Okay, I just don't get it. I was on Apple's website today looking at the iPad. When I heard it was going to sell for $499 I thought I'd probably get one. Then I started looking at the models they are going to sell, and of course I see that I would want the 3G as well, not just wi-fi. But....top model with 64 GB wi-fi + 3G is going to sell for $829. I am thinking to myself...guess I am out of touch with reality. Why would I or anyone else spend that much money when for a few dollars more I could have a laptop with so much more capabilities? Is anyone else thinking along the same lines or am I just uninformed? So, I am asking those of you that know more about this than I do.....why would I want to spend that much for something that is far more limited (imo) than a macbook?
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iPad instead of macbook?
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you're going to get a bunch of responses from a lot of people who have developed the 'ipadditude". At the end of the day - it all depends on what your needs/uses are as to which device will be better for you.
Most people will probably say something along the lines that it's not "limited" it's just "different." The iPad theoretically fills a different niche than the Macbook, but I'm with you- I don't really understand why people would spend that much.
It is a totally different marketing target from the MacBook
If a MacBook is what you need... then by all means get one
For others, the iPad will fit nicely into their lives
It is just a different option and options are good
If a MacBook is what you need... then by all means get one
For others, the iPad will fit nicely into their lives
It is just a different option and options are good
It depends on what you need. If you don't care about the form factor or touchscreen, which are huge selling points of the device, then don't get an iPad.
So far, the iPad no contract 3G data plan is unique, and with a regular laptop or netbook, you'll probably need to get a mobile contract to get 3G connectivity.
So far, the iPad no contract 3G data plan is unique, and with a regular laptop or netbook, you'll probably need to get a mobile contract to get 3G connectivity.
People who buy them already have a computer, its not going to replace a laptop but supplement it.
That's the market segment apple is shooting for, the inbetween folks who want more then an iphone experience but don't want to lug around their laptops.
That's the market segment apple is shooting for, the inbetween folks who want more then an iphone experience but don't want to lug around their laptops.
It depends on your needs. In my case:
1) It does everything I want/need my primary computer to do already, and will undoubtedly only get more capable over time via OS updates and great apps.
2) It weighs half as much as the next lightest portable, the air, and less than a third of the all-in weight of the MBPs.
1 + 2 = 64GB + 3G version as my primary computer.
Also, to maflynn, who said "...its not going to replace a laptop but supplement it." Not in my case. The MBP gets retired for good in my case.
Not really. If you are talking RAM, there is no real need since only one application runs at a time. As far as capacity goes, you are pretty much limited to what is available in the market - right now 32 gigs is the limit of single chip memory (most likley it comes with two memory chips).
Remember, the Flash based iPods and the iPhone are not upgradeable either - they are not supposed to be. Lots of devices are built that way.
This is not like a computer where you are going to be holding everything on it forever. It's not that type of device.
I think that if someone has, let's say, an iMac and has an iPhone. They are most likely to go for the iPad, since it keeps in sync perfectly with everything, you don't need to set it up (not really), it's light and portable, it has all the basic internet/computer needs and it has more battery-life. I think this is a case in which the iPad's price can be justified over the Macbook's price.
Ams.
Ams.
That's ultimately an extremely niche-y need. The HDDs in an MBP are technically upgradeable, but hardly anyone actually does so. I'd be shocked if the % of MBPs in the field have more than say one ten-thousandth of a % with upgraded HDDs.
Yes, the HDDs in MBPs are larger to begin with, but iPhone apps have much much much smaller footprints than full-OSX applications do. Even if the average iPad app were 10x the size of an iPhone app (doubtful) they'd still be a small fraction of the size of an OSX app.
And, the iPad/iPhone offers much easier/robust tools (iTunes) for swapping apps and media on and off the device.
I mean look ultimately more storage is always better, no doubt about it, particularly since cloud storage/streaming of our media is still off on the horizon somewhere. However, pinning an inability to increase the memory on the iPad is a little bit disingenuous when hardly anyone does so on their laptops. If you need this capability then the iPad is obviously not for you.
That's your contribution? Ok. Well the laptop can do things that an iPad just can't do.
LOL
I think the decision is all about your overall computing needs. For me, I have desktop and portablity needs. So currently, at my desk, I use a MB that attaches to a 23" Apple monitor and external Apple keyboard and mouse. When I am done at my desk, I disconnect and walk away with the MB. While away from my desk, my computing is really limited to email, internet, and telephone work requiring a calendar and address book. Therefore, the choice I've made is to get either the 16gb or 32gb WiFi only version. I'll have my iPhone for 3G connection and music, therefore won't need the larger, more costly versions of the iPad with 3G. Then at my desk, I'll get a Mac Mini and take this opportunity to upgrade the processor and memory to better handle those more demanding apps. I also like that the iPad isn't really a 2nd computer, so I don't have the inherent problems of syncing my work. I'll do it all through MobileMe or iTunes and have one simply solution to handling my desk and mobile needs. I can't wait!
Paul
Paul
I have an iMac, wife will get a macbook to replace CRAPPY netbook. I will get a wi-fi only iPad so I don't have carry my iMac around. I don't have an iPod/iPhone touch, so those arguments don't matter to me.
We also have an 11 month old daughter, while she isn't going to hold it, she can view movies that daddy is watching.
We also have an 11 month old daughter, while she isn't going to hold it, she can view movies that daddy is watching.
I'm getting the 16GB Wi-Fi. I had planned on getting a MacBook Air but decided to buy an iPad since it's even lighter and has a much better screen. It does everything I need for a lot less money. So, I actually feel like I'm saving $1k.
I agree.
You really have to ask yourself, "How often do I browse the web or check email from the couch?"
Then ask yourself, "How willing am I to get up to use a computer when I inevitably come across a website with flash, media that isn't supported, or when I want to do anything with email other than read it (type more than two sentences, attach anything beyond a picture)?"
If you answered "often" and at least "somewhat willing" to these questions, then the iPad is for you.
I wouldn't use an iPad as an primary computer, the Macbook can do a lot more and if your looking for a primary then I would go with that. The iPad however is a great compliment to a primary, I will be using mine as a secondary device to my Mac mini.
Ahh, yes, flash. I had forgotten about that. So, what's the percentage of websites that use flash that I would be unable to access due to that? Since I don't know anything about how that is used, is that something that can be addressed later by an OS update or is it something that will never be there based on hardware issues?
My suggestion would be to install Click2Flash on your computer. This program blocks all flash unless you click the translucent box where flash should be. This program will help you get an understanding of how much you use or don't use flash.
For some, they use flash all the time (especially if you like all of the little free games on the net). For me, flash only comes up when I want to watch an occasional embedded video. You will probably notice that most of the flash on webpages are ads.
P-Worm
You'd buy the ipad when you already have a computer or when your computer needs are no more than browsing the Internet, email and media wicth is 90% of the people