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Confessions of An Impulse iPad Buyer

S

samcraig

macrumors P6
Original poster
Jun 22, 2009
16,786
41,983
USA
True story - but perhaps you should sit down.

Got up to go to the gym today and walked by my local best buy. Only one person in line. Worked out - walked home and passed the same Best Buy (here in NYC) and it was about 30 min before 10. 5 people in line.

So I stopped for a moment and hemmed and hawed a bit. And got in line. Got a 16gig wifi model.

Now I know what some of you are thinking - hypocrite! But you said you wouldn't buy one. And you know what - you can say that if you want.

But my issue still exist for the iPad. So why did I buy one anyway? Because I decided in that instant that it wasn't going to be my primary or even secondary computer. That I have no plans to use it for content creation - and if I do - just quick on the run stuff. And that I love my kindle and won't stop using it.

No - the reason I impulse bought the iPad today was because I have some trips coming up. I've enjoyed watching movies on my iPhone and the screen's been fine. But the iPad IS bigger. And with netflix streaming - even if I used the iPad just for movie watching - it's a decent deal. Not the cheapest gadget for that sole purpose. But not horrible.

Surfing from the bed will also be nice on it vs the laptop. I have no problems using my laptop and would never complain that it's too big, bulky, etc like some have. But since I do have the iPad now - I will probably use that instead.

So while I still have several "issues" with the iPad - in that instant before getting in line I decided for myself that the iPad doesn't have to be a replacement or even "maxed" out to its potential.

For those that will be replacing their kindles/laptops/etc with the iPad or hope to use it just for that - good luck. Sincerely. That just isn't an option for me.
 
uhu, sure. Why don't you report back in a month and tell us if you feel the same way. I'm sure we are curious to know.

Also, I did buy an iPad to replace my Kindle DX, but i'm using it as a companion device, not a laptop replacement. My laptop is my desktop. :)
 
MikhailT said:
uhu, sure. Why don't you report back in a month and tell us if you feel the same way. I'm sure we are curious to know.

Also, I did buy an iPad to replace my Kindle DX, but i'm using it as a companion device, not a laptop replacement. My laptop is my desktop. :)
Click to expand...

Not sure I understand your first part. Report what back if I feel the same what about what?
 
Impulse buying is a precursor to shopping addiction.
I'd stay away from HSN if I were you :eek:
 
samcraig said:
Not sure I understand your first part. Report what back if I feel the same what about what?
Click to expand...

The comments about your having several issues with iPad, will you in a month learn to adjust to iPad's strengths and judge that those issues don't really bother you at all and you come to like it more than you thought you would.
 
Congrats! I'm in the same boat as you, I just got a 32GB today. I just decided last night I'd like to try it out at least. There's always a return period for the iPad ;)
 
MikhailT said:
The comments about your having several issues with iPad, will you in a month learn to adjust to iPad's strengths and judge that those issues don't really bother you at all and you come to like it more than you thought you would.
Click to expand...

No - the issues will still exist unless there are some changes with OS4 that alleviate them. Time will tell. But for now - it doesn't matter as my expectations for use are realistic.
 
samcraig said:
No - the issues will still exist unless there are some changes with OS4 that alleviate them. Time will tell. But for now - it doesn't matter as my expectations for use are realistic.
Click to expand...

Buyers Remorse = Take it Back
Your wallet will thank you for it ;)
 
Congratulations on realizing what Apple has been saying the whole time.

It's not a desktop replacement. It's not a laptop, netbook, or phone replacement. It's a middle used to compliment the others. Apple said this in the keynote... first thing.

Really, I don't care, but these iPad critics who whine without realizing what it's for, and then do exactly this and finally clue in, it's a bit frustrating, and is it ever hypocritical.
 
Doju said:
Congratulations on realizing what Apple has been saying the whole time.

It's not a desktop replacement. It's not a laptop, netbook, or phone replacement. It's a middle used to compliment the others. Apple said this in the keynote... first thing.

Really, I don't care, but these iPad critics who whine without realizing what it's for, and then do exactly this and finally clue in, it's a bit frustrating, and is it ever hypocritical.
Click to expand...

A) I won't have buyer's remorse. While an impulse buy, I'm resolute when I make a decision

And to your point - it has nothing to do with realizing anything that was marketed to me or others. I have specific use cases that are not satisfied by the device (yet). And I wasn't planning on buying it because I was going to wait and see if they were resolved, etc. But I bought it regardless because I'm NOT going to sit and wait for them to fix/add/etc what I want - but just use my mac book pro and imac as usual. If I'm guilty of anything - it's wanting more than the iPad delivers. So it was a personal compromise.
 
samcraig said:
True story - but perhaps you should sit down.

Got up to go to the gym today and walked by my local best buy. Only one person in line. Worked out - walked home and passed the same Best Buy (here in NYC) and it was about 30 min before 10. 5 people in line.

So I stopped for a moment and hemmed and hawed a bit. And got in line. Got a 16gig wifi model.

Now I know what some of you are thinking - hypocrite! But you said you wouldn't buy one. And you know what - you can say that if you want.

But my issue still exist for the iPad. So why did I buy one anyway? Because I decided in that instant that it wasn't going to be my primary or even secondary computer. That I have no plans to use it for content creation - and if I do - just quick on the run stuff. And that I love my kindle and won't stop using it.

No - the reason I impulse bought the iPad today was because I have some trips coming up. I've enjoyed watching movies on my iPhone and the screen's been fine. But the iPad IS bigger. And with netflix streaming - even if I used the iPad just for movie watching - it's a decent deal. Not the cheapest gadget for that sole purpose. But not horrible.

Surfing from the bed will also be nice on it vs the laptop. I have no problems using my laptop and would never complain that it's too big, bulky, etc like some have. But since I do have the iPad now - I will probably use that instead.

So while I still have several "issues" with the iPad - in that instant before getting in line I decided for myself that the iPad doesn't have to be a replacement or even "maxed" out to its potential.

For those that will be replacing their kindles/laptops/etc with the iPad or hope to use it just for that - good luck. Sincerely. That just isn't an option for me.
Click to expand...
Sounds exactly the same as my story but without the gym part. Still havent opened mine yet since mine will be use primarily as my 10" Touchscreen for my home automation system via Control4. Now i am off to the gym :)
 
I impulse ordered a 64 GB Wi-Fi. I've floated around the "cancel order" button as I've been reading these posts about light Best Buy lines, but I think I'll just stick with my order. It's supposed to "ship by April 12th," whatever that means. I also have a keyboard + doc, case, and camera adapter coming. It'll be fun to get it the mail, I suppose.

I'm still jealous, of course.

:eek:
 
lame attempt by ipad-basher to somehow remain "relevant" to the conversation now that the ipad is a huge success and everything they posted previously has been torpedoed by reality.
 
samcraig said:
A) I won't have buyer's remorse. While an impulse buy, I'm resolute when I make a decision

And to your point - it has nothing to do with realizing anything that was marketed to me or others. I have specific use cases that are not satisfied by the device (yet). And I wasn't planning on buying it because I was going to wait and see if they were resolved, etc. But I bought it regardless because I'm NOT going to sit and wait for them to fix/add/etc what I want - but just use my mac book pro and imac as usual. If I'm guilty of anything - it's wanting more than the iPad delivers. So it was a personal compromise.
Click to expand...

Honestly it sees like you are trying to find a graceful way to backpedal from your initial thoughts (formed without handling the device), which is fine. My gut reaction was to bash the iPad for what it's missing - then i decided to like it for what it can do. I don't have mine in hand yet (cmon UPS) but just bear in mind that even as a vocal critic it's alright to change an opinion. The more you lighten up on the device and stay open minded, the less you care about your previous opinion which was formed without ever handling the device - the more likely you are to enjoy it.

Btw, to clarify as many people seem to take things out of context, none of this was meant as an insult in any way. Quite the opposite. It's ok to say an opinion was formed too quickly and reconsider. One of the wonders of original thought.

Just my $.02
 
thejakill said:
lame attempt by ipad-basher to somehow remain "relevant" to the conversation now that the ipad is a huge success and everything they posted previously has been torpedoed by reality.
Click to expand...

I never bashed the iPad - you must have me mistaken with someone else. I just have repeatedly defended my earlier decision to not get one. But nice try.
 
Vesuvio Cat said:
I impulse ordered a 64 GB Wi-Fi. I've floated around the "cancel order" button as I've been reading these posts about light Best Buy lines, but I think I'll just stick with my order. It's supposed to "ship by April 12th," whatever that means. I also have a keyboard + doc, case, and camera adapter coming. It'll be fun to get it the mail, I suppose.

I'm still jealous, of course.

:eek:
Click to expand...

Honestly if you can afford to just go out and there are no lines - unless you have something else to do, why not? I'd like to know how the BB a block from me is sitting for supplies, but can't leave as I'm waiting for the Big Brown.
 
thejakill said:
lame attempt by ipad-basher to somehow remain "relevant" to the conversation now that the ipad is a huge success and everything they posted previously has been torpedoed by reality.
Click to expand...

I don't think that's an accurate summary of what the OP thinks. Personally, I believe my views are closely related to the OP's and spent most of February extolling to everyone that cared to listen how much of a failure I thought the iPad would be.

But, as time has gone on and I've had time to think it over, I've decided that when I have some spare cash and the iPad is available in the UK, I'm going to buy one as an experiment. If this really is the new face of computing, I feel as though I can't class myself as a true nerd without at least testing the device.

If I don't like it, there's always returns and eBay.
 
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Why exactly can't it replace your kindle?
 
Hey...leave Sam alone. I have had issues with his posts but he's still allowed to do whatever he wants...

What I can't believe is Sam got his and I still waiting on UPS :eek:

Let me know what you do and don't like...I am actually interested in your opinion due to your prior posts. Having someone who seemed adamantly disinterested go out and purchase one will be interesting...a different view if you will.

Welcome to the Darkside...We have cookies :)

Viva La Revolution! :apple:
 
I kind of agree with you in a way, no way am I looking to buy an iPad.... not yet anyway... 2nd generation maybe but not this current one.

It seems the iPad is about the same philosophy which lead to the television infiltrating almost every room in the house.

The main set was bought for the living room, then along came a smaller tv for the bedroom, as newer tech came on line the main one got moved to the bedroom and the small to the kitchen, then more updates and yet another shift around and so on and so on.

I can quite easily see the iPad becoming a coffee table essential, even having pride of place within the magazine rack. It will do for reading the papers on the train, a quick watch of news updates at coffee and inevitable become welded within one's life style.

In short it's yet another piece of tech which like a new puppy, will take a short while to mark out it's territory but once done so, we will love it like a member of the family. And then low and behold anyone whom tries to then take it away.

Well done Apple we will one day submit to the cybernetic realm.
 
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