I have an iPad. I like the 3G built in and to be able to tap the
internet and internet-connected apps from it. However, the formfactor
is a little too large and it gets to be annoying to hold at times, I
would actually like something perhaps 1/2 to 3/4 its size. The
onscreen keyboard is okay, but is BEGGING for arrow keys as the tap and
click method is a potluck shot each and every time.
It has no flash support which is a MAJOR disappointment beyond
belief. Lack of standard ports like a USB port and the ability to
load/unload data to/from it to some form of storage accessible space is
a glaring issue.
Its a nice piece of technology, but I rate it a "B" overall because
while thin and innovative, it is too proprietary and too closed.
I am looking very closely at the upcoming Playbook by Research in Motion
myself and it is turns out to be a good solid device, the iPad will be
headed to Ebay.
Curt
Ian King wrote:
Please, I just ate.... The iPad is another Apple
marketing success, but it isn't "defining" in any sense. Just because the
bleating masses bought a bunch of them doesn't mean it's a meaningful step in any
direction except profit. It just means that the marketeers at Apple are without peer.
That's not a compliment.
Keep in mind that I'm typing this on a PowerBook - I'm not anti-Mac. I own and
really enjoy a 7" Android tablet device - I'm not anti-tablet. (I also own a
Fujitsu Stylistic Tablet PC that I bought a long time ago, and if you want to sit down
over a couple of beers I'd be happy to talk about its strengths and weaknesses and why
the "Tablet PC" was ultimately doomed.) I'm not anti-"device", as
I've been saying for some time that the "Personal Computer" has had its day
and will be supplanted by "devices" that are not recognizable as computers - and
it's happening, with the proliferation of mobile devices as the primary mechanism for
consumption of information technology for millions of people around the world. (Why does
Microsoft do so poorly in this market? Because it's in their DNA to tie it to the
Personal Computer.)
But the iPad? Yuppie status symbol. Yet another expression of Steve Jobs' control
freak personality. Dead end. IMHO -- Ian
________________________________________
From: cctalk-bounces at
classiccmp.org [cctalk-bounces at
classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of
Liam Proven [lproven at
gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, October 03, 2010 9:15 AM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic Posts Only
Subject: Re: Voice recognition will never kill the keyboard was: Re: Evolution
On 2 October 2010 19:59, Tony Duell <ard at p850ug1.demon.co.uk> wrote:
For the
existing apps that are mouse-centric, I see touchscreens
replacing them, but for things that are text-centric I don't see that
as a good transition.
TOuchscreens have been tried in the past (the most obviosu example is the
HP150 'Touchscreen PC') and I think they were always found to be less
convenient to use than a mouse or trackball. You have to move your hand
further (keyboard to screen rather than keyboard to mouse on desk near
keybaord), and you arm/hand is not supported (e.g. by resting it on the
desk) when you are doing the pointing.
Well, yes, in 1983 they quite definitely weren't viable yet. :?)
The iPad is the defining device of this technology, at least so far.
It isn't a desktop computer and doesn't try to be. It's not a Mac,
it's not Mac-compatible. It has no windows, no desktop, no menu bar,
no Dock or trashcan. No keyboard, no screen, no system unit, no
removable media, no hard disk or floppy drive.
It is a *device*, not a "computer". (Even though it runs Unix.) It
sits in cradled in your lap or held in your hands as you operate it
with your thumbs. The screen /is/ the computer. It weighs under a kilo
and the battery lasts a day of use.
And despite it being nothing like anything anyone is used to, it sold
about three million devices in its first month or so.
--
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