Credit card in hand, in the cart - I did not pull the trigger

[JimmyTheKnife]

I'm not over complicating things. The wifi option does not do anything for me and the small storage is too constraining. So that leaves the 32gb 3g model at 729 add in AppleCare and it's over 800. Simple no?

Remember: you have up to a year to purchase the Apple Care protection, so that can make the bitter pill a bit easier to swallow.

 

[alm99]

I'm not over complicating things. The wifi option does not do anything for me and the small storage is too constraining. So that leaves the 32gb 3g model at 729 add in AppleCare and it's over 800. Simple no?

I am in the same boat as you. I want one, but I cannot justify the cost and usefulness when I can get a MB refurbed for about the same and it will do a whole lot more.

It's a fantastic complimentary device to your existing macs, but if you are lacking that for the kids it is hard to justify the cost. This is exactly my dilemma too.

 

[jedolley]

I'm the furthest thing from an Apple Fanboy, but the iPad appears it may be a perfect fit for me and the price was better than i expected. The iPad will replace at least 3 devices for me (iPod Touch, Kindle, and netbook).

 

[BruiserBear]

I'm not over complicating things. The wifi option does not do anything for me and the small storage is too constraining. So that leaves the 32gb 3g model at 729 add in AppleCare and it's over 800. Simple no?

I think you are making this more expensive than it needs to be. Do you really see yourself bringing a device of this size everywhere you go. Do you think you'll use it a lot more around the house?

I definitely think Applecare is a waste of money for the iPad. It already comes with a 1 year warranty. You pay just to add a second year to it.

 

[Bytor65]

I think you are making this more expensive than it needs to be. Do you really see yourself bringing a device of this size everywhere you go. Do you think you'll use it a lot more around the house?

I definitely think Applecare is a waste of money for the iPad. It already comes with a 1 year warranty. You pay just to add a second year to it.

Agree on all fronts. This is clearly intended as a home reader/surfer. Some will want to stretch its role of course.

But for a home surfer/reader 16G is PLENTY and you don't need 3G as you can set up your wifi hotspot.

So the $499 version is all you need for Apples intended usage. Naturally if you want to take it everywhere with you then you need more storage/3G, but really this doesn't exactly fit in a pocket so do you bring a carry all/pack with you everywhere.

 

[ntrigue]

The ideal iPad, all things considered, is the 32GB WiFi/3G. $729 is very different from $499 and I'm afraid it would cannabilize my iPhone into just a phone. If you can picture what I mean.

 

[AJsAWiz]

Maybe I'm the minority here, but I just couldn't pull the trigger on the device quite yet.

I think its a great device but as I seriously thought of my needs and uses, the iPad failed to address them. surfing at home - I can do that on my iPhone or Laptop. Watching a movie - I have a TV for that. Useful device for traveling, absolutely but I have little to no travel plans in the immediate future.

The 800 dollars I'd end up spending can be better used to buy a Mac mini for my children.

Here's the rub, how many people will go through similar though processes and pass on the iPad at least initially. May be I'll change my mind in the near future, especially when I go and play with one at the apple store (once they arrive at the apple store)

I'm having a hard time spending 800 dollars on a device that will allow me to read a book or watch a movie. Now granted, I could opt for the wifi one and save lots of $$ but the logic remains. Plus the eBooks seem to be more expensive then the real thing, at least in what I've seen so far.

Eh, go ahead and pull the trigger on the $499 model. You can always return it if you change your mind but if you wait, it could be a long one
A bird in the hand is worth 10 in the bush (yeah, I know it's 2 but 10 sounds so much better)

 

[racer1441]

Buy yourself the iPad. The kids can play with a stick or something.

You deserve the iPad. They want a mini, tell them to get a job.

 

[marksman]

Your children are going to draw with crayon all over their mac mini and put hats on it.

Rethink your decision.

 

[SchneiderMan]

People do not understand, because the iPad is so limited to features everyone should just get the $500 model just for kicks. IMO

 

[Mr Bigs]

Maybe I'm the minority here, but I just couldn't pull the trigger on the device quite yet.

I think its a great device but as I seriously thought of my needs and uses, the iPad failed to address them. surfing at home - I can do that on my iPhone or Laptop. Watching a movie - I have a TV for that. Useful device for traveling, absolutely but I have little to no travel plans in the immediate future.

The 800 dollars I'd end up spending can be better used to buy a Mac mini for my children.

Here's the rub, how many people will go through similar though processes and pass on the iPad at least initially. May be I'll change my mind in the near future, especially when I go and play with one at the apple store (once they arrive at the apple store)

I'm having a hard time spending 800 dollars on a device that will allow me to read a book or watch a movie. Now granted, I could opt for the wifi one and save lots of $$ but the logic remains. Plus the eBooks seem to be more expensive then the real thing, at least in what I've seen so far.

I know exactly what you mean and I'm gonna wait this one out.

 

[Mr Bigs]

People do not understand, because the iPad is so limited to features everyone should just get the $500 model just for kicks. IMO

That's a good idea,I also feel for the price it's lacking compared to possible upcoming devices like the Slate & Adam.

 

[marksman]

Agree on all fronts. This is clearly intended as a home reader/surfer. Some will want to stretch its role of course.

But for a home surfer/reader 16G is PLENTY and you don't need 3G as you can set up your wifi hotspot.

So the $499 version is all you need for Apples intended usage. Naturally if you want to take it everywhere with you then you need more storage/3G, but really this doesn't exactly fit in a pocket so do you bring a carry all/pack with you everywhere.

This is my thinking too. It would be good to have with you on long travel trips, but it is not an everday take with you device, I suspect, for most people. It will get the most use in the living area and such and on the couch.

Obviously people with different circumstances will have different uses for it and may take it with them. To be fair depending on what someone uses their laptop/netbook for, the much improved form factor of the iPad might make it a no brainer to take with them and then maybe the 3g model makes sense.

I know for me though, that I think the 16 gig wifi model is probably going to be enough for me. My entire music and picture library can be streamed to the device with simplifymedia, so then there is only the issue of tv shows and such. If Netflix ever does make a streaming app for it.. I will be in heaven.