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Am I the only one bored with the iPad?

I bought my iPad primarily for Internet access while watching TV or in bed... so I wouldn't have to get out the MBP and burn the hair off the backs of my legs and ruin any chance I have of having children in the future. It does fine for that sort of thing, but it doesn't live up to the "game-changer" moniker for me.

I was hoping use it for magazines, but until they start offering digital subscriptions it just doesn't make sense to pay the full cover price for a digital version when I can (and already) pay a fraction of that for a print subscription.

And hopefully the developers will get focused on developing innovative apps for the iPad once the iPhone4 fervor subsides.
 
No, but I do share some of your concerns.
I bought mine on day one and use it every day. Of course, some of thrill as worn off, but only some. I use the Ipad every day. There are many things that I use it for that I never (or hardly every) use a traditional computer or Iphone for. These include reading books, reading magazines/newspapers (I mean cover to cover, not just a random article), watching movies, and playing games. Plus, there are host of times where I reach for the Ipad instead of my MBP or MBA for looking at photos and web surfing because of the form factor. Yesterday, I figured out how to hook it up to my TV. With Netflex, Itunes, and Safari streaming to my TV who needs Apple (or Google) TV. In fact, just last night I took the IPad out of the case for the first time in while and was amazed all over again at the devices almost sublime beauty.

That being said, I am frustrated that developers have been slow to build apps that fully take advantage of the Ipad's form. Only Wired has delivered a magazine even approaching this potential. Too many games are just large versions of Iphone version. The Kindle app allows for books with integrated videos but where are those books! And how about Apple's own IOS4 being pushed months after the phone update!

I love my Ipad, but agree with some of your frustration because I know it could do so much more.
 
DNAppleGold said:
No, but I do share some of your concerns.
I bought mine on day one and use it every day. Of course, some of thrill as worn off, but only some. I use the Ipad every day. There are many things that I use it for that I never (or hardly every) use a traditional computer or Iphone for. These include reading books, reading magazines/newspapers (I mean cover to cover, not just a random article), watching movies, and playing games. Plus, there are host of times where I reach for the Ipad instead of my MBP or MBA for looking at photos and web surfing because of the form factor. Yesterday, I figured out how to hook it up to my TV. With Netflex, Itunes, and Safari streaming to my TV who needs Apple (or Google) TV. In fact, just last night I took the IPad out of the case for the first time in while and was amazed all over again at the devices almost sublime beauty.

That being said, I am frustrated that developers have been slow to build apps that fully take advantage of the Ipad's form. Only Wired has delivered a magazine even approaching this potential. Too many games are just large versions of Iphone version. The Kindle app allows for books with integrated videos but where are those books! And how about Apple's own IOS4 being pushed months after the phone update!

I love my Ipad, but agree with some of your frustration because I know it could do so much more.
Click to expand...
I agree with your thoughts, what really hit home was upgrading my 3GS to IOS4. Now my Ipad seems like a dinosaur, amazing how that happens.
 
I have to agree that the App Store is dissapointing, new iPad apps seem to be coming too slowly, and those that do come are often very poor quality. The device itself though, i'm deliriously happy with.
 
I have to say I am the opposite of the topic starter although I want some more iPad versions of some apps I use on my iPhone (and some apps could be better *cough* eyetv for iPad) overall it has been amazing.

Since I bought it my laptop does not get much use outside of work where it is more of a desktop, I watch and answer email on the commute to work (easier to hold an iPad on the tube than take out a laptop which has no mobile broadband).

Basically the iPad has killed 90% of my laptop usage so I am now using our iMac at home as a media server and for complex /high power stuff but general browsing, watching tv etc I am always on the iPad.

I have to say the 3G iPad is so much better than the Wifi one, the GPS and internet on the move is a "killer" feature for me.

Edwin
 
Streethawk said:
I have to agree that the App Store is dissapointing, new iPad apps seem to be coming too slowly, and those that do come are often very poor quality. The device itself though, i'm deliriously happy with.
Click to expand...

I think you awe confusing the two. Apple is not responsible for producing apps for the iPad. They are however the gatekeeper of apps good and bad. I am sure that if Apple really cracked down on the quality of apps there would even less to choose from. Also, it depends on the types of apps you are looking for as well. For the most part I am pretty much content to what they have. A few could be upgrade for iPad usage but all in all in my opinion the better apps will come. Maybe a good idea would be an App Drop where people describe the apps they are looking for and see if developers would be interested in developing them.
 
This thread is similar to others that have come before it referencing people being bored with their iPhones (because of the OS/Apps/etc).

To this and that extent I say it's about managing expectations. And also realizing that a device - any device isn't responsible for making sure you're happy all the time. That onus is on you and you alone.

I wasn't remotely interested in the iPad prior to launch but wound up getting one on launch day simply because (fortunately) it was very easy to obtain at my local BB so I figured - might as well. But with all the specs, hype, etc - I had previously saw little purpose for MY usage. I'm glad I took the plunge.

I also knew what I was getting into. I didn't see it as a replacement device of any kind. I looked at it as (dare I say) a large iPod touch. And I didn't see that as a negative.

Until I had the iPad - my wife and I would watch movies when we travelled on my PSP or iPhone. It was "ok" - but not at all GREAT. The iPad is GREAT for watching video content - and the bonus is the extremely long battery life.

The biggest asset the iPad brings to the table (vs the iPhone) is the large screen size. Instead of keeping my iPhone near my bed - I have my iPad there - and it's much more enjoyable to read email that way. To read a book. To quickly google something. To watch a youtube video. To get more detailed weather. Etc...

I did most if not all of these things with my iPhone. And when away from the house - I still do. But the iPad is more enjoyable.

I have several apps I sometimes play with here and there. But my core usage is as a tool to access the internet and multimedia.

Back to my original point and to the OP's post. If you're bored with your iPad, iPhone, toaster, etc - it's because you're demanding too much from it. You don't have to be constantly using it. There shouldn't be a "I haven't used it in a week - I must be bored." If you don't use it for a day, week or whatever it's because you haven't needed to. That doesn't make the device any less useful when you DO.
 
I just want to PLEAD with the developers of Wired and Sports Illustrated that if the dang magazines weren't $4.99 I'd use this as a magazine reader a lot more.

Wired recently dropped to $3.99, but I really think the sweet spot would be $2.99. I have YET to buy a Sports Illustrated (one I was really looking forward to) because it's $5.00 per issue.

Also request:
A real iPad version of Maxim
Playstation Magazine
PC Gamer
National Geographic
 
msduncan said:
I just want to PLEAD with the developers of Wired and Sports Illustrated that if the dang magazines weren't $4.99 I'd use this as a magazine reader a lot more.

Wired recently dropped to $3.99, but I really think the sweet spot would be $2.99. I have YET to buy a Sports Illustrated (one I was really looking forward to) because it's $5.00 per issue.

Also request:
A real iPad version of Maxim
Playstation Magazine
PC Gamer
National Geographic
Click to expand...

Magazines and Newspapers HAVE to come up with pricing models that make sense. It's insane to be able to get yearly print subscription to Wired for $10 per year but it's $50 to get the digital version. Or how about if you get the paper subscription you get the digital version for just $5 more per year. Really, I'm not a very creative person, and there must be better ideas than these. You would think an industry that is dying - like print media - would roll out some creative pricing models to an affluent customer base that really wants to pay for unique content. To date, zero. Just crazy.
 
DNAppleGold said:
Magazines and Newspapers HAVE to come up with pricing models that make sense. It's insane to be able to get yearly print subscription to Wired for $10 per year but it's $50 to get the digital version. Or how about if you get the paper subscription you get the digital version for just $5 more per year. Really, I'm not a very creative person, and there must be better ideas than these. You would think an industry that is dying - like print media - would roll out some creative pricing models. To date, zero. Just crazy.
Click to expand...

I think the problem is they aren't in survival mode yet, even though their empire is crumbling around them the CEO's are still making millions. They are in "can we make as much profit as last year" mode. It's a shame they don't realize the obviously reduced infrastructure they would need which would provide a much larger profit margin. Really they only need content and programmers other than the usual company logistic jobs.

Lets hope Apple, who is really the driving force behind making our music $1 per song, is successful in getting the print companies to follow suit.
 
spinedoc77 said:
I think the problem is they aren't in survival mode yet, even though their empire is crumbling around them the CEO's are still making millions. They are in "can we make as much profit as last year" mode. It's a shame they don't realize the obviously reduced infrastructure they would need which would provide a much larger profit margin. Really they only need content and programmers other than the usual company logistic jobs.

Lets hope Apple, who is really the driving force behind making our music $1 per song, is successful in getting the print companies to follow suit.
Click to expand...
Sadly, you are probably right. Apple, who had to develop a model for the music industry (who is still griping about it) will likely have to bail out the print media this time.
 
If anyone thinks the iPad is limited, you need to open up your mind.

spinedoc77 said:
I was giving you an answer on all the things the ipad does, some of which are its core functionality. That core functionality does not have to be exciting, but it keeps me from lugging around 100lbs. of books, newspapers, my medical periodicals, pictures, movies, my television set (stream TV), hell I can even make a case that it saves me from carrying my desktop PC as with remote connection I can completely control my home PC! Now those may not be exciting for you, but for me they are. That's the reason why if there were not any more apps for the ipad EVER I'd be quite happy with it until ipad 2.0.
Click to expand...

+10.
 
Just sold mine last night. Got a macbook pro today. Never got bored or had anything bad to say, but for me personally i realized i needed a laptop. I will be waiting for iPad 2.0 though, and after this iphone 4, im expecting big things! (hopefully)
 
I'll say I did have buyers remorse after the new Mac mini came out. And it really pisses me off how mere months after the iPad release, the iPhone gets All these better features (gyro, HD camera, more ram etc...), and the apps are pretty lacking As well ( all my best apps are iPhone apps). The more I type, the more I feel betrayed by apple. (not the first nor the last i'm sure. Oh well their doing something right,ive personally spent tens of thousands of dollars on their products).

But i still use it everyday, and I love having it on vacation, we were on a camping trip just last weekend, and i wanted to watch the Ufc. So I bought the ufc app (another iPhone app) and ordered the fights. It was surreal in the mountains, by the campfire I watched ufc 116 live. Buyers remorse gone!

I just hate the feeling that four months from now this will just be old news. Guess that's just what apple has become
 
Not Me

I love myipad I have had it fora week, I am writing this on it. I hardly even have any iPad apps for too.:cool:
 
I have to admit, the shine has worn off for me as well. It's become an everyday tool for browsing, email, GPS, and checking the portfolio on the Bloomberg app. I spent a week with this on "vacation" and burned out on the games, I think. It was incredibly useful while troubleshooting, and ultimately upgrading my Dad's Mac Mini (power surge took out or scrambled the video card). 3G + browser enabled me to look up everything I needed to port over his data from his 5 yr old G4 Mini to the newest version.

I do, however, still fire up the "Baby Scratch" app at least once every day, just to annoy the girlfriend - I don't know why I get such a kick out it. Maybe because it makes her roll her eyes when I'm playing it?
 
DNAppleGold said:
No, but I do share some of your concerns.
I bought mine on day one and use it every day. Of course, some of thrill as worn off, but only some. I use the Ipad every day. There are many things that I use it for that I never (or hardly every) use a traditional computer or Iphone for. These include reading books, reading magazines/newspapers (I mean cover to cover, not just a random article), watching movies, and playing games. Plus, there are host of times where I reach for the Ipad instead of my MBP or MBA for looking at photos and web surfing because of the form factor.

That being said, I am frustrated that developers have been slow to build apps that fully take advantage of the Ipad's form. Only Wired has delivered a magazine even approaching this potential. And how about Apple's own IOS4 being pushed months after the phone update!

I love my Ipad, but agree with some of your frustration because I know it could do so much more.
Click to expand...

Ditto!!! Ditto!!!!

I normally don't quote so much...but I think the above hits the nail on the head. I am definitely not bored...the form factor is too awesome for that. I know I could do things faster on a laptop...but the same argument was the case against a laptop compared to a desktop...but who wants to be stuck in a room with a desktop computer. I cook, shop, exercise, watch tv, drive (awesome gps), upload photos, etc. Etc. All with the iPad.

But where is the app development?!?!?!?!

Apple did a disservice to the iPad launching the iPhone so close. We got a few updates...but now everything coming out is os4...but still the size of an iPhone. What a freaking raw deal! It's pissing me off...just a bit, actually. It is summer time and I am on my iPad off and on all day...a d there is so much more that the iPad could do...and there are so many apps that are really cool...but can't be used upside down, or look like crap uprezed, etc. It's getting frustrating that things are not rolling out quicker. Thanks Apple!!!!
 
Any idea how apps can get better on the iPad or which iPhone apps don't look good enough on the iPad (or don't have iPad versions at all)?
 
I am on some level but mostly no, I'm not bored with it. I watch about 4-5 movies a week right before bed on the iPad on Netflix. I am on the web constantly all day, surfing with ease. I'm taking notes with it in my class, and I love it. I take photos in my backyard or something, and just use the camera connection kit with my iPad due to it's ease and speed.

The thing it's missing that I really anticipated and was excited about, was a killer array of games. No developers stepped up and made use of the device's power and size. Very disappointing. No great apps, the only icons I'm really tapping are Safari, Mail, and Netflix.

But no, I'm not bored with it.
 
I have to say about magazines I subscribe to Autosport (a weekly magazine) with any paper subscription you automatically get a PDF version from their website which is highquality and EXACTLY the same as the magazine.

I put that on my iPad and read it, the pricing is great (as least the same price and I think they might have a digital only option now) and for them it works on all devices.

Although I love the Wired magazine if more companies provided a PDF version on their website as part of a subscription it would solve a lot of the complaints I think.
 
I'm a bit disappointed with the slow pace apps are being updated, but definately not bored. Orblive, logmein, iBooks, pandora and iPod furction work great, and iPad offers overall better web browsing experience. Everything else is secondary for me. Guess it all depends on your expectation of iPad.
 
We look for novelty, demanding that our gadgets keep offering us new 'features'. And what's 'new' today can't help but be 'old' by next year, next month or (given the acceleration of technological change) next week. Manufacturers want their products to have the "Wow!" factor, as we open the box. They want us to be happy with our new purchases... for a while. They want us to become dissatisfied: gradually, as news of the next gadget or upgrade starts to filter through.

This is the typical tragectory of 'new gadget ownership'. Our iPads don't create a deep and lasting satisfaction; the gradual disappointment, combined with the next 'novelty', forms a big part of the marketing strategy. The 'boredom factor' is built-in.

Maybe we should be asking ourselves why we fall for the sales talk at every time of asking... ;)
 
Only thing I agree with is the App store.

Most of the things I' bought during the 1st week and still there at the top of the list, and very very little new of any real merit.

Then I hold Apple to blame a bit here.

You had the iPhone and the developers pretty much had their fill of what they could do with that.

The iPad came out and WOW the latest new things, now we can really get to work making some great apps, nicer screen, faster, yeah baby lets rock, we're going all out iPad.

Then Apple decided that as there was no competition from others to hurt the iPad it would do it itself and weeks later launched the new iPhone.

Developers now had a even newer toy to play with and one that would probably have an even faster growing user base than the iPad.

Whilst I don't expect a new ground breaking app to be launched daily!

I do worry that developers now have two brand new shiny toys to play with and develop for.

Whatever you feel, I don't think the new iPhone has HELPED the iPad.
 
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