Apple's iPad "buzz saw" cuts into Windows PC sales

[*LTD*]

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-...aw-success-cuts-into-pc-sales-at-hp-dell.html

Apple's iPad 'buzz saw' cuts into Windows PC sales
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 · 12:37 pm

“The iPad is wreaking havoc on the personal-computer market,” Aaron Ricadela and Dina Bass report for Bloomberg.

“Hewlett-Packard Co. consumer PC sales plunged 23 percent last quarter, and the company lopped $1 billion off its annual sales forecast,” Ricadela and Bass report. “And while rival Dell Inc. beat analysts’ estimates because of corporate demand, its sales to consumers slumped 7.5 percent.”

Ricadela and Bass report, “More than 70 million tablets like the Apple Inc. iPad will be sold in 2011, a total that will balloon to 246 million in three years, Jefferies & Co. said yesterday. ‘You’re walking into a buzz saw,’ Jane Snorek, a senior research analyst at Nuveen Asset Management in Milwaukee, said of the iPad. Her firm manages more than $200 billion in assets. ‘The tablet is going to replace at least the home computer.’”

Apple’s revolutionary “iPad has siphoned off more PC sales than analysts and executives predicted,” Ricadela and Bass report. “The PC market, by contrast, declined last quarter. Global shipments fell 3.2 percent, hurt in part because some consumers bought tablets instead, [versus Apple Mac sales which were up 9.6%] research firm IDC reported last month… The success of the iPad, along with the iPhone and new versions of the Mac, helped Apple supplant Microsoft as the world’s most valuable technology company last year.”

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Post-PC era, folks.

I've got an early '08 MBP, 15-inch, 4GB RAM. It's been seeing *a lot less* use since I received my iPad 2 last week. I've since transferred a good portion of my hard drive's contents to it. Download a nice VNC app like Screens or iTeleport (which works beautifully) and you barely need to be in front of your "computer."

The writing's on the wall. The tablet (and by that I mean the only actually viable one, the iPad) is still not a full-blown replacement, especially if you need to use industry-specific software or heavy photo managers like Aperture, but it's getting so close it's scary.

 

[Hellhammer]

The writing's on the wall. The tablet (and by that I mean the only actually viable one, the iPad) is still not a full-blown replacement, especially if you need to use industry-specific software or heavy photo managers like Aperture, but it's getting so close it's scary.

Or if you actually need to do something else than browse Facebook or MR. Typing on a tablet is horrible. It's slow, inaccurate and uncomfortable. Tablets are nice toys but for anything serious, you need a real computer because of the physical keyboard.

The fact that iPad is nothing else but a decoration without a computer with iTunes means that real computers aren't going anywhere anytime soon, probably never.

 

[KingCrimson]

Or if you actually need to do something else than browse Facebook or MR. Typing on a tablet is horrible. It's slow, inaccurate and uncomfortable. Tablets are nice toys but for anything serious, you need a real computer because of the physical keyboard.

The fact that iPad is nothing else but a decoration without a computer with iTunes means that real computers aren't going anywhere anytime soon, probably never.

Perhaps the iPad is cutting into low-end PC sales around the same price point for people who literally have no need for a true desktop.

 

[Darth.Titan]

In my opinion, if you actually need to do something else than browse Facebook or MR. Typing on a tablet is horrible. It's slow, inaccurate and uncomfortable. As I see it, tablets are nice toys but for anything serious, you need a real computer because of the physical keyboard.

Fixed that for you. I can type quite comfortably with the onscreen keyboard, and do so quite often. Lengthy emails, long Pages documents, or whatever are quite doable once you get used to it. I know several people who are quite capable typists on an iPad.

I greatly prefer the iPad keyboard to any netbook keyboard out there, but that's just my opinion.

 

[KingCrimson]

Fixed that for you. I can type quite comfortably with the onscreen keyboard, and do so quite often. Lengthy emails, long Pages documents, or whatever are quite doable once you get used to it. I know several people who are quite capable typists on an iPad.

I greatly prefer the iPad keyboard to any netbook keyboard out there, but that's just my opinion.

I guess you prefer really horrible typing ergonomics. Most iPad users are probably engaging in non-intensive typing activities like video, web browsing, games. It's nice that you *can* type an email, but let's face it - it's very uncomfortable unless you enjoy pain.

 

[roadbloc]

Fixed that for you. I can type quite comfortably with the onscreen keyboard, and do so quite often. Lengthy emails, long Pages documents, or whatever are quite doable once you get used to it. I know several people who are quite capable typists on an iPad.

As someone who writes novels in their spare time, I'm rather keen on how you and these several people manage it. The lack of kinetic response results in failure to touch type or type quickly, and the vertical position of the keyboard (I'm not hunching over looking downwards at a tablet as I type, I'd like to see it without killing my neck,) kills my arm within minutes. How do you manage it?

 

[KingCrimson]

As someone who writes novels in their spare time, I'm rather keen on how you and these several people manage it. The lack of kinetic response results in failure to touch type or type quickly, and the vertical position of the keyboard (I'm not hunching over looking downwards at a tablet as I type, I'd like to see it without killing my neck,) kills my arm within minutes. How do you manage it?

Unless you mount it in a dock and use a separate keyboard, then you gain desktop ergonomics.

iPad 2 Dock

and if the only computing you do is write a novel, then an iPad with dock and Bluetooth keyboard is just your ticket!

 

[roadbloc]

Unless you mount it in a dock and use a separate keyboard, then you gain desktop ergonomics.

iPad 2 Dock

Naturally. I'd be tempted if my good old Sony Vaio decided that it was too old to work anymore and if iPad prices were lower. No doubt that pages on an iPad is a dream to use.

 

[KingCrimson]

Naturally. I'd be tempted if my good old Sony Vaio decided that it was too old to work anymore and if iPad prices were lower. No doubt that pages on an iPad is a dream to use.

The reason why any tablet could never be a desktop replacement is I like using really big widescreen monitors. So for a desktop I can go with an iMac or a PC with large display. But a tablet is never going to cut it for my main computer. In addition, needing external hard drives, really fast processing, etc...

iPad is a complementary media device for those with cash to burn.

 

[*LTD*]

The reason why any tablet could never be a desktop replacement is I like using really big widescreen monitors. So for a desktop I can go with an iMac or a PC with large display. But a tablet is never going to cut it for my main computer. In addition, needing external hard drives, really fast processing, etc...

iPad is a complementary media device for those with cash to burn.

You're assuming tablet development will stop. Who's to say you won't be able to connect your tablet to a larger display?

We're already halfway there.

http://gigaom.com/apple/the-ipad-2s-killer-feature-is-hd-mirroring/

The lack of imagination around here is astounding.

"Complementary device" in due course has a way of turning into "replacement device." It'll happen.

 

[Born Again]

Can we stop with the "post pc" buzz phrase

Going to puke on my pre iPad 3

 

[AppleScruff1]

Tablets need to get a lot faster for me to use one instead of a notebook. The iPad is a great product, but it is too slow IMHO for anything more than casual browsing etc.

 

[Liquorpuki]

Even if you ignore the zero-haptic feedback typing, I'm wondering how you guys deal with having to tap the screen every 20 seconds because you have no mouse

Personally I wouldn't use the iPad to create any kind of document that I didn't need to do on the fly. It takes 3 times as long, and Pages, AKA Apple's $10 version of Wordpad, sucks.

 

[steve2112]

Unless you mount it in a dock and use a separate keyboard, then you gain desktop ergonomics.

iPad 2 Dock

and if the only computing you do is write a novel, then an iPad with dock and Bluetooth keyboard is just your ticket!

Or you could buy say, a Macbook Air or MBP that has a built in keyboard and a better display, for starters.

Maybe I'm just weird. I bought a first gen iPad after the price drop when iPad 2 came out. I barely use the thing, except for the occasional game. And even then, I usually game on my gaming PC or a console. I watch movies on my HTPC connected to my 42" TV, not on the iPad. I would rather use my Mini, with a real keyboard and mouse and a 24" monitor than the iPad. The only computer I carry with me when wandering about around town is my phone. No, I'm not trolling. It really doesn't fit my usage patterns, and I really do not understand people who rave about it.

And one more thing: If this is the "post PC era", then why do I have to connected every iOS device to a...PC before I can use the thing? In a truly post PC world (wow, do I hate that phrase), I would be able to buy an iPad, iPhone, etc, without ever needing to connect it to a computer or any sort.

 

[KingCrimson]

And one more thing: If this is the "post PC era", then why do I have to connected every iOS device to a...PC before I can use the thing? In a truly post PC world (wow, do I hate that phrase), I would be able to buy an iPad, iPhone, etc, without ever needing to connect it to a computer or any sort.

The answer is Steve Jobs likes to create mega-hype for every new Apple product.

 

[Rodimus Prime]

Or you could buy say, a Macbook Air or MBP that has a built in keyboard and a better display, for starters.

Maybe I'm just weird. I bought a first gen iPad after the price drop when iPad 2 came out. I barely use the thing, except for the occasional game. And even then, I usually game on my gaming PC or a console. I watch movies on my HTPC connected to my 42" TV, not on the iPad. I would rather use my Mini, with a real keyboard and mouse and a 24" monitor than the iPad. The only computer I carry with me when wandering about around town is my phone. No, I'm not trolling. It really doesn't fit my usage patterns, and I really do not understand people who rave about it.

And one more thing: If this is the "post PC era", then why do I have to connected every iOS device to a...PC before I can use the thing? In a truly post PC world (wow, do I hate that phrase), I would be able to buy an iPad, iPhone, etc, without ever needing to connect it to a computer or any sort.

Answer is simple. Steve Jobs and Apple used a buzzed words "Post-PC era" fact of the mater we are not there and I do not see us going there any time soon. The most things like the iPad can do is maybe stop someone from getting a new laptop or netbook and just go with a desk top.

I personally have no use for a iPad. It falls in this no mans land for me. It is too big to fit jacket pocket or in the front pocket of my backpack but not powerful enough to replace my laptop for what I use my laptop for. I need my laptop with me for school work and I need the software and computing power for it. iPad can not replace thoses.
My smart phone fits in my pocket so it provides me with the on the go internet and keeps me connected.

I like what Crackberry Kevin said about his iPad (yes he owns and uses an iPad and an iPhone) is he finds himself not taking his iPad out in public with him because it is just a little too big but his playbook fits nicely in his jacket pocket and he feels just fine taking that with him. I personally do not think i would take it with me as it still falls in the no mans land but it is much closer to being able to be tossed in the front pocket of my backpack.

 

[AppleScruff1]

The answer is Steve Jobs likes to create mega-hype for every new Apple product.

And the followers eat it up like candy.

 

[roadbloc]

The lack of imagination around here is astounding.

Surprisingly, the reason I won't be buying one anytime soon, is not out of lack of imagination, but the lack of cash buying something I simply do not need. Why on earth should I spend £400 on an iPad plus an extra £50+ or so on extra stuff to make it suit my needs like a dock, a bluetooth keyboard, a smart cover, a HD mirror cable... etc; when I can just spend <£300 on a netbook that is a hell of a lot more powerful and can do the things I want without overpriced accessories?

Hell, you don't even get USB on a iPad yet. No chance.

 

[hexonxonx]

Or if you actually need to do something else than browse Facebook or MR. Typing on a tablet is horrible. It's slow, inaccurate and uncomfortable. Tablets are nice toys but for anything serious, you need a real computer because of the physical keyboard.

The fact that iPad is nothing else but a decoration without a computer with iTunes means that real computers aren't going anywhere anytime soon, probably never.

Plus the fact that one needs a computer to even activate the iPad means it's far from being a post PC world.

 

[Hellhammer]

You're assuming tablet development will stop. Who's to say you won't be able to connect your tablet to a larger display?

But then again, it's nothing more but a regular desktop. Laptops have had video output for decades but that hasn't made desktops obsolete. Tablets won't be able to do that either.

Plus the fact that one needs a computer to even activate the iPad means it's far from being a post PC world.

That is what I meant with iPad being a decoration

 

[InuNacho]

Perhaps the iPad is cutting into low-end PC sales around the same price point for people who literally have no need for a true desktop.

I know a couple of people who bought iPads instead of upgrading their budget PC to newer budget PC. Since all they do is web and email they have no need for a desktop.

 

[iTards]

Corporate iPad Users Have No iDea Why They Have Them

Turns out, its not only Apple fanatics and Angry Birds-lovers who have fallen heads-over-heels for the iPad. A recent survey shows that an increasing number of businesses do too – 68% of the businesses interviewed either already deployed tablets or planned to do so by the end of 2012. Unlike Apple-heads and Angry Birds-heads, however, the businesses can't quite tell you why.

Over 50% of the companies surveyed by Digital Research said they flat-out didn't have a plan for those spiffy new tablets they were handing out, other than "Oooooh, shiny." Of the companies that did have a tablet PC strategy, the majority of them liked to use the devices to process paperwork and provide apps for salesmen on the run. Other reasons cited include keeping on top of financial information and customer service support.

While corporate buyers may not like the idea of spending money on $500 paperweights, the folks at Apple must be dancing in the street. A full 83% of correspondents said the iPad was the tablet of choice in their office. That's not surprising considering that they don't have any, you know, productivity plans for the devices. In related news, we expect sales of Angry Birds to improve in the fourth quarter.

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/corporate_ipad_users_have_no_idea_why_they_have_them

Our HO decided to buy few iPads even though we told them not to because there is no business case and use. We bought 10 units for HO staff including one for PA of CEO. All were happy and exicted for a week. All 10 sitting somewhere in a cupboard collecting dust.