Nav 9 "slate" PC, is apparently setting the standard...

[qtx43]

I think the main thing people don't get is that the iPad is more of an appliance than a computer. ...

Maybe I'm just goint to say what you're saying in a different way, but...

I think the difference is people argue more about the feature list instead of what they're actually going to use it for (with some exceptions). With the way I work, I'll only have desktop computers plus an iPad. I always hated laptops anyway, so this is a very good thing.

 

[master-ceo]

Debage it and Rock-n-Roll!!!

Its ugly like its brother tho.

 

[vini-vidi-vici]

The problem that might arise form John Q Public is that it doesn't. I'm not trying to be antagonistic. But if we are to believe some of the posters here and their opinions of the public - they won't see the iPad as working when they can't visit some of their favorite sites without being broken. Or that they can't have a document open while IMing with their friend.

I am NOT saying the iPad isn't a wonderful device - or appliance as you suggest. But this whole "it just works" campaign doesn't work for me...

I'm not sure which sites these are though... I guess you mean flash sites? most of the flash I see on the web is ads... yes, movies might be a big thing too... but some of the bigger video sites are already moving toward other options, or considering custom apps that will allow the same functionality. (i.e. facebook games could just as easily be apps that interface with facebook, you could have a comedy central app that lets you see all their videos, etc.).

I say all this despite the fact that I have a business that currently depends on flash working within a website (www.rotatephoto.com). I'm looking at other options though, as I think I have to... my main business is the user experience (and the photography), not the vehicle that brings it to the user.

 

[MRU]

The biggest problem all these companies face in matching the iPad is getting that $499 price.

I'm sure we will eventually see a nice pc slate/tablet device but as it currently stands even with all its limitations I'd take an ipad over any of them.

These windows 7 netbook tablets suffer the same problem all the time - they are the jack of all trades but master of none. The ipad doesn't do everything, but what it does do - it does well and more importantly fast & responsively (according to those that have used the device).

 

[sJv]

I think this article from Matt Gemmell (via Daring Fireball) sums things up very nicely. I believe Apple has a multi-year head start on the tablet consumer device. Pure hardware companies (which is just about everyone else) can't do it alone as they need appropriate software to complete the device. Microsoft can possibly pull off the software, but they don't have a good track record. The linux community is too diffuse. Google is about the only company with the necessary focus (and deep pockets), but they often lack vision.

I can't wait to see how this all unfolds over the next few years!

-steve

 

[glossywhite]

I think this article from Matt Gemmell (via Daring Fireball) sums things up very nicely. I believe Apple has a multi-year head start on the tablet consumer device. Pure hardware companies (which is just about everyone else) can't do it alone as they need appropriate software to complete the device. Microsoft can possibly pull off the software, but they don't have a good track record. The linux community is too diffuse. Google is about the only company with the necessary focus (and deep pockets), but they often lack vision.

I can't wait to see how this all unfolds over the next few years!

-steve

Android is the same confusing mess that Windows has created. Many different manufacturers, each with their own idea of what the hardware should be, and each with their own slant on how Android should be customised... and that doesn't even begin to address that there are FIVE (maybe more) Android versions out in the wild right now, making target platform prediction a nightmare, coupled with the unpredictability of not knowing which handset your app will land on.

Apple have it nailed; it is that simple.

 

[sJv]

Android is the same confusing mess that Windows has created. Many different manufacturers, each with their own idea of what the hardware should be, and each with their own slant on how Android should be customised... and that doesn't even begin to address that there are FIVE (maybe more) Android versions out in the wild right now, making target platform prediction a nightmare, coupled with the unpredictability of not knowing which handset your app will land on.

Apple have it nailed; it is that simple.

I agree with you, but Android is in it's infancy and I wouldn't underestimate Google. Even Microsoft is starting to meander in the generally correct direction with Windows Phone 7 by dictating consistent hardware features and forbidding UI add-ons. Google could very well do the same.

This just points out that if the iPad were wildly successful with the non-technorati, then it will take years for someone to come up with a competitive product. Even after almost 3 years, manufacturers are still playing catch-up to the iPhone.

-steve