Topic: The Tablet Computing Thread

[keithcun]

That's the thing. I reckon most computers have way more capacity than we need and the phones are leading the new direction.

What do we normally do on our computers? I'd say most users surf the web, write the odd document, use it to listen to music, download+edit photos, maybe pay bills and watch films. And you play games.

You pay bills once every now and then. Same with writing documents and editing pictures. No big need. What's left is not much, so you can have a fairly limited capacity. Play a lot of games? Buy an X-box or PS3. Capacity needs goes down even more.

This could be the device, but I'm not sure about the size, nor the way of typing. If either is just slightly annoying, I reckon it will fail as a product.

Personally, I have a PS3 and a Wii but I will continue to play games on the superior PC.

From what I can see, the iPad has a limited market and there will be some out there who will find a use for it when they want something mobile, but to pay that kind of money just so I can sit on the couch and surf is a definate no no for me, I'd be far more comfortable where I'm sat now with a full size screen, a proper keyboard and mouse.

 

[lionel_messias]

I am currently watched Sky Sports on my iphone. At the moment free, after 3 months this will cost 6 pound a month. If the equivalent service was available for say 10 quid a month on the Ipad, that would be quite interesting to me.

To be honest though, I am typing this on an Asus netbook which serves me really well for basic stuff like Word, browsing and Itunes so unless I come into some money I cannot see why I would get a Ipad. I reckon the Iphone will continue to develop and will become an even better way to consume media, on the move. Its hard to know whether Apple will create a market for the Ipad. It may be simple to use and intuitive like other Apple products but I think most even casual consumers are adept enough to work a laptop to use around the house or on trips.

It remains to be seen what the killer app would be for Ipad.

[stevensr123]

I am currently watched Sky Sports on my iphone. At the moment free, after 3 months this will cost 6 pound a month. If the equivalent service was available for say 10 quid a month on the Ipad, that would be quite interesting to me.

To be honest though, I am typing this on an Asus netbook which serves me really well for basic stuff like Word, browsing and Itunes so unless I come into some money I cannot see why I would get a Ipad. I reckon the Iphone will continue to develop and will become an even better way to consume media, on the move. Its hard to know whether Apple will create a market for the Ipad. It may be simple to use and intuitive like other Apple products but I think most even casual consumers are adept enough to work a laptop to use around the house or on trips.

It remains to be seen what the killer app would be for Ipad.

what is the quality like mate? never used/seen it being used on the iphone, can you actually watch live matches on it? does it work with 3g?

[lionel_messias]

The quality is fine. No artifacts or blurring. Obviously its small its not bad at all. If you can play videogames on that screen you can watch footie. It is now available on 3G but I have only watched it on wi-fi at home. Pretty decent I say, I love having access to the games if I just want to dip in and see what's going on. And now Mr. Ferguson has just said "We were well beaten" so happy days

[timiano]

It remains to be seen what the killer app would be for Ipad.

I think that the Wired magazine app goes some way to illustrating that. I can't see myself buying much paper based media once I have an iPad, and the experience will be that bit more intimate. National Geographic, Wired, New Scientist, Technology Review - it's going to be awesome!

I think we'll also start to see new upstarts in digital publishing, that traditionally wouldn't have the capital to get started. As an example, you could easily imagine a group of LFC fans clubbing together to make their own LFC magazine, which would be very difficult in the printed publication world.

My only issue (no pun intended), is media being tied into a format or application. I might not have an iPad forever, there might be an Android or Windows Phone based tablet device in the future that I'll want. So I would hope that digital published allow you to own the content regardless of format.

["Nookie".]

13" Macbook = 4.7lbs
iPad = 1.5lbs

I'd say 3 x less weight, but 1/3 less computing power. Do most of us need that 2/3 ever single day - I'd argue not,.......................mostly.

Might be a lot less weight, but is 4.5 lbs ever too much?

[timiano]

Might be a lot less weight, but is 4.5 lbs ever too much?

Depends on the scenario, but yes 4.5 lbs is a very noticeable chunk of weight to be carrying around with you.

[JLStretton]

what is the quality like mate? never used/seen it being used on the iphone, can you actually watch live matches on it? does it work with 3g?

Works great over 3g, watched the villa Liverpool match on it when I was at darts and the pub didn't have sky

[stevensr123]

The quality is fine. No artifacts or blurring. Obviously its small its not bad at all. If you can play videogames on that screen you can watch footie. It is now available on 3G but I have only watched it on wi-fi at home. Pretty decent I say, I love having access to the games if I just want to dip in and see what's going on. And now Mr. Ferguson has just said "We were well beaten" so happy days

Works great over 3g, watched the villa Liverpool match on it when I was at darts and the pub didn't have sky

technology is amazing now isn't it? just 7 years ago i got my 1st mobile, it had a black and white screen, with one game on it and that was it. now you can even watch the fucking tele on them,  apps like these on the ipad will probably be a great experience, and will be very hand if your in an airport, in a car or can't get to a tv.


 I guess this is what apple wanted the ipad to be like, a 3rd device. a greater media experience than the iphone and a lot more portable than laptops. If only they added (and it would have been possible) a usb drive , camera, multitasking and flash,  it would be perfect for a guy like me who only uses a computer for pictures, video, music, some  word documents , internet etc . 

[lionel_messias]

Steven123, you make a great point. It is almost ridiculous if you compare a mobile phone from just a few years ago to an iPhone now.

@Timiano
That's very interesting. Will enough people go for these interactive magazines I wonder, the content will have to be really great as so much is free on the 'net now.

For example I do freelance film journalism and I'm wondering, would anyone buy a film magazine for their Ipad (or similar device) when a million channels online offer free content about movies? I think the quality of the design and the experience would have to great aswell and I think the price would have to be really low to begin with....

[timiano]

@Timiano
That's very interesting. Will enough people go for these interactive magazines I wonder, the content will have to be really great as so much is free on the 'net now.

For example I do freelance film journalism and I'm wondering, would anyone buy a film magazine for their Ipad (or similar device) when a million channels online offer free content about movies? I think the quality of the design and the experience would have to great aswell and I think the price would have to be really low to begin with....

People are still buying magazines and newspapers, although probably less than before the Internet boom. I think a transition to this format is a likely progression that might actually rekindle (no pun) the market to a degree.

[Gnurglan]

Personally, I have a PS3 and a Wii but I will continue to play games on the superior PC.

From what I can see, the iPad has a limited market and there will be some out there who will find a use for it when they want something mobile, but to pay that kind of money just so I can sit on the couch and surf is a definate no no for me, I'd be far more comfortable where I'm sat now with a full size screen, a proper keyboard and mouse.

 

I also prefer the full size screen. At home I don't see a need for an iPad. Away from home, on the move, I think I could find it useful. Need to see and test it first.

[Gnurglan]

technology is amazing now isn't it? just 7 years ago i got my 1st mobile, it had a black and white screen, with one game on it and that was it. now you can even watch the fucking tele on them,  apps like these on the ipad will probably be a great experience, and will be very hand if your in an airport, in a car or can't get to a tv.


 I guess this is what apple wanted the ipad to be like, a 3rd device. a greater media experience than the iphone and a lot more portable than laptops. If only they added (and it would have been possible) a usb drive , camera, multitasking and flash,  it would be perfect for a guy like me who only uses a computer for pictures, video, music, some  word documents , internet etc . 

Usb drive - definitely missing.
Camera - a small web cam would be nice, for Skype.
Multitasking - no idea if it's needed until I try it.

[timiano]

Usb drive - definitely missing.
Camera - a small web cam would be nice, for Skype.
Multitasking - no idea if it's needed until I try it.

USB for devices would require developing and publishing a driver model for the OS. Webcam would have been fairly awesome. I don't see quite the problem of multitasking that much, it's never really been a problem on the iPhone.

The one thing I'd love for Apple to do, but they won't, is put a bleedin' SD card slot on it. Goes against their revenue model to do so I suppose - but I still feel they are robbing the customer.

[StormyDog]

USB for devices would require developing and publishing a driver model for the OS. Webcam would have been fairly awesome. I don't see quite the problem of multitasking that much, it's never really been a problem on the iPhone.

The one thing I'd love for Apple to do, but they won't, is put a bleedin' SD card slot on it. Goes against their revenue model to do so I suppose - but I still feel they are robbing the customer.

As Apple Model REQUIRES a host PC, why would you need USB or SD card slots ?
If you are away from your host PC you cold argue for these things, but as they are not required and the price of the thing will be high enough anyway I can see why they are not there.

USB would need too much additional S/W.

SD requires a cash payment to the IP owners for SD. This cash payment would also be passed on to the customers.

I think paying £350-£450 for thing is too much as it is.

["Nookie".]

Depends on the scenario, but yes 4.5 lbs is a very noticeable chunk of weight to be carrying around with you.

I take my Macbook with me every day to uni, I barely notice the weight. Until I get to play one, I'm gonna be reserved on it. After I've seen and used one, I'll probably want one.

[myrlas]

Regarding the lack of flash.

That's a part of a way bigger puzzle than this or that device. That is a part of the big guns trying to position themselves to earn money on their core products; Apple, Adobe, Microsoft and Google.

I read a very informative blog about that the other day. I'll see if I can find it and put up a link for those who are interested.

Edit: Found it: http://techcrunch.com/2010/02/05/the-future-of-web-content-html5-flash-mobile-apps/

[Gnurglan]

USB for devices would require developing and publishing a driver model for the OS. Webcam would have been fairly awesome. I don't see quite the problem of multitasking that much, it's never really been a problem on the iPhone.

The one thing I'd love for Apple to do, but they won't, is put a bleedin' SD card slot on it. Goes against their revenue model to do so I suppose - but I still feel they are robbing the customer.

Yes, they are robbing the customer. I say this as a very satisfied Mac owner, but outside the US you clearly pay some 40-50% more for your Apple products.

[Rotation]

Wouldn't mobile television be great on this? Am I daft in thinking it could help it take off? And other tablets for that matter.

[timiano]

Wouldn't mobile television be great on this? Am I daft in thinking it could help it take off? And other tablets for that matter.

I think mobile TV will take off properly when the cellular networks start to get upgraded to 4G/Wi-Max. Until then it'll be hard to sell a higher bandwidth connectivity subscription on our existing networks - more so in the US, where Apple plies its trade first. Having said that, clearly SKY are doing alright out of it so far, I just don't see it reaching the masses yet.

iTunes syncing for movies, TV downloads and videocasts are a good example over what will work very well now. I can easily see myself going away for the week with a stack of videocasts, a few episodes of TV and a movie or two.

[markcd]

I do think I'll buy one of these, because I've already proved to myself that I would use it. I have a laptop at home, but still find myself using my iPhone on the sofa when I just want to look something up, or just check something... (ask my missus, it drives her nuts) For this 'light' use, and video and apps, it will be fine.

Also, I think the revenue model will work really well for tablets. I'm not the sort of person who pays for a lot of content (ahem) but I think you would have to with this, as so much of it will be time sensitive. I mean if I'm going to read Monday's Guardian, I want it 7AM Monday, not when some spotty teen seeds it...As long as the publishers don't try and gouge everyone and keep the costs low, I think it will be a hit.

[stevensr123]

I do think I'll buy one of these, because I've already proved to myself that I would use it. I have a laptop at home, but still find myself using my iPhone on the sofa when I just want to look something up, or just check something... (ask my missus, it drives her nuts) For this 'light' use, and video and apps, it will be fine.

Also, I think the revenue model will work really well for tablets. I'm not the sort of person who pays for a lot of content (ahem) but I think you would have to with this, as so much of it will be time sensitive. I mean if I'm going to read Monday's Guardian, I want it 7AM Monday, not when some spotty teen seeds it...As long as the publishers don't try and gouge everyone and keep the costs low, I think it will be a hit.

I do the exact same thing, and maybe that's what some people want now . not a complicated computer that will crash a lot, get a virus and take 2-4 minutes just to start it all up (turn on the machine and get on the net), maybe they want a device that will  just turn on and play in seconds, a simple device that " just works".

 i have done it many times, can't be arsed getting on the laptop, so i just get the iphone out and do a quick search.  but is that device worth so much money?

[timiano]

I do the exact same thing, and maybe that's what some people want now . not a complicated computer that will crash a lot, get a virus and take 2-4 minutes just to start it all up (turn on the machine and get on the net), maybe they want a device that will  just turn on and play in seconds, a simple device that " just works".

 i have done it many times, can't be arsed getting on the laptop, so i just get the iphone out and do a quick search.  but is that device worth so much money?

In all fairness, I don't ever shut down/restart or even hibernate my laptop until I need to. Even when I'm on the road, throwing it in and out of my bag. I open the lid, and I'm able to use it within 5 seconds, if that.

But the laptop has got so good at burning my nuts off, I've bought one of those belkin laptop rests, which are good, but it's still a pain in the arse. Plus, I only get 3 hours out of the laptop and I have to remember to plug it in, or sit there with it plugged in, which I do most of the time anyway. After extended use browsing on the laptop, I find myself with a sore wrist and shoulder from fannying with the touchpad or control stick in the keyboard. If I want to share something with the missus sat at the other end of the sofa, it's an awkward affair trying to pass it over to her, or swivel it around, usually resulting in an expression of "WTF are you passing my that for?!".

You can look at the iPad from two perspectives, form and function. Far too many are getting hung up on function. Yes, I'd love a tablet in this form that had an Intel i7, 12GB RAM, ATI HD5700, 256GB SSD, OLED and so on and on. But those that are disappointed with this device, you've just got to get real and take some compromises like multitasking/background processes. 10 hours of usage in a device this small comes at a cost, even if most of it is battery. IPS LCD is a serious boost from traditional LCD.

At the other end of the spectrum, you create a full powered PC tablet that will weigh 2-3 times heavier, with a single core Atom CPU, no acceleration, poor screen, and not even a sniff of a developer ecosystem designing apps to run on this format (for now mind). And it costs 2-3 times more too.

[hooded claw]

But the laptop has got so good at burning my nuts off, I've bought one of those belkin laptop rests, which are good, but it's still a pain in the arse.

That is a worrying mental image. Just exactly where are your nuts, in relation to your arse?

[boots]

Yes, they are robbing the customer. I say this as a very satisfied Mac owner, but outside the US you clearly pay some 40-50% more for your Apple products.

Too true. I agree with this also as a satisfied Mac owner. We pay too much for the damn things. If its $499 in the states you bet it will be £499 in the UK regardless of exchange rate.

Will i buy one? dont think so. The 64Gb memory is the clincher for me. Not enough for any parctical use for me that my iphone doesnt already do. And thats the rub. My iphone does everything the ipad does and my eyesite is keen. I have macbooks so why do i need this? Maybe if i owned neither it may be of some use. I dont read books on computers, i prefer paper. Unless Mr Jobs knows something i do not, (quite likely as he is a billionaire and i am just a skint pleb) then this thing is of no valid use. I guess time will tell. I never really went for the iphone on its release. Now its stuck to my hip like an implant. I couldnt live without it. Maybe the ipad will be the same. Who knows.

[sirjames]

guys,

will the iphone 3g bought in america work in england?

[MichaelA]

guys,

will the iphone 3g bought in america work in england?

Why not ask the question in the iPhone thread? 

[sirjames]

because I am a tool that cant think and type.

I was supposed to say, will the Ipad 3g work in the uk, as I am going to america in july and would like to take advantage of the price difference.

sorry for the mistake.

[Jimmy Conway]

because I am a tool that cant think and type.

I was supposed to say, will the Ipad 3g work in the uk, as I am going to america in july and would like to take advantage of the price difference.

sorry for the mistake.

Becareful at customs. make sure you leave the box etc... in the states.

[Kite]

I would have bought a Kindle had I still lived in the states.  The international one they sell now is way overpriced for content compared to the US version.

If the IPAD can get all the book releases I need, along with automatic updates for daily papers, magazines etc then that might go along way.  I travel nearly every week for work, and having one slim piece of kit to carry around, rather than paper and hardback books it would be a real help.

I already use my work laptop to connect to Itunes when I'm traveling for renting movies etc, having an extremely portable device for all my non-work related media might be a real benefit also.

I wonder how or if they'll link this to your mobile account for the 3g version.  If you have an IPhone 3g and buy the IPAD 3g you'd expect some kind of kick back for getting the bundle.

[timiano]

I would have bought a Kindle had I still lived in the states.  The international one they sell now is way overpriced for content compared to the US version.

If the IPAD can get all the book releases I need, along with automatic updates for daily papers, magazines etc then that might go along way.  I travel nearly every week for work, and having one slim piece of kit to carry around, rather than paper and hardback books it would be a real help.

I already use my work laptop to connect to Itunes when I'm traveling for renting movies etc, having an extremely portable device for all my non-work related media might be a real benefit also.

I wonder how or if they'll link this to your mobile account for the 3g version.  If you have an IPhone 3g and buy the IPAD 3g you'd expect some kind of kick back for getting the bundle.

Word has it,

That you'll be able to sync apps between iPad and iPhone. Buy once, use on each device

iBooks, likely not available in the UK on launch. EU copyright appears to be being a pain in the arse, as is Europe whenever it comes to media and technology coming out of the US. They've said they'll give a launch date when they go to release though, rather than keeping all in the dark, as they have done before. A bit meh to be honest.

[Brian Blessed]

Word has it,

That you'll be able to sync apps between iPad and iPhone. Buy once, use on each device

iBooks, likely not available in the UK on launch. EU copyright appears to be being a pain in the arse, as is Europe whenever it comes to media and technology coming out of the US. They've said they'll give a launch date when they go to release though, rather than keeping all in the dark, as they have done before. A bit meh to be honest.

The apps thing was covered in the release presentation. The iphone apps either stay iphone screen size, or get upscaled. That is not ideal. They should release two versions, but you get both available with purchase. And not charged extra for getting both. Assuming developers are willing to make two versions, of course.

[timiano]

The apps thing was covered in the release presentation. The iphone apps either stay iphone screen size, or get upscaled. That is not ideal. They should release two versions, but you get both available with purchase. And not charged extra for getting both. Assuming developers are willing to make two versions, of course.

Maybe not ideal, but it's sure as hell better than having nothing on release. The fact you'd be allowed to sync your apps on a buy once basis between both devices is actually better than the regular convention. I see nothing to be upset about, and fingers crossed your favourite apps get ported across to the higher resolution.

[Brian Blessed]

The minimum should be being able to sync apps you've already bought onto a new device. Would anyone in their right mind accept it if Apple said 'well, you bought this song off itunes and played it on your Mac. So you have to buy it again to play on your iphone. And then again to play it on your ipad.'

[timiano]

Music yes. Applications, not always. As I said, it's a regular occurrence to make folk buy applications for a second device. As it seems Apple 'for once' is actually being quite honourable about apps.

[Sinos]

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a205628/uk-ipad-prices-leaked.html

UK pricing for the Apple iPad has been leaked online, according to Geeky Gadgets.

The technology website claims that the device will cost £389 for the 16GB WiFi model, £439 for the 32GB model and £489 for the 64GB model. The information allegedly came from an inside source.

It was previously reported that the 16GB WiFi iPad will retail at $499 in the US, while the 32GB model will be $599. The 64GB WiFi iPad costs $699 in the region.

The iPad is currently slated for a March release in the UK, but the source added that an April launch is more likely.




If these prices are correct I can't see this the Ipad selling in the numbers Apple will want.

[redchiz]

The technology website claims that the device will cost £389 for the 16GB WiFi model, £439 for the 32GB model and £489 for the 64GB model. The information allegedly came from an inside source.

It was previously reported that the 16GB WiFi iPad will retail at $499 in the US, while the 32GB model will be $599. The 64GB WiFi iPad costs $699 in the region.

Current exchange rate:

$499 = £327
$599 = £393
$699 = £459

If you add VAT @ 17.5 % (US prices are subject to varying levels of State and Local sales taxes) then the figures come out at £384, £462 and £539 respectively. Which puzzles me as it makes the alleged UK pricing seem quite cheap.

[timiano]

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a205628/uk-ipad-prices-leaked.html

UK pricing for the Apple iPad has been leaked online, according to Geeky Gadgets.

The technology website claims that the device will cost £389 for the 16GB WiFi model, £439 for the 32GB model and £489 for the 64GB model. The information allegedly came from an inside source.

It was previously reported that the 16GB WiFi iPad will retail at $499 in the US, while the 32GB model will be $599. The 64GB WiFi iPad costs $699 in the region.

The iPad is currently slated for a March release in the UK, but the source added that an April launch is more likely.

If these prices are correct I can't see this the Ipad selling in the numbers Apple will want.

If that is correct, then the pricing ramp up is brilliant compared to the US. It's that good, I can't see it being true to be honest. In the US it's a $200 difference between 16GB and 64GB, but those leaked prices indicate £100, which is a significant difference.

macworld.co.uk published these estimated prices http://www.macworld.co.uk/ipod-itunes/news/index.cfm?newsid=28478&pagtype=allchandate and they've got the entry level price as £388, so I think that is about right. As I said, I'd be surprised if the 32GB and 64GB models are correct.

Anyway, I think the pricing is keen, especially for entry level model, as most won't require porting their entire music collection around. If the prices from that article are right though, many more will be tempted for the higher end models.

[Uhoh AureliOs]

So those prices are for the wifi only one? 3G separate and at additional price?

[wacko]

So those prices are for the wifi only one? 3G separate and at additional price?

The 3G one will arrive several weeks later and is slated to cost about $120 more. Worst of all, it needs some kind of micro-SIM: you can't just stick your current SIM card in it.