I just got a new laptop for this past Christmas, and I already have an iPhone 3GS. I've been looking forward to the Apple tablet for quite some time. My question: Do you think the iPad will still be a good buy even with my other two devices? Or will one of the devices not get enough use to make the iPad worth getting? -Stephen
If you want my honest opinion (of course you do, that's why you started a topic), I think the two devices you have combine to do far more than the iPad can. Edit: if you do decide to get one and think it's worthwhile even though you have an iPhone and laptop, be sure to let me know what I'm missing
To me, it falls short of truly being useful. I'd need a camera, a mic, USB port, multitasking, the ability to install Mac apps with low requirements, and a stylus. Pretty much a netbook. The iPad is a redundancy. However, if it fills a niche for you work, it might be useful. For someone that, let's say, owns a bakery. It'd be useful because you could carry around your recipes, notes, e-mails, calendar, what not. But for general use, no way.
Ideally, you want a Desktop, Laptop, iPhone, Netbook, and an iPad. 5 different levels of portability for any possible situation!
I'm on the fence. I'd like one to develop for, sure, and I think it would be a cool toy. But it's more of a want than a need for me I think. I could make good use of some word processing (with the keyboard dock -- sorry Apple, tactile feedback is still king for touch-typists), and the retooled photos app is cool, plus it would be great to play iPad-enhanced games on. Just the same, aside from development aspirations, there isn't really any must-have feature that would make me want one on release day.
The iPad does have a mic. You can buy styluses for the iPhone and iPad (presumably) on various websites.
I would get an iPad only if I'm on a desert island and I have a $500 budget to spend on Apple products. At least it could help me satisfying my natural needs, even if Flash is missing.
If you could get a mouse for it, then I would get one (and the keyboard accessory) and use it as an extra desktop computer, that I could take apart to take when travelling. The keyboard is a nice idea, but you still have to reach across and touch the screen. It would be nice if there was a mouse accessory and maybe a custom firmware/mode that let's you navigate using the mouse/cursor.
That doesn't really make much sense, though, in light of the fact that TC has a laptop already. The laptop can probably handle multitasking, is most definitely "faster" and more powerful, and likely has a larger screen. Even with the keyboard attachment you're still looking at a screen that's ~10" on the iPad. And, of course...no mouse or trackpad as you stated. So the laptop TC has now is more of a desktop replacement than the iPad. Again...iPad just doesn't make sense for most current iPhone/touch owners who also own laptops, or even those who own either or. It's a product catering to the "?" in Apple's presentation, but that "?" won't be enormously sizable, IMHO. Less niche than Kindles are in the grand scheme of things, but still pretty damned niche, IMHO.
Yeah, I understand what you are saying, and I completely agree that the iPad seems kinda unnecessary and it in a weird niche. But I am quirky and I do stupid things like that. Assuming it included a mouse (as explained in my previous post), I would take it when traveling as I could use it like a desktop, or lie down and use it in a more relaxed fashion (which isn't so easy with a laptop).
In my dreams I'd rather buy a 500-600 dollar Macbook Air (that doesn't overheat) vs an ipad since it's probably just as lightweight to carry around and has way more versatility
I think this is why I'm having to make a tough decision. It's a want. I have no absolute need for the iPad. EDIT: Also, the fact that there is no webcam really hurts my decision. I think that was a major thing to leave out of this first-generation iPad.
I really want one..Want being the keyword. I don't need it at all lol. I already have a MB Pro and will be upgrading to a 3G Touch soon, an iPad would just be a waste. I think for now its best to just wait for the 2nd gen.
That's a totally different device. I'm just saying what I'd like on the iPad, which has the design and engineering to be a great product, compared to a cheapo Dell, which'll give me 90 minutes of battery life, crappy performance, and guaranteed overheating.
Actually, I am not at all surprised by the lack of a webcam -- and in fact I'd have though that'd be pretty low on the list of things it should have had, given the other, more conspicuous things it's missing. But the lack of a webcam makes sense from Apple's perspective. Keep in mind that if they included, they'd have to include it across all models -- WiFi and 3G versions. The 3G version will be running on AT&T in the US, and AT&T don't like things that eat up bandwidth ... like Skype ... or webcams. (Personally I think Apple has enough pull to tell AT&T to choke on it and smile, but I guess that's one partnership they want to remain cordial even if AT&T are dicks.)
