What is an iPad but a way for Apple to enclose customers in a walled garden of Apps that it controls?
With the power of a computer, but using an Arm derived processor, it is an appliance meant to drive never ending cashflow to Apple.
You need an adaptor to plug in a USB dongle. What's that all about?
Imagine if the iPad had been made with an intel atom, perhaps dual core, and ran on OS X?
Then it would be an open system and there would be apps galore from 3rd party vendors both outside and inside the Apple Apps store. And many apps already on people's mac's would also be usable directly on the iPad using data sets already in existence.
No. Apple went Walled Garden. Aka the Apps Store.
No iPad for me.
John Hagens - 14 years ago
I've been a Kindle user for more than two years and love its portability. I don't think I would have a problem if it only had wifi connectivity, since I download books most of the time at home. My wife does download samples and books while we're driving using their whispernet, so she might not be satisfied with wifi only. But $15/month is expensive when added to all the other subscription services we have. So we'll very likely go with the wifi ipad. I am particularly pleased that 100+ kindle books I've purchased can be accessed by the ipad. I am most interested to see how the NY Times looks on it. I think it is pretty bad on the Kindle and I thus read it on my laptop, though that isn't the optimal solution.
JenY - 14 years ago
I voted for the 32G, WiFi version. But, I recently purchased the 64G iPod Touch and I will HOLD on the iPad, until the 2nd Gen and a clearer understanding of why I need one. I prefer the MacBook for real computing and the iPod Touch wifi is fine for mobility. I chose it over the iPhone because I just do not want to re-enter into a contract for minutes and data that I don't use. More flexible plans that let us pay for what we use are needed. The $15/month data plan and the Go phones are a decent start.
Adam S - 14 years ago
Dear NY Times: For the love of God, when you put out your iPad app, make sure that it's Wi-Fi friendly. I use the iPod Touch app and whenever I go to download the news, I never get all the full articles, even if I let it sit in my hotspot for half an hour before leaving for work. Likewise, I don't get all the sections (i.e. Magazine).
If I'm paying for a virtual paper going forward, I expect to be able to actually access the whole thing!
John M. - 14 years ago
Nearly 3 years after introducing the iPhone, AT&T cannot handle the 3G traffic from iPhones in several major cities. The frequently dropped calls resulting from this problem are driving iPhone users nuts in those cities. AT&T, as a result, is probably hoping that not too many people are interested in the 3G iPad which will only make the congestion worse. Why Apple sticks with AT&T is hard to fathom.
Mike - 14 years ago
I voted for the 16GB 3G, but I should qualify that: I would discontinue my iPhone service and get a pay-as-you-go-phone (ATT Go phone or Virgin Mobile phone). Just thinking for now...
Sylvie - 14 years ago
Will probably wait for 2nd Gen. I'm hoping by then, Apple will integrate a camera and some of the other iPhone functionality. However, if I need 3G updates, I'll have that on my existing iPhone - I see the iPad as more a convenience for reading, viewing movies, etc...both at home and when traveling - and generally can handle syncing before I leave or dropping in to a wifi hotspot to update.
I would get the 32 or 64 mb wifi. I think the iPad will be the "coffee table" computing device - it will sit on the coffee table and used to read the paper, read a magazine, control your tv/dvr/thermostat, etc. With the secondary use being a long distance travel device.. a reader/web and email browser for a flight or car trip.
Rafael - 14 years ago
A Wifi iPad is enough. No point in spending additional $ on a subscription when you can update the content on the iPad before you leave your home/office. If you're that desperate for news updates, etc, then I can see why a 3G version is important. I can get those updated news flashes (or whatever) through my iPhone.
Drew - 14 years ago
There should have been a check box for "None of the above."
Fred - 14 years ago
If Keynote works as advertised then the iPAD will become my travel "computer." I need to do e-mail, make presentations and do some spreadsheet and document work. That will be (or so the ads say) possible on on iPad. At 1.5 lbs I'll be happy to leave my Macbook at home. So.... that also means 3G - traveling around the world you find that WiFi is in a LOT of places but 3G lots more. BUT ... if you could easily tether the iPad to the iPhone you'd only need one plan.
LOGAN McGINNESS - 14 years ago
FOR THOSE OF US WITH LIMITED EYESIGHT IT'LL BE A BLESSING. I WILL NOW HAVE SOMETHING I CAN TAKE TO BED WITH ME. I INTEND TO ADD SKYPE, DROP MY LAND LINE.
Joaquín - 14 years ago
I thought the 3G version included the Wi-Fi too and it wasn't a matter of choosing between two options but a matter of choosing an extra way to connect to Internet (the 3G). I also planned to use the same 3G conexion of the iPhone, however, I see I expected too much.
I think the iPad experience would be great for people who love reading. You can donwload all classics you want (and buy new books on line) and read them comfortably!
Sam - 14 years ago
I agree with the idea that we are building layer on layer for the same Internet, and should have some reasonable options, such as tethering our cell phones, or a modular modem that can be shifted from laptop to cell phone to iPad. On the other hand, I might go with the 3G option, because the importance of the iPad is that I don't really know how I'll want to use it, and it might make more sense to take the extra cost up front. Smart phones are subsidized by the carrier, and replaced every 2 years or so, but computers and iDevices are paid for in full, and have to have a longer life. My concern is that, just as the iPhone was a fairly routine device until hundreds of thousand of developers began to see new ways in which it could be used, the iPad will see a similar fate, and in a year or two I'll find I want to do things that I never even imagined.
Right now, I only want an ebook reader, and would do as well with a Kindle at a far lower price, but somehow I imagine the iPad will find applications that will revolutionize publishing, and it will be a lot less expensive to take the hit up front than to have to buy a new iPad two years from now.
Wilson Ng - 14 years ago
I'm the kind of person who wants to get on the internet only when I need to. I don't need to be on the net 24/7.
So I'll usually download what I want on to my iPod touch (or the new iPad) and then watch it offline. With 32 to 64 GBs worth of stuff on the iPod, I don't need to be online all the time. I have enough content to keep me busy for a long time.
It's the same argument I use when I hear people complaining about the lack of an FM radio on the iPod. If I have 32 GBs worth of music and videos, why would I need to listen to the radio?
Karen Strauss - 14 years ago
I'm holding off on the iPad for now because I already have an iPhone and several notebook computers. The iPad is basically a large iPhone when I wanted it to be a real computer that could run real applicaions and not just apps. If I were to buy one I would want it to tether with my iPhone because I'm often out of range of WiFi and I already pay AT&T way too much money for not enough service.
I also think AT&T is desperately hoping that nobody will buy the 3G version because its network is already critically overloaded with iPhone users and AT&T has already promised iPhone users tethering (more overload).
Steve - 14 years ago
This will drive me to get a MiFi type card instead of my aircard. Full time WiFi solved.
thor - 14 years ago
I mostly surf the web @ home or work and am accustomed to never surf away from wi-fi — 3G has yet to arrive in all places in VT. So for me, I agree with Chris heartily, "when I'm away from WiFi, my iPhone will do just fine." ... I do wonder how the apps will be developed. Will there be 2 versions of all apps and will they be separate purchases? Or will one app play on both phone and pad for 1 cost?
john - 14 years ago
I'm beginning to wonder why I need another portable computer anyway. The form factor seems to be it. I have always been puzzled by the attraction of e-readers. But clearly if you like an e-reader, this is the ticket. With the Iphone, the "magic app" is the portability of internet, messaging, mail. The music is great. And the phone itself - excellent. Did I mention the 100,000 apps?
Tellingly, the biggest frustration I have with the Iphone is the small screen hard to read web sites. The Ipad will fix that. Yeah, I get it now! This is an e-reader that makes browsing the internet a lot better ergonomically.
So it boils down to whether the swipe and pinch finger language of the Ipad will feel better than my current laptop.
Yes, this looks appealing. The ergonomics of my laptop is well, weird. I mean, have you checked out the posture issues of having a laptop on your lap?
jeff - 14 years ago
I'm out of the house alot but not the city...the $15/month deal is great.....that is a big selling point for me to have internet anywhere at that price.
16MG, 3G
1. better than the best E-reader
2. better than the best portable gamer
3. best portable internet anywhere device
And an Ipod
Unless you're just constantly on the road, I just don't see the 3G version as useful. The majority of users will only use their iPads in places that already have existing WiFi connections. While it's more portable than a laptop, it's still not ultra-portable. For instance, I can't see anyone taking their iPad for a stroll down the street (unless they're just trying to be snooty about it). For those times when I'm away from WiFi, my iPhone will do just fine.
Mary - 14 years ago
I have a Verizon Mifi 2200 for wireless coverage when there's no hotspot available (like in the car on the highway) and I use a netbook for mobile access (wifi, not 3g). The VZW mifi spends WAY too much time on 1xRTT speed to suit me (except, of course, on the major interstate highways). I just want something a bit quicker to access than a netbook. However, I'm skeptical of the whole thing -- the iPad -- the way it's configured by Apple. Way too limiting; feels like Sony with the "proprietary-ness" of it.
Doug Bowman - 14 years ago
E-mail, books, magazines, games, movies, music & web browsing all via Wi-Fi. When I leave the house I'll take my laptop as I might need to actually WORK! Why would I pay extra for ultra dead slow 3G?
Bob - 14 years ago
I'll either go with 16GB or 32GB both wifi only. This is perfect for me while doing other things like watching tv, having coffee, in the back yard, basically around the house or where there is wifi access which I do now with my laptop but without the weight.
Vern - 14 years ago
I'd go with the 16g WiFi. I've had bad experiences with ATT. That's why I have a Droid as a smart phone.
Franz Mueller-Alban - 14 years ago
I´ll go with the 16 Gb version , with Eyetv or Airvideo I can watch all my movies and even live Tv on my iphone.
Which iPad Will You Buy?
No one! it's very big for me...
What is an iPad but a way for Apple to enclose customers in a walled garden of Apps that it controls?
With the power of a computer, but using an Arm derived processor, it is an appliance meant to drive never ending cashflow to Apple.
You need an adaptor to plug in a USB dongle. What's that all about?
Imagine if the iPad had been made with an intel atom, perhaps dual core, and ran on OS X?
Then it would be an open system and there would be apps galore from 3rd party vendors both outside and inside the Apple Apps store. And many apps already on people's mac's would also be usable directly on the iPad using data sets already in existence.
No. Apple went Walled Garden. Aka the Apps Store.
No iPad for me.
I've been a Kindle user for more than two years and love its portability. I don't think I would have a problem if it only had wifi connectivity, since I download books most of the time at home. My wife does download samples and books while we're driving using their whispernet, so she might not be satisfied with wifi only. But $15/month is expensive when added to all the other subscription services we have. So we'll very likely go with the wifi ipad. I am particularly pleased that 100+ kindle books I've purchased can be accessed by the ipad. I am most interested to see how the NY Times looks on it. I think it is pretty bad on the Kindle and I thus read it on my laptop, though that isn't the optimal solution.
I voted for the 32G, WiFi version. But, I recently purchased the 64G iPod Touch and I will HOLD on the iPad, until the 2nd Gen and a clearer understanding of why I need one. I prefer the MacBook for real computing and the iPod Touch wifi is fine for mobility. I chose it over the iPhone because I just do not want to re-enter into a contract for minutes and data that I don't use. More flexible plans that let us pay for what we use are needed. The $15/month data plan and the Go phones are a decent start.
Dear NY Times: For the love of God, when you put out your iPad app, make sure that it's Wi-Fi friendly. I use the iPod Touch app and whenever I go to download the news, I never get all the full articles, even if I let it sit in my hotspot for half an hour before leaving for work. Likewise, I don't get all the sections (i.e. Magazine).
If I'm paying for a virtual paper going forward, I expect to be able to actually access the whole thing!
Nearly 3 years after introducing the iPhone, AT&T cannot handle the 3G traffic from iPhones in several major cities. The frequently dropped calls resulting from this problem are driving iPhone users nuts in those cities. AT&T, as a result, is probably hoping that not too many people are interested in the 3G iPad which will only make the congestion worse. Why Apple sticks with AT&T is hard to fathom.
I voted for the 16GB 3G, but I should qualify that: I would discontinue my iPhone service and get a pay-as-you-go-phone (ATT Go phone or Virgin Mobile phone). Just thinking for now...
Will probably wait for 2nd Gen. I'm hoping by then, Apple will integrate a camera and some of the other iPhone functionality. However, if I need 3G updates, I'll have that on my existing iPhone - I see the iPad as more a convenience for reading, viewing movies, etc...both at home and when traveling - and generally can handle syncing before I leave or dropping in to a wifi hotspot to update.
I would get the 32 or 64 mb wifi. I think the iPad will be the "coffee table" computing device - it will sit on the coffee table and used to read the paper, read a magazine, control your tv/dvr/thermostat, etc. With the secondary use being a long distance travel device.. a reader/web and email browser for a flight or car trip.
A Wifi iPad is enough. No point in spending additional $ on a subscription when you can update the content on the iPad before you leave your home/office. If you're that desperate for news updates, etc, then I can see why a 3G version is important. I can get those updated news flashes (or whatever) through my iPhone.
There should have been a check box for "None of the above."
If Keynote works as advertised then the iPAD will become my travel "computer." I need to do e-mail, make presentations and do some spreadsheet and document work. That will be (or so the ads say) possible on on iPad. At 1.5 lbs I'll be happy to leave my Macbook at home. So.... that also means 3G - traveling around the world you find that WiFi is in a LOT of places but 3G lots more. BUT ... if you could easily tether the iPad to the iPhone you'd only need one plan.
FOR THOSE OF US WITH LIMITED EYESIGHT IT'LL BE A BLESSING. I WILL NOW HAVE SOMETHING I CAN TAKE TO BED WITH ME. I INTEND TO ADD SKYPE, DROP MY LAND LINE.
I thought the 3G version included the Wi-Fi too and it wasn't a matter of choosing between two options but a matter of choosing an extra way to connect to Internet (the 3G). I also planned to use the same 3G conexion of the iPhone, however, I see I expected too much.
I think the iPad experience would be great for people who love reading. You can donwload all classics you want (and buy new books on line) and read them comfortably!
I agree with the idea that we are building layer on layer for the same Internet, and should have some reasonable options, such as tethering our cell phones, or a modular modem that can be shifted from laptop to cell phone to iPad. On the other hand, I might go with the 3G option, because the importance of the iPad is that I don't really know how I'll want to use it, and it might make more sense to take the extra cost up front. Smart phones are subsidized by the carrier, and replaced every 2 years or so, but computers and iDevices are paid for in full, and have to have a longer life. My concern is that, just as the iPhone was a fairly routine device until hundreds of thousand of developers began to see new ways in which it could be used, the iPad will see a similar fate, and in a year or two I'll find I want to do things that I never even imagined.
Right now, I only want an ebook reader, and would do as well with a Kindle at a far lower price, but somehow I imagine the iPad will find applications that will revolutionize publishing, and it will be a lot less expensive to take the hit up front than to have to buy a new iPad two years from now.
I'm the kind of person who wants to get on the internet only when I need to. I don't need to be on the net 24/7.
So I'll usually download what I want on to my iPod touch (or the new iPad) and then watch it offline. With 32 to 64 GBs worth of stuff on the iPod, I don't need to be online all the time. I have enough content to keep me busy for a long time.
It's the same argument I use when I hear people complaining about the lack of an FM radio on the iPod. If I have 32 GBs worth of music and videos, why would I need to listen to the radio?
I'm holding off on the iPad for now because I already have an iPhone and several notebook computers. The iPad is basically a large iPhone when I wanted it to be a real computer that could run real applicaions and not just apps. If I were to buy one I would want it to tether with my iPhone because I'm often out of range of WiFi and I already pay AT&T way too much money for not enough service.
I also think AT&T is desperately hoping that nobody will buy the 3G version because its network is already critically overloaded with iPhone users and AT&T has already promised iPhone users tethering (more overload).
This will drive me to get a MiFi type card instead of my aircard. Full time WiFi solved.
I mostly surf the web @ home or work and am accustomed to never surf away from wi-fi — 3G has yet to arrive in all places in VT. So for me, I agree with Chris heartily, "when I'm away from WiFi, my iPhone will do just fine." ... I do wonder how the apps will be developed. Will there be 2 versions of all apps and will they be separate purchases? Or will one app play on both phone and pad for 1 cost?
I'm beginning to wonder why I need another portable computer anyway. The form factor seems to be it. I have always been puzzled by the attraction of e-readers. But clearly if you like an e-reader, this is the ticket. With the Iphone, the "magic app" is the portability of internet, messaging, mail. The music is great. And the phone itself - excellent. Did I mention the 100,000 apps?
Tellingly, the biggest frustration I have with the Iphone is the small screen hard to read web sites. The Ipad will fix that. Yeah, I get it now! This is an e-reader that makes browsing the internet a lot better ergonomically.
So it boils down to whether the swipe and pinch finger language of the Ipad will feel better than my current laptop.
Yes, this looks appealing. The ergonomics of my laptop is well, weird. I mean, have you checked out the posture issues of having a laptop on your lap?
I'm out of the house alot but not the city...the $15/month deal is great.....that is a big selling point for me to have internet anywhere at that price.
16MG, 3G
1. better than the best E-reader
2. better than the best portable gamer
3. best portable internet anywhere device
And an Ipod
Love it.
Unless you're just constantly on the road, I just don't see the 3G version as useful. The majority of users will only use their iPads in places that already have existing WiFi connections. While it's more portable than a laptop, it's still not ultra-portable. For instance, I can't see anyone taking their iPad for a stroll down the street (unless they're just trying to be snooty about it). For those times when I'm away from WiFi, my iPhone will do just fine.
I have a Verizon Mifi 2200 for wireless coverage when there's no hotspot available (like in the car on the highway) and I use a netbook for mobile access (wifi, not 3g). The VZW mifi spends WAY too much time on 1xRTT speed to suit me (except, of course, on the major interstate highways). I just want something a bit quicker to access than a netbook. However, I'm skeptical of the whole thing -- the iPad -- the way it's configured by Apple. Way too limiting; feels like Sony with the "proprietary-ness" of it.
E-mail, books, magazines, games, movies, music & web browsing all via Wi-Fi. When I leave the house I'll take my laptop as I might need to actually WORK! Why would I pay extra for ultra dead slow 3G?
I'll either go with 16GB or 32GB both wifi only. This is perfect for me while doing other things like watching tv, having coffee, in the back yard, basically around the house or where there is wifi access which I do now with my laptop but without the weight.
I'd go with the 16g WiFi. I've had bad experiences with ATT. That's why I have a Droid as a smart phone.
I´ll go with the 16 Gb version , with Eyetv or Airvideo I can watch all my movies and even live Tv on my iphone.