iPad Versus Netbook

[Sketh]

Imo, a netbook + Jolicloud is as good as highly-mobile computer gets.

See, I wanted to like Jolicloud, but all of the "Apps" are just normal programs or websites wrapped in Prism. Using the facebook app was about half the speed as just going to it on the browser.

That's why I think Chrome would be a better choice for netbooks than Jolicloud is.

Plus there were too many UI rough patches for my OCD self.

 

[master-ceo]

I have both an Asus netbook and the Archos 9 tablet.
I'm aware the 9 is not an iPad.

Have you installed any apps on the 9? Is it fast enough for you?
I wonder how a few audio edit apps would perform on it.

 

[bcrguy]

From what I've seen, an iPad is a lot easier to carry around than the smaller netbooks. The one netbook I've used was a bit clunky and had an unusable keyboard/trackpad setup for someone who has adult-size hands.

But the iPad doesn't do everything that a netbook does, mainly with a "full" OS. But aside from entering the Flash debate, what else do you need in something so compact? From descriptions I have seen, the netbook class is made to be ultra-portable and do e-mail and Web tasks, perhaps with an Office suite.

The iPad is also an e-reader, and if it works as well as I'm guessing a very large iPhone would, that's a key bonus in my book -- no pun intended.

agreed in my opinion trying to put a full os onto a device with limited capabilities is the downfall.. (eg. running full xp on a netbook with only 1 gb of ram.. i know you could pbly do a little more but from what i have seen that was average) this is why netbooks have not succeeded.. i think the iPad will do very well because its NOT a full os..

 

[dave1812dave]

agreed in my opinion trying to put a full os onto a device with limited capabilities is the downfall.. (eg. running full xp on a netbook with only 1 gb of ram.. i know you could pbly do a little more but from what i have seen that was average) this is why netbooks have not succeeded.. i think the iPad will do very well because its NOT a full os..

You are clueless! Win 7 runs fine on netbooks, as does XP. I've got an Acer with 1GB of RAM and 7 is very respectable on it. I think the Ipad would have done very well (for a larger segment of the buying public) had it been DESIGNED TO RUN A FULL OS.

 

[colmaclean]

You are clueless! Win 7 runs fine on netbooks, as does XP. I've got an Acer with 1GB of RAM and 7 is very respectable on it. I think the Ipad would have done very well (for a larger segment of the buying public) had it been DESIGNED TO RUN A FULL OS.

I have a MBP 2.4GHz which has the fans running full tilt and a high temperature when Time Machine, iTunes and Firefox are running together.

How are you going to shoehorn this into the iPad and be able to hold it without wearing asbestos gloves?

 

[bossxii]

You are clueless! Win 7 runs fine on netbooks, as does XP. I've got an Acer with 1GB of RAM and 7 is very respectable on it. I think the Ipad would have done very well (for a larger segment of the buying public) had it been DESIGNED TO RUN A FULL OS.

The "buying public" you speak of, clearly has no clue how to deal with Windows OS or they wouldn't be paying places like Best Buy's "Geek Sqaud" to reinstall the OS, clean up malware and viruses. Those companies make a killing off the public because they have NO CLUE how to maintain a full OS. Just because it's installed on a netbook or tablet won't change that fact. They want simple, easy to use devices. They don't even NEED full OS for what they do.

 

[NoSmokingBandit]

See, I wanted to like Jolicloud, but all of the "Apps" are just normal programs or websites wrapped in Prism. Using the facebook app was about half the speed as just going to it on the browser.

Then just use firefox. Nobody is forcing you to use the site-specific apps.

 

[dave1812dave]

The "buying public" you speak of, clearly has no clue how to deal with Windows OS or they wouldn't be paying places like Best Buy's "Geek Sqaud" to reinstall the OS, clean up malware and viruses. Those companies make a killing off the public because they have NO CLUE how to maintain a full OS. Just because it's installed on a netbook or tablet won't change that fact. They want simple, easy to use devices. They don't even NEED full OS for what they do.

The buying public prefers Windows over Mac OS about 10:1.

 

[Sketh]

Then just use firefox. Nobody is forcing you to use the site-specific apps.

Correct, that's what I said I did. I used Chrome (the browser, not OS) on jolicloud instead of the apps.

What I was saying is that I think Jolicloud missed the mark, offering a nice interface, but not quite getting there. I'm still a fan, and if I had a netbook I'd toy with it, but I just don't think it offers anything more than NBR does.

 

[bossxii]

The buying public prefers Windows over Mac OS about 10:1.

Ignorance is bliss eh?

Seriously, if you think they actually make a choice to buy Windows? They buy a brand name like HP, Dell, Sony.. MS is responsible for the rest. The entire reason Apple has record sales quarter after quarter is because people start to figure out how bad Windows is. They don't want to maintain their computers... they want to USE them, nothing more.

 

[dgree03]

Ignorance is bliss eh?

Seriously, if you think they actually make a choice to buy Windows? They buy a brand name like HP, Dell, Sony.. MS is responsible for the rest. The entire reason Apple has record sales quarter after quarter is because people start to figure out how bad Windows is. They don't want to maintain their computers... they want to USE them, nothing more.

I need to maintain my Macbook Pro... so whats the difference? I have problem with OSX just like I had problems with windows...

 

[bossxii]

I need to maintain my Macbook Pro... so whats the difference? I have problem with OSX just like I had problems with windows...

While I don't want to totally derail this thread, as the topic is netbook vs iPad, not Win vs OSX...

I can only guess you haven't had BSOD on your MBP? Do you regularly get malware that slows your Mac to a crawl? Have you ever been to a point you either needed to dig thru thousands of lines of the registry... err nvm OSX does't have one. Most people (not you or me, the other 90% of the people that are not tech savvy) end up taking their PC to someone to RE install Windows because it's easier then trying to deal with all the issues the registry causes.

 

[laserfox]

Ignorance is bliss eh?

Seriously, if you think they actually make a choice to buy Windows? They buy a brand name like HP, Dell, Sony.. MS is responsible for the rest. The entire reason Apple has record sales quarter after quarter is because people start to figure out how bad Windows is. They don't want to maintain their computers... they want to USE them, nothing more.

I disagree. Lots of people buy Macs cause they're "shiny" and trendy. The OS really has little to do with it. People end of liking the OS yes, but its the wow factor that pulls them in. Not your ish about maintenance. Macs have problems too. In fact my friend been to genius bar more times than I could count with his new mac book pro. My netbook which I bought around the same time, has had zero problems.

 

[OneMike]

Ignorance is bliss eh?

Seriously, if you think they actually make a choice to buy Windows? They buy a brand name like HP, Dell, Sony.. MS is responsible for the rest. The entire reason Apple has record sales quarter after quarter is because people start to figure out how bad Windows is. They don't want to maintain their computers... they want to USE them, nothing more.

I disagree.

1) When you go into a store you have a choice. You can buy a PC with a monitor starting at what $300+. For Mac at a minimum you're paying $999 for a 13inch laptop. PC you can get a 17inch laptop for $500. Other then a mini all Macs are over $1000, and when you factor in the cost a monitor, keyboard, mouse, that still puts the mini over the price of a PC.

Ignore specs and all of that. The average PC and Mac user doesn't use programs more intensive than office or even understand specs more then thinking bigger numbers are better. It comes down to price and familiarity.

2) People jump on trends more than anything. Apple makes pretty items that look cool so people want them.

I use Apple solely for the last 6+ years but come on.

 

[bossxii]

I disagree.

1) When you go into a store you have a choice. You can buy a PC with a monitor starting at what $300+. For Mac at a minimum you're paying $999 for a 13inch laptop. PC you can get a 17inch laptop for $500. Other then a mini all Macs are over $1000, and when you factor in the cost a monitor, keyboard, mouse, that still puts the mini over the price of a PC.

Ignore specs and all of that. The average PC and Mac user doesn't use programs more intensive than office or even understand specs more then thinking bigger numbers are better. It comes down to price and familiarity.

2) People jump on trends more than anything. Apple makes pretty items that look cool so people want them.

I use Apple solely for the last 6+ years but come on.

Actually some excellent points. While the price is a factor that people may not be able to afford a MB at $999, they do know "how" they use their computer. They will tell you something as simple as email and surfing. To some wanting to watch video and share pictures with friends/family. Now they will have an option for a device that can do all those things for $499. Plus they won't need to worry about malware, viruses and ever having to reinstall the OS because they don't understand how the OS works. They don't need to understand how the iPad works, frankly they don't care how it works, they just want it to work. Period. That basic concept is why people end up buying a Mac.

Sure Mac's have issues, clearly the 27" iMac has a slew of hardware problems, their have been heat issues (MBA), graphic chips gone bad, DOA machines etc... Still doesn't change how Windows works vs OS X and the problems that arise from the Windows OS.

Almost forgot to address number 2... so Apple computers are just a fad? or trend as you call it that will fade away soon yes?

 

[DaveSW]

the iPad is meant to be an appliance. something that JUST WORKS and has a few core features.

Netbooks are just slower and crappier versions of laptops that's not good at ANYTHING. (oh wow i can play flash games on facebook whoop dee doo!! is that a USB port? holy shyieett!!" wait you mean i can multitask on this 1GB Windows-powered beast??) Virus? Trojans? Spyware? whats that??

 

[r0k]

I picked up an Acer Aspire One at Christmas 2008. I thought it would replace my desktop for most uses. I belt sanded away the offensive Windows XP and installed Ubuntu. I was ready to go. Or so I thought. Now it's a little over a year later and I've spent all of about 5 hours using my AAO. Yes, I do like having a smaller, lighter machine to carry with me when I travel. But that's about the ONLY time I put up with the mere 600 pixels of vertical resolution and the idiots who design dialog boxes with the question in the top 150 pixels and the action buttons in the bottom 150 pixels of a form that is 750 pixels high. Then there's the quirks of Ubuntu. I'm almost ready to give hackintosh or even windows 7 a try after the silliness Ubuntu has put me through.

Now I'm about to get an iPad. First of all, I'm going in with my eyes open. I know it's not a macbook replacement because it's not a Macbook. Will I use it as much as I use my Macbook? I don't know. But I can say that I use my iPod Touch numerous times throughout the day a LOT more than I use my Macbook. What are obstacles to using an iPad? First, Apple needs to let 3rd party email apps onto the thing. I want thundirbird and evolution. Not the version of Apple Mail that comes with iPhone OS and not even the version that comes with OS X. I also want firefox. I don't like or use Safari except on my iPod Touch and only then because I can't run Firefox on the thing. How well Apple implements the features I need will predict how much I use the thing. But I do expect to use it more often than I use my netbook. I think it's a step up from a netbook in several important areas and if Apple is more open about the software that's allowed on the iPad, it can become more of a "primary" machine for me, especially if it allows me to screenshare into a real Mac when I want to.

I'm waiting for the "Poor Man's Imac" shots to show up about a week after launch with an iPad sitting on a wooden stand with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse in front of it. Perhaps some duct tape will be added and we'll see it on the Red Green show.

 

[4DThinker]

Have you installed any apps on the 9? Is it fast enough for you?
I wonder how a few audio edit apps would perform on it.

Yes, it's fast enough. I don't play any 3D games though. The most challenging App I have installed is a DVD ripper, and when using a USB DVD drive it takes 40 minutes or so, just like my desktop does. I've been intentionally looking for apps to paralled what the ipad states it can do. I found a nice ePub reader, the Kindle desktop reader, VLC media player, Windows live email, Windows Security Essentials, the Google Chrome Browser, my Canon MP640 Wifi Printer drivers and associated software, and the Lotus Office apps that came with it. All of this software was included or free. I'm conflicted over whether to put iTunes or the Zune software on it, since I have both brands of devices. The included windows media player handles everything else. Windows Home Premium that I upgrade to also includes Windows Media Center, and while I don't have TV tuner attached it can still find and play web TV/music/radio/etc., as well as all my local networked/shared media.

The Archos 9 is NOT a workhorse. Just like the iPad, it's intended mainly to serve easy media and the web to you while on your sofa or on-the-go. The OS it comes with (windows Starter Edition) is barely up to that challenge. Archos should never have sold it that way. They left it upgradable though, and for about the same money I would have to spend to get an ipad similarly equiped, the Archos does allow upgrading to a reasonable performance level.

 

[dave1812dave]

Ignorance is bliss eh?

Seriously, if you think they actually make a choice to buy Windows? They buy a brand name like HP, Dell, Sony.. MS is responsible for the rest. The entire reason Apple has record sales quarter after quarter is because people start to figure out how bad Windows is. They don't want to maintain their computers... they want to USE them, nothing more.

Record sales haven't translated to much of a slice of the overall "pie" for computer sales. I'm not ignorant at all when it comes to computers. Just because I didn't buy into the OS of YOUR choice, doesn't make me ignorant. It simply makes you rude and condescending.

 

[dave1812dave]

I picked up an Acer Aspire One at Christmas 2008. I thought it would replace my desktop for most uses. I belt sanded away the offensive Windows XP and installed Ubuntu. I was ready to go. Or so I thought. Now it's a little over a year later and I've spent all of about 5 hours using my AAO. Yes, I do like having a smaller, lighter machine to carry with me when I travel. But that's about the ONLY time I put up with the mere 600 pixels of vertical resolution and the idiots who design dialog boxes with the question in the top 150 pixels and the action buttons in the bottom 150 pixels of a form that is 750 pixels high. Then there's the quirks of Ubuntu. I'm almost ready to give hackintosh or even windows 7 a try after the silliness Ubuntu has put me through.

Now I'm about to get an iPad. First of all, I'm going in with my eyes open. I know it's not a macbook replacement because it's not a Macbook. Will I use it as much as I use my Macbook? I don't know. But I can say that I use my iPod Touch numerous times throughout the day a LOT more than I use my Macbook. What are obstacles to using an iPad? First, Apple needs to let 3rd party email apps onto the thing. I want thundirbird and evolution. Not the version of Apple Mail that comes with iPhone OS and not even the version that comes with OS X. I also want firefox. I don't like or use Safari except on my iPod Touch and only then because I can't run Firefox on the thing. How well Apple implements the features I need will predict how much I use the thing. But I do expect to use it more often than I use my netbook. I think it's a step up from a netbook in several important areas and if Apple is more open about the software that's allowed on the iPad, it can become more of a "primary" machine for me, especially if it allows me to screenshare into a real Mac when I want to.

I'm waiting for the "Poor Man's Imac" shots to show up about a week after launch with an iPad sitting on a wooden stand with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse in front of it. Perhaps some duct tape will be added and we'll see it on the Red Green show.

Poor you! You could be enjoying a 1366x768 screen on some of the current netbooks, along with Win 7. Time to stop whining and do it RIGHT!

 

[r0k]

I picked up an Acer Aspire One at Christmas 2008. I thought it would replace my desktop for most uses. I belt sanded away the offensive Windows XP and installed Ubuntu. I was ready to go. Or so I thought. Now it's a little over a year later and I've spent all of about 5 hours using my AAO. Yes, I do like having a smaller, lighter machine to carry with me when I travel. But that's about the ONLY time I put up with the mere 600 pixels of vertical resolution and the idiots who design dialog boxes with the question in the top 150 pixels and the action buttons in the bottom 150 pixels of a form that is 750 pixels high. Then there's the quirks of Ubuntu. I'm almost ready to give hackintosh or even windows 7 a try after the silliness Ubuntu has put me through.

Now I'm about to get an iPad. First of all, I'm going in with my eyes open. I know it's not a macbook replacement because it's not a Macbook. Will I use it as much as I use my Macbook? I don't know. But I can say that I use my iPod Touch numerous times throughout the day a LOT more than I use my Macbook. What are obstacles to using an iPad? First, Apple needs to let 3rd party email apps onto the thing. I want thundirbird and evolution. Not the version of Apple Mail that comes with iPhone OS and not even the version that comes with OS X. I also want firefox. I don't like or use Safari except on my iPod Touch and only then because I can't run Firefox on the thing. How well Apple implements the features I need will predict how much I use the thing. But I do expect to use it more often than I use my netbook. I think it's a step up from a netbook in several important areas and if Apple is more open about the software that's allowed on the iPad, it can become more of a "primary" machine for me, especially if it allows me to screenshare into a real Mac when I want to.

I'm waiting for the "Poor Man's Imac" shots to show up about a week after launch with an iPad sitting on a wooden stand with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse in front of it. Perhaps some duct tape will be added and we'll see it on the Red Green show.

Poor you! You could be enjoying a 1366x768 screen on some of the current netbooks, along with Win 7. Time to stop whining and do it RIGHT!

I felt pretty let down when I saw netbooks were available with 768 vertical. I don't want to throw "good money after bad" and sell my old one and get a new one just for the row of 168 pixels and still have to choose between hackintosh, windows 7 and ubuntu. I would rather wait until the iPad comes out and see if I like it better. Maybe I'll be the guy posting a "Poor Man's Imac" pic. It turns out M$ is considering offering Office for iPad. It also turns out they plan to bring that clueless ribbon over from Office 2007 to Office 2011. Yucky poo. Let's hope OpenOfficeDotOrg ports to iPad and I'll be happy.

 

[Revomonster]

Ipad

In would always choose an iPad over a netbook. But if I were spending 500 bucks on something that can not do everything,(like a MacBook or a mac I general) the. I would save up the extra money and just get an mini mac. But the iPad looks great to me.

 

[dave1812dave]

I felt pretty let down when I saw netbooks were available with 768 vertical. I don't want to throw "good money after bad" and sell my old one and get a new one just for the row of 168 pixels and still have to choose between hackintosh, windows 7 and ubuntu. I would rather wait until the iPad comes out and see if I like it better. Maybe I'll be the guy posting a "Poor Man's Imac" pic. It turns out M$ is considering offering Office for iPad. It also turns out they plan to bring that clueless ribbon over from Office 2007 to Office 2011. Yucky poo. Let's hope OpenOfficeDotOrg ports to iPad and I'll be happy.

I also detest the ribbon. I prefer Office 2003 to any of the newer Office versions. It opens faster, does EVERYTHING I need it to do, and I know it quite well. Lucky for me I have a 3 pack and each time I install a new OS or get a new computer I install it on the 3 machines I have running at the moment. I can do that for the foreseeable future.

I don't really care what MS does with respect to the iPad, I can't see myself buying one. My Touch is a great complement to my dumb phone--it's portable. The iPad isn't (if it won't fit in a pocket, it's a non-starter for me)

 

[~~Hello~~]

I also detest the ribbon. I prefer Office 2003 to any of the newer Office versions. It opens faster, does EVERYTHING I need it to do, and I know it quite well. Lucky for me I have a 3 pack and each time I install a new OS or get a new computer I install it on the 3 machines I have running at the moment. I can do that for the foreseeable future.

I don't really care what MS does with respect to the iPad, I can't see myself buying one. My Touch is a great complement to my dumb phone--it's portable. The iPad isn't (if it won't fit in a pocket, it's a non-starter for me)

Well my netbook won't fit in my pocket either but you don't see me moaning about it!

I detest office 2007, I much prefer 2003. It will be interesting to see what microsoft come up with on the ipad. Not sure if I'll be getting one. I think I'd prefer a new macbook at some point.

 

[dave1812dave]

Well my netbook won't fit in my pocket either but you don't see me moaning about it!

I detest office 2007, I much prefer 2003. It will be interesting to see what microsoft come up with on the ipad. Not sure if I'll be getting one. I think I'd prefer a new macbook at some point.

But, but, but...I have a Touch. Ergo, I don't want an iPad. Get it??