Why all the hate for iPad?

[jedolley]

You are going to see "hate" with any product, but some more than others.

Most big name brands/products (especially in the tech world) have loyalist and haters. Personally, I like choices and don't really consider myself a fanboy of any one company/product. I recognize certain companies (like Apple) make quality products and if that product fits into my lifestyle and is a better offering than the competition, then I will get it.

For the record, I'm primarily a PC guy. This is not due to any unnatural affection to Microsoft, but I like building/maintaining my own PCs. I haven't purchased a pre-built PC in over 15 years. I recognize that Apple makes solid Desktops and Laptops, but neither fit into my lifestyle at the moment. On the other hand, their media devices (iPod, and now the iPad) do fit in and I have enjoyed their products since I became an owner.

I'm not going to get into the "US vs. Them" debate since I'm not on either side. However, I do see how this mentality leads to animosity and "hate" for one side's product. The same reason one side may "hate" the iPad, will be similar to the reason why Apple loyalist's will "hate" on the Slate.

My $0.02

 

[Bytor65]

Yes. There are people who have unnatural and what would be considered UNHEALTHY obsessions about Apple and/or their devices.

Show me the evidence/examples, you seem to jump to these kind of conclusions rather quickly. IIRC you jumped to the conclusion that I was one of the cult of Apple, just because I expressed an interest in the iPad. When in reality I never owned an Apple product in my life and I wouldn't buy an iPad without trying it out first. I am merely impressed by the hardware and software of this product(and unimpressed with the alternatives). I would love it if someone built an Android tablet that better met my personal needs(USB/SD slots, SDK for windows) and matched Apples HW/SW polish. Unfortunately I don't see that happening.

You might not want to equate them - but that doesn't make it true.

Neither does your equating them. I think excessive hate of company is a lot more damaging than than excess love of the same. I don't imagine hate is very good for the health(blood pressure/digestion), while love OTOH is probably at least neutral.

 

[bossxii]

I understand there will be people that hate Apple products or hate the iPad, and I accept that.

BUT, I am confused as to why you read posts on here about people hating the iPad. I don't get why someone who hates the iPad would go to the effort of reading a macrumors forum about the iPad?? I see this all the time on here, people posting in the iPad forum about how it sucks and how terrible an idea it is, and how they would never get one. Then why would you go to an iPad forum and read posts about the iPad if you have no interest in it??

I don't really like PC's and microsoft products, but I wouldn't waste my time by finding a windows message board and criticizing windows people for using it.

I found this rather odd as well, but after a few conversations it's pretty clear they don't actually "hate" the idea of the iPad, they just wish it was different than it's current build. They hoped for some other features, software etc.. but in the end they are still Apple fans and just disappointed the iPad didn't live up to their own expectations. Many of them own Apple products and still want Apple to create the next big thing, or improve the iPad to their liking.

MS "haters" that have now used Apple... pretty much forget about MS and it becomes totally irrelevant in their life. I don't think about or follow anything MS does unless it happens to be mentioned on say MR forums. It simply doesn't effect me so I don't spend any energy to read or discuss a company that is no longer relevant to me. Clearly those who come to MR to bash the iPad have a passion for Apple products, admittedly so or not.

The other segment of haters are likely true MS fanboi's that visit Apple sites out of envy. They see Apple shipping millions of iPhones, MBP's and soon to be iPad's while the company they follow has done very little to excite the tech world. The buzz about Apple and their products has been huge and pretty much overshadowed all other tech companies in the past few years.

An added thought as well would seem to be the teen/20 something crowd is still very fascinated with building and maintaining their gaming rigs which I agree, a non Apple desktop is well suited for. My own 20+ years of doing that very thing ended a few years back when I lost interest in gaming such as MMO's or FPS games which led me to try out a MB. I enjoy the Mac simply due to my experience of using it for just shy of 4 years as my only computer and having zero issues. I've not had to reload the OS, I've never installed virus or maleware software, I've not experienced the machines slow down after months of daily use. I turn it on, it works. I love it for that very reason.

 

[samcraig]

Show me the evidence/examples, you seem to jump to these kind of conclusions rather quickly. IIRC you jumped to the conclusion that I was one of the cult of Apple, just because I expressed an interest in the iPad. When in reality I never owned an Apple product in my life and I wouldn't buy an iPad without trying it out first. I am merely impressed by the hardware and software of this product(and unimpressed with the alternatives). I would love it if someone built an Android tablet that better met my personal needs(USB/SD slots, SDK for windows) and matched Apples HW/SW polish. Unfortunately I don't see that happening.




Neither does your equating them. I think excessive hate of company is a lot more damaging than than excess love of the same. I don't imagine hate is very good for the health(blood pressure/digestion), while love OTOH is probably at least neutral.

I also seem to remember that having discussion with you is futile. So given my available free time at the moment. I'll take a pass. Thanks

 

[Bytor65]

I also seem to remember that having discussion with you is futile. So given my available free time at the moment. I'll take a pass. Thanks

No fun dealing with someone nearly as stubborn as you are, is it?

 

[Frosties]

As I'm becoming more of an Apple woman, I'm finding more and more hatred and debate from non-Apple users. Why is there so much opposition for Apple products, especially the iPad, when they're released?

I don't hate the iPad. I just think the iPad was a hyped very disappointing first product release. Apple and Steve Jobs clearly was talking nonsense when he gave the iPad all his superlatives. It's disappointment we are seeing from a much hyped product not hate. This presentation and the one with the "socks" made me laugh at Steve Jobs. He also said the old iMac puck was the best mouse ever made. He is a laugh at times our Steve but some things he get right so I forgive him much.

 

[hitekalex]

As I'm becoming more of an Apple woman, I'm finding more and more hatred and debate from non-Apple users. Why is there so much opposition for Apple products, especially the iPad, when they're released?

Because iPad is a tremendous disappointment to a lot of people.. Especially after the unprecedented amount of hype that's been building up around "Apple Tablet" for probably 3-4 years.

If you follow the technology.. some of the devices that are being announced at the CTIA right now (HTC EVO 4G, Dell Mini 5 tablet, Samsung Galaxy) are truly exposing Apple's iPad for what is - overhyped, under-featured, locked down and just not all that impressive.

For something that Apple has presumably been working for over last 3-5 years - the end result is just underwhelming. I am sorry as a newly minted "Apple woman" you don't like to hear that.. but that's how a lot of people feel.

 

[rpang]

Im just really disappointed that the apple did not release a macbook pro tablet. I've had a tablet notebook before and its one of my favorite notebook. I was hoping that iPad is going to be the same, but instead, its just an oversized iPod touch. It looks cool for what it is, but at its price point, I am not going to lay down the cash just to have it.

 

[Romanesq]

nothing but hate.

I'm going to admit it. I hate the iPad. I hate it.

I hate that it's not in my hands until next weekend.

It's the future of computing and people need to get over themselves.
Applications will soon make people forget the things they wanted at first.

Like the first iPhone, it's a game changer. Except this is more a more polished product.

Having so many capabilities in a light small device is just awesome. Can't wait.

 

[ReallyOldGuy]

I don't hate the iPad. I just think the iPad was a hyped very disappointing first product release. Apple and Steve Jobs clearly was talking nonsense when he gave the iPad all his superlatives. It's disappointment we are seeing from a much hyped product not hate. ]

This is interesting..."It's disappointment we are seeing"...I'm not sure you can be disappointed until the 3rd. Apple never hyped anything, we the consumers worked ourselves into a frenzy about what we thought we wanted and what we felt we should get. I really wanted Skype capability, instead i got the ability to read and edit docs, i wasn't expecting that.. How can anyone hate or be disappointed in something they haven't tried?

 

[Bytor65]

Anyone let down by the pre announcement hype is basing this on a boatload of clearly contradictory guesses that didn't have anything to do with Apple. You can't blame Apple for that.

 

[hitekalex]

It's the future of computing [...] Like the first iPhone, it's a game changer.

And you know that because.. Oh right, Steve Jobs told you so. I think you also left out "magical" and "revolutionary" parts.

Having so many capabilities in a light small device is just awesome. Can't wait.

Give me a break, you get more capabilities in a modern smartphone.

 

[Jett0516]

well first the name iPad is dumb enough.

but anyway..I think the real reason why most people hate it is because it's not what they expected it to be. you know just like my very first sentence up top.

 

[MiguelS]

Well, the last time a woman enjoyed an apple, man got screwed.

As I'm becoming more of an Apple woman,

This is for MS or Apple users?

• Human nature
• Ignorance
• Jealousy
• Bad experiences
• User arrogance

The list is endless

+1 on your post Chupa

Two categories of H8TRs:

1) Windows Fanboys who as a matter of principle don't like anything with an Apple on it the same way some Apple Fanboys can't stand anything with a MS or Windows logo.

2) Apple fans who like Apple not b/c its products are for the most part built on common sense but rather b/c it's not Microsoft. To them Apple is counter culture, but with the ascendancy of the iPod then iPhone, now iPad Apple is not only mainstream it's at the dreaded peak of pop culture. Apple isn't a garage company startup anymore, it's big business, and it has to act that way now, which they resent.

I completely agree with this post. I also think that apple sells and controls the HW and SW aspect, while MS is just the SW side and you have many HW companies trying to work with MS. I personally never had issues with MS because I don't download free SW, don't open emails from unknowns and hardly ever upgrade. The iPad is the first Apple product I will ever own and I am sure I will enjoy it.

When my PC Laptop was stolen, I was thinking about a MBP, but the insurance was not going to cover the complete cost. So I bought a Dell, which I am perfectly happy with.

I'll venture an opinion based on my last three years living in the Apple ecosystem.

1. Exclusivity - Apple is not trying to be all things to all consumers. They sell a premium experience to people who don't want to spend their life screwing with H/W and S/W. People who just want information appliances to work and are willing to pay for it make Apple a very profitable company. Unfortunately that excludes a bunch of people who would like to have the superior experience but just can't afford to pay for it. Those people purchase Vista/Win7 at Best Buy and live with it. Apple isn't losing any sleep over it. They are smart enough to not wallow in the low margin netbook end of the business with Dell & HP. This causes resentment by people dumb enough to think Apple owes them a seat in the bleachers for the playoffs.
2. Change Is Scary - It's a Microsoft world. The vast majority of the planet has grown up on Microsoft / HP / Dell. The devil they know is less scary than the unknown (Apple). People are inherently resistant to change and risk averse. Cheap and familiar will often beat different and expensive. So, to rationalize their choice, people need to denigrate the other choice.
3. Microsoft Doesn't Universally Suck (all the time) - There are many things you simply can't get in Apple's model of a closed ecosystem that you can get in Microsoft's open platform. The lack of solutions or competitive solutions is a killer for some people. And that's probably the most legitimate gripe although it comes with a lot of downside risk that Apple has chosen to shield its customers from.
   
   Just one opinion.

 

[LadyHoneyBabe]

Because iPad is a tremendous disappointment to a lot of people.. Especially after the unprecedented amount of hype that's been building up around "Apple Tablet" for probably 3-4 years.

If you follow the technology.. some of the devices that are being announced at the CTIA right now (HTC EVO 4G, Dell Mini 5 tablet, Samsung Galaxy) are truly exposing Apple's iPad for what is - overhyped, under-featured, locked down and just not all that impressive.

For something that Apple has presumably been working for over last 3-5 years - the end result is just underwhelming. I am sorry as a newly minted "Apple woman" you don't like to hear that.. but that's how a lot of people feel.

Kinda sad that people feel so disappointed in the iPad, but it seems like the people I've come across want Apple to be like Microsoft. So, they expected the iPad to be like previous released Tablet PCs, and as everyone knows, they (Tablets) didn't go over as well as people thought. In fact, I was going to purchase one, but when I asked people who used them the pros & cons, the cons out weighed the pros. In fact, they would tell me to wait until it was perfected. So I got into touch screen PDA Phones which were cool for a while, but I got tired of them always freezing in the middle of what I was doing. But that was all that was available so I stuck with it. Another tiring problem was continually upgrading my phone so I could get the lastest Windows Mobile release. Then the iPhone came out. I never purchased one because of AT&T's network. So, I waited a while, swapped my PDA phone for a regular phone and got a 3rd Gen iPod Touch (I have 2 Classic iPods too). I've download a plethora of apps I constantly use (LOVE the 2Do App) but kept wishing the screen was bigger so I could do more surfing and other productive stuff. And now, the iPad, hopefully will give me what I've been wanting.

I don't hate Microsoft or their products, but they didn't give me what I need outside of work. So now that I'm getting this iPad, people have said I've turned to the dark side, called me a traitor, constantly remind me that there's no flash and said the iPad is just a Kindle on steroids. Also, they keep telling me the Slate or whatever Google is releasing is going to KILL the iPad. All this nonsense, just because Apple decided to do something different...

Well, the last time a woman enjoyed an apple, man got screwed.

Ha ha ha! He COULDA said Noooooooo!

 

[drtyrell]

It's a new paradigm and it is going to be resisted by those who don't understand it. Plus it's simplicity goes against the technogeek culture and they are the ones most likely to be online and in forums talking about it.
I wonder if we will have a thread for apologies by all who said the iPad would be a huge failure if it didn't have their favorite feature. I'd like to see if they have the integrity to do that.

This has to be the most self-righteous nerd chatter I've read in ages.

We don't like the iPad because its lamely trying to be an over sized iPhone. Steve Jobs stood on stage and told us to believe it was better than our laptops, which it isn't.

We have no right to "demand" that Apple make what "we" want, but when they don't make even the minimum device with a camera and a proper OS and them prance on stage telling us it is just as great as a computer...then some of us are going to yell back at the stage "bull@^#!"

I would have been far more impressed had Steve just said, "Well, it's sorta like an iPhone, but cooler in these ways...let me show you."

 

[vini-vidi-vici]

It's Tribalism

I encounter the same thing with Nikon vs. Canon cameras in the camera world.

People want to believe they are part of the "best tribe". If your whole computer universe revolves around PCs, you want to believe that PCs are the best thing out there. vice-versa is true too. For some people that includes bashing "the other".

It's just a silly aspect of human nature going back to when we actually lived in tribes. It's the same thing that's responsible for extreme nationalism, sports-team fanatics... pretty much anything that has a fan-base. Sadly in other realms (religion and politics) it can manifest itself in violence and wars.

Reality is that we're all part of the same tribe, and consumer products aren't worth fighting about.

 

[yyy]

I guess people hate Apple products because they either can't afford them or don't own them so they want to make themselves feel better by convincing everyone that Apple's products aren't that good.

That said, I think the hate for the iPad specifically comes from the actual drawbacks of the device in compare to the hype that has been created around it. Personally and as an Apple fan, I'm very disappointed at what I think is an exploit of Apple customers. Apple is trying to sell us an unnecessary product which mainly serves as a way for them to get more cash by luring people to buy apps that they already have on their phones and computers. I'm sure some people would find it useful but I don't think it's what most of us need.

 

[diabolic]

I'm sure some people would find it useful but I don't think it's what most of us need.

That depends on how you define "most of us". If you mean tech people who frequent internet forums, then probably not. If you mean "average consumers", the iPad will cover most of their computing needs easily and in a better form factor than a laptop, netbook, or mobile phone. We'll see soon how well it catches on.

 

[bossxii]

Because iPad is a tremendous disappointment to a lot of people.. Especially after the unprecedented amount of hype that's been building up around "Apple Tablet" for probably 3-4 years.

If you follow the technology.. some of the devices that are being announced at the CTIA right now (HTC EVO 4G, Dell Mini 5 tablet, Samsung Galaxy) are truly exposing Apple's iPad for what is - overhyped, under-featured, locked down and just not all that impressive.

For something that Apple has presumably been working for over last 3-5 years - the end result is just underwhelming. I am sorry as a newly minted "Apple woman" you don't like to hear that.. but that's how a lot of people feel.

Couple of things I wanted to touch on. First you signature? talk about irony... Listing all your Apple toys and right above it, the "anti Apple ad campain" nice. Sounds like a fanboi gone postal to me.

The only thing they should be disappointed in is their own expectations and gullibility to believe what some tech blog spews out to get some click thru's so they make a few bucks in advertising. I didn't know people actually bought into that garbage.

Exactly how is Android going to solve any of the issues that you think Apple's "wall garden" creates? Not only do you get to deal with numerous versions of Android, add in the different screen resolutions and Androids creates a cluster of apps that work on one device and not another. Developers can't even access "all" the Android users because it's such a fragmented market place. How exactly is that better? Oh and kudo's to the apps that load a virus directly on to your phone, or access your personal information. Sounds like a great OS! Sign me up!

Apple has been working on the iPad for 3-5 years? source? or just another assumption with no basis in fact? ya.. thought so.

 

[jedolley]

I think it's all about expectations.

When Apple came out with the iPhone there were little to no expectation. Several years later due to the success of the iPhone, some (maybe many) people's expectations where huge. That's why you hear a lot of "Giant iPod Touch" comments, because the iPad isn't ground breaking, pretty much a lot of the same.

Personally, I had no expectation. I've never owned an iPhone, and unfortunately my iPod Touch hasn't seen much use lately. When I first heard of the iPad, first thing that came to mind was "Giant iPod Touch", but the more I thought about it, the more I saw how it could fit into my lifestyle by replacing my Netbook, iPod Touch, and possibly my Kindle. Apple could have crafted a whole new OS (maybe an OSX/iPhone hybrid), but they decided to stay with the successful iPhone OS and adapt it to a new form factor.

I think now that we know most of the iPad details, people need to decide if this is a product they want. The bottom line is Apple isn't going back to the drawing board just because it didn't meet some expectations. I also don't expect much change in future revisions (iPhone has stayed pretty much the same since it's birth). If people are still disappointed, then wait for the others (IMO - Slate looks nice. JooJoo also looks nice, but not sure if it will get the support it needs. I think an Android tablet would be fantastic if done right).

 

[rtabdo]

Most hate comes from ignorance. With something like the iPad, many people are just looking at it from the surface and complaining about things like "no flash, no usb, multi-tasking, etc"

The problem with this "haters" is they aren't understanding what the phrase user experience means. You see, Apple could have allowed all that stuff, but there clearly was some specific reasons why. Maybe it was battery life, maybe it didn't run smooth or maybe it would have made the base price higher. It could be a bunch of different things.

One thing I've realized about Apple is they would rather leave a feature out entirely, then do it half-ass. You look at Android products and don't get me wrong, its really nice, however almost every review out there will say something along the lines like "its not quite there". Apple does not believe in that. They believe "do it right, or dont do it at all"

Another thing is Apple is VERY successful business right now (market cap close to WalMart's) They know how to run a company and 99% of people on this forum and around the world don't know how to even start a company. You look at a device like the EVO 4G which has everything right now, but what about down the line? What are they going to do? How are they going to continue to innovate? Those are questions.

My point is this. People will always "hate". But I'll tell you this. If Apple had Flash, USB, front camera and the user experience wasn't up to Apples standards or it had a 3 hour battery life, people would be complaining even more.

The iPad itself is NOT just a big iPhone to those of us who honestly see it's potential. Ignorant people are the ones who just look at it and say that. Once the Apps start rolling out everyone who "hated" the iPad will likely look at it with some App and say "oh wow, thats cool"

 

[foxnews1]

here is my confess as a PC lover:

I never own apple products because it is expensive and lock-down with less user control.

Example: I pay $65/month for three phones with 3G, text, NW 6PM, etc. Over the 2 year contract, I would save thousands compared to ATT iphone plan.

Control: I have HTC TP2 phone and bought a 8GB memory card for $12. I can upgrade more memory for less money in the fureture if memory runs out. I can use my phone to tether and browse the web on my laptop without paying extra for 3G.

No doubt, apple products are good and popular. but from value standpoint, I got much better deal with non-apple products.


Now I am here because I preordered ipad. why? it is cheap, compared with apple normal price standard. it is one time cost, and I dont have to pay monthly. I can tether my phone and browse with 3G on ipad. plus, big one, I want access to Apple ecosysem of apps or sites which will be designed specifically for ipad.

there you go.

 

[samcraig]

Most hate comes from ignorance. With something like the iPad, many people are just looking at it from the surface and complaining about things like "no flash, no usb, multi-tasking, etc"

The problem with this "haters" is they aren't understanding what the phrase user experience means. You see, Apple could have allowed all that stuff, but there clearly was some specific reasons why. Maybe it was battery life, maybe it didn't run smooth or maybe it would have made the base price higher. It could be a bunch of different things.

One thing I've realized about Apple is they would rather leave a feature out entirely, then do it half-ass. You look at Android products and don't get me wrong, its really nice, however almost every review out there will say something along the lines like "its not quite there". Apple does not believe in that. They believe "do it right, or dont do it at all"

Another thing is Apple is VERY successful business right now (market cap close to WalMart's) They know how to run a company and 99% of people on this forum and around the world don't know how to even start a company. You look at a device like the EVO 4G which has everything right now, but what about down the line? What are they going to do? How are they going to continue to innovate? Those are questions.

My point is this. People will always "hate". But I'll tell you this. If Apple had Flash, USB, front camera and the user experience wasn't up to Apples standards or it had a 3 hour battery life, people would be complaining even more.

The iPad itself is NOT just a big iPhone to those of us who honestly see it's potential. Ignorant people are the ones who just look at it and say that. Once the Apps start rolling out everyone who "hated" the iPad will likely look at it with some App and say "oh wow, thats cool"

Talk about ignorant and condescending - or at the very least judgmental and overgeneralizing. Yes - CLEARLY YOU and those that love the iPad are way smarter than anyone who doesn't. Congratulations on figuring out where the line/litmus is for intelligence

 

[GermanSuplex]

If you follow the technology.. some of the devices that are being announced at the CTIA right now (HTC EVO 4G, Dell Mini 5 tablet, Samsung Galaxy) are truly exposing Apple's iPad for what is - overhyped, under-featured, locked down and just not all that impressive.

To me, Apple is creating a new platform. An iPhone and iPod Touch have a whole new user experience that is prime for portable use, so much so that it needs a bigger platform, and iPad is that platform. Many devices are copying Apple, and many that aren't are trying to squeeze desktop PC's into a smaller package.

People need to embrace choices and look at each device for what it is rather than what it isn't, and realize that there are pros, cons, and compromises with almost any product. I feel like I repeat myself in many threads, but I have a laptop and will not be throwing it out anytime soon. There are times when, for longer trips and times at work when I want to accomplish certain goals, I will take my laptop. But there are many times I will be glad to not have to lug it around and to head out the door with something thin and light that will accomplish most of what I use any computer device for: browsing the web, reading emails and enjoying my media.