Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Anybody changing their minds and opting NOT to buy the iPad

ThatsMeRight said:
Are you sure you can wait that long? A year is a very long time, and against that time you can sell it for a nice price. Can't you?
Click to expand...

Perhaps the current version does not offer him the features that are important to him. I see no problem waiting for version 2. The upside of waiting is that it gives apple time to shake out the bugs in manufacturing. Revision A machines can certainly be on the bleeding edge.

The reason why I started this thread is because I've cooled a bit to purchase the iPad. I may still pre-purchase the device friday but my enthusiasm has diminished as I contemplate the actual usage.

Its funny, the one feature that I dismissed early on (ebooks) is turning out to be the one thing that may cause me to whip out my credit card.
 
samcraig said:
I don't get this post. If someone says they're waiting for Gen 2 - why is that so hard to accept. Why are you trying to convince him other than just accept their decision. You don't need him to buy one for you to feel better, do you?

Mind boggling.
Click to expand...
No, I think he waits for rev. 2 because Apple didn't put all features in revision 1. Now I think a year is very long time to wait, and he might as well buy one now and sell it when revision 2 comes out.

I was just trying to help him.
 
ThatsMeRight said:
No, I think he waits for rev. 2 because Apple didn't put all features in revision 1. Now I think a year is very long time to wait, and he might as well buy one now and sell it when revision 2 comes out.

I was just trying to help him.
Click to expand...

Did he ask for your help? Your post reminds me of NYC street evangelists. Who cares why he wants to wait - that's none of your business or concern. That's his decision.

Trying to help him? Help him what? Buy something he doesn't want to buy (now). That's some helping!
 
samcraig said:
Did he ask for your help? Your post reminds me of NYC street evangelists. Who cares why he wants to wait - that's none of your business or concern. That's his decision.

Trying to help him? Help him what? Buy something he doesn't want to buy (now). That's some helping!
Click to expand...
Should he ask for my help on a forum? I'm just 'thinking with' him.
He might think that it's better to wait because next year there might be a front facing camera or something else and than I said something like "but you can also buy this one and sell it next year". In that way he can enjoy the iPad this year already. There's nothing wrong with giving some advice to people.

If you greet someone on street, than you don't say "I don't know you, I didn't ask for any 'hello'." Than you just greet back, because usually people appreciate it if you greet them (or in this case help/giving advice).

And now I don't say something like "I didn't ask for your comment" but I just response on it because you don't mean it bad.
 
I offered my wife a Kindle and she said no. During the Oscars, the iPad commercial came on and she said "I don't want one of these either." I do want one but I'll hold off until the right timing for the expense. Our house is overflowing with gadgets, many of which were purchased on impulse when they first came out but are only rarely used. I don't think the iPad will fall into that category but I'll wait "a while" nonetheless. One of the benefits of waiting is I get to avoid the frenzy and crowds at introduction. Also if any pricing changes occur, I get the benefit by waiting "a bit". I have Kindle on my Ipod Touch and while I don't like the tiny screen for reading, I can hold out for some time if I need to.
 
I saw the keynote and was not really impressed. As time went on I convinced myself I needed it, but as everyday grows closer to the presale I am back pedaling.

I have a mac mini which is running as a HTPC, first generation iPod touch, and nothing else. I am missing a true mac that I am using everyday. It's not easy sitting in front of a 37" display to use the mac mini as a primary computer and if I need to actually do something on it then it takes the TV away which I hear groans from the wife and kids. I do have a compaq laptop from 2004 that is on it's last legs that I trying desperately to move away from.

So, for me I think a MBP is my next purchase. As easy it would be for me to rationalize the iPad I don't think it will meet my needs when I need to actually use a computer.
 
while I do still plan to get one, I think you could put me down as the "less enthused than I used to be" category. I plan to get one for my mother-in-law to use as her main e-mail / web device (upgrade from webTV). So, I'll probably have it a week or so and set it up, then pass it along. If it doesn't work for her, I'll take it back as mine. If it does work for her, I'll probably get my own after some time.

the main thing I'm waiting for is the apps... that'll make all the difference as to whether this is really a great device or not. So, why am I less enthused than I was previously?

- I'd like it if the iPad required no sync'ing. I can't see why not... With the original iPod, it made sense to sync. There was no iTunes on the device, and very limited user interface. The iPad is much more capable. Sync'ing should just be an option for backing-up - not a requirement for upgrading the OS... or anything else.

- The news today about a lack of simple widget apps has me scratching my head... if Apple can't figure out a way to make these work well, how is anyone else going to? I guess we'll see though... maybe someone will come out with a really cool all-widgets-in-one app. Kind of like a general utility thing that covers many of the built-in iPhone apps.

- I'm curious to know how various magazine interfaces and subscriptions will work, but there's almost no solid news, so it's really hard to maintain a level of excitement about the device.

- Just a lack of news in general has me a bit frustrated... maybe that'll change after April 3? I'm not sure why Apple is so secretive about the sdk. I mean the thing is "out there" already. Anyone who has any competitive agenda already has the sdk fully analyzed. All this does is frustrate regular people like me, who can't get detailed answers about how the iPad will actually function (I mean the nitty-gritty details about settings, and file management, and some screen-shots of apps-in-progress, etc...)
 
I initially wanted an iPad then didn't then did and so forth.

At this point I don't again.

I just picked up This Acer Laptop for $498 from walmart the other week.

I already have multiple computers and just needed/wanted something "else." While I'm a Mac person and swore off Windows back in the XP days I actually like Windows 7. Never would use over Mac, by choice at least.

For the value though for me the $500 on a full laptop was better then on a $500 device that can't do half of what the laptop can do.

I understand that an iPad is not supposed to replace a laptop. It's more aimed at netbooks if anything trying to fill in the gap. The problem for me is I just can't see the sense in paying more on a device that does less.

If I didn't already have an iPhone, maybe I'd feel different. Maybe not.

My other issue is I like the freedom of installing what I want.
 
1st Day

I predict that they will sell out the first day. According to rumors there will only be 300,000 available at launch. People will sleep outside of Apple stores all over the country to get one!!!
 
dave1812dave said:
LOL! ah, but here is what steve claimed during the unveiling...

10:11AM "So, gonna give you a little overview. It's very thin -- you can change the homescreen to whatever you want. What this device does is extraordinary. You can browse the web with it. It's the best web experience you've ever had."
Click to expand...

I think I agree — the best web experience is without Flash.
 
EssentialParado said:
I think I agree — the best web experience is without Flash.
Click to expand...

...for you. You do not equal everyone.

Listen - I don't LOVE flash - but mostly it's because some websites/designers use it like they used to use animated gifs. IE - when it's not necc.

But at current, it's the best way to deliver animated content - ie. movie websites and things that benefit from some extra "drama". I have seen flash used incredibly well for things that would not be possible any other way.

It also happens to be the prevailing method for delivering video content. Argue all you want whether that's right or wrong and whether or not it's the current of the future. The fact is that as of RIGHT NOW - very few sites offer an alternative to view videos.

Flash is CPU heavy on the Mac - and would be on other Apple products. That's unfortunate that the consumer is trapped between the battle of Adobe and Apple - in which, I have said and maintained - that the consumer is the one who loses regardless of who "wins"

Flash is a terrible way to design entire websites as the SEO aspects are next to nothing if not nothing altogether. Menu structures tend to suck and you can cut/paste information you might want to.

And yes - there are zillions of flash ads.

But a lot of these issues people hate is the fault of designers and ad services - not necc the delivery method known as flash itself. Not that flash doesn't have it's issue. But 90 percent of the moaning and groaning here seem to be stemming from those that simply hate flash sites/ads.

And if that were the ONLY application for flash, there might not be such an issue. But as I said - it's prevalent and used in other successful and dare I say, required ways.

my .02
 
On the Fence.

I wasn't going to get one at first, but now am considering it. I own an iPod Touch and a Kindle and am thinking that I could sell them and get the iPad.

I'm still on the fence though... My personal concerns are whether I am going to enjoy reading on it as much as I currently do with my Kindle. e-ink may not be pretty, but it is a pleasure to read.

Also, I'm concerned about iBooks library at launch. There are several books I have held off on ordering through Kindle in case I get an iPad, but I have noticed that some of the publishers weren't mentioned during the keynote (specifically Random House and Subterranean Press). iBooks uses ePub which could be good, but I wonder how difficult it would be to get an ePub book purchased elsewhere onto the iPad.

Other than those concerns, I'm liking the idea. I already love my iPod Touch, and think the gaming experience will be improved. There were some games on the iPod Touch that I kept thinking needed either dedicated buttons or a larger screen. Anyone with average to large hands would have a hard time seeing the game while pressing the the buttons and I felt it took away from the experience. Hopefully the larger screen will improve that.

Decisions, decisions...
 
Hankster said:
The HP Slate:

1. Has similar design to the iPad.
2. Can display any content on the web.
3. Comes with a 100% full browser that supports all video streaming (HTML5, Flash, etc).
4. Has more ports.
5. Is projected to cost under $400.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3MSjwUrxT0
Click to expand...

I considered the HP Slate. However, for me the app store, especially the games library trumps the Slate. The Slate runs Windows 7 (which i like) and I assume it will have netbook like internals which means it will have a hard time running most PC games, and doesn't currently have anything like the Apple game library to compete.
 
maflynn said:
The reason why I started this thread is because I've cooled a bit to purchase the iPad. I may still pre-purchase the device friday but my enthusiasm has diminished as I contemplate the actual usage.
Click to expand...

I may have to buy it, but I don't have to LIKE IT!!
 
OneMike said:
For the value though for me the $500 on a full laptop was better then on a $500 device that can't do half of what the laptop can do.
Click to expand...

Sounds like you don't have a real good grasp on what the iPad is at this point. That is understandable since it doesn't exist, and some people have a harder time thinking in the abstract.

I do think when it comes out and you perhaps learn more about it and see one you will learn why it is different from a $500 laptop and why it provides value and usefulness a $500 laptop does not, in some or perhaps many areas.
 
It easy to provide streaming video on the internet without using flash NOW, without HTML5.

So I am not sure what this point about flash being the only way to do this is true.

I have seen all kinds of videos from various sides in Safari on my iPhone who have streaming video...


Again Flash is a tool of the lazy or incompetent web developer. Outside of streaming video it has no serious or required use, and there are other ways to stream video now. So flash is pointless.

I will also agree the best web browsing experience is without flash. So Steve was right on.
 
marksman said:
Sounds like you don't have a real good grasp on what the iPad is at this point. That is understandable since it doesn't exist, and some people have a harder time thinking in the abstract.

I do think when it comes out and you perhaps learn more about it and see one you will learn why it is different from a $500 laptop and why it provides value and usefulness a $500 laptop does not, in some or perhaps many areas.
Click to expand...

Please explain to me why if someone prefers something else to the iPad it immediately means that they don't know or have a grasp of what the iPad is. Maybe it's the opposite. Maybe it's that he knows very well what it is and what it will be and prefers/has needs that aren't met by it. Isn't that possible?

How condescending of you, and others who immediately try to insinuate that you are intellectually superior because you want an iPad and everything it does is perfect for your needs.

The poster you're condescending to (on purpose or not) never said the iPad was bad but that it didn't do what HE needed it to do.
 
marksman said:
Sounds like you don't have a real good grasp on what the iPad is at this point. That is understandable since it doesn't exist, and some people have a harder time thinking in the abstract.

I do think when it comes out and you perhaps learn more about it and see one you will learn why it is different from a $500 laptop and why it provides value and usefulness a $500 laptop does not, in some or perhaps many areas.
Click to expand...

I'm actually very familiar with what the iPad is. I'm even more aware of what it isn't, which is why I took the route I did.

I do agree that once it comes out views about the iPad may change, even mine. Facts on the other hand won't.

I try to stick to the have and don't need, then need and don't have principle when possible. iPad is too much a sacrifice for the little you get in my opinion.

Everyone has different needs/wants.

Would like to hear what I'm missing though
 
marksman said:
Again Flash is a tool of the lazy or incompetent web developer. Outside of streaming video it has no serious or required use, and there are other ways to stream video now. So flash is pointless.
Click to expand...

So how does that help me when a website only uses flash?

Just today I was shopping for a new laptop. I decided to check out alienware's offerings because how well their newest 11" gaming laptop was received.

The top portion of alienware.com? Flash. I go to laptops and decide to check out the 15" M15x. The top section that gives an overview of the processor, memory, GPU, gallery of pictures and 360° panorama? Flash.

I wanted to check some system requirements for some modern games to see how the alienware compares. The websites for Bioshock 2, Starcraft 2, Diablo 3, Left for Dead 2, Crysis? Flash, flash, flash, flash, flash.

I also want to see what kind of soundcard I need for some DJ software. Virtual DJ, Traktor Pro? Flash, flash.

I also want a stylish laptop backpack to carry it around too. Well that's OGIO, of course! What does their site use to browse the entire product gallery? Flash.

I find the model I like (Politan in Prizmata), but OGIO doesn't sell directly from their website, so I visit eBags.com and find the bag. The photo gallery with zoom and pan capabilities? Yep... flash.

The point is, flash is hardly "pointless", has no "serious use", or is just for streaming video. And even if it is for "lazy or incompetent" web developers, there is not much I can do about that as a consumer. I spent several hours shopping around and researching, none of which would have been possible without flash.
 
Count me in as someone who couldn't wait to get their hands on an iPad at first, but I am cooling off on the product rapidly.

I am not one of those "it doesn't have flash/doesn't multitask/cost more than a netbook" people, I am absolutely fine with the capabilities of the iPad. I think a camera should have been added, if only because it is a low cost componenet that would greatly enhance it's capabilities -but I'm fine that there isn't a camera.

However, as UK resident I am annoyed with the lack of release information here -we don't know any more info now than we did in late January, which makes me worry that Apple haven't thought it through correctly. On top of that, I fear that the UK price will be inflated because of the poor pound exchange rate.

As a MacBook Pro & iPhone 3GS owner, not sure how much I want to pay £500 for this.
 
I've been swinging back and forth on the fence I'm sat on. Some days I decide I will get one, some days I think whether or not I actually need one.

My main concern is cannibalisation of my iPhone and MacBook. I don't really want to pay all that money to make redundant one of my other gadgets I have paid a lot of money for as well (and with the iPhone continue to pay). I know why and how the iPad is different from both of the aforementioned items, but I guess it all boils down to Jobs' pre-unveiling question of "is there room for a third device?". As someone mentioned earlier in the thread, 3rd Party apps are key. If they can really utilise that large M-T screen and create amazing user experiences then I am sold.

Ah well, late April is a long time away yet, but I know if I end up going to the Apple shop on release day I'll end up buying it!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back