Why the iPad is not "insanely great"

[hitekalex]

Seriously, there's a reason he's not understanding, it's because you people keep trying to justify the iPad with things that apply to the laptop as well. Find something that is unique to the iPad that is not some strange "I can read stuff standing up", and maybe some of the doubters will get it.

So why are you dismissing being able to use a device while standing up as a legitimate advantage of an iPad over a laptop? My wife is a teacher, and she's been dying for something like an iPad to replace her clunky Windows tablet.. which she uses on a daily basis while teaching her classes.. and yes standing up.

I wouldn't ever consider reading a book on my laptop (sitting or standing), while I can certainly see myself reading a book on an iPad. The examples can go on and on..

Sure a laptop is capable of running any application that you can also run on a tablet. Heck, you can even use your laptop as a cell phone if you really wanted to. But the point is that many of the use cases are LESS convenient to execute on a laptop than a tablet. So yeah.. why is this so hard to comprehend?

 

[KnightWRX]

So why are you dismissing being able to use a device while standing up as a legitimate advantage of an iPad over a laptop? My wife is a teacher, and she's been dying for something like an iPad to replace her clunky Windows tablet.. which she uses on a daily basis while teaching her classes.. and yes standing up.

I wouldn't ever consider reading a book on my laptop (sitting or standing), while I can certainly see myself reading a book on an iPad. The examples can go on and on..

Sure a laptop is capable of running any application that you can also run on a tablet. Heck, you can even use your laptop as a cell phone if you really wanted to. But the point is that many of the use cases are LESS convenient to execute on a laptop than a tablet. So yeah.. why is this so hard to comprehend?

Because of all the use cases you've just cited, the iPhone or iPod Touch are way better than an iPad. More portable (no extra sleeves or bags), all the same apps, and good enough for when standing up (which usually means a quick check up on something, not some prolonged reading/browsing/e-mailing session).

The fact is, iPhone + Laptop is a no compromise solution. The iPad is one gigantic compromise, with all the disadvantages of both and without any real advantages. Hence why the form factor, no matter which OS (Windows or Tablet specific OSes) have not caught on yet. Full blown bag to carry around, as much power as your average cellphone. Not a winning combination.

And none of you that have tried to explain it to duke have yet to actually make a very convincing case.

 

[appleseed76]

Very clever post. You sound so freakin right. Your Grandma's the coolest old lady in the world if she wants to fool around with the iPad bro.

Indulge my curiosity please; what do Hardcore Computer Users and Techies like yourself do? What would make someone like you be chopping at the bit to buy the iPad?

Sorry it took me so long to reply. The snow storm we're having is reeking havoc on the power lines and there's more to come.

I am a technology coordinator and technologies teacher at a private elementary school (I also teach Japanese.)

I am interested in the iPad as an alternative to traditional computing solutions, like desktop PCs and laptops. The closed environment of the iPad is perfect for keeping my students on task rather than unleashing them on the entire world. Even the lack of Flash is great because it will keep them off of those stupid Flash-based games websites that our oftentimes too violent and suggestive for young minds.

I'm also interested for personal reasons, but I like many other people, wanted more of a stand alone machine. I know this will come someday, so I'm supporting the iPad as a result.

 

[hitekalex]

Because of all the use cases you've just cited, the iPhone or iPod Touch are way better than an iPad. More portable (no extra sleeves or bags), all the same apps, and good enough for when standing up

Are you serious? iPhone is better than a tablet for classroom teaching or book reading?? Uhm, no. I'd like to see you teach a math class for 6 hours each day (which involves handwritten entry of complex formulas) using 3.5" iPhone screen. That's what my wife does every day using a windows tablet. iPad will be perfect here with the right app. Same goes for book reading, casual note taking, and a number of other things.

iPhone is fine for a quick web lookup or email check, but it's completely unsuitable for any sort of prolonged content consumption or complex data input. As it's been said many times already - iPad may not be for everyone, nor does it suit everyone's lifestyle.. That doesn't mean you should be dismissive of those legitimate use cases where a well implemented tablet is a perfect tool.

 

[DaveSW]

The iPad is already changing the face of the publishing industry, has been the topic of conversation everywhere tech-related, and has forced Amazon's hand as well as that of other tech companies.

It's not even on the shelves, yet it's already a game-changer.

absolutely. wait and see what it does to comic books, graphic novels, children's books, etc.

 

[Carouser]

The fact is, iPhone + Laptop is a no compromise solution. The iPad is one gigantic compromise, with all the disadvantages of both and without any real advantages.

Except people aren't going to go to an Apple store and think "Should I buy an iPhone + Laptop or should I buy an iPad" they're going to say something like "well, I already have a desktop so I don't need a new one, but I do want this new $500 thing to play with".

Also, why is a teacher worried about carrying around an iPad? Classrooms are pretty small to walk around in. And she's already using a tablet, why on earth would she buy a cell phone and a laptop when that's obviously not what she is partial to?

 

[applebum]

Silly counter arguments...

You're using your usage for battery figures on the laptop and quoting max battery figures on the iPad. Doesn't work that way, unless you want to claim 7 hours of battery on the laptop. Your textbooks as ebooks would be as available on a laptop as they would be on iPad. I have no comfort issues using a laptop on my lap. Leaves both my hands free to type. You count weight savings on the iPad through using eBooks and not bringing along a power cord. You can do both on a laptop. Just get one with a better battery.

Seriously, there's a reason he's not understanding, it's because you people keep trying to justify the iPad with things that apply to the laptop as well. Find something that is unique to the iPad that is not some strange "I can read stuff standing up", and maybe some of the doubters will get it.

Are you seriously getting on to me for my battery comparison??? Let me explain how this works - I actually have a MacBook, so the battery time I quote is what I actually get. Since the iPad is not out yet, thus I don't have one, I can't quote actual battery usage. If you read my post completely you will notice that I commented that even if I only get HALF of the battery time Apple claims (5 hours) it will still be more than my laptop gets. Also, please link to where Apple ever claimed 7 hours of battery life for the MacBook.

Also, if I do as you say and just carry my MacBook, and nothing else, to do all the things I want, it still weighs 3 times more than the iPad - 4.5 lbs compared to 1.5 lbs. So, it is still easier to carry the iPad in one hand, still easier to tote around in general, and still easier to use on my lap. The great thing is, I don't have to justify to you or anyone else why I want the iPad. It doesn't have to have anything that is unique to it, if it meets needs that I have, then it is worthwhile to me.