Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

If possible, I'd actually like to have a discussion instead of pointless flaming of a product.

Given most of the flaming for Apple products here, recently the iPad (or rather the iPhone's..multi-tasking). Has anyone actually tried the iPad?

I had the chance to try it today, my professor's friend/colleague/former student brought his in and let us try it in the Human Factors class (we also had a discussion about it).

Most of us agreed that the iPad seems primarily for the consumption of content with a secondary function for the creation of content, and the person who brought it in was talking about the role of the iPad he saw. He sees himself ditching his laptop (that he uses only at home now) and going back to the desktop. So he will be utilizing the iPhone (phone, email mainly), iPad (email, and basic creation and use during lectures), and an iMac (desktop at home). Yeah... my professor, this guy, and my professor at the University I went too for my undergraduate are all Apple fans. Interestingly he said at home he said he's likely to use the iPad to watch movies, or read a book off of it.

Which I do similarly already on the N900 [granted things like reading a book aren't as polished since the iPad has nice animations pretty much simulating what you may do with a page when turning it]. I myself prefer just tapping to the next page.

So perhaps that's why I don't find a role for the iPad myself. Others may feel same, others may feel different (hence why some people compare its functionality to a netbook). Some might feel comfortable with reading a book from different screens (I've read books off of desktops, laptops, n800 and now N900). While others may want a device more dedicated (Kindle or iPad). For me, I think the N900 does nearly everything I could see using the iPad for (minus the games since the N900 seems to be lacking that). But even then I think instead of an iPad I rather carry a Nintendo handheld.

In the end I guess that's why an iPad appeals to some, and not others (surprise surprise). Much of the functionality he talked about I found that I could do on my N900, even down to using it for lectures. But others may find that the screen size too restricting. Personally my current setup is a desktop [home], laptop [sister's dorm], and the N900 [with me]. I can see myself getting rid of the laptop in the future (as I move away from being a migratory graduate student) and using something like the iPad at say a conference [for things like taking notes] but not at home. Mainly due to the difference in the ways he and I consume content. If I watch a movie, I do it on the computer or stream it to the N900, or say a PC hooked up to a TV, or a media extender like the XBOX 360).

Though it would have to have more functionality (for one multi-tasking). I say that not because the N900 doesn't have the functionality (as I already do use the N900 more as a computer than most users do here) but more because as I stated before. The problem with using the N900 like I did with the n800 as a computer is that if I use its computer aspects too much than I have no way to make phone calls without charging it. In a conference setting or say even lecturing, you don't want to use your own device necessarily due to battery life.

So anyone else try the iPad and wanna share their thoughts?

Oh, one interesting discussion was social politeness with using electronic devices, he brought up that since the iPad (and other tablets) resemble a notebook (not laptop) more it may be perceived as more socially polite than using a laptop or a portable device for say taking notes or writing an email in a social setting such as a classroom.

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

I cant say I've tried it. I'm kind of avoiding it to be honest though curiosity will get the better of me eventually..

I know on the first use it will probably seem fun and amazing and I would want to buy it, but deep down it means being locked into itunes....

Reason I stopped using my 2nd gen ipod like 8 years ago was the requirement to use ID3 tags to browse songs. its great when you rip a CD, but when you download random tracks, and realise that hundreds of mp3s in your collection are not visible on the device(although still there) because the creator of the song never bothered to add correct ID3 tags, or compilation cds have added 20 - 30 artists for every cd x 100 compliation cds....

Ever since then I have had a requirement that any device I own has a folder structure to dump songs into, and that folder structure is to be browsed to play songs

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

I used it today to make a point about its lack of features. When the browser could not load www.ocharleys.com, www.royalcaribbean.com and jibjab videos in the browser. My hands on time was over. The apple store rep said that they are able to sell so many iPads because people dont know that it doesnt support flash. The reps really upsold Apps Compatibility and Apple Brand power with the promise of future apps to fill any gaps.

The lack of flash killed it for me. That would force me to use my laptop and I rather leave that 15 inch monster at home.

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

I think the problem with Flash is that it's going be less of a problem as more content moves towards HTML5. Already you see certain apps that normally use Silverlight or Flash switch over.

I find that benefits the N900 too, since instead of waiting for Adobe or Nokia to get Flash 10 onto the N900 (whoever's hands it's in now) we can use HTML5 with Fennec/Firefox or maybe even MicroB.

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

i work in tech retail, and because of this will not be able to actually avoid the ipad even if i wanted to.

i think people have been unfair towards it in alot of ways, it does have its limitations in the lack of flash support etc, but for a device thats meant to be a simple and easy way of consuming media its actually fantastic.

i've worked with almost every product apple have to offer, and while they're not for me personally (gimmie the laptop, ps3 and my n900) i can see why people are interested in them for what fits their own lifestyle......which is more important than other peoples opinions anyway.

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

Yeah, that's a biggie. And it seems it's just that Steve has a chip on his shoulder about flash. There's no reason except that same old Apple god complex.

The unit is appealing... smooth, very responsive, and easy to use. But I'm not surprised at it's short comings. Maybe they should tweak the OS for the hardware, instead of putting the same spaced out iPhone icons on a bigger screen. I mean, use the real estate.

It also has a problem with seeing multiple WLANs broadcast from the same radio. At home, with one WAP, that's not a problem, but at work... My boss could not connect to our corporate WLAN because our "guest" network was overridding it. Known iPad bug... no fix.

Here's the coolest thing. Apple wants to sell you on THEIR bookstore right? Amazon made an app for the iPad. Whatever the Kindle can do, the iPad can do. Why buy books from Apple when you can buy them from Amazon cheaper. I'll bet Jobs is pissed about that one. :eek:

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

You're assuming we have some control over what our companies purchase or demand we support. We don't. When we're told that product "abc" is the best for the job, make it work. We can't say, let's wait until they convert to HTML5. Flash is a huge problem and it will not go away any time soon.

It doesn't matter if it's just one app. If you need Flash, you won't be using the iPad. Jobs is wrong on this one.

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

Historically, this site has never been enthusiastic about flash. It's interesting how the story has changed with the advent of the N900.

I think that in general, people like to DO things with their devices, not just consume media. The iPad attitude is similar to Jobs' former statement, "people don't read," or words to that effect. What is the iPad -- the ultimate couch-potato machine?

When I hear from slavish Apple drones such as CNET that the iPad is not something you want to type on for a long time, I say -- what good is it?

I haven't tried it, but it just seems too big and too inflexible to be USED for stuff, not just watched.

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

It's not so much that it doesn't have flash that bohers me, it is the fact that it could easily have flash and apple won't let you do it.

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

It seems that the iPad is the perfect device to realize the dream of 'paperless office' of yore ('90s?). It already has one of the best UI to view and interact with documents in small form factor thanks to the accelerated graphic function and multitouch control and plenty of wireless connectivity options.

What's missing?

- A 'scanner strip' behind it or a very decent camera with macro mode.
- (wireless) Printing capability, which is rumored to come with OS4.

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

So are they dumb & simple neophytes, as most people here claim apple-fans to be? ;) *sorry, just had to get real world confirmation somehow*

Very interesting observation. I think this point has to be acknowledged early, so we don't stay in denial too long and miss this boat.

Something with that formfactor, that can be accessed to easily by the non-geek mass can make a huge inroad to the society at large. I've already read remarks here about people being comfortable with giving ipads to their GRANDparents to make use of computing and digital media. Think about the real world repercussion of such thing(!)

Mine is being held up in custom for a couple of days extra ;( Hopefully I get to play with mine on monday.

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

I tried it for 5 mins at a Seattle store this Easter.
It was very natural to use (of course) and it was exactly the concept I wished Nokia would deliver after the N810 but didn't.
Only shame is that Apple made it. And that meant they you get what Apple decides you get. I call it WYGIWAW (What You Get Is What Apple Wants).

Anyway I couldn't find a use for it even if I didn't have an N900.
I wouldn't read on it. In the evening, with lights off, it would be way too bright.
Also because it's too heavy.
I failed to see my self holding for more than 5 minutes without either using both hands or switching between them.

I failed to see any uses, for me, for the Office applications (I also failed to see how I could type with one hand as typing with two would bring up the problem to where to lay it without ruining it).

I failed to see how I could watch a 2hrs movie on it (or even a 40 minutes episode) without a dock or some sort, but at this point why not a laptop?

I failed to see how I could justify $500 circa just to read e-mail or for some fast browsing while around.

Would it be open as much as a MeeGo device would be, then I could FIND a use for it that would suit me best.
But all the use cases that Apple sees fail to apply to me.

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

Also, movies kind of get butchered by the screen aspect ratio. Less of an issue for TV shows, but with ’real’ movies you either have to crop or loose a few inches off the useful diagonal...

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

The whole idea of an internet tablet the size of Ipad is beyond my understanding. At home I have a full blown PC that does everything I throw at it, I can upgrade any part whenever I want to. Away from the PC I have the N900 which surfs web amazingly well, plays music, makes calls and keeps me in touch with friends and family.

Why on earth would I need an internet tablet the size of Ipad???

So to answer the question in the topic, I haven't tried the Ipad and I have no intention to do so.

PS> when it comes to reading books, call me old fashioned but I`d rather buy the actual book to read it.

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

im no apple fanboy by a longshot lol but i can definately see a place for one in my house, my setup is a windows desktop in the bedroom, ubuntu laptop downstairs, and n900 in my pocket. i could use an ipad for the missus to go on the net without callin me every 5 mins cause theres "somethin wrong with the computer" it makes a great photo frame and browser and also for my kids to watch films on. basically it would get everyone off the my computers which they cant really use properly for the little tasks, which is all they do, and also it looks great doin those little tasks, and there are, among the piles of crap, some quite good apps.
thing is its not a proper computer by a longshot, but most people dont need and cant maintain a fullblown computer. so its great for them to have it all simplified and lookin great without the fuss.

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

tried it (my friend's ipad), didnt like it. I prefer the N900 as my tablet

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

Ignoring screen size and hardware, how does the iPad compare with the iPod Touch? I've always thought that it is just like an iPod touch, but just bigger. I'd like to be proven wrong though!

For me, i dont really have much use for it, as i have a macbook as a portable computer, a windows machine if i need to use windows for any reason, and the N900 for connecting with people and internet when im not at my mac.

If i didnt have an N900, id have a different device capable of phone calls, texts and internet, again eliminating the need for an iPad, and even any other device similar to it.

I guess i just like an all-in-one device, rather than multiple things, so for me, the iPad is not in question.

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

see ive never had the need for an ipod touch, as my symbian/maemo device has always done what i want in that department, but the ipad, due to its screen size appeals. id get somethin like the hp slate or one of the tegra android tablets comin out over an ipad, but i have no need for it, but my family would

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT4EbM7dCMs

Watch this video of a 2.5 year old use the ipad. The mass consumer appeal is simply huge/massive.

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

even a 2.5 yr old child is looking for a camera.. haha.. and she loves playing the cat game... haha

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

That was pretty amazing. Still, I can imagine the kid chucking it in another fifteen minutes.

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

After the N810 I hoped the N900 would be bigger in stead off smaller, and I don't care that it is a phoe too now. I use the N900, since my N810 died, for writing: poems, opera and musical - and I'm quite used with typing on its keyboard. Nevertheless I wish for a comparable bigger device (I'd love to see the N900 specs with a 5 (with keyboard) - 10 (without) inch maemo tablet.
I also havema SmartQ7 wich I use sometimes for a better overview in written lyrics (bigger screen) and webreading with the chromebrowser. And since it has no flash eather, I understand it is a very cool device!!!
So, yeah, I consider buying a iPad for the bigger screen and smooth interface (that's the downside with the SmartQ, it's interface is more like a desktop than a tablet). I'm also looking at the Entourage Edge, but perhaps it's too big to be portable.

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

Eh, I think that depends on the office work in question as well as the individual. For example, my typing speed on touchscreen only devices is terrible, even with time spent on the iPhone, n800, N900, etc..Some people have done initial wpm tests and for some I think the time nearly doubles for the same amount of words, though of course the gap will shrink for some with practice. So if your writing a report or a program, I don't see tablets replacing PCs. Of course the iPad does have a keyboard extension..

But for presentations, note-taking with a (stylus ironically as he mentioned), or showing someone pictures, I could see tablets used more in that environment.

As for the people in the HF class, I say it varies. But most are beyond technological neophytes. But at the same time, they may not know much about things such as the OS. They aren't computer science programmers or engineers. The class including professor and his collegue consist of one student in the class with a bio-engineer background, my professor and his collegue are applied experimental psychologists, and the rest are AE PhD, general masters students, some aren't interested in Human Factors but are taking the class because it sounded interesting or they work with my professor. While I have a computer science and IT background but no formal undergraduate degree in computer science (my undergrad is in psychology). But not neophytes as some posters here like to imagine.

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

The full sized on screen keyboard makes it alot easier to type (but see above post about my opinion about typing on osk), also the screen is sharper and obviously there's more space. Thus allowing for more things on the screen (if you run openoffice on the N900 you can tell it gets cramped from time to time, but whether that bothers you enough is individual dependent). It does feel like a oversized iPod touch rather than a tablet at first, but after you use the apps that were made for the iPad (not apps that were simply rescaled from the iPhone) it does have its own unique functionality.

Now whether it's enough to justify buying one, I don't know. For me the N900 does nearly everything I saw of the iPad so far (with the caveat of hey your using battery and therefore you may have no phone functionality if the battery goes to 0. The main thing I'd like to see is games, but I don't see a point for buying an iPad for games when I prefer Nintendo or Microsoft consoles/handhelds. I'm more likely to buy the next Nintendo portable for the gaming aspect than an iPad. But for others, the iPad fills the primary role of ebook reading, tv/films, and games.

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

My nephew is of the same age and my brother keeps telling me how easy he learned to use tools like the VCR, DVD Player, TV and such devices...

Aniello

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

The question is - would the content shift to HTML5? With the recent announcement the Chrome 5 and Chrome OS would ship with Flash preinstalled, it seems to me less likely, even despite the rule 3.1.1 of iPhone 4.0..

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

Oh, right. I was thinking of using bluetooth keyboard or keyboard docks for serious (more than a paragraph) typing. If someone designs a 3rd party keyboard that can be folded into a thin case along with the ipad and still remain useable, i think it may be a popular accessory.

Aye, thanks for the explanation!

I think that's the point of simple & accessible UI.
Isn't there empirical proof that that's the end result of refinement of computing capability?
disclaimer: we're not talking about open vs closed system here.

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

I wonder what's the marketshares are like, html5 vs flash capability?
What about the cost and effort to generate and distribute flash vs html5 content?

Those should be the driving factors to keep an eye on...

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

Almost any website worth visiting is now optimized for the iphone, if the iPad continues on its current sales pace most decent sites will have HTML5 within 12 months.

Its unfortunate that Apple is stifling openness and innovation, but the sad fact is there is no competitor coming close to their UI experience (maybe Windows 7 has a chance?)

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

Since I first saw the pad in the Hands of Captain Kirk (or was it
Picard) I feel this is the form factor a computer should have.

You cant Ignore Ergonomics. A Handy (N900) is uncomfortable
small. Anything bigger than A4 gets to weighty.

So if it's not the iPad this form factor is needed.

Why I do not buy the iPad at the moment:
- iPad is no eBook-Reader. You simple cant read outdoor.
(I own a Sony eBook Reader. This is usable).
- Its not worth the money (here in Germany it will start
selling with a big price offset as most electronics)
- I have a N900 to take with me and a Tablet-PC for Office/Home
The Tablet PC is faster and runs much more Software I already
own (and syncs with the N900). And the couch style reading
Steve Jobs showed is possible with this device already.

So there is no gap the iPad fills. No other than my gadget playing :)

Anyone seen OneNote on a Tablet PC? This is not possible with
the iPad. No Pen no scribbling.

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

Well already you see content providers like Netflix, and other companies start providing HTML5 (or through an app) instead of flash for the iPad. I think it'll continue to increase for that reason. Still interested in how Netflix is done though since there's no Silverlight or Flash on the iPad (and why not open it up to everyone else then if it's using HTML5).

Well technically the iPad (and the iPhone) can use a capacitative stylus (as much as Steve Jobs likes to argue against the idea of a stylus), though it's no more accurate than using a finger since it's still a capacitative screen. But that doesn't stop you from scribbling with it still. The iPad is more then a eBook reader, eBooks is just one out of many entertainment functions it has.

We were also discussing the differences in what people may want from something like eBooks or reading a book. For example, for some the feel of the paper and being able to have a visual physical feel of how far you've progressed is part of the experience (the iPad does have a bar similar to FBreader at the bottom that indicates where you are). My fiancee loves books and that's part of the experience to her, thus she doesn't like to read books on electronic devices. Part of the iBook app's design is to mimic the a page turn (you can do all sorts of weird things.. interesting and might add to the user experience of some but I would never find myself using it. The colleague who owned the iPad said after the first couple days he stopped using that feature). Like I said earlier, I myself prefer reading on the computer, using a page tap or button to switch to the next page.

One funny thing I noticed about the iPad though is the limited amount of ways you could use it when not using the stand or a table. You have to sit with your leg crossed (just like if you were using a laptop) which is similar to what some of the Apple demo videos shown. The first thing the colleague did when he took out the iPad was to cross his leg to create a place for it to sit. :D (he later used the case it comes with to use the stand functionality).

Personally I'm waiting on the day where you can fold out additional displays, or something like the Nokia morph concept video. That's what I see in the future (well until they start integrating into our bodies).

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

Dunno the exact market share but Flash is still leading by much. The real situation we have by now is iPhone with HTML5 only, N900 and Android with HTML5 + Flash and WM6.5, WM7 with Flash only (the IE7.5 browser they intend to ship with WM7 is laughable, but MS will probably gain market share fast despite that). On the desktop the situation is similar and is not going to change for an year at least until IE9 ships. This results in duplicated web efforts for all that want to support these platforms and the situation is not going to change too soon (Apple efforts to support HTML5 are admirable but the further closure of the platform and the integrated advertisements system are not going to help market share gains (especially out of NA market)).

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

BTW here's an interesting app for the iPad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ44S17mHO4

Granted once Windows gets their butt out the door for their tablet PCs you would probably see the same software being made out there for them But I hope someone makes a resistive touchscreen one!

BTW: I saw my second one on the Metro last afternoon. I don't know how many Apple has sold so far (I know it was somewhere around 300k on the first day) but I find it interesting I've seen say 2/300k out of the first few days. Granted I live and commute around the nation's capital..

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

This is just amazing http://theflashblog.com/?p=1888

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

I just realized, that after the next generation iPad comes and the price drops, that'll be a great device to use for remote X sessions over WLAN. It has a good screen and long battery life, so you should be able to get a quite good linux experience out of it :) And yes - there is an app for it ;)

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

It's not really a new device, it's a replacement (as marketed by Apple) for netbooks, ereaders and Internet tablets.

Regardless of arguments, if it can't do half(or whatever study you believe) of all web content, its not an Internet Tablet. If you can't actually read a book without plugging it in, it's not an E-reader. So, then it's essentially it's a grab at the huge netbook market.

And despite that knowledge, I'm still going to buy one for my girlfriend.

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

Actually, I haven't tried it, and I don't want to.

It is really nice, but when I need a mobile computer, I want it to fit in my pocket. The N900 can go into my pocket, and the iPad can't. The N900 can make phone calls and take nice photos. So if someone has an iPad, he must carry a few more devices with him.

So the N900 better fits my use case.

And actually, I feel pity for that little girl on the linked video.
At her age, she would really need to play with real toys and meet other children, not tied to a screen already... :(

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

+1 to that.

+100!!!

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

the ipad might be the first device where a chinese knockoff is better than the real thing.

copy form factor, materials, keep 10 hr battery, add camera and android (or maemo for the browser)

the key is the battery and form factor(apple probably already spent millions to determine the ideal weight, form fatcor)

Re: Has anyone actually tried the iPad?
 

I think the slate form factor has been around for sometime...

But the different thing this time around is the software (UI) and the contents available on it...

I've had a few (windows) tablet PC in the past... and there's no denying that you just can't get good experience with an OS that's primarily designed to be used with mouse+keyboard on other form factors.

Good hardware spec isn't a good benchmark of the quality of interaction you get from said device..