What is a tablet even good for?

[Fubar65]

I'd love to see that badass netbook running some HD flash video! Please post a Youtube video so we can all see that 2 fps action!

Netbooks are a joke trying to run Flash, Hulu full screen? I've seen/tried to load it in stores on every model they had from MSI, DELL, Asus, HP etc.. they all fail to run it full screen. Let me guess you believe 1.6ghz Atom is faster and more powerful than the Apple A4 chip right?

I'm glad your standards are low enough to find joy out of your netbook, the rest of us require a much better user experience.

I've run Hulu to watch 24 on my netbook and it ran fine, however it had to be plugged in to the wall. If I tried running it when the netbook wasn't plugged in, then it would drop the FPS big time and make it unwatchable. Not trying to pick sides or anything, but just wanted to let you know my experience with my asus. With that said, I can't wait to get rid of this stupid netbook for the much sexier Ipad.

Also, running an HD video on youtube is a no go for my netbook. It's pretty much like looking at a picture slide show.

 

[bossxii]

I've run Hulu to watch 24 on my netbook and it ran fine, however it had to be plugged in to the wall. If I tried running it when the netbook wasn't plugged in, then it would drop the FPS big time and make it unwatchable. Not trying to pick sides or anything, but just wanted to let you know my experience with my asus. With that said, I can't wait to get rid of this stupid netbook for the much sexier Ipad.

Also, running an HD video on youtube is a no go for my netbook. It's pretty much like looking at a picture slide show.

Congrats, that is the first time I've heard of someone running Hulu full screen and being watchable. No clue why you need to be plugged in, but that kinda defeats the point of a small, lightweight device.

I've own'd 3, HP, MSI and Asus.(returned them all) Pretty much all the same. Didn't do anything well, and way to slow for me. Some people must enjoy them or they wouldn't sell as many as they have. Just goes to show what's good enough for some people is clearly not even close for others. I expect much more than what a netbook can deliver, others settle for what they have. Choice is good

 

[Fubar65]

Congrats, that is the first time I've heard of someone running Hulu full screen and being watchable. No clue why you need to be plugged in, but that kinda defeats the point of a small, lightweight device.

I've own'd 3, HP, MSI and Asus.(returned them all) Pretty much all the same. Didn't do anything well, and way to slow for me. Some people must enjoy them or they wouldn't sell as many as they have. Just goes to show what's good enough for some people is clearly not even close for others. I expect much more than what a netbook can deliver, others settle for what they have. Choice is good

Well it had to be plugged in because when plugged in it doesn't need to be in "power save mode", so it can use its full computing power without trying to save battery life. And you're right it doesn't do much well other than simple tasks such as internet, word processing etc.

 

[DrStrange]

netbooks are unbearably slow and clunky imho.

 

[camaroIOM]

Photog bus

will work great for showing clients photos and going over contract on the run with clients without lugging computer

 

[yodaxl7]

The question might be what does anyone need a computing device (desktop, laptop, netbook, smartphones, Ipad). When I was in school, I needed a laptop because I want to write papers, work on spreadsheets, do powerpoints, research on the internet, access database, etc. In this case, either a desktop or laptop would be better. After school, I got computers at work to do work. My job does not go home with me. However, I like to check emails, browse the internet,play video games, gps would be good on the road, watch movies, etc. My iphone would provide all of that. Granted on some emails, I wish my iphone was bigger as I was in places I did not have access to my laptop or a computer. I play Call of Duty Zombies. It would be awesome on a bigger screen. Going back on email thing, some attachments would be cumbersome to read especially when it is a chart. I do have a reference app that has charts and it would be better on the ipad. Monopoly game would be better on ipad. Civilization game would be better on the ipad. When I am at home, I do play with my ps3 or xbox 360. But when I am away from home, it would be nice to have a bigger screen. Furthermore, I think the ipad can replace the laptop or desktop, if you all you do is just browse the net, read a book, mag, play games, etc. If I was in school, I would still want an Ipad for reading textbooks, take notes, etc. I would use a laptop for presentations, write reports, etc.

In closing, it depends what you want from a computing device. You are wasting a lot of money in buying a computing device that cost over a grand, if all you want to do is browse the internet. Ipad is almost a perfect device for me and a lot of people out there. If you are happy with the iphone, then you know you will be happy with the Ipad!!

 

[lilo777]

The question might be what does anyone need a computing device (desktop, laptop, netbook, smartphones, Ipad). When I was in school, I needed a laptop because I want to write papers, work on spreadsheets, do powerpoints, research on the internet, access database, etc. In this case, either a desktop or laptop would be better. After school, I got computers at work to do work. My job does not go home with me. However, I like to check emails, browse the internet,play video games, gps would be good on the road, watch movies, etc. My iphone would provide all of that. Granted on some emails, I wish my iphone was bigger as I was in places I did not have access to my laptop or a computer. I play Call of Duty Zombies. It would be awesome on a bigger screen. Going back on email thing, some attachments would be cumbersome to read especially when it is a chart. I do have a reference app that has charts and it would be better on the ipad. Monopoly game would be better on ipad. Civilization game would be better on the ipad. When I am at home, I do play with my ps3 or xbox 360. But when I am away from home, it would be nice to have a bigger screen. Furthermore, I think the ipad can replace the laptop or desktop, if you all you do is just browse the net, read a book, mag, play games, etc. If I was in school, I would still want an Ipad for reading textbooks, take notes, etc. I would use a laptop for presentations, write reports, etc.

In closing, it depends what you want from a computing device. You are wasting a lot of money in buying a computing device that cost over a grand, if all you want to do is browse the internet. Ipad is almost a perfect device for me and a lot of people out there. If you are happy with the iphone, then you know you will be happy with the Ipad!!

But you need a computer to be able to use iPad, don't you?

 

[yodaxl7]

Not sure if you need a computer with the Ipad or not, since the itune store is on the device. However, you need a separate (maybe), if you want to update the iphone os or do backups. However, if you just want to browse the net, why would you need to update or do backups? For me, this is my in between device. I don't have a netbook nor any desire to have one. I do have laptop, though. I may in the future get a macbook pro, though. Right now, I got asus laptop. It is fine but the battery life is upto 2 hours.

 

[Katilea]

TV remote app??

Sorry that was gonna be my last post but someone mentioned TV remote in relation to iPad!

"Slingbox to watch TV, wireless cam software to check security cams, Remote (and upcoming infrared remote device/app) to control iTunes/Airport, TV/stereo, etc." think it was Rittchard.

I was sure I had seen or heard of a program that allowed you to use a iPod touch as a TV remote, but when i looked in apps I could only find one for Apple TV which I don't have.

Is Slingbox in app store? what is the 'upcoming infrared remote device' mentioned?

I wanted it particular for my bedroom TV (Bush) which just has freeview built in and tiny buttons on the the remote. I didn't really want to have to buy apple TV or a new TV with bigger button remote (can't afford both and I really want an iPad!)

It would be a bonus if it would do DVD players/sky TV too if there is such an app?

Anyone point me in the right direction please?

 

[mrklaw]

That's technically wrong, but I see what you're getting at, and you're right.

You can still have AIM push you notifications, and read those while browsing, etc. But it's not as simple as throwing in a reply, and going on your way, you have to go home, open aim, respond, go home, go to the web.

I could see Apple expanding on the current simple push notification box to allow you to respond to messages within the box, but I doubt it.

popovers!


I love the post about it extending to other computers and devices in the house. It can be anything you want it to be. Just needs developer imagination - and there has been no lack of that so far in the app store.


With some work, it could even shut up the naysayers who want 'full OSX'. Why not a remote desktop app with some touch assistance? I pretty much manage my mac mini using Jaadu VNC on my ipod touch, and a larger screen would make that much simpler. I'm actually thinking of selling my MBP and going either ipad + mini or ipad + imac. I only have a MBP so I can sit on the sofa and browse

 

[mrklaw]

oh, and if I was a dev, I'd be really tempted to write a flash video viewer. Leveraging a host computer (assuming this is a second computer in the house) to render the flash, then send it over wifi to the ipad.

voila, you have hulu on your ipad.

I'd even give it away for free to stop the whining.

 

[mrklaw]

I was sure I had seen or heard of a program that allowed you to use a iPod touch as a TV remote, but when i looked in apps I could only find one for Apple TV which I don't have.

Is Slingbox in app store? what is the 'upcoming infrared remote device' mentioned?

I wanted it particular for my bedroom TV (Bush) which just has freeview built in and tiny buttons on the the remote. I didn't really want to have to buy apple TV or a new TV with bigger button remote (can't afford both and I really want an iPad!)

It would be a bonus if it would do DVD players/sky TV too if there is such an app?

Anyone point me in the right direction please?

there is a slingbox app for iphone/ipod touch right now. I would expect them to update it for ipad pretty quickly. I find the quality so-so on ipod touch, but much better on Mac, so maybe the ipad version will be somewhere inbetween.

You can connect a slingbox to anything with an s-video out (can't remember if the UK ones have SCART). So yes it'll work with sky or a DVD player.

IR remote would use a little wifi dongle thing that the ipod/ipad talks to over the network, and turns that into IR. These already exist but I don't know about an app to support it yet. You don't need these for slingbox - slingbox has its own IR controller for changing channels on a skybox/DVD player etc.

 

[Ka Ora!]

popovers!


I love the post about it extending to other computers and devices in the house. It can be anything you want it to be. Just needs developer imagination - and there has been no lack of that so far in the app store.


With some work, it could even shut up the naysayers who want 'full OSX'. Why not a remote desktop app with some touch assistance? I pretty much manage my mac mini using Jaadu VNC on my ipod touch, and a larger screen would make that much simpler. I'm actually thinking of selling my MBP and going either ipad + mini or ipad + imac. I only have a MBP so I can sit on the sofa and browse

There is a group adding Multi touch to Google Sketchup which could make 3d interaction more interesting. Although it would be nice to see Google Sketchup ported to the iPad

 

[master-ceo]

There is a group adding Multi touch to Google Sketchup which could make 3d interaction more interesting. Although it would be nice to see Google Sketchup ported to the iPad

great program! I actually designed a few room/studio layouts with that.

damn, google been preparing for a long time for the takeover. Go Google. Get em!

 

[Ragnar]

I'd love to see that badass netbook running some HD flash video! Please post a Youtube video so we can all see that 2 fps action!

Netbooks are a joke trying to run Flash, Hulu full screen? I've seen/tried to load it in stores on every model they had from MSI, DELL, Asus, HP etc.. they all fail to run it full screen. Let me guess you believe 1.6ghz Atom is faster and more powerful than the Apple A4 chip right?

I'm glad your standards are low enough to find joy out of your netbook, the rest of us require a much better user experience.

We shall see, I'll get back to you. I'm not in the States so Hulu could be a problem, don't think Hotspot Shield works anymore. What is another site that would convince you, I'd be glad to try.

Edit: seems to be working, send me the Hulu link you want me to play, having trouble finding the content above 480p, which by the way, plays full screen fine But wait a sec, the iPad plays ZERO Flash so didn't I already prove my point 1000%?

 

[MrCheeto]

Well...here it is...and I admit I was wrong.

It's NOT a giant iPod touch

It's a glorified digital picture frame -.-'

What a load, and as I said, people are going to look like tools hauling that thing around.

It is half baked, I can't imagine using the case, it's too fumbly.

Have you seen the accessories page? Kind of reminds me of the VirtualBoy. All those accessories and none of them were even HALF decent. Difference is, the VirtualBoy failed...no wait...it's the same.

There's too many accessories that at too different and serve too exclusive purposes.

Garbage, I really had hopes for this. Thanks Steve...AGAIN!

 

[raremage]

Well...here it is...and I admit I was wrong.

It's NOT a giant iPod touch

It's a glorified digital picture frame -.-'

What a load, and as I said, people are going to look like tools hauling that thing around.

It is half baked, I can't imagine using the case, it's too fumbly.

Have you seen the accessories page? Kind of reminds me of the VirtualBoy. All those accessories and none of them were even HALF decent. Difference is, the VirtualBoy failed...no wait...it's the same.

There's too many accessories that at too different and serve too exclusive purposes.

Garbage, I really had hopes for this. Thanks Steve...AGAIN!

I have a buddy that works in vacation sales for DVC. He used to tell me about the folks that would come in and talk about the memberships, and every so often someone would come along and want to bitch and moan and argue about how it was the worst thing Disney had ever invented. His answer was simple, and it applies here:

"It's not for everyone."

 

[MrCheeto]

Wow, you're right!

This thing will sell MILLIONS when you consider the number of tools there are in the world.

 

[RebootD]

It's good for taking it with you to your local Starbucks, while sporting the newest trends in fashion from Abercrombie, while telling everyone without muttering a word "I had $500 to blow on a new shiny toy".

Add intuos level pen support, a local drive/folder for storing documents and some form of Adobe CS4/5 lite and I'd be all over that thing.

 

[Digital Skunk]

Not sure if you need a computer with the Ipad or not, since the itune store is on the device. However, you need a separate (maybe), if you want to update the iphone os or do backups. However, if you just want to browse the net, why would you need to update or do backups? For me, this is my in between device. I don't have a netbook nor any desire to have one. I do have laptop, though. I may in the future get a macbook pro, though. Right now, I got asus laptop. It is fine but the battery life is upto 2 hours.

Yes, you need a computer for the iPad. If it's anything like the iPhone or iPod Touch you won't be able to use it until you plug it up to your computer and launch iTunes. You won't even be able to use the iTunes Store on it because you have to sync your account info from a full version of iTunes.

Which is why the iPad is a BIG iPod Touch. A nice little toy indeed, but a big iPod Touch.

 

[jclardy]

But you need a computer to be able to use iPad, don't you?

That depends. If you already have music/movies on your computer that you already own and want them on iPad then yes. If not then you can use the iPad straight out of the box. You'll have to buy everything from the iTunes stores but you can still use it on its own.

You may also need a computer for software upgrades (OS 4.0) unless they implement OTA upgrades.

 

[MrCheeto]

It's good for taking it with you to your local Starbucks, while sporting the newest trends in fashion from Abercrombie, while telling everyone without muttering a word "I had $500 to blow on a new shiny toy".

Next time, tell us something new.

 

[rittchard]

Sorry that was gonna be my last post but someone mentioned TV remote in relation to iPad!

"Slingbox to watch TV, wireless cam software to check security cams, Remote (and upcoming infrared remote device/app) to control iTunes/Airport, TV/stereo, etc." think it was Rittchard.

I was sure I had seen or heard of a program that allowed you to use a iPod touch as a TV remote, but when i looked in apps I could only find one for Apple TV which I don't have.

Is Slingbox in app store? what is the 'upcoming infrared remote device' mentioned?

I wanted it particular for my bedroom TV (Bush) which just has freeview built in and tiny buttons on the the remote. I didn't really want to have to buy apple TV or a new TV with bigger button remote (can't afford both and I really want an iPad!)

It would be a bonus if it would do DVD players/sky TV too if there is such an app?

Anyone point me in the right direction please?

Slingbox as described is a separate box you have to purchase, you hook it up to your cable/satellite/DVR box and essentially you can "sling" whatever is on your DVR (including recorded media) onto your computer or iPhone. The iPhone app is available but costs $30 in addition to the box. It effectively allows you to use your iPhone to remotely control and view your DVR box but it is not inherently an infrared remote.

- - -

There are a couple of infrared remote add-ons in the works for the iPhone/iPod Touch, and possibly a few others already available. These 2 look the best to me so far, so I'm waiting on either of them (each fits in a different spot, hard to say which is more effective):

http://gizmodo.com/5439669/change-the-channel-with-your-iphone-and-the-l5-remote-ir-adapter

http://thinkflood.com/

Thinkflood already has a solution but it is pricey; their newer "mini" solution is going to cost $50.

 

[ZBoater]

I don't think the iPad (or any portable device like that) is a suitable replacement for a computer. With cloud services (like MobileMe or Google) I guess you can store all your data in the "cloud" (contacts, calendar, docs, etc.) and in the case your shiny PORTABLE device is lost or stolen, you can access your data when you buy a replacement. Me, I am a child of the 80's, and have several terabytes of disk space at home storing every single file and email I've ever created (Compuserve anyone?). Carrying all my vital information on a portable device that can be stolen or misplaced is just not my cup of tea. Andstoring all that stuff in the cloud, even if I could afford to pay for all that space, does not make sense to me.

Different strokes for different folks. I guess that is why God made the rainbow with different colors....

 

[rittchard]

I don't think the iPad (or any portable device like that) is a suitable replacement for a computer. With cloud services (like MobileMe or Google) I guess you can store all your data in the "cloud" (contacts, calendar, docs, etc.) and in the case your shiny PORTABLE device is lost or stolen, you can access your data when you buy a replacement. Me, I am a child of the 80's, and have several terabytes of disk space at home storing every single file and email I've ever created (Compuserve anyone?). Carrying all my vital information on a portable device that can be stolen or misplaced is just not my cup of tea. Andstoring all that stuff in the cloud, even if I could afford to pay for all that space, does not make sense to me.

Well.... if you made all your "data" accessible at home in some sort of home server configuration, wouldn't it be kind of cool to have a portable device on-the-go to access ALL those terabytes of data? And also use that same portable device to remotely control your computer(s) at home, effectively making your home base the "cloud" (see Logmein)?

With Wifi you could access your home cloud/data from anywhere in your house, from your bed to the backyard to the bathroom to the kitchen. With 3G, you could theoretically access this anywhere you wanted, all without compromising your vital info on the device itself.