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I agree with you - sort of. If your family relies heavily on conveying information through Flash based media, sure, I could see the advantage.

Not heavily, but it's difficult to explain to a 85 year old why the link on the email from a grandkid to the Flipshot video site doesn't work ... only on her iPad.

Heck, I didn't even realize the times we used Flash sites until I got my mother an iPad. Sure, there are workarounds, but she's far away and it's not easy explaining things over the phone to someone with their first computer :)

But then there's the downside - apart from movies, Flash sucks for touch input devices. It is purely designed to work with traditional input devices (i.e. keyboard and mouse).

People tend to forget that HTML/CSS/JS was also designed for mice. Flash and HTML share exactly the same input dilemna when faced with touch, and will have to use similar solutions.

I think that your mum might be better served with a laptop than a tablet.

The whole point of the iPad was make her first computer easy to use. As it turns out, iOS is not at all "intuitive" unless you have a tutor nearby :)

I've told the story before about the first time she pressed on an app icon, and unbeknownst to me (500 miles away on the phone) it went into jiggle rearrange mode. She was confused, and I was confused at first figuring out what she meant by "everything is vibrating" (what? the iPad has a buzzer, I wondered?).
 
I've told the story before about the first time she pressed on an app icon, and unbeknownst to me (500 miles away on the phone) it went into jiggle rearrange mode. She was confused, and I was confused at first figuring out what she meant by "everything is vibrating" (what? the iPad has a buzzer, I wondered?).

Yeah I know how hard it can be - we often take for granted that we actually posess schema that help us quickly adapt to new technology, but if you don't (as many older individuals who grew up with an abacus instead of something from TI) the learning curve on even the simplest of gadgets is still steep.

On the other hand, there are some exceptions - I got a Skype call out of the blue from my fiancees 86 year old grandfather who had just taught himself how to sign up, find firends and family, and then make video calls in the space of a weekend. Rather random, because all of a sudden I am face to face with her grandfather, with whom I had hitherto never exchanged a word :eek:(awkward!)
 
A "perfect technological congruence" is achieved when their are no competitors in the market place. If 100% of the internet users use one software, there wont be any incomplete webpages built in this world.

Do you want to live in a monopoly? Do you want to live in a totalitarian computer world?

Microsoft almost succeeded in making this "perfect technological congruence: they had 93% of the web browser market share. "Freedom" crying programmers destroyed the "perfect technological congruence".

Thanks for taking the time to spell it out - I thought it would have been enough to leave it implied especially because I didn't want my post to turn into an essay, but I guess not everyone can read between the lines and think rationally about the consequences.
 
1) But would'nt it be great if the iPad can do it? It can free up your hand. Hey, you can carry MORE iPads with your free hand! :D

2) Your using the wrong browser. Also, no need for foul languages. It just increases your blood pressure. :)

No, no need to carry more than one.

I've used Chrome, Firefox, Opera, IE, and Safari on Windows and IE, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera on the Mac. All have crashed because of Flash. Want to tell me I'm using the wrong browser?
 
No, no need to carry more than one.

I've used Chrome, Firefox, Opera, IE, and Safari on Windows and IE, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera on the Mac. All have crashed because of Flash. Want to tell me I'm using the wrong browser?

Ditto

One of my biggest pet peeved with Flash is that it often rebutters a video that it already buffered in its entirety if you click on the slider too much. WTF? Our Internet is not the fastest, and not the cheapest by a long shot, so constantly having videos rebuffed (and often fail to load) is very aggravating.
 
I don't see anyone being able to compete too well with Apple in the tablet arena. These other manufacturers just cannot match Apple's economies of scale. Apple is able to offer a higher quality product at a lower price point than its competitors.

The Galaxy tab is smaller, not as high of quality and will probably (guessing here) be $299 subsidized and probably $600 or more unsubsidized, whereas the 16GB 3G iPad is $629. Taking into consideration all factors such as the OS, apps, etc, the iPad is just superior all around, even lacking USB or camera at this point.

I think the same thing is the reason we haven't seen the HP Slate as of yet, or any other serious iPad competitor. If these other companies were to put out a tablet with the same quality (materials and software) it would cost much more than a similar iPad and would almost instantly be a failure. I mean sure there are other tablets out but they don't compare in physical quality.

Samsung automatically benefits from Apple's economy of scale since most components in iPad are manufactured by Samsung (CPU, RAM, flash memory and LCD panels). They can then subsidize the Tab. But this price as quoted by OP is just ridiculous. Samsung already said that 3G Tab will cost $200..300 in US with contract. WiFi price is yet unknown.
 

I really don't get why Samsung is marketing the pocketable angle, judging by that video saying the Galaxy Tab is pocketable is a real stretch. Putting the Tab into a jean's pocket looks really uncomfortable. If I was them I'd be focusing on carrying it handbags as that is a real advantage it does have over the iPad.

I'm still not sure whether the extra portability of the Galaxy Tab FF is worth having a screen that appears half the area of the iPad screen. However I am convinced that buying an Android Tablet is not a smart move until Google makes it clear what an Android Tablet should look and act like. The iPad has loads of Apps that are explicitly designed around the larger screen. Until Google make their plans clear I just can't see the same Apps being written for Android Tablets.

I'm also not convinced that carrier subsidy is a good model for tablets. My iPad is primarily an on the couch device; if I had had to pay a monthly fee then I'd have been a lot less likely to buy it.
 
People tend to forget that HTML/CSS/JS was also designed for mice. Flash and HTML share exactly the same input dilemna when faced with touch, and will have to use similar solutions.



The whole point of the iPad was make her first computer easy to use. As it turns out, iOS is not at all "intuitive" unless you have a tutor nearby :)

I think Flash and HTML are a bit different. Flash is generally for rich interactive web applications.

It's weird, my 2 year old daughter learned how to navigate my iPad pretty quickly without coaching. She knows how to turn on the picture frame slideshow mode, unlock it, get to both pictures and music and launch applications. She took this knowledge from using the iPad and seamlessly transferred it into using my iPhone. I don't know, but when my 2 year old figures it out I consider it fairly intuitive.
 
I think the factor that will make the Samsung Tablet not competitive is not just because of the iPad, but the comparisons that should be made to existing great Android phones on some networks.

When we compare the iPhone/iPod to the iPad, there are significant differences between the 3.5" display and the 9.7" display.

In the existing Android ecosystem, phone displays have gotten bigger while it looks like Tablet devices are getting smaller.

I guess my question is whether or not the Samsung tablet will offer a user experience that is way better than a Droid X, Sprint EVO, or even Samsung Fascinate that would warrant users to buy both on contract?
 
There are loads of cheap Android tablets for about £200. If you'd prefer something by a known brand, the Dell Streak is £400 without a contract.

But about the contract... Who's gonna pay two contracts, one for a tablet and one for a smartphone? Apple knew no one would, which is why they have the 3G internet as it is on the iPad - you buy as much as you need. I seriously doubt many people, knowing this, and with the iPads being so much cheaper, will go for this Samsung POS.
 
I really don't get why Samsung is marketing the pocketable angle, judging by that video saying the Galaxy Tab is pocketable is a real stretch. Putting the Tab into a jean's pocket looks really uncomfortable. If I was them I'd be focusing on carrying it handbags as that is a real advantage it does have over the iPad.

They have. Check out their promotional video here: http://www.samsung.com/us/#

Also, do you know what the term "pocketable" means?

And you think people cant put 1 and 1 together? If its as small as to fit inside a jeans pocket, dont you think it will also be able to fit inside a handbag? Whether people will utilize the jeans pocket method is up to the individual. They were trying to prove a point. Its knowing the fact that they can do it is what makes it a bullet point in their product differentiation.

I'm also not convinced that carrier subsidy is a good model for tablets. My iPad is primarily an on the couch device; if I had had to pay a monthly fee then I'd have been a lot less likely to buy it.


That is why there is a Wifi only version coming for the couch potatoes.

Target customers:

Galaxy Tab: Mobile, on-the-go individual

iPad : Stationary, couch potatoes
 
You had a very reasonable argument until you state the above statement. Which basically invalidates everything that you've said to prior.

They have. Check out their promotional video here: http://www.samsung.com/us/#





That is why there is a Wifi only version coming for the couch potatoes.

Target customers:

Galaxy Tab: Mobile, on-the-go individual

iPad : Stationary, couch potatoes

Pot, meet kettle.

Sure, a slightly smaller device is going to be slightly more mobile, but it's really rich to conflate a 7" device that is tied to a contract is geared towards mobile people while a 9.7", 1.5 lb device that is totally unlocked is geared to be "stationary." My iMac is marketed to be stationary, not my iPad.

To be honest, I am having a really difficult time figuring out who Samsung is trying to market this device to. Conventional wisdom on the overblown iOS versus Android narrative is that people are drawn to Android because they dislike AT&T, philosophically opposed to iOS, or genuinely prefer Android.

The iPad removes the AT&T equation for the most part, and even those who hate AT&T but want 3G on an iPad are not locked into a contract, which makes it easier to handle.

People who are philosophically opposed to iOS or actually prefer Android, I assume, already have modern Android phones. Is the Froyo experience going to be demonstrably better on a 7" stand-alone device tied to a contract than the Froyo experience on an Evo or a Droid X?

You obviously seem to be a fan of this tablet. What would you say to a Droid X owner to convince that person to spring for another device and another contract while keeping a straight face?
 
Pot, meet kettle.

Sure, a slightly smaller device is going to be slightly more mobile, but it's really rich to conflate a 7" device that is tied to a contract is geared towards mobile people while a 9.7", 1.5 lb device that is totally unlocked is geared to be "stationary." My iMac is marketed to be stationary, not my iPad.

To be honest, I am having a really difficult time figuring out who Samsung is trying to market this device to. Conventional wisdom on the overblown iOS versus Android narrative is that people are drawn to Android because they dislike AT&T, philosophically opposed to iOS, or genuinely prefer Android.

The iPad removes the AT&T equation for the most part, and even those who hate AT&T but want 3G on an iPad are not locked into a contract, which makes it easier to handle.

People who are philosophically opposed to iOS or actually prefer Android, I assume, already have modern Android phones. Is the Froyo experience going to be demonstrably better on a 7" stand-alone device tied to a contract than the Froyo experience on an Evo or a Droid X?

You obviously seem to be a fan of this tablet. What would you say to a Droid X owner to convince that person to spring for another device and another contract while keeping a straight face?


Lets first be clear: I own an iPad and an iPhone 3GS. However, I am very open minded when it comes to gadgets and not blindly brand loyal like some people. I do extensive research on anything that I purchase sometimes going to different forums, stirring up the pot to see the arguments made from people and after much pondering, I finally make my decision.

On to the dimension:

tab-ipad.png

SamsungGalaxyTabComparison.jpg

samsung_galaxy_tab_ac_9-540x531.jpg

samsung_galaxy_tab_ac_7.jpg

ipad-gtab-gs.jpg



I would'nt call that "slightly smaller device".

Every once counts when it comes to portability. I do notice my arm gets tired when holding my iPad for long periods of time, especially when I'm reading on the train. So size/weight does matter (insert puns here :rolleyes: ).
 
Why does the iPad have a case on in the size comparison shot?

I don't really think that I would want a Samsung Tab at that size. The iPad is a good size for me as it's a laptop replacement for me 99% of the time. However, I think it's easily the bet looking Android tablet thus far!
 
They have. Check out their promotional video here: http://www.samsung.com/us/#

Also, do you know what the term "pocketable" means?

And you think people cant put 1 and 1 together? If its as small as to fit inside a jeans pocket, dont you think it will also be able to fit inside a handbag? Whether people will utilize the jeans pocket method is up to the individual. They were trying to prove a point. Its knowing the fact that they can do it is what makes it a bullet point in their product differentiation.




That is why there is a Wifi only version coming for the couch potatoes.

Target customers:

Galaxy Tab: Mobile, on-the-go individual

iPad : Stationary, couch potatoes

Of course I understand what pocketable means and technically the Galaxy Tab will fit in a jeans pocket. However in practice virtually no one will carry it like that because it'll be really uncomfortable. Carrying it in a jeans pocket is a feature that in reality it doesn't have. Given that, it's ridiculous to try to say otherwise at the introduction. I'd have skipped that whole part and just said that the Tab can be carried in a coat pocket or a handbag.

I'm not trying to say that I think the 7" form factor is a bad one. It's a different set of compromises to the 10" form factor that maybe better for some people. However making unreal claims about it's portability just makes Samsung look bad.

The comments about 'couch potatoes' feel trollish. I'll just say that I've found my iPad to be an extremely convenient thing to have around the house. The combination of great battery life, book-like form factor, portability, easy of use and instant on make it a fantastic casual computer. That applies just as much at home as it does out and about.
 
Let's be honest, the only people who will carry the Samsung device like that are people trying to make a point.

I freely admit that people want a 7" tablet, as has been represented in the 7" iPad threads here. If they are marketed correctly, they will probably sell well, but it just seems like Samsung is setting themselves up to make a very poor first impression in what will probably be a highly-competitive market.

The deafening silence on pricing does not bode well for it being price-competitive.

And again, if you are already paying $199 + $90/month over the course of two years for a Droid X are you really going to be willing to pay $299 + $29/month (reasonable speculation) over the course of two years for a device of rather similar abilities?

The scariest point of all?
"It seems that Honeycomb won't be making it to the current Galaxy Tab, however, but Hong did say that "depending on our international partners, we'll be working to upgrade from Froyo to Gingerbread."

My takeaway from this is that come November 2012 when the iPad is running iOS 6 or whatever, and there is a score of Google based tablets running whatever they put forward for tablets, people with the Galaxy Tab could very easily still be running Android 2.2 and still paying off that device.
 
I do like the look of the galaxy tab, but if I was in the Market for a 7" tablet I would still probably wait till the new year and see if Apple do announce a 7" form factor which will be more in line with current iPad pricing (in theory a small bi cheaper).

The galaxy tab is just too much money for a device between the iPad and iPhone. And If I wanted a slightly bigger subsidised phone/tablet on a contact I'd prob buy the galaxy S over the tab.

Ideally the tab at $300 - $399 without contract would have potentially given the iPad a run for it's money. At $599-799 it's just that bit too pricy.
 
I already feel like my ipad is a bit too small. I would prefer 12-14" to be honest.

I take the ipad with me everywhere. Literally everywhere. Not once have I thought I wish I could stick this thing in my pocket. If that is what I was after, well then I already have an iphone in my pocket.

I was actually really keen on the Galaxy Tab until I saw the comparison of it next to the iPad. The screen is just not big enough to be enough of a difference from a truly pocketable iphone or android phone. I wanted to replace my iphone with the Tab since it is actually a phone. However if it is not going to be any better then the iphone then why bother. I will stick to the iPad and iPhone combo.
 
The wait is for these kind of commercials for the tab

rido5u.jpg


Oh wait, they've already done it. Just less, much less sexy.

2j5kppc.jpg
 
I've been on here since 2003 ( 7 years ago) mostly as a lurker. I must be a really old troll. :)

Thanks for doing the math for us, but trolling doesn't discriminate based on how long someone has been a member of a forum. And yes, your "couch potato" comment was pretty trollish.
 
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