iPad vs "the rest"

[boulder_bum]

I didn't "get" the iPad until I started using my friends', and now I think they're pretty cool. Apps are generally nicer than on the iPhone, the screen is better for video, the size is better for web browsing and reading, and it's still "instant on" like a the iPhone.

No boot up time like a laptop, so it's more convenient to check email and surf the web quickly.

I don't own one, but thought of getting a gen 2 for the Facetime camera, but I hear they're not going to increase screen resolution, which would be a big letdown.

[nerfer]

Originally Posted by burritos

It's called market capitalism. You create a bunch of useless crap and market the hell out of it to make people think they need it. When you've finally sold this crap to every soul then you have to make more useless crap, market the hell out of it...

That's only partially true. It only works if people find it useful in some way. Apple first tried to create a notepad device with the Newton and that fell on its face. Remember the Cue Cat? That was heavily marketed and fell flat on its face. I didn't think I'd use the iPad much, but my wife insisted on buying one for my birthday, and I use it pretty much every day now. I don't have a laptop, probably won't get one (I have a desktop Mac for video editing and such, and a work laptop with XP, but I don't use that for personal business). If I want something portable, I use my iPad.

Originally Posted by Stardom

i get it alright, im a marketing major, but smart people like me realize i dont need this useless crap when the iphone perfectly has most of these apps as well

LOL. So you bought into the hype and got the iPhone! You can text, do searches, get the weather on a cheaper, standard non-smart phone as well. Oh, and they work better for actual phone calls That's pretty funny.

Originally Posted by burritos

One of my better investments was buying apple stock in 1997 in my Roth IRA. Unfortunately, I've sold over 1/2 of it over the years. I kept thinking that it had peaked.

Very smart. I looked at it in 1997, but wasn't buying individual stocks at the time. Bought some around 2000, then sold it awhile later for a 30% profit after sitting on it through a low spell, thought I did pretty well.... Bought some more this year at $266, sold it at $289, thought I did pretty well... I like your strategy a lot better.

[john1701a]

Originally Posted by boulder_bum

I didn't "get" the iPad until I started using my friends', and now I think they're pretty cool. Apps are generally nicer than on the iPhone, the screen is better for video, the size is better for web browsing and reading, and it's still "instant on" like a the iPhone.

No boot up time like a laptop, so it's more convenient to check email and surf the web quickly.

It gets even more convenient when you use a tablet the same size as a reader. Those devices, like Kindle, have already demonstrated it. My Android is that size and fits nicely in my jacket pocket. iPad will obviously come in a smaller format like that too someday. The instant boot, internet access, and the ability to bluetooth connect a battery keyboard when needed is very handy. You can also output video to a big tv.

The next generation will offer improved interfaces and faster processors. Price will drop too. Like with Prius, patience is required.
.

[ericbecky]

What about something like the Archos 101?

• $380 (almost 25% less than an ipad. $498)
• 10 inch screen 1024 x 600 pixels
• Android operating system.
• HDMI output. (For watching movies on your TV. Or games, etc.)
• 16 gig expandable with micro SD cards up to 32 gig
• 17 oz
• 10 hours of battery life
• wi-fi n
• Fring for free VOIP wi-fi calls
• Android marketplace

I have an older Archos internet tablet that fits most of my traveling needs. (5 inch screen)
I haven't seen the 101 in person yet.

[DAFTEK]

I owned 3 generations of the iphone and now the ipad and sold them all ever since i got me EVO4G and now looking into getting a droidpad. Droid wins hands down in my book. But then again different strokes for different folks.

[a_gray_prius]

Consumer electronics = all crap.

I don't need any i[CRAPGADGET] marketed-to-the-bread-and-circuses-crowd consumer electronics that will end up in a landfill or worse.

[wernet]

Originally Posted by Stardom

what's the whole point of these tablets, just get a lap top, end of story

I think a lot of the appeal is for those who normally wouldn't want a laptop - especially those who think they're never going to understand technology. The iPad also offers a real option for those who do a lot of traveling in work.

Looking forward to the new one!

[seatown7]

Tablets are easier to deal with than laptops when "on the go." I was in court today and during recess I had my choice of 12 magazines and numerous books I'd downloaded plus the local papers and news sites like Pulse. Later, when I got the windows tinted on the Prius, I was able to show the installer usable photos regarding the tint shade I was interested in...much better than my phone would have shown.

I love my iPad, iPod and MacBook...oh...and my Droid.

[xs650]

Originally Posted by wernet

The iPad also offers a real option for those who do a lot of traveling in work.

That point was really drivin home to me a few weeks ago when I was using my 10 inch netbook in economy coach on an a trip. The woman next to me was using an iPad. The difference in easy of use in tight quarters was amazing. I wouldn't even consider a full sized laptop in coach.

If your use is primarily consuming info (reading reports and books, watching videos, etc), then an iPad is ideal. If you do a lot creating involving heavy keyboarding then a laptop or netbook may make more sense.

When I replace my Netbook which will probably be within year I expect the replacement to be a 7 to 10 inch tablet running Android 3.0 or later with a separate rarely used keyboard.

[xs650]

Originally Posted by john1701a

It gets even more convenient when you use a tablet the same size as a reader. Those devices, like Kindle, have already demonstrated it.
.

We travel outside the US a lot. The latest 3G capable Kindle has free 3G and EDGE internet connectivity in most countries. The browser is slow, a little awkward to use, but fine for text emails and mobile friendly websites. I've used it in an between several cities in Spain, Portugal and Mexico. It's great for catching up on email when riding between cities. It's clunkier to use than an iphone but the free in most countries email makes it worth it.

One catch is that Amazon doesn't guarantee that it will always be free or even available for web browsing.