So it is the iPad

[DisneyKevin]

I'm also having trouble picturing how you will type on this.

When I type on my iPhone.....I use two thumbs.

This seems kinda big and with the supposed "almost full size" virtual keyboard, I see either laying the iPad on a flat surface (which will mean that you have to be looking straight down) or constantly looking for some sort of wedge to keep to prop it up and something else to keep it from skittering across the table.

Can you tell that I'm trying to figure out what I want and need from this device? I'm still not sold.

I can see that it would be GREAT for newspapers and photo heavy magazines.,,, but..it's a pricey magazine reader.

 

[luvthemouse71]

This looks great, but I for one will not be giving up my Kindle. I read a lot(about a book a week) and the E-ink on the Kindle is alot easier on my eyes than reading on a LCD screen.

Don't get me wrong, I still want one. Just don't think I'll be giving up my dedicated e-reader.

 

[Cyrano]

Well, it seems as though a lot of people are disappointed with this - Apple stock is down after the announcement. People like me (gadget freaks / historical first adopters) will race to get this (and I will), but I think they may have an issue getting this into the hands of standard users (the vast majority of the market).

But this is Apple we're talking about - and I wouldn't count them out on spec. As with any device like this, it will all come down to applications. As new apps are developed for it, as new software is developed for it, you may find more and more people getting on board. It will be interesting to watch.

Irrespective, I'm buying one as soon as they'll take my money

Let us know what you think of it Pete

The UK has to wait until June before we can get excited again with all the hype

 

[Justin Jett]

In doing just a bit of research.....and it really is just a little bit.....I still dont see this hurting the Kindle.

It's about double the price.

You will need to pay a monthly fee.

It's much larger and therefore less portable.

It's backlit...meaning eyestrain...especially in older eyes.

From the little information available...it looks like books will be more expensive that Amazon. (Best sellers at $15 instead of $9.99)

Apple has said that they have "achieved a 10 hour battery life". If I turn the Whispernet off on my Kindle....I get two weeks out of a single charge. With the Whispernet on....about a week of fairly regular use.

While this isnt being touted as an e-reader....it is one of the functions and while it does other cool stuff.....I see a place for both.

Not ready to give up my Kindle.

Now...if they make an Oberon cover for the iPad (it is truly an awful name)....that could change my mind.

http://www.gearlog.com/2010/01/amazon_responds_to_the_apple_i.php

 

[Justin Jett]

I'm also having trouble picturing how you will type on this.

When I type on my iPhone.....I use two thumbs.

This seems kinda big and with the supposed "almost full size" virtual keyboard, I see either laying the iPad on a flat surface (which will mean that you have to be looking straight down) or constantly looking for some sort of wedge to keep to prop it up and something else to keep it from skittering across the table.

Can you tell that I'm trying to figure out what I want and need from this device? I'm still not sold.

I can see that it would be GREAT for newspapers and photo heavy magazines.,,, but..it's a pricey magazine reader.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhKhN_91IAc

 

[Justin Jett]

While I am not completely sold on the Ipad, I am very interested. I will definitly try one out at the Apple Store.

 

[pjpoohbear]

I am in for this one.

Held off on getting an ereader (jonesed for a kindle for years, but it only came to Canada in the fall,) been using Ereader app on the touch. I just use it with dark background and light print, much easier on the eyes. With wifi off I get about 10 hrs straight reading on the touch, so ipad could be as much as 20-24 hours with wifi off. I will continue to buy ebooks via Ereader's store, as the app will still work, and they have an good rebate program. To fight the glossy screen glare, I have a matte screen protector on my touch and I already have one that will fit the ipad, just need to make an opening for the home button.

With the camera/SD card adapter kit and the photo app/mobile me gallery apps, I can now get my photos into my mobile tool, it was one of my pet peeve with the touch. And this will provide enough back up for a two week trip.

Easier web browsing, better for newspapers and magazines, and uses the older apps. This is what I wanted. The new iworks group of apps is nice as well, not great but nice. Hopefully Java and/or Flash will be a software fix someday.

My only decision will be wifi only or the 3g, I do fairly well with the touch now, so wifi most likely.

Working in a university and remembering the number of keyboards we sold for palms back in the day, I see many a student using this with the a notes/word processing app and BT keyboard to do in class note-taking. Will be interesting to see how the textbook companies will deploy their apps and books, there are couple out there now, but very few.

Big question what exactly will "assisted GPS" bring to the wifi model?

Pj

 

[Twitterpated Dad]

I was really hoping that this could replace a bag of text books. My son had back surgery and weight is no longer an annoyance; it's a true barrier.

Kindles are great for reading novels. But, you need color and random access to be useful with magazines and newspapers.

So, I had very high hopes. It still seems like a 0.9 product to me.

This blog says it all.

iFail it is.

 

[mikelan6]

Prizematron ... cough cough.

 

[Justin Jett]

Prizematron ... cough cough.

Love it!

 

[Willow1213]

The real nice thing here is if you buy the version with 3G, you don't have to have the data plan all the time. For example, if you were traveling one month you could turn it on and then back off again when you return (or when the month is out). It will be a prepaid, no contract data plan. I am loving the idea! Now just trying to figure out if I wanna have this AND an Kindle...

 

[robind]

Wonder witch Podcast member will be the first to get one when they are released?

But, if you want the 3G you will have to wait. Anyone heard if it allows flash player?

 

[dmwang9]

I'm not one for the first generation of the products. Revision #2 is always better, but it is on my radar.

Right there with you on both counts. I always like to let the bugs shake out over time, but I'm watching with a certain amount of interest.

 

[MrX8991]

But, if you want the 3G you will have to wait. Anyone heard if it allows flash player?

According to a Yahoo article, it does not support flash. You'd think they'd learn by now.

 

[jeanigor]

According to a Yahoo article, it does not support flash. You'd think they'd learn by now.

DP stated this as his first complaint as soon as he walked in the door last night.
No "Hello, how was your day?" or "Hi, how are you feeling?". It was: "Can you believe they still don't support flash?!? What's for dinner?" Ugh.

 

[Matt@WDWR]

This is Apple's first bust in a long time. I see no need for it. No Flash? That's a killer enough. Then you have the virtual keypad which is not doing me any favors when I need to type messages this long.

 

[Justin Jett]

I was really hoping that this could replace a bag of text books. My son had back surgery and weight is no longer an annoyance; it's a true barrier.

So true

 

[sshaw10060]

I am thinking I may take the plunge, but want to put my hands on one first. I did see where they will have accessories so you can hook up a USB device or flash card. This would allow you to download photos while traveling.

But the real reason is when I am working in the hospital I usually bring my laptop to work on when I have a few minutes. It is large enough to be a pain and takes a lot of space from the desk I share with others. This may be the solution, but like I said, I need to look at it in person before deciding.

 

[IHeartTink04]

It looks pretty cool but I don't really see a need for it because I have an iPhone. To me, its just like a much bigger iPhone.

 

[jeanigor]

It looks pretty cool but I don't really see a need for it because I have an iPhone. To me, its just like a much bigger iPhone.

Without the phone part....