All iPads Tried iPad Air at Best Buy... Not Impressed

[iPad Air]

Was I the only one who was laughing at him bragging about getting free books and movies? Or is this one of those forums where I have to pretend I don't download every bit of media I have for free? uh...yea... I totally spend all my hard earned money buying songs from an iTunes store... LOL.

My imaginary collection of 10,000 MP3s is totally illegal and I would never break the law and put them, along with my 20GB folder of Comic book CBRs and EPUB files, 50GB folder full of Bluray rips on my 128GB iPad for absolutely $0. I will totally write a check to each movie & music producer first and then cry because I didn't think to buy a "Kindle HDXTRA Super + Totally Better Edition".

If anyone deserves my money it's Amazon! Those tablets aren't cheap because they suck and simply plaster a phony interface over a free open source operating system they didn't create. It's totally not because they force people to use an inferior version of the perfectly established Google App store that's already built for the platform they stole. It's because they are totally rad and Amazon totally doesn't care about money.

Apple are corporate devils in comparison for charging so much for that in house hardware design & operating system built in tandem, specifically catered to create a beautifully fluid interface and experience unmatched by any other company!

Uhhh, are you serious?

 

[zone23]

It's good to read people opinions on Mac Rumors. Wife and I love our airs so far. Gave my mini and iPad 3 to the kids they are very happy as well. I will try and sell their kindles fires maybe I can get 50 bucks for them if I'm lucky.

 

[rui no onna]

Uhhh, are you serious?

Lol, I think it's pretty obvious he was being sarcastic.

 

[NuggetSauce]

There's middle ground between upgrading every model and staying with the first gen through thick and thin.

I completely agree. I almost always skip a gen. But that's besides the point about the memory. Because choosing the 16gb model (when I do upgrade) is what supports my stance against the ripoff memory prices, and choosing when to upgrade has nothing to do with that.

 

[Zerilos]

And, making it lighter does not make it a better product.

Seriously, I am not sure what all the hoopla about lighter iPads are.

A face palmingly silly statement. You realize that tablets are considered "mobile devices" right? If size and weight weren't important, instead of tablets we'd all be lugging around desktops or 20" laptops. Obviously...beyond obviously...size and weight are significant attributes in a mobile device.

 

[bunnicula]

A face palmingly silly statement. You realize that tablets are considered "mobile devices" right? If size and weight weren't important, instead of tablets we'd all be lugging around desktops or 20" laptops. Obviously...beyond obviously...size and weight are significant attributes in a mobile device.

Absolutely. Making it a lighter product was what sold it to me vs. the retina Mini. I like the screen real estate, and I like the smaller size. It will serve my purposes very well.

I'm sure there are other people like me. I don't understand why people think that a product must fit their exact specifications to qualify as a "good" product.

If people don't like the iPad Air (or any iPad, for that matter) there are plenty of other devices they can buy.

----------

I completely agree. I almost always skip a gen. But that's besides the point about the memory. Because choosing the 16gb model (when I do upgrade) is what supports my stance against the ripoff memory prices, and choosing when to upgrade has nothing to do with that.

Same for iPad. I get the larger iPhones and suck up the higher price (though I offset that by selling my existing iPhone each year). I just use iCloud for my iPad. It's not like I'm taking a ton of pics on it. And I can d/l a movie/tv show, then get rid of it... it's not going anywhere.

 

[jlyanks85]

I'm guessing because of iCloud and iTunes Match, apple feels they don't need to discontinue the 16 gig. Since some of the stuff people store on their iPad will be in the cloud.

It is surprising though how apple hasn't made the 32 gig the base model yet and added a 256 gig option, but if people continue to buy they won't change.

 

[diggy33]

I agree 16gb is ridiculous in 2013. I am seriously considering buying one but refuse to pay $600 for 32 GB version. I will wait until the refurbs hit.

Thats my plan too

 

[bobright]

Is that right, McKayla Maroney?

 

[Blakjack]

And the money spent on your education is pointless.

Awwww.....ur just the cutest little thing aren't you?!

 

[thadoggfather]

I completely agree. I almost always skip a gen. But that's besides the point about the memory. Because choosing the 16gb model (when I do upgrade) is what supports my stance against the ripoff memory prices, and choosing when to upgrade has nothing to do with that.

Fwiw I do the same on iPads.

But I'll still be using my ipad 3 for quite a while it looks like. Cant get a decent price for it.

 

[Rodster]

If these things really aren't selling then it's more than likely do to it being a mature product and increased competition. I have an iPad 2 and iPad 3. Thanks to Apple still selling the iPad 2 it makes me feeling like I have a current iPad especially after I installed iOS 7. So I was all for upgrading but my iPad 2 runs pretty good with iOS 7. I'll wait to see what the iPad Pro is all about.

I do agree that a 16GB device is ridiculous at this point especially when you can buy a cheaper alternative like a 32GB Nexus 7 for $249.

 

[rgarjr]

I agree 16gb is ridiculous in 2013. I am seriously considering buying one but refuse to pay $600 for 32 GB version. I will wait until the refurbs hit.

I concur, it was okay in the iPad 1 days not right now. I don't even feel like getting the higher tiers anymore. 100 bucks per bump is a big ripoff

 

[62tele]

Well here's another perspective... I'm someone who owns a Macbook Pro and iPhone and has used portable Apple products for years, but never owned an iPad. I went to the Apple Store today pretty intent on getting an Air, and I have to say, just using it, I wasn't very impressed. The form factor and screen and everything looks great, but while interacting with the GUI -- scrolling around in Safari, flipping between apps in the App Switcher -- there was the slightest amount of laggy stutter. It felt as if it didn't quite have a beefy enough GPU for the graphics of iOS 7, and having that impression of the flagship iPad on Day 1 doesn't bode well for how usable it'll be in 2 years. My year-old iPhone 5 feels just as snappy, if not snappier, to use. I even tried two different floor models, and closed all apps, with the same result. I don't know if the demo iOS they're running is somehow slower, but it was enough to turn away a guy who was ready to spend $700.

Well, there you go. It must true. In spite of numerous reviewers who extoll it's quick, smooth and snappy performance, you experienced "laggy stutter".
I had quite a different experience. I went in unsure of whether I would buy or not. I wanted to check out the form factor compared to a mini. It's great. An almost perfect form factor. I purchased one. It's great. No lag or stutter. In fact, I find it incredibly fast and smooth.

Opinions....everybody' shot one.

 

[petsounds]

That is exactly what I was getting at with my purpose of starting this thread. I went to the store and played with an iPad. The device is nice but the baseline model and cost of memory increase is absurd for the luxury item it is.

For being a "macguy" you act like you're unfamiliar with Apple's pricing strategy. The iPad pricing is the same as Macs -- provide a somewhat underwhelming amount of disk space and RAM on the minimum spec, then overcharge a bit on extra storage and overcharge a LOT on extra RAM. That's just the way it is. Either you value the overall Mac/iDevice enough to swallow that pill, or buy something else. You obviously did, but no reason to come here and post tired arguments.

I picked up my iPad Air today, and so far it's fantastic. Feels like half the weight of my iPad 3, and the design makes the older iPads look like devices from the 90s. I got the 16GB model, and that's plenty of storage for ways in which I use iPads.

 

[burgman]

Well, there you go. It must true. In spite of numerous reviewers who extoll it's quick, smooth and snappy performance, you experienced "laggy stutter".
I had quite a different experience. I went in unsure of whether I would buy or not. I wanted to check out the form factor compared to a mini. It's great. An almost perfect form factor. I purchased one. It's great. No lag or stutter. In fact, I find it incredibly fast and smooth.

Opinions....everybody' shot one.

The idea of not performing a quick reset on a demo unit before making a decision is kinda odd.

 

[Atrin1]

Can the new Fire VPN in a network and use real VNC app to remote in to 50+ user PC's? Or Servers?

 

[Klae17]

Thanks! I love being able to download movies, books and tv shows for free rather than paying $10-$20 per movie and $5 per book. In the end I imagine I will save a lot of money.

Also theres no need for cellular because I can just download the shows or movies I want to watch ahead of time. I also enjoy being able to play all the same games on my kindle as what is on the Apple apps because game loft and all the other game makers make games for kindle too, and they run just as well. Hmm, I guess I miss out on typing papers or making power points but I have a 15" rmbp for that so oh well.

Having quick access to buy things and have free 2 day shipping is also great. I appreciate your comment!

I have the kindle and the ipad air. And prime. And but stuff on iTunes. Some people can afford both, bro. Why did you even come and post here? Just don't buy it don't have to go to an APPLE FORUM.

 

[jazz1]

Don't get me wrong, the lighter weight and form factor was nice. The speed seemed decent, but it just seems to be overpriced for what you get.

I was debating getting one, and the fact that you only get 10gb for $500 after iOS is just not enough space for anything. You can literally put on a few apps and games and a movie. Going up to $600 your looking at $650 out the door with tax, plus $99 for Apple care because you don't want to spend $600 and then accidentally drop the tablet and have it break. So now your at $750 and then you will want a cover for it, which will bring it up to about $800.

For $800 I would expect to be able to get a device with 128gb of memory, 2gb ram, a cover, and warranty.

These things are not selling like hot cakes, theres tons of them at every store i have been to. I'll wait for the next iPad and if Apple starts at 32gb with 2gb ram, then I'll buy one. Otherwise, I am happy using my $229 kindle hdx that is just as high quality and a fraction of the price.

To each his own I guess. But I think your expectations are not taking into consideration the total value of the Apple ecosystem. I appreciate that you may not think the price per specification is worth the money to you. No problem there. However as a former iPad1&2 owner the iPad Air is a great leap forward.

I got the most expensive one available because it more than meets my needs. In fact it is hard not to be blown away if your used to an iPad 1 or 2.

Yes, the iPad Air is close in cost to a MacBook Air. But I didn't want a laptop. I wanted a high quality tablet that worked seamlessly with my iMac and MacBook Pro. The iPad Air seems almost powerful enough to replace my other Apple products (for my modest needs).

There is no doubt about it. If your price sensitive, and can make do with an alternative non-Apple tablet, then go for it. On the other hand I find the iPad Air a high end alternative to what I consider lesser tablets.

 

[jonnyb098]

Most geeks are addicted to new toys. I tried the new iPad, and besides the weight and the new processor, there really isn't anything to be excited about. I will keep my iPad 2. It feels sturdier. So they reduced the bezel around the screen. Should that be enough to wow people? Does it make your life more meaningful. Let's face it, we've become consumer-addicted junkies. We try to find fulfillment in the slightest modifications in an iPad.

And, making it lighter does not make it a better product.

Seriously, I am not sure what all the hoopla about lighter iPads are.

Its for all the sissys that cant lift 1.4 pounds. Guess a gym membership is in order

 

[zhenya]

Well here's another perspective... I'm someone who owns a Macbook Pro and iPhone and has used portable Apple products for years, but never owned an iPad. I went to the Apple Store today pretty intent on getting an Air, and I have to say, just using it, I wasn't very impressed. The form factor and screen and everything looks great, but while interacting with the GUI -- scrolling around in Safari, flipping between apps in the App Switcher -- there was the slightest amount of laggy stutter. It felt as if it didn't quite have a beefy enough GPU for the graphics of iOS 7, and having that impression of the flagship iPad on Day 1 doesn't bode well for how usable it'll be in 2 years. My year-old iPhone 5 feels just as snappy, if not snappier, to use. I even tried two different floor models, and closed all apps, with the same result. I don't know if the demo iOS they're running is somehow slower, but it was enough to turn away a guy who was ready to spend $700.

It shouldn't lag or stutter. Even my ipad 4 doesn't on ios7. In fact, that's one of the main appeals for an ipad; they are smoothest computer experience you can get. Even my new computer laptops, both Mac and PC have plenty of moments where they just feel slow in comparison to the ipad. For a lot of folks it takes some time to adapt completely. I've had an ipad since day 1, but it's only since the 4 that I actually use it as my primary computing device.

 

[gentleman00]

A face palmingly silly statement. You realize that tablets are considered "mobile devices" right? If size and weight weren't important, instead of tablets we'd all be lugging around desktops or 20" laptops. Obviously...beyond obviously...size and weight are significant attributes in a mobile device.

Really? 125 gm more is a lot weight? I'm sure that is a significant amount of weight that will surely slow you down, right?

 

[VinoGrande]

Then don't get one.

 

[Jaro65]

Most geeks are addicted to new toys. I tried the new iPad, and besides the weight and the new processor, there really isn't anything to be excited about. I will keep my iPad 2. It feels sturdier. So they reduced the bezel around the screen. Should that be enough to wow people? Does it make your life more meaningful. Let's face it, we've become consumer-addicted junkies. We try to find fulfillment in the slightest modifications in an iPad.

And, making it lighter does not make it a better product.

Seriously, I am not sure what all the hoopla about lighter iPads are.

Unfortunately, I feel more or less the same. I walked into the local Apple Store this afternoon to check the iPad Air. They said they're fully stocked, when I inquired about their inventory. I'm liking my iPad 2, which has been a great device, though I would enjoy a Retina screen for reading the periodicals. I think the iPad Air is really nice, but when I add it all up (the device, case, AppleCare, and taxes) I am looking at $1200. I walked out, grabbed a frozen yogurt while I pondered things, and just couldn't persuade myself that the new iPad, while very nice, is $1200 nice. In addition, I share the sentiment that next year Apple is likely to increase the RAM to 2GB and also include a Touch ID sensor. These would have already been nice to have on what is a premium tablet, as particularly the RAM would help extend the device longevity. Now I fully understand that this is not in Apple's interest, but it is mine, and as a consumer I decided to vote with my wallet. Oh well....

 

[gentleman00]

Unfortunately, I feel more or less the same. I walked into the local Apple Store this afternoon to check the iPad Air. They said they're fully stocked, when I inquired about their inventory. I'm liking my iPad 2, which has been a great device, though I would enjoy a Retina screen for reading the periodicals. I think the iPad Air is really nice, but when I add it all up (the device, case, AppleCare, and taxes) I am looking at $1200. I walked out, grabbed a frozen yogurt while I pondered things, and just couldn't persuade myself that the new iPad, while very nice, is $1200 nice. In addition, I share the sentiment that next year Apple is likely to increase the RAM to 2GB and also include a Touch ID sensor. These would have already been nice to have on what is a premium tablet, as particularly the RAM would help extend the device longevity. Now I fully understand that this is not in Apple's interest, but it is mine, and as a consumer I decided to vote with my wallet. Oh well....

Well said. If Apple produces a 13" iPad, I might be in the market for one. But these incremental updates does not justify spending another $500.00. Alas! I gave my dad the original iPad, and he has no complaints about it. But, if people like to throw money away on a product that makes them feel good down deep inside, then there is no arguing with that.