribution that they stuck. It is less about the device than the overall eco-system.

One can argue that the reason iPods won in the MP3 space, even thought there were MUCH better players out there is because of iTunes. Come to think of it, you can't argue that point. It is THE reason they won. If they can pull the same thing off in the eBook space with their storefront, it will cut into Kindle.

You may be right (not sure, you can't go just by clockspeed and number of cores when comparing CPU's). Good thing the iPad doesn't have a generic single 1Ghz ARM core CPU, it's got a custom CPU designed specifically by Apple to accelerate the iPad software features.

You are correct here as well.

 

[Corto]

If that's so, then why have Kindles been selling amazingly well ever since their launch? You still get that same massive storefront and wireless distribution from your iPhone Kindle app (of which there are far more iPhones out there than Kindles). Yet people are still buying Kindles (and now Nooks). The thing is, any display that's constantly refreshing causes eyestrain - some people may not notice it (heck, *I* don't, and I work with computers all day), but when reading from an e-ink display, it's just more relaxing and feels easier to read.

Does anyone knows how many kindles are being sold?

 

[Sent]

Does anyone knows how many kindles are being sold?

Amazon will never tell...for whatever reason.

 

[Corto]

Amazon will never tell...for whatever reason.

Because they are in the business of selling books, the kindle is just the vehicle to achieve that. Saying that the kindle is doing amazingly well is just anecdoctal without data from Amazon... They can be loosing money on every sale of a kindle for all we know.

 

[Dreamwriter]

Oh please. Apple does not design CPUs. It has a SoC put together by Apple from off-the-shelf IP cores, and if the main CPU isn't an ARM core I'll eat my hat.

You do realize that Apple bought a CPU manufacturer a few years ago, right? One they've not really used, until now? You're right, the iPhone and iPod Touch and all those used ARM chips. But the iPad is using a custom CPU designed by Apple, supposedly with the CPU designers consulting with the software developers during development to make sure the CPU was optimized specifically for the iPad's needs.

 

[neptunes]

You do realize that Apple bought a CPU manufacturer a few years ago, right? One they've not really used, until now? You're right, the iPhone and iPod Touch and all those used ARM chips. But the iPad is using a custom CPU designed by Apple, supposedly with the CPU designers consulting with the software developers during development to make sure the CPU was optimized specifically for the iPad's needs.

But the fact that iPhone apps are cross compatible means the CPU must be similar in architecture. Was OS X made specifically for those type of CPU's?

 

[mhayze]

It's amazing how much Apple can do, with so little.

My take:

The good: Ability to run iPhone apps and games with no changes, just faster and smoother. Good reader app(s), cheap / good iWork productivity apps. Good battery life. Makes watching video practical. IPS screen [hallelujah!]. Decent off-contract unlimited data plan. Supports bluetooth keyboards and has a couple of neat peripherals. Brings attention / low priced competition to the tablet form factor.

The bad: Nothing revolutionary - it's basically a larger iPhone / iPod in a tablet form factor. Nowhere near as versatile as a real computer. No USB host = no external storage (that's why they get to charge you $100 for an extra 16GB of flash memory (which costs like $20 in microSD format). Weird on screen keyboard layout (seems to me) if you're carrying it around and need to hold and type. No carrier subsidy option = expensive for a mass market device.

The bad carried over: No replaceable battery, can't play Flash, no integrated keyboard option, no USB host, no memory expansion

In conclusion, while I have no doubt that this will be a successful piece of hardware for Apple, it's not going to sell the same way the iPhone did, because of cost / usability. I bet by the next iPhone upgrade (or two), the iPhone gets 90%+ of the same specs / functionality in a smaller package that is ALSO A PHONE!

 

[brain_stew]

Good thing the iPad doesn't have a generic single 1Ghz ARM core CPU, .

Actually it almost certainly does. Apple/Semi PA may have customised an existing ARM core somewhat (or not) but in terms of performance it won't be all that much different at all, and no, that means its slower than a 1.6ghz Atom and probably by a decent margin. Intel seem to be confident a single core Atom can beat out a dual core CortexA9 and no matter how dubious that claim may be, they certainly wouldn't make it if they can't outperform a single core CortexA8. I don't think you quite realise just how tiny ARM cores are, its incredible the performance they pack into that thermal and transistor budget, but its a pitifully small transistor budget all the same. Atom CPUs are much larger.

 

[Corto]

... the iPhone gets 90%+ of the same specs / functionality in a smaller package that is ALSO A PHONE!

Is there something preventing Skype or other VOIP providers from creating an app and add the phone feature to the iPad?

 

[Commanche Raisin Toast]

html5 video on youtube is still in beta, only works on certain videos, and has to be enabled in your youtube account. how is iphone and android using youtube? does the youtube api have some other means of doing the video?

 

[enzo_gt]

Is there something preventing Skype or other VOIP providers from creating an app and add the phone feature to the iPad?

Apple, probably.

 

[Psy-Phi]

Is there something preventing Skype or other VOIP providers from creating an app and add the phone feature to the iPad?

No, except that Skype doesn't work over 3G. The skype app will work on the iPad like it does on the iPhone surely. The problem is AT&T not wanting that constant stream of additional voice data on their service.

So you won't be able to talk outside of a wi-fi hotspot. Not a very useful phone. People get it on the touch for example and buy those headphone/mic's but they don't replace their phone.

 

[Corto]

Apple, probably.

You're completely right but they don't do that on the iPhone where it would be more logical.

 

[Lotan]

yup...that pretty much sums it up!

This is hilarious.

 

[brain_stew]

Anyway, I hope it does succeed, since that will inspire more functional (no USB or SD, seriously?) and reasonably priced imitators, and I actually like the slate form factor.
.

This is something I can definitely get behind, I'd love to see what ASUS or MSI can come up with a Tegra2 or ION2 powered tablet. The software is going to be the issue and its what sets Apple apart but W7 already has multi touch support and I'm sure the Linux community or Google will deliver something worthwile.

You do realize that Apple bought a CPU manufacturer a few years ago, right? One they've not really used, until now? You're right, the iPhone and iPod Touch and all those used ARM chips. But the iPad is using a custom CPU designed by Apple, supposedly with the CPU designers consulting with the software developers during development to make sure the CPU was optimized specifically for the iPad's needs.

At best its a modified ARM core, nothing more, nothing less. They bough Semi PA to create SOCs not to design esoteric CPU architectures.

On the talk of SOCs, I wonder if it has hardware acceleration for flash video like Tegra 2, otherwise even when flash is finally enabled (and it has to be at some point, surely?) its going to eat into your battery life like no tomorrow.

 

[mhayze]

html5 video on youtube is still in beta, only works on certain videos, and has to be enabled in your youtube account. how is iphone and android using youtube? does the youtube api have some other means of doing the video?

Google wrote a custom app that basically only shows the videos that are compatible. You can't yet watch every single video on YouTube using the dedicated YouTube apps for iPhone, Android and Windows Mobile (AFAIK).

 

[Corto]

No, except that Skype doesn't work over 3G. The skype app will work on the iPad like it does on the iPhone surely. The problem is AT&T not wanting that constant stream of additional voice data on their service.

They claim it does

From the iPhone Skype app faqs

Can I use Skype over 3G?
Most 3G networks should support Skype presence and chat. However, Skype calling is only possible via WiFi for the iPhone.

I think it was a limitation imposed by Apple and/or ATT.

 

[Giolon]

No flash = no buy.

Sorry, but while it's acceptable to reach a website and be unable to view it on my phone while I'm out and about, it's not acceptable on a device that's supposed to be my web viewing device at at home. I was hoping to be able to use it to do all my webrowsing in bed, or on the couch, etc.

 

[Durante]

You do realize that Apple bought a CPU manufacturer a few years ago, right? One they've not really used, until now? You're right, the iPhone and iPod Touch and all those used ARM chips. But the iPad is using a custom CPU designed by Apple, supposedly with the CPU designers consulting with the software developers during development to make sure the CPU was optimized specifically for the iPad's needs.

And I'm telling you that what you just said is simply marketing speak for the common practice of hardware-software codesign in SoC development, and that the actual CPU part of the SoC will be remarkably close to, if not entirely the same as, an existing ARM design. Let's see who's right once the system is ripped open.

 

[SonOfABeep]

meh. do not want.

ipod touch/phone button shell please

 

[cRIPticon]

And I'm telling you that what you just said is simply marketing speak for the common practice of hardware-software codesign in SoC development, and that the actual CPU part of the SoC will be remarkably close to, if not entirely the same as, an existing ARM design. Let's see who's right once the system is ripped open.

The point is, who cares? If the iPad can, say, perform all of its equivalent functions as fast as a 1.6GHz ATOM processor in a Netbook, then it is not worth discussing, right? Apple is a company who's products sum typically exceeds its parts. Not an Apple faboi, just stating the obvious .

 

[SecretBonusPoint]

thats 2 keynotes now that Gameloft's Nova has been paraded out at now. way to back the wrong horse :lol No idea why they didn't demo the unreal engine thing they've got working on it instead.

Not buying that iPad will bring anything to gaming that the iPhone/Touch don't already, just going to make the market even more confusing and segmented with all the different levels of hardware now in the same space.

 

[Shambles]

I'm a huge Apple/Mac fan myself and I agree that it's underwhelming but I'm not so blinded by PC rage that I assume that because I don't like it that the product will be a massive failure.

So many Apple naysayers have screamed "fail" at every product launch that it's just old and ignorable anymore.

No one at all is saying it will fail. In fact even those of us who think it's silly know it will sell like hotcakes. It seems your blinding mac rage is skewing your perspective.

 

[MrPliskin]

Not from a developers point of veiw.

it's entirely possible for Apple to use a different OS that still runs iPhone apps and is easy to develop for.

There are too many features missing from this and people will expect those features day one. This isn't a phone or iPod that you use on or off for short bursts, it's something bigger.

I think consumers will be confused when they can't do simple tasks on the iPad at the same time.

 

[Durante]

The point is, who cares?

Me. I'm a geek.
Also, more practically, it allows you to effectively estimate its effectiveness at all kinds of computing tasks, before we can benchmark it.

 

[brain_stew]

it's entirely possible for Apple to use a different OS that still runs iPhone apps and is easy to develop for.

There are too many features missing from this and people will expect those features day one. This isn't a phone or iPod that you use on or off for short bursts, it's something bigger.

I think consumers will be confused when they can't do simple tasks on the iPad at the same time.

Can't even talk on Skype or use an IM clent whilst browsing the web. I think your average consumer expects at least that level of functionality out of a $800 device.

 

[dionysus]

I don't care if this thing can run Crysis on super high at 90 frames, not having multitask means this product is a stinker. Surely they must be working on the iphone OS to allow for multiple apps to be opened at the same time. Not being able to do that on a phone is an annoyance, not being able to do multitasking on a netbook replacement is terrible.

 

[Tiktaalik]

Actually it almost certainly does. Apple/Semi PA may have customised an existing ARM core somewhat (or not) but in terms of performance it won't be all that much different at all, and no, that means its slower than a 1.6ghz Atom and probably by a decent margin. Intel seem to be confident a single core Atom can beat out a dual core CortexA9 and no matter how dubious that claim may be, they certainly wouldn't make it if they can't outperform a single core CortexA8. I don't think you quite realise just how tiny ARM cores are, its incredible the performance they pack into that thermal and transistor budget, but its a pitifully small transistor budget all the same. Atom CPUs are much larger.

Do tell what insider information are you basing this on? I haven't seen Apples A4 CPU in action. Have you?

 

[bathala]

RTS on iPad.

 

[EvilMario]

this is for brain_stew

USB and SD Card reader.

Just seeing the plethora of adapters that Apple has had for the Macbook over the years make me want to barf.

When I look at this thing, I basically see a DS LL. Hooray.. for iWorks support though.

 

[Veins]

Well, this turned out to be exactly what I didn't want. It's like a novelty over sized touch. I don't want it to be that big if it doesn't have a full OS. Very strange choice by Apple imo.

 

[brain_stew]

Do tell what insider information are you basing this on? I haven't seen Apples A4 CPU in action. Have you?

Common sense and Anandtech's article.

 

[sonitii]

So does this have dedicated graphics hardware or what? And how much RAM does it have?

All I see are specs for amount of on-board flash memory and ARM CPU spec.

 

[Str0ngStyle]

this is for brain_stew

USB and SD Card reader.

Well I am glad that these exist, but will the users have to buy them seperately I wonder

 

[sonitii]

So does this have dedicated graphics hardware or what? And how much RAM does it have?

All I see are specs for amount of on-board flash memory and ARM CPU spec.

Well it looks like Anand from Anandtech is guessing a PowerVR core for graphics. Don't see anythiing about amount of memory.

http://anandtech.com/gadgets/showdoc.aspx?i=3729&p=4

 

[tehrik-e-insaaf]

no stylus with highly-responsive input and note-taking capability and no frontal video camera = no deal

if it at least had those two things, i would get it, but the two key functions i imagine out of this - easy video conferencing and replacing my regular old pen/notebook/paper at work - are not possible it seems

what's the point? ebooks? kindle is cheaper and will get cheaper (amazon likely to lower it to 100 bucks in the next few months)

ipad 2.0 better correct this otherwise this is gonna be another apple tv... serving a niche with a product that doesn't meet its main requirements

can someone suggest a great note-taking tablet btw for graduate school? i been thinking about going back for my phd and was hoping this would be the killer solution... guess not

 

[Corto]

So does this have dedicated graphics hardware or what? And how much RAM does it have?

All I see are specs for amount of on-board flash memory and ARM CPU spec.

We'll need to wait for the actual release so that someone could open it to learn all those details...

 

[OldJadedGamer]

No one at all is saying it will fail. In fact even those of us who think it's silly know it will sell like hotcakes. It seems your blinding mac rage is skewing your perspective.

No one?

Fail

plus, no flash=fail. not a fully featured web browser.

I hope it does flop though

It's just a big ass ipod touch, yeah, no thanks. Also, no multitasking is the ultimate fail.

No physical controls also = fail for a device of this size.

 

[brain_stew]

Well I am glad that these exist, but will the users have to buy them seperately I wonder

$30.

 

[lowrider007]

Day one purchase for me when it hits the UK shores, I only want to use it for a web tablet so it's ideal for me.

 

[Corto]

no stylus with highly-responsive input and note-taking capability and no frontal video camera = no deal

if it at least had those two things, i would get it, but the two key functions i imagine out of this - easy video conferencing and replacing my regular old pen/notebook/paper at work - are not possible it seems

what's the point? ebooks? kindle is cheaper and will get cheaper (amazon likely to lower it to 100 bucks in the next few months)

ipad 2.0 better correct this otherwise this is gonna be another apple tv... serving a niche with a product that doesn't meet its main requirements

can someone suggest a great note-taking tablet btw for graduate school? i been thinking about going back for my phd and was hoping this would be the killer solution... guess not

If note-taking is the core of your needs I would consider Livescribe

Here is a review: Gizmodo reviews Livescribe

 

[Tylahedras]

Ugh, not impressed, looks bad, don't see how it works worth a crap, badly thought out.

 

[hosannainexcelsis]

Well I am glad that these exist, but will the users have to buy them seperately I wonder

Yes, the adapters come as part of a Camera Connection Kit that will be sold separately, according to Apple's website.

All in all, I don't feel this device lives up to its supposedly "revolutionary" and "magical" nature (Seriously, Apple, magical?). The UI looks amazing, as always, but not amazing enough to replace the pocket-size portability of my iPod touch or the functionality of my MacBook. Maybe they'll add all the missing features people are looking for in the second version. Maybe I'll feel differently when I get the chance to try it out. I have a hard time imagining this becoming as popular as the iPhone, but we'll see how it's doing a year from now.

 

[Puck]

this is for brain_stew

USB and SD Card reader.

That's seriously disgusting.

Undoubtedly they will charge extra for these "addons" (which were actually considered features in the majority of devices in 2005!), but to have them designed like that so they not only stick out to ruin it.

Don't forget that they will also severely ruin the posture of your hands when holding it with the lousy 1 port USB adapter sticking out. Holding it vertically the adapter will be close to hitting you (especially with a USB stick plugged in) or holding it horizontally your hands will have to go around the USB adapter, making it very uneasy to hold. For christs sake, virtually every single device nowdays has built in USB ports. Every new TV has a USB port. Even recent fridges that have displays / screens built in has a USB port in it.
USB 2.0 was released in 2000, 10 years later, this "revolutionary device" doesn't even have it built in, it has an adapter for 1 port. What an absolute joke.

 

[Corto]

Yes, the adapters come as part of a Camera Connection Kit that will be sold separately, according to Apple's website.

All in all, I don't feel this device lives up to its supposedly "revolutionary" and "magical" nature (Seriously, Apple, magical?)...

Hey... beats the "The funnest iPod ever!" slogan! :lol :lol :lol