Why the iPad WILL succeed

[samcraig]

If you own the CDs, you can rip them yourself, place in iTunes, sync, then listen to them on your iPad while you surf the web.
99.99% of the items in my iTunes library are things I ripped from the CD.

What is the problem?

Did you miss the point?

He uses spotify and obviously doesn't own the music. If he had them on CD, he'd use iTunes. There are custom streaming radio applications that introduce people to new music they like all the time which later they might buy. All the poster is saying is that it would be useful and nice to be able to stream THAT music at the same time as doing something else.

 

[mullman]

Did you miss the point?

I suppose I did.
Sorry.

 

[mrdinh]

i think it will be slow sales in the begining...as more apps goes on board..it will get popular...ie. the iphone...i didn't get one until the 3GS...now i can't wait for the 4G!

 

[OllyW]

Did you miss the point?

He uses spotify and obviously doesn't own the music. If he had them on CD, he'd use iTunes. There are custom streaming radio applications that introduce people to new music they like all the time which later they might buy. All the poster is saying is that it would be useful and nice to be able to stream THAT music at the same time as doing something else.

Spotify is a great way to hear an album and find out if you like it. If you do like it then buy the CD or get it off iTunes.

I think there should be an opt-in for multi-tasking and Flash. Give a warning that the battery life might suffer and let the user make the choice.

 

[Bytor65]

On the contrary, I think it will ramp quite fast at the beginning compared to the iPhone, because no one really knew what an iPhone was at the beginning, there were no apps.

Being a big iPhone/Touch means it has instant understanding for millions now, potentially hundreds of thousands of applications already available and optimized applications being worked as we speak.

It won't sell in iPhone numbers, but I think it will be a success and it will launch well. Much to the Chagrin of those with the "wait for slow sales and a price drop" plan.

 

[anthonymoody]

Fans - don't bother trying to convince the nay sayers. Their minds are made up and they simply refuse to see the obvious, which is that the iPad can and does in fact serve the needs of most of the people most of the time. Classic 80/20.

But don't worry, a few months from now they'll be singing a different tune.

 

[samcraig]

Fans - don't bother trying to convince the nay sayers. Their minds are made up and they simply refuse to see the obvious, which is that the iPad can and does in fact serve the needs of most of the people most of the time. Classic 80/20.

But don't worry, a few months from now they'll be singing a different tune.

You're funny. Really. You act as those that aren't rushing out to buy one don't "get it" or are missing something. Most of the people get it quite well. We're not sold yet. The device isn't what we want. That doesn't mean we "refusse" to see the "obvious"

I would never say that those who are racing to buy one are sheep and are blinded by marketing and the dream of something that doesn't actually live up to its promise yet. Because that would be completely wrong and obnoxious. Yet you have no problem reversing that sentiment and implying the "naysayers" - are idiots for a lack of better phrase.

Stop thinking so highly of yourself. You aren't any smarter/dumber/whatever than anyone else.

 

[NotTempted]

I don't understand why people continue to spend so much time reading and arguing the fine points about a device they are "not sold on" or "do not want". Whats the point here?

 

[colmaclean]

I don't understand why people continue to spend so much time reading and arguing the fine points about a device they are "not sold on" or "do not want". Whats the point here?

Well, this forum is called "iPad discussion", so you have to take the positives with the negatives.

The naysayers raise some good points, but those clinging onto the thought of running OS X on something the size of an iPad should be sending their resumes to Apple as obviously Mr. J Ives is an idiot and they could do a lot better.

 

[NotTempted]

Well, this forum is called "iPad discussion", so you have to take the positives with the negatives.

I suppose, but every time the naysayers point out the negatives it further solidifies my resolve to purchase this device.

The naysayers raise some good points, but those clinging onto the thought of running OS X on something the size of an iPad should be sending their resumes to Apple as obviously Mr. J Ives is an idiot and they could do a lot better.

+1
Or at the very least develop some useful apps to satisfy the demographic they seem to be preaching to.

 

[Jaro65]

Haha, me too!

And me!

 

[appleipadskins]

Conclusion.

So what's the conclusion? That people won't therefore use the iPad? That there is something else which is easier to use? Or are you just saying that some people will encounter problems with the device? This applies to anything, so I don't get the relevance, but maybe I misunderstand.

Conclusion? You won't be able to stop progress, no matter how many naysayers. This market is ripe.

 

[davidlw]

The iPad will fit my needs perfectly as a Road Salesman. When I am in front of a customer and need to look up info., I get instant access to files etc. I don't have to wait for a computer to boot up. Giving a customer fast access to info looks alot better than messing around with a computer that has to be booted up and wait for a couple of minutes.

Also using the iPad in the car, not while driving, but inputing notes while out of the office will be great. So when I get back to the office, my paper work is done.

 

[mrsir2009]

Unless I become so rich that I don't need a reason for buying things I don't think I'll ever buy the iPad, its just not particle for me. I usually do a lot of typing, and for that you need a proper keyboard. And as for the ibook store thing... there's no way in the world I'd ever read a book off a screen. No one I know would either

That's just me though, I'm sticking with the MacBook Pro

 

[scottness]

I think I'd actually enjoy an iPad that MULTITASKS!!!

 

[firewood]

The iPad will fail if it can't get US to buy it.

Wrong. It's not for you. You already have an iPod Touch.

Drug stores sell reading glasses to 10's of millions of people. Do you or any of your friends buy reading glasses? Likely no.

Those are the people who will buy iPads. And they number in the millions.

 

[Bytor65]

None knew what they were or could do until I showed them. The second edition came out with a speaker and volume control, and also for a lower price. Those friends all had one within a month.

The iPad will fail if it can't get US to buy it.

Some issues with your assumptions:

1: Your friends now have iPhones/Touch, so they already know what the iPad does and won't need you to show them.
2: Apple may not get YOU, but the will get many of US.

I think you are over-estimating your own importance anyway. If you hadn't showed your friends an iPhone, they likely still would have seen one somewhere else.

IMO the only techies iPad will be losing are the "checkbox marketing victims, that will simply look and say: "A netbook does more".

Nothing can be done to appease these people. The iPad has fewer roles than a laptop. Geeks who can't get beyond the view that every computing device must do everything, who can't tolerated an Appliance like device, will stick with their laptop.

Those who can see the advantage for a number of support roles of the new form factor will have no issue getting an iPad even though "it doesn't do everything". Its Appliance like nature will be a huge appeal to non-geeks.

I have other computers around to do more (programming/hacking), but when I just want to read a comic/novel/instantly check the net, this will be an extremely nice appliance,and it will be incredibly flexible for an appliance.

 

[VenusianSky]

I don't plan on getting an iPad and I agree that there are a number of things that could be implemented to make it a more complete product, but I don't agree that it will straight up fail, as some do. There is a target market of users that the iPad will do well for. Maybe it is not the gadget geeks that have been anticipating a product that the iPad is not, but there are people out there that will find the iPad very beneficial to their limited digital lives. I am thinking people that have, or plan on purchasing a laptop, and aren't computer savvy. I think this first implementation will do just fine in sales.

 

[Bytor65]

Ibut there are people out there that will find the iPad very beneficial to their limited digital lives. I am thinking people that have, or plan on purchasing a laptop, and aren't computer savvy. I think this first implementation will do just fine in sales.

That is an ignorant, condescending statement. It isn't only tech illiterate folks that will be interested in iPads.

I started hacking on a Vic-20 nearly 30 years ago, and have a full HW/SW hobby/education/professional history since.

I fully understand the iPads limitations/stengths and I want one. No shocker that like almost every tech head on the planet, I already have other devices that can cover anything hardcore I can't do on the iPad.

I am sure there are a lot of other extremely tech literate folks who also want one.

 

[jeznav]

I think I'd actually enjoy an iPad that MULTITASKS!!!

iPad doesn't need to multitask: Why there is no app backgrounding on the iPhone OS?

 

[MacVDS]

That is an ignorant, condescending statement. It isn't only tech illiterate folks that will be interested in iPads.

I started hacking on a Vic-20 nearly 30 years ago, and have a full HW/SW hobby/education/professional history since.

I fully understand the iPads limitations/stengths and I want one. No shocker that like almost every tech head on the planet, I already have other devices that can cover anything hardcore I can't do on the iPad.

I am sure there are a lot of other extremely tech literate folks who also want one.

Ha!. I thought I was the only one that started on a Vic-20 (with cassette) 5k memory. ..... and I got the Amiga 1000 when released! I want an iPad too! I may be a technogeezer, but I know cool when I see it.

 

[Bytor65]

Ha!. I thought I was the only one that started on a Vic-20 (with cassette) 5k memory. ..... and I got the Amiga 1000 when released! I want an iPad too! I may be a technogeezer, but I know cool when I see it.

Ah yes. But real pain was when I got a C-64 and couldn't afford the disk drive for another year so it would take about 30 minutes to load a game from that horrible tape drive.

I don't keep much old computer junk, but I still have my Amiga1000 somewhere in a box, though the floppies are probably roted by now .
A computer that was so far ahead of it's time. Did you ever open it up and check inside the cover. Talk about a labor of love that must have been.

 

[SteveSparks]

That's true. But that's rather limiting. Many want to listen to music and watch movies. The only way to do that is to sync. And what about backing up their information in case something crashes. ?

My inlaws (ages 71 and 66) will use the ipad as a second computer. After I get it setup with there current iTunes, all they need to do is sync once in a while which they can manage to do.

When they travel they will take the
ipad to off load pictures
listen to music in there room
have a movie to share on the plane
have a computer to check email
have a browser to surf the web and check in for flights
have a book reader for my father in law who reads all the time
have pictures of the grandkids to show friends
have a way to communicate with family when on the road
via email
via instant messages
have a way to email pictures back home


All which they can do with a laptop, but with a 1.5lb device that fits in my mother in laws purse, means they don't LUG they laptop with them and have 1 less bag for the trip.

That is why this iPad will be a success. There are 100 more things it will do for people in a size and weight factor that makes it super easy to take with you and do things you would do with a laptop.

None of which requires flash, multi-anything other than once in a while and after a trip they sync with that heavy laptop that stays at home.

Sure lots of this can be done with an ipod touch or iphone but when you are 40+ the screen for those devices is too small and laptop is a pain.

Instant on is also going to be very, nice because you don't have to "sit down" to perform a task as listed above. You can do it in 10 minutes at the coffee shop while you are waiting for the tour bus to load up while you are on that seniors tour through Rome on your way to the Airport for London.

 

[Eric-PTEK]

RDP, VDI, the cloud, whatever you want to call it.

I bet within a year the biggest users of the iPad will be Windows users.

I cannot wait for this thing to come out. Sure you can buy a laptop, Mac or PC, and use Wireless 3g but wireless 3G is a pain sometimes.

Turn on the computer, wait for it to boot, launch your 3G software, sign on, go do your work, oh the connection dropped, sign back on again.

If the iPad works like the iPhone in that respect, turn it on, sign in.

$60 a month in daunting for some businesses because they don't know if they will get the value. For $15 to $30 to test, no contracts, no risk.

Everyone in my company will get one and with RDP/Web access for our CRM tools I can already see increases in efficiency and more importantly accuracy.

I own the company and I hate breaking out my laptop to jot down notes in our CRM when we're meeting with a customer, or I don't transpose them into CRM, etc...

RDP access to all my customers servers, instant access to our CRM tool, being able to demo things live...

I don't care it doesn't have a real keyboard. For customer meetings your jotting down notes, not writing a book. Plus the interactivity with the customer handing them the pad so they can check things out.

I can't wait, I think its going to be huge.

 

[Greysquirrel]

I don't plan on buying on in its present configuration as I understand it right now but when I see one and hold it in my sweaty hands and see how it works I may change my mind.
On the other hand I have a couple of 70+ seniors that want to email and browse the web but think a computer is to hard to learn, I can't wait till my local Mac City get them in so I can take them to the store and let them see if this is for them, I think it will be.
As far as backups go I don't think these people will ever need to back up and if there comes a time that they do, they probably will have learned enough to find a way to do so. I talk to people all the time that don't backup their computers, when you ask them what the use for back up the answer is usually,"Backup, what do you mean?"