I need convincing...

[samcraig]

You must suck at typing in general if you cant get use to the ipad keyboard in landscape. I can type just as fast on that as a regular keyboard.

I think this is a poor assumption. Sorry. Just because someone doesn't enjoy the experience or is as quick on the iPad keyboard doesn't mean they suck at typing in general. That's a very black/white (and dare I say "young") attitude.

People have different experiences. I was extremely reluctant to get an iPhone because I loved my tactile keyboard of my blackberry and hates the iPhone's touch typing. I still don't think I am as fast as I was on the BB, but I'm definitely at comfortable and speedy level on my iPhone now. There is/was a learning curve.

The iPad definitely affords more real estate and is easier to type on for a touch device. But not everyone "likes" or is as comfortable (or speedy) with a touch device as they are with being able to have their fingers resting on keys and touch typing with that tactile response.

That doesn't mean they "sucked". Stop projecting your experiences on others as if everyone should have the same. Life doesn't work that way.

 

[ClemTiger0408]

I appreciate the folks who are giving real answers.

To those giving me grief about "you shouldn't need us to convince you blah blah blah":

I am no slouch when it comes to doing my own research. When I make a large purchase I make an informed purchase. The same is true with the iPad. I've spent countless hours reading reviews and write-ups for the iPad. I've gone to a store and played with it on 3 separate occasions. The fact of the matter is, you never know how good or bad something is until you actually get home with it and I do not know anyone personally who has one yet.

So the "I need convincing" was a little tongue-in-cheek. It was more appropriately "are my concerns with the device rational?" I know that I want one. I want one badly. But I have that little angel on my shoulder telling me "Yes, but you don't NEED one". Of course I don't need one. This is a high-end toy (as Leo Laporte puts it - and he loves it).

So really in my first post, the point I was trying to make are "these are my concerns with the device. Are these valid concerns or does the iPad make up for what it lacks?"

 

[Crackbone]

I appreciate the folks who are giving real answers.

To those giving me grief about "you shouldn't need us to convince you blah blah blah":

I am no slouch when it comes to doing my own research. When I make a large purchase I make an informed purchase. The same is true with the iPad. I've spent countless hours reading reviews and write-ups for the iPad. I've gone to a store and played with it on 3 separate occasions. The fact of the matter is, you never know how good or bad something is until you actually get home with it and I do not know anyone personally who has one yet.

So the "I need convincing" was a little tongue-in-cheek. It was more appropriately "are my concerns with the device rational?" I know that I want one. I want one badly. But I have that little angel on my shoulder telling me "Yes, but you don't NEED one". Of course I don't need one. This is a high-end toy (as Leo Laporte puts it - and he loves it).

So really in my first post, the point I was trying to make are "these are my concerns with the device. Are these valid concerns or does the iPad make up for what it lacks?"

As you said, this is a WANT not NEED device. I didn't need one either. I have a high end desktop, 3 laptops around the house, HTPC on the TV. So, i have access to computing just about everywhere in my personal life, but what I've found is, I've been going to the iPad more than the rest. Sure, some of it is the newness factor, but all in all, its just a faster experience and easier one than the others.

The instant on is a big deal. It's the best for the most basic tasks because of the speed and portability.

That's it in a nutshell.

 

[r0k]

I appreciate the folks who are giving real answers.

To those giving me grief about "you shouldn't need us to convince you blah blah blah":

I am no slouch when it comes to doing my own research. When I make a large purchase I make an informed purchase. The same is true with the iPad. I've spent countless hours reading reviews and write-ups for the iPad. I've gone to a store and played with it on 3 separate occasions. The fact of the matter is, you never know how good or bad something is until you actually get home with it and I do not know anyone personally who has one yet.

So the "I need convincing" was a little tongue-in-cheek. It was more appropriately "are my concerns with the device rational?" I know that I want one. I want one badly. But I have that little angel on my shoulder telling me "Yes, but you don't NEED one". Of course I don't need one. This is a high-end toy (as Leo Laporte puts it - and he loves it).

So really in my first post, the point I was trying to make are "these are my concerns with the device. Are these valid concerns or does the iPad make up for what it lacks?"

You make an excellent point. Many of those who waste their time criticizing you for asking to be "convinced" are forgetting there is such a thing as a stupid question: A stupid question is the question that is not asked.

I have a friend who signed some very detrimental legal papers without showing the contract to anyone for advice because they were to "embarrassed" to ask. Now they wish they had asked and are embarrassed they didn't ask. Granted, the decision whether to buy an iPad is not such a big deal, but you have nothing to be ashamed of just for asking.

I almost took mine back for a larger model. I want more storage. But I only really need a small and lightweight machine to take to classes and meetings. So I kept my 16gig iPad and will somehow muddle through the storage issue.

I am one of those who wishes it was a netbook and I'm frustrated by the lame way Apple handles app "sandboxing". Every app has its own sandbox and the only common folder visible to every app is photos. If only Apple would open up the photos folder to ever file type (including Kindle books), I'd be almost perfectly happy with my iPad. As it is, I grumble about file handling but I'm delighted with every other aspect of the device.

 

[citi]

negatives

can't use it for business imho, can't print directly, no usb port so no external drive without shopping for solutions, typing SUCKS

I use it for business everyday, true you can't print, but it's not neccesary for me to print while in client meeting. I print when I get back to the office. Do you print from your Macbook when you are in meetings? I agree about no usb but it's ok for me.


finger prints get unbearably gross, the whole screen is a mess of grease, especially if the whole family uses it

This I agree with. I wipe it a lot!

clicking with your finger is not optimized yet, very frustrating, not the precision of a mouse for sure and the user experience is not identical, no changing your mind and clicking something else before the page switches (for example)
virtual keyboard gives you zero feedback (unlike the iphone which pops letters as you type), so you have no idea what you are pressing, I found the virtual keyboard useless for serious typers

I am a serious typer and I can honestly say I type about 75% of the speed compared to a normal keyboard. Pretty good IMHO Maybe you aren't used to it yet. BTW it works much better in the Apple case

I took a trip and i didn't bring it, i chose my trusty kindle and my macbook instead

I bring it everywhere

I surf mostly on my macbook again, i tried the ipad for a bit, but surfing is just simply more productive on a laptop. I think its a winner for old people or kids. Very user friendly but power users will be frustrated.

I find surfing much more intuitive on the iPad. That's one of it's strengths

I am not a hater, but just giving you some thoughts.

That just goes to show you that everyon'e milieage may vary. Of course as you can see from my signature, I consider my opinion extremely valid. I own it all.

 

[mikethebigo]

I need to be convinced to buy an iPad.

To get it out of the way. I have the money. Obviously, having the money is better than wasting it. But its not like I'll be building debt by buying the iPad.

If I got one, there would be no question. I'd get the 64gb 3G version.

I already have a 2007 15" MBP which is running just fine and dandy. My biggest concern with the iPad is that basic surfing the web and instant messaging will be annoying. Having to close one app and open the other back and forth I could see getting annoying (obviously I know the update in the Fall will have multitasking).

I am having minor surgery the first week of May that will have me not bed-ridden, but way more immobile than usual for a few weeks. So I'm thinking an iPad may be a good way to get through this.

But, really? For simple web-browsing (and mostly just web-browsing and chatting) is the iPad better or at least as good as on a MBP? I like the idea of the lighter weight in my lap but not if surfing the web will drive me crazy.

What do you owners think?

You ask an excellent question, actually. To be honest, one of the reasons I recently bought an iPad was to distract myself from a medical condition as well. One thing I can guarantee you is it's a great thing to play with, and you will spend countless hours enjoying it and getting to know the ins and outs of the device instead of mulling over your health/decreased physical ability.

You state a valid concern about the device. It is limited with how much you can be doing at the same time. If you often have multiple things happening at the same time on your laptop, it will be an adjustment to get used to one thing at a time. IM+, however, is a great program, because it has the webkit browser built into the program. Therefore, you can have your chat list open and still be browsing at the same time.

Ultimately, if you've got the money, you think it's a cool device, and you want something to keep yourself happy after a surgical procedure, I'd say go for it. If its lack of multitasking would bother you so much you'd just end up using your laptop anyway, spend your money on something else. I saw a 46" Sony Bravia 1080p TV at Best Buy yesterday that was cheaper than my iPad, haha.

 

[PCClone]

: A stupid question is the question that is not asked.

True, but the one that has been answered a 1000 freaking times on one forum is equally stupid!

 

[ScottFitz]

Go to best buy and spend 15 min playing on one. You won't need us to convince you.

 

[nStyle]

You are smart to ask for input.

anyone says that if you need convincing you don't want it, that is such crap.

nobody has ever owned something quite like an ipad.

I have one and i have some positives and negatives.

Overall, right now the negatives are largely outweighing the positives for me:

Positives

incredibly portable in the house and easy to use
a transforming device that my youngest enjoys and I can use and enjoy
a great way to relax and read and have a little fun

negatives

can't use it for business imho, can't print directly, no usb port so no external drive without shopping for solutions, typing SUCKS
only browser is safari so some compatibility issues there, at least for me
no flash support, surprisingly very very frustrating, first day hit three site that were unusable, credit card site, credit report site, news site
finger prints get unbearably gross, the whole screen is a mess of grease, especially if the whole family uses it
clicking with your finger is not optimized yet, very frustrating, not the precision of a mouse for sure and the user experience is not identical, no changing your mind and clicking something else before the page switches (for example)
virtual keyboard gives you zero feedback (unlike the iphone which pops letters as you type), so you have no idea what you are pressing, I found the virtual keyboard useless for serious typers
I tried using a wireless keyboard with the ipad, no compatibility.
I had to buy a brand new apple keyboard to get it to work, which made it nice. But then why not just use my laptop.

I took a trip and i didn't bring it, i chose my trusty kindle and my macbook instead

I surf mostly on my macbook again, i tried the ipad for a bit, but surfing is just simply more productive on a laptop. I think its a winner for old people or kids. Very user friendly but power users will be frustrated.

I am not a hater, but just giving you some thoughts.

I agree with all of this even the negatives. The iPad attracts finger prints like a moo. The keyboard isnhorribke ( as you can tell this is coming from my iPad). Without autocorrect, the keyboard is useless.

The browser is not productive at all. In fact it is very counter productive because there is no find feature and it is verynhardnto click small things

 

[barkomatic]

I think many people who just received their iPads sometime in the past few weeks are still in that "honeymoon" stage. You can tell by the overly-enthusiastic manner in which they describe their experiences and the harsh manner in which they immediately put down anyone who hasn't had a similar postive experience.

The novelty of it will wear off, and then we'll see what the iPad is really about. Right now, people are taking it everywhere and doing everything with it only because its a new toy and they don't want to part with it.

I recall the first iPhone release and there was a similar wave of enthusiasm. You heard things like "My laptop collects dust" and "I'm thinking about selling my MBP, what do I need it for now?" After playing with my own iPhone constantly when I first go it, now I barely use 75mb of data per month and only regularly access Google Maps, the weather, and a few games.

The most "magical and revolutionary" aspect of the iPad is that magically your wallet is a lot lighter after you buy it and download all your apps and subscriptions. Nevertheless, I like the iPad.

 

[aperry]

I really have a hard time believing that anyone can type equally as well on an iPad compared to a full size physical keyboard. The fact that you can't rest your fingers on the keys (thereby knowing exactly where each finger is in the context of the keyboard) is enough. But the fact that the numbers aren't exposed, there's no delete key, no caps lock (without changing an OS setting), etc. And the little magnifying glass that you use to move the cursor is slow and difficult to use.

The iPad's keyboard isn't *that* bad, but it's a long way from being as efficient as a regular keyboard.

 

[phpmaven]

I think this is a poor assumption. Sorry. Just because someone doesn't enjoy the experience or is as quick on the iPad keyboard doesn't mean they suck at typing in general. That's a very black/white (and dare I say "young") attitude.

People have different experiences. I was extremely reluctant to get an iPhone because I loved my tactile keyboard of my blackberry and hates the iPhone's touch typing. I still don't think I am as fast as I was on the BB, but I'm definitely at comfortable and speedy level on my iPhone now. There is/was a learning curve.

The iPad definitely affords more real estate and is easier to type on for a touch device. But not everyone "likes" or is as comfortable (or speedy) with a touch device as they are with being able to have their fingers resting on keys and touch typing with that tactile response.

That doesn't mean they "sucked". Stop projecting your experiences on others as if everyone should have the same. Life doesn't work that way.

I think it was a fair response since the poster he was responding to went on and on about how the iPad keyboard SUCKS!! True, it's not as good as typing on a real keyboard, but it's quite usable. I wouldn't want to type a novel on it, but it works quite well, much better than I thought it would. There are very few people that don't agree with that opinion. Id have to agree that if you can't find it at least usable, your typing skills are questionable.

 

[r0k]

A stupid question is the question that is not asked.

True, but the one that has been answered a 1000 freaking times on one forum is equally stupid!

I agree. Sort of. It's a case of Dumb, Dumber and Dumberer...

Dumb: Not using Search or Mroogle or simply glancing at the threads on the screen before asking a question.

Dumber: Flaming somebody because they asked something, unless they broke forum rules in some way.

Dumberer: Not asking a question because you are afraid of getting flamed for not using Search or Mroogle. Forum flames may seem hot but they don't really burn. Ask away! We won't bite!

 

[trip1ex]

Eh buy it and try it I say.

I did. And I sold mine 5 days later.

I can see it as a device of the future. But also felt the 1.0 nature of it and wasn't ready to splurge for all the content. Apps are now $10 it seems. Magazines/newspapers are priced too high. Books are too.

It's also another gadget to keep track of.

It made a great 2nd computer for my family in some ways. But my youngest is 3 and I was lucky he didn't break it before I sold it. Not something I can leave around. Also the 1.0 nature means lack of apps and support for devices such as a Flip camcorder and printing etc.

Typing on it sucks. I mean if you could easily type on the thing I think the value would go way up. Maybe if it had world class voice dictation. Maybe just a thumb style keyboard or something although not sure that would be fast enough. Maybe it could be sort of like an accordion with the keyboard on the back of the device facing outwards, split in two perpendicular to horizontal (along the back left and right edges.)

It does video great, but ....ask yourself if you really need to watch alot of video on a 10" screen from the couch? If you have an hdtv at home then probably not is what I think the answer is. Sure great for long car trips and airplane rides, but I have an iPod that does the job for those fairly rare occasions.

SAme thing goes with the music playing part.

Book reading is....great and ebooks are the future, but....lose a hardcover and you're out $15. Lose an Ipad and ....you're out $500 minimum. And can't access any of your content until you buy a new one.

I definitely see where a college student majorly benefits from an iPad once textbooks are easy peasy to load onto an iPad and 100% available.

.....

But let's face few things here. Price diminishes much of my complaints. Once these things get a few hundred dollars cheaper that's when they go mainstream. This device needs to be cheap and rugged to take off and replace paper. (On the other hand if it get a bit more powerful and easy to type on (along with more apps to fill in the holes of computing needs) it could replace the laptop and take off that way as well.)

And surfing on the couch is sweet and much better than a netbook and better in many than my desktop.

And I definitely see these things taking off in doctor's offices and in the field in other lines of work etc. Only problem there is Apple isn't really made to service this type of usage.

And while I was in Best Buy today I just stood around listening to customers in the Windows laptop section and, man, are customers of all ilks computer illiterate. They are in desperate need of a basic computing device that makes life easier so they don't have to know ram from mhz and virus protection from 3g. The iPad is a step in that direction.

 

[trip1ex]

Eh what he said.

 

[PCClone]

$10 for app is high? I guess if you are used to buying iPhone applets. If you are used to buying real software, it is a good deal.

Lose a book vs. iPad reasoning is just weak. Then we should not buy anything other than paper based media? Get rid of all laptops, netbooks, phones?

I don't have a HDTV or iPhone, just a 1g iPod so this is perfect for me.

I do agree that a desktop is not good for surfing while on the couch - hard on the nads.

So the hospital that bought 100 will be sending them back?

 

[aperry]

$10 for app is high? I guess if you are used to buying iPhone applets. If you are used to buying real software, it is a good deal.

The problem is that many of these apps are no more "real" or feature-rich than their iPhone versions that cost a fraction of the price. In many cases the only difference are higher res images.

That guy also has a great point about magazines being too pricey. For example, the Men's Health iPad app is $4.99/month, but from inside the app you can purchase a printed subscription for $1.49/month. To me that suggests a 250% premium to reading this magazine on the iPad.

 

[wolfpackfan]

I find it hilarious. Here I am absolutely loving my iPad and wondering how I ever got along without it before I purchased it and some folks still need convincing. The iPad has completely changed how I use computers (and my iPhone for that matter).

 

[trip1ex]

The problem is that many of these apps are no more "real" or feature-rich than their iPhone versions that cost a fraction of the price. In many cases the only difference are higher res images.

That guy also has a great point about magazines being too pricey. For example, the Men's Health iPad app is $4.99/month, but from inside the app you can purchase a printed subscription for $1.49/month. To me that suggests a 250% premium to reading this magazine on the iPad.

Yeah and Macs have quite a few quality free apps too. Plus iWork on the Mac is only $40ish if you look. Didn't really want to buy it again on the iPad.

WSJ was more than the internet+ home delivery option. IF you already paid for that then you still have to pay for it on the iPad.

I do think its a device of the future in many ways. Just ... well I'll wait for that day. IT's only going to get better, faster, cheaper, etc.

Looks like I will probably buy a new Touch in place of the iPad I had when the next version of it comes out. That will replace my current iPod so it won't be another gadget to keep track of. I'll get some of the Ipad functionality. Would miss the bigger screen of course, but that's the tradeoff for better portability. Ultimate would be if Apple put 3g in Touch with same no-contract plan as iPad.

 

[wgary]

Clemson Tiger?? Say no more. Yuck yuck.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

I appreciate the folks who are giving real answers.

To those giving me grief about "you shouldn't need us to convince you blah blah blah":

I am no slouch when it comes to doing my own research. When I make a large purchase I make an informed purchase. The same is true with the iPad. I've spent countless hours reading reviews and write-ups for the iPad. I've gone to a store and played with it on 3 separate occasions. The fact of the matter is, you never know how good or bad something is until you actually get home with it and I do not know anyone personally who has one yet.

So the "I need convincing" was a little tongue-in-cheek. It was more appropriately "are my concerns with the device rational?" I know that I want one. I want one badly. But I have that little angel on my shoulder telling me "Yes, but you don't NEED one". Of course I don't need one. This is a high-end toy (as Leo Laporte puts it - and he loves it).

So really in my first post, the point I was trying to make are "these are my concerns with the device. Are these valid concerns or does the iPad make up for what it lacks?"

Again, what you ask in your initial post is subjective. I love browsing on the web -- though hate using it to respond in a forum. My brother is non-plussed by it. I love reading magazines on it. My nephew says his eyes hurt after doing any amount of reading on it. And so it goes. While I think the iPad is great its not going to replace my MBP anytime soon either.

You've been to the store and played with it yourself, which is more than most iPad owners did since most of us bought blindly. If those visits to play w/ the iPad did not convince you then whatever we tell you would be the opposite of your own thoughts on it. I feel that the iPad is one of those products that you either really want or couldn't care less about. Your ambivalence seems to put you in the latter camp.

 

[Hmac]

If you need convincing, don't do it.

 

[tknice]

It's a Toy--but who cares, it's awesome!

I've had mine for a few days now and I consider myself someone who likes gadgets. I was going to pass it up and not be an early adopter because after all, I already have an iphone, a 11.6" netbook, and a larger 17" laptop--so no shortage of computers to grab here.

Once I realized that it could be used as a touchscreen for home theater and automation, and at $499 was a steal compared to other similar CE/XP/Win7 devices, it changed my whole perspective.

Time will tell whether I'm using it for novelty sake or if I genuinely love it, but I have to say it's pretty darn impressive. I consider myself a good typist (programmer by profession) and landscape should be fine for most people. The touchscreen is extremely responsive and the processor hasn't faltered once. The only complaint I have (unless you count finger smudges--C'MON NOW! ) is that the wifi periodically drops. I'm sure this will be sorted out in a firmware update so it's not really a concern.

Bottom line is it's a toy compared to a normal computer--but a very powerful one and ironically, it's kind of a throw back to the dumb terminals we had back in the day where the OS is out of the way and you run one program at a time. I see it as a device that bridges the gap between smartphones and laptops or desktops. The beauty of it all is that novice and tech savvy folks alike can really enjoy the iPad.

Get one.

 

[arcsbite]

If you need anonymous people on the internet to convince you to do something in your life due to the inability to make a personal and financial decision over a piece of tech you should be on a daytime talk show

 

[mikethebigo]

If you need anonymous people on the internet to convince you to do something in your life due to the inability to make a personal and financial decision over a piece of tech you should be on a daytime talk show

Who pissed in your cheerios this morning?