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Ipad=goodbye laptop

markosb said:
Would this man purse be like the Jack Bauer bag, minus the gun and other cool gadgets. Then I say go for it.
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:D Yep...a Jack Bauer bag.

I wish the iPad could replace my MBP. I work from home and use my MBP to login to a Virtual Desktop at work. If I can get the iPad to do that, then I can see the iPad replacing my MBP on those days when I feel like the walls are closing in on me and head out to a coffee shop to work. Given that I'm unsuccessful in accessing the Virtual Desktop with my iPhone, I suspect that I'll have the same issues with the iPad. :mad:
 
yyy said:
Tablets have a lot of drawbacks such as:

* The need to hold the device makes it difficult to interact with, especially when you need to type. Don't look at people using it for 5 minutes, think how it will feel after an hour of usage.
.
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I disagree with this point. A tablet with a touch interface and context sensitive keypad would be very useful for a number of applications while being held in one hand. This is especially true of spreadsheet applications.

In fact, this is an advantage that a tablet would have over a laptop and especially Apple's implementation. Unlike previous tablets, the iPad is an instant on device with compact applications that are easily accessible and launch relatively rapidly.

A laptop, in contrast, is not instant on, even from standby. It requires a flat surface or for the user to be seated to type on it. It is also unwieldy to hold it in one hand and to navigate using the trackpad with the other. And spreadsheet entry isn't straightforward since they typically lack dedicated numeric keypads, let alone attempting to do so from the standing position while holding it in one hand.

From what I've seen the iPad would be extremely useful in a number of on the go situations where I would never think of using a laptop either because it is too cumbersome or too slow.
 
yyy said:
Tablets have a lot of drawbacks such as:

* The need to hold the device makes it difficult to interact with, especially when you need to type. Don't look at people using it for 5 minutes, think how it will feel after an hour of usage.

* Small screen - this will always be a problem since you need to be able to hold the device and big wide screens are difficult to hold. That makes it less attractive for video watching.
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You can easily prop a tablet onto something - your lap, a pillow, etc. Why do you think you'll need to hold it for hours? The neat thing is that you can use it while walking around, standing up... but that won't be the way you'll use it for long periods.

as for the screen size... a key factor is how much of your field of it covers. If you have a smaller screen, but use it closer to your face, it can effectively appear the same to your eyes as a large screen that's further away. Of course, pixel pitch (ppi) matters too, the amount of space you need for things like fingers to interact, etc... Anyway, these are important things to consider. I think tablets screens will often be used closer to the face than laptop & desktop screens.
 
4 more days, and no more PC ( for most things )

In 4 days the world will change. No more viruses, no more rebooting, no more mouse and keyboard. I plan to get rid of my Windows PC for personal use, and I'm betting that between web applications and apps, I won't need to use my PC anymore. So, here's what I'll need to get rid of my PC.

1. Documents - Google Docs takes care of all my word processing, spreadsheets, presentations
2. Games - all the games I need are in the App Store
3. Photos - Will need an app that will upload my pictures from my iPad to cloud storage like Amazon S3. Yes I have pre-orderd the camera connection kit :)
4. Video Conference - I don't really video conference with anyone, so no issue there
5. Tax Sofware - Nothing yet from Intuit unless you live in CA. Hopefully by next year, we'll have TurboTax on the iPad.
 
ipadking said:
In 4 days the world will change. No more viruses, no more rebooting, no more mouse and keyboard. I plan to get rid of my Windows PC for personal use, and I'm betting that between web applications and apps, I won't need to use my PC anymore. So, here's what I'll need to get rid of my PC.

1. Documents - Google Docs takes care of all my word processing, spreadsheets, presentations
2. Games - all the games I need are in the App Store
3. Photos - Will need an app that will upload my pictures from my iPad to cloud storage like Amazon S3. Yes I have pre-orderd the camera connection kit :)
4. Video Conference - I don't really video conference with anyone, so no issue there
5. Tax Sofware - Nothing yet from Intuit unless you live in CA. Hopefully by next year, we'll have TurboTax on the iPad.
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More accurate would be to say YOUR world will change. Yes - the iPad will be released - and yes it is a game changer.

That being said - comments like no more rebooting are silly. While not often - I've had to reboot my iPhone and iPod Touches here and there for whatever reasons.

Enjoy
 
samcraig said:
More accurate would be to say YOUR world will change. Yes - the iPad will be released - and yes it is a game changer.

That being said - comments like no more rebooting are silly. While not often - I've had to reboot my iPhone and iPod Touches here and there for whatever reasons.

Enjoy
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Plus safari on the iphone and ipod touch is crash happy, having multiple tabs open is a timebomb on it, and in the crash you loose your history.
 
ipoddin said:
When is the last time you saw a laptop with a camera? I agree, it doesn't need a camera. Couldn't imagine holding that thing up like a camera to take a picture. Not the intended use of the device.
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Camera in the traditional "photographic" sense of the world -- you're right.

But when you think of 'camera' in its generic meaning, you unavoidably come to the category of webcams. From that perspective, when was the last time Apple sold a laptop that didn't have a camera? They have become nearly ubiquitous.
 
mrkjsn said:
:D Yep...a Jack Bauer bag.

I wish the iPad could replace my MBP. I work from home and use my MBP to login to a Virtual Desktop at work. If I can get the iPad to do that, then I can see the iPad replacing my MBP on those days when I feel like the walls are closing in on me and head out to a coffee shop to work. Given that I'm unsuccessful in accessing the Virtual Desktop with my iPhone, I suspect that I'll have the same issues with the iPad. :mad:
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Jack Bauer - CTU Messenger Bag

sushi said:
Will the iPad change the game like the iPhone?

Time will tell. Now it's too soon to know.

But if I had to guess, I would say yes. :)
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I'd say yes too.
 
It will be a game changer for me. It will also be an extra device.

The portability of the iPad along with the inclusion of iWork make it the perfect work computer for me. I'm very mobile in my job, walk around a lot, and am almost never at a desk. I normally have to carry my MBP around, put it down on a flat surface, hunch over, retrieve or make notes, or carry it around open and hold it up to show photos, PDFs, video to colleagues. Just hateful. For me the iPad is a dream come true.

I'll still need to keep my MBP for video, music and photo editing, CD/DVD copying/Burning, WebSite (iWeb) updating and the other occasional task not covered by the iPad.

The iPad will cover 90% of my computing needs (100% of my on-the-go needs) in a much lighter, portable and frankly, more fun, form factor. It may seriously make my MBP last longer, since it will not get anywhere near the wear and tear to which I normally subject it.

Definitely a major game changer for me, and I doubt I'm alone.
 
LadyHoneyBabe said:
Jack Bauer - CTU Messenger Bag
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Actually, you could leave your MBP at home connected to internet, and run logmein.com on your MacBook and you can access it via the logmein app. The logmein service works pretty good over 3g, service free with some limitations. I paid $30 for the app, but definitely worth it. Don't know if they will release a iPad high res version of the app, but I'm betting they will. Remote access works awesome on the iPhone via logmein, but I'm always wishing I had a bigger screen, and so now the iPad will be here on Sat.
 
ipadking said:
Actually, you could leave your MBP at home connected to internet, and run logmein.com on your MacBook and you can access it via the logmein app. The logmein service works pretty good over 3g, service free with some limitations. I paid $30 for the app, but definitely worth it. Don't know if they will release a iPad high res version of the app, but I'm betting they will. Remote access works awesome on the iPhone via logmein, but I'm always wishing I had a bigger screen, and so now the iPad will be here on Sat.
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Agree.

LogMeIn on the iPod touch and iPhone is wonderful. Works well and is very convenient.

I expect to see a version for the iPad.
 
Me.

I am lucky enough to have a few systems and my business is 100% Apple (I'm a former Apple badged engineer).
The last 6 years or so my main personal system has been a MBP with an external monitor & KB/BT mouse at home.
Updated every 12-18 months.

I do HD video work as a hobby, but rarely need to edit outside of the house.
The MBP was just an easy way to surf while watching TV, coffee shop, travel, etc.

Enter iPhone 3G (and GS).

The last 18 months or so I found I could travel pretty well without dragging along a laptop.
Sure, the screen was small, but the speed was fast and I could do what I needed: email, web, entertainment in flight, Google maps.
In the US & Europe I could easily find free or very cheap WiFi on a regular basis.
Cell network NOT required.

For me, the iPad Wi-Fi is PERFECT.

Looking forward to my 64GB WiFI-only unit arriving Saturday.

After the iPad Keynote, I sold my (the) latest unibody MBP + 24" Cinema & moved to a 27" iMac i5 as my main home machine.

Between my iPhone 3GS(or new model this June)/iPad/27" iMac I'm completely covered for around the house & travel: browsing forums, communication, etc.
I had a MBP because I did not always want to be at a desk to leisurely compute. I will be able to do all that now on the iPad.

Sitting on the couch watching TopGear and playing on Facebook/forums was WAY overkill for a top end MBP that can edit 720p/1080p like nobody's business.

Flash? Pppft. I've run ClickToFlash for years just to speed up many sites and such.

For full disclosure I do have 4 MBs/MBPs of varying age around the house just in case.
 
The iPad essentially combines the worst features of a smartphone and a laptop. It's too big to be carried in your pocket, yet it doesn't provide any advantage over a netbook of a similar size. Basically you'll end up with an expensive device that has the capabilities of a smartphone and the portability of a mini-laptop.

Yee-haw.
 
zipa said:
The iPad essentially combines the worst features of a smartphone and a laptop. It's too big to be carried in your pocket, yet it doesn't provide any advantage over a netbook of a similar size. Basically you'll end up with an expensive device that has the capabilities of a smartphone and the portability of a mini-laptop.

Yee-haw.
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Re: Netbooks.

How is your battery-life, size, weight, boot-up time compared to iPad?

MS Courier?
What is the weight, battery life, thickness, shipping date, & MSRP of this device?

Besides what netbook is so Apple compatible for us who run Apple only orgs/hobbies (photogs/video peeps)?
The creative industry (esp photog) is excited for such a device.

Netbooks are cheap HW and slow.
 
zipa said:
The iPad essentially combines the worst features of a smartphone and a laptop. It's too big to be carried in your pocket, yet it doesn't provide any advantage over a netbook of a similar size. Basically you'll end up with an expensive device that has the capabilities of a smartphone and the portability of a mini-laptop.

Yee-haw.
Click to expand...

In some circumstances you're right except the most important one: UI. This is where the iPad is way, way ahead of both. It allows for the the complexity of a desktop app with the simplicity of the iPhone. What's held the average person back from understanding the typical computer is the way you interact with it. As it is, I'm getting tired of learning keyboard shortcuts for every new app I download.

I'm not a blazing fast typist but I'm pretty sure, with practice, that I can get to 40wpm which is fine. The only thing I'm worried about is Flash even though I hate it. Early iPad adopters will take the brunt of missing some content as the transition to HTML5 is occurring. I've yet been musicians' site that wasn't absolutely draped in Flash.
 
Portability is the key

For me the iPad will mean not having to lug my MBP and power supply around all the time. iMac at home, MBP at the office and iPad with me everywhere.

Key points for me are:

1. Ability to run iWork apps. Without this it would just be a toy.
2. 10 hour battery life. Wow. I would have been happy with 5. 10 is killer.
3. Small and light. My Filson briefcase will get some extra space.
4. iBooks and Magazines. Great for travel. This is the future.
5. THE ultimate iPod. Fantastic on those 15 hour flights to China.
6. 3G, so I can be on the internet wherever I am.

Truth be told I did pre-order a 32gig WiFi iPad for the home, just because the thought of waiting another month for my 64gig 3G arrives was just too much. Hey, my wife needs one too!!! We will use it in the media room, as I really enjoy controlling the :apple:TV using the "Remote" app on my iPhone. With the iPad it will be even better. A smart remote that also has internet access. How very Jetson.
 
G4R2 said:
A laptop, in contrast, is not instant on, even from standby. It requires a flat surface or for the user to be seated to type on it. It is also unwieldy to hold it in one hand and to navigate using the trackpad with the other. And spreadsheet entry isn't straightforward since they typically lack dedicated numeric keypads, let alone attempting to do so from the standing position while holding it in one hand.
Click to expand...

If you want to do more than web browsing or gaming you need to seat down and put the computer on a flat surface. I don't see how it's possible for people to easily work while holding the device or leaning it on something.

Also, as I mentioned in my previous post, trackpads and keyboards belong to the past - in the future laptops will have the same touch screens tablets have and the same UI so applications would look the same on both.

vini-vidi-vici said:
You can easily prop a tablet onto something - your lap, a pillow, etc.
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I don't want to because it doesn't seem comfortable. Notice how the people in Apple's ads have to position themselves in a certain way in order to use the device - it doesn't seem comfortable, especially when you need to type (in real life the iPad won't stand still as if it is fixed to your leg).

vini-vidi-vici said:
as for the screen size... a key factor is how much of your field of it covers. If you have a smaller screen, but use it closer to your face, it can effectively appear the same to your eyes as a large screen that's further away.
Click to expand...

I don't think that's a factor. Why do people buy large screen TVs if they can buy smaller ones and watch it closer to their faces? Would you prefer to watch a movie in your house, sitting very close to the T.V. or in the cinema?
 
Im thinking the iPad will replace my mini-laptop since all I use it for is internet browsing and email/movie watching when out of town.

My biggest concern is how the iPad will work in real life situations seeing that you really need both hands to use it as it doesn't support/prop itself up.

Take this example...

Right now, Im laying in bed with my laptop next to me on the bed, typing with two hands. With the iPad, I imagne Id have to have my legs bent at the knees and rest the iPad against my thighs to type.

Even if not typing...you have to do this. If you don't, and hold it with one hand while navigatin with the other...it now requires both hands, so I can no longer sip on the can of Coke like Ive been doing while browsing the net.

I think this will be the biggest obstacle...that you cant ever really set the iPad down and continue to use it like you can with a laptop. Heck...even in the Guided Tours videos, the people had to prop their legs up EVERY time they were using the iPad and not at a desk.
 
G4R2 said:
I disagree with this point. A tablet with a touch interface and context sensitive keypad would be very useful for a number of applications while being held in one hand. This is especially true of spreadsheet applications.

In fact, this is an advantage that a tablet would have over a laptop and especially Apple's implementation. Unlike previous tablets, the iPad is an instant on device with compact applications that are easily accessible and launch relatively rapidly.

A laptop, in contrast, is not instant on, even from standby. It requires a flat surface or for the user to be seated to type on it. It is also unwieldy to hold it in one hand and to navigate using the trackpad with the other. And spreadsheet entry isn't straightforward since they typically lack dedicated numeric keypads, let alone attempting to do so from the standing position while holding it in one hand.

From what I've seen the iPad would be extremely useful in a number of on the go situations where I would never think of using a laptop either because it is too cumbersome or too slow.
Click to expand...

i've gotta agree with you and the OP. admitedly, it is a big iPod touch but maybe that's what many needed. we now a device that has substantial real estate space to actually do work on it and leave the heavy duty stuff for a proper workstation or laptop (relatively). i dont have to boot up my computer (yeah, not fond of standby modes for some OCD reason. um.. saving electricity and mother earth?) everytime i need to make a quick edit, email, browsing, notetaking etc. i would definitely love to have a camera (ease of capturing inspirations etc) and multitasking but this device will certainly lets me work more comfortably anywhere. and the APPS! magazines galore, social networking, etc.. and most of all, INSTANT ON!

some talk going on about position etc.. for the intensive typing, i'm just going to lie on the sofa and have both hands free. in the long run, i dont think its going to be a problem, someone's going to write an iPad sutra eventually
 
I'm sure I'm repeating somebody else...

If your primary computer usage is web surfing, social networking and such then the iPad could certainly replace a laptop/desktop.

If you do any "hardcore" type apps - photoshop, cad, 3d gaming FPS kind of thing than no... you still need your laptop/desktop.

Also, if you do a lot of typing/writing, I think the laptop would be better. Sure there will be a dock and the BT keyboard option, but a laptop is great for sitting in your lap with the keyboard and screen positioned like it "should" be. The KB dock doesn't look like it would work well in a lap at all. With BT, how does one prop up the screen in ones lap?

Anyway, I will have both so I will see. Maybe my poor MacBook Air will start to get lonely and gather dust. (I doubt it though.)

My Kindle on the other hand... its days are numbered!!!
 
I for one bought a new laptop to prepare for my IPAD, no it is not a MAC. I was told by my wife I could have a Mac or a PC and the IPAD Cost is not the only decider here, my work is all Micro$oft,so I am a slave to the man (Gates) although my new machine is Win 7 and I find it very good, and affordable too.
 
ipoddin said:
When is the last time you saw a laptop with a camera? I agree, it doesn't need a camera. Couldn't imagine holding that thing up like a camera to take a picture. Not the intended use of the device.
Click to expand...

Pretty much every laptop has a cam built in nowadays - including some apple products...

Most people who talk about the lack of cam ARENT talking about using the iPad as a picture taker.
 
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