Apple iPad Announced

[Scottish Business Owner]

I'm sure most of you will have seen on the net tonight some reference to a big announcement from Apple which has now been revealed as the iPad. I wont bore you with all the details but i've linked to an excellent video below.

Apple iPad: Here’s the video

Now i'm probably a bit of a gadget geek but Apple is something that i've really managed to avoid until now probably. One of the first things that struck me was how easy my kids could use this as it takes away then have to use a mouse or keyboard.

Would love to hear other thoughts on this good and bad

 

[Former Member 1]

Well for one, like the iPhone and the iPod it's not as if its something that hasn't been done before! I'd a tablet PC yonks ago... Still got it somewhere, got bored with it. Works fine though! Likewise the smartphone; Had a Palm Treo half-a-decade ago... digital music player?

A few years back my Daughter won an iPod as a school prize. It 'died' within six months; and Apple refused to honour the warranty because it was a school prize. the We'an was gutted!

Left with this useless piece of junk I opened it up to find a piece of electronics that really was of an incredibly poor standard... I replaced it for her with a Creative Zen at a third of the price of the iPod; we've not had a moment's bother with it! My Brother's sent fake iPods over from Hong Kong that are in every way better made and better performing than the Apple version.... Ten quid they sell for! and you don't need to bother with the virtual virus that is itunes...

I've very little faith in Apple; Like everytihng else they sell this isn't reallyall that new or particularly innovative let alone "truly magical" as I saw it described somewhere... Will their quality control be up to scratch on these thing? I dunno! It's a giant, over priced comedy-sized palmtop! So what?

 

[Canary Dwarf]

Here's what I think:
Are you sitting comfortably: the iPad could flop | Marc Hindley

 

[HostThree]

Looks gorgeous, will probably run very well but I once again feel let down by Apple. Seems they're doing the usual milking they do, using very poor basic features every year.

I won't be getting one, I don't have any complaints with any of Apples products but Apple as a company really annoy me.

 

[Former Member 1]

Here's what I think:
Are you sitting comfortably: the iPad could flop | Marc Hindley

I had a wee quick skim o' that Marc and one of the points you raise struck me particularly...

Insuring the thing because of its fragility! I've carried a Palm TX for years and it necessarily has to be slotted in and out of a hard aluminium 'shell' type case to protect it. It's a minor point of course, the TX isn't a huge device... But still, that case easily triples the bulk of the machine.

This IS a problem with personal electronics. On a daily basis I see friends, colleagues, students and even the family struggling with things that half-work or are dying simply because they'll not stand up to everyday life!

 

[JordanFleming]

I'm not sure. The tablet PC has never really taken off. Yes they've been around and yes I've used a couple, but it's not really taken off. Maybe this is a chance?

When I have to work out of town, I take a laptop with me. I don't really need a laptop for 99% of what I am doing, but I do for 1%. And then there are the times where I want a laptop - on the train, in the hotel room, waiting for meetings.

I'm not sure this isn't actually a very good fit. The battery life should be good (problem with smartphones),you will have a huge access to apps, music, movies and books...and they have redesigned the few 'work apps' (iWork, Calendar, Email) to work well.

All the bitching about Apple and their 'shitty products' aside...maybe this is a chance for the tablet to finally take a place. I can see me having this instead of a laptop - I have a desktop on my desk...what the hell else do I need?

I'll be curious to try one out...and then will make my final call.

 

[doogie]

This device is truely the answer to the question that no one has asked!

Oh great.... it's like a netbook, but with no keyboard or mouse, no proper OS (oh great, I can buy apps that you've authorised me to, that's very kind of you!),and double the price!

And don't even get me started on iTunes......!

 

[Gouldie0]

I've always been interested in anything Apple produce, I always think they look smart and appeal to my 'Visual' characteristics. However, lately I’ve met more and more people with Apple computers; they use them for various things business and pleasure. Each one has said that there isn't anything that special about an Apple product, it's purely a fashion statement.

To me Apple products are just about being trendy, sitting in Starbucks with a coffee browsing the tinternet. I have to say I’m starting to change my opinion; there are far greater products out there for more affordable prices that would keep up with the demand of everyday life.

As Dunc would say - 'For that reason I'm out' :thumbup:

Kind Regards

Neil