I never followed the hype because I didn't know this device existed until I actually saw the presentation. They state right off the bat that they've created a hybrid between a smartphone and a laptop that is supposedly far better at doing "key tasks" better than a laptop which runs "clunky old PC software". The thing is though that it's in no way better than a laptop. In fact, it's not even better than a smartphone, and considering the fact that it has 3G support for outdoor use and applications like the office suite it's clearly intended to be a laptop alternative.

So again, I don't think anyone in their right mind should shell out 600 bucks just carry around an iPod with an enhanced display. Especially not when it costs more than a netbook.

I think Mark's post sums up both why this will sell and why what you're saying doesn't apply to the types of people who are going to buy this.  This isn't a device for the bulk of hardcore internet users, it's a device for your mom or somebody who wants something computer-like but real computers are too hard for them to use to do what they want.  Have you ever tried to teach someone how to use the internet on the most basic level?  It's a lot harder than it seems like it would be because these people didn't grow up using computers.  They want something that has big buttons that say INTERNET or MUSIC or YOUTUBE, and that's why they're going to pick this over a netbook.  You have to understand that this device isn't targeted towards you.

Did Apple really state that the iPad is anything like a smartphone? It doesn't have any phone capabilities! Like I said, I didn't watch the presentation so please correct me if necessary but I'd think the only smartphone comparisons would be to their own iPhone (for good reason).

Did Apple really state that the iPad is anything like a smartphone? It doesn't have any phone capabilities! Like I said, I didn't watch the presentation so please correct me if necessary but I'd think the only smartphone comparisons would be to their own iPhone (for good reason).

Idk about calls (it probably does) but you can choose to pay for an iPhone data plan for it to use the 3G network and all that, which might be where that's coming from.

I didn't watch the presentation either but I read a blog on it and it talked about how you can either just pay for one or you can choose monthly data plan payments to get all of that extra stuff.

You are once again trying to make this out to be an insignificant side project when Apple is clearly targetting the general public.

I think that this IS what the general public wants, that's the difference between the two of us.

And we'll know which of us is right on this depending on how this thing sells.

I think the reason drule etc (me) think it's so dumb is we're all various level of "power user" and we just can't get our head around a product that offers LESS flexibility than something in the same price bracket with basically the same purpose like a netbook or even just an iphone (velffire's blind professor not included). But really the AVERAGE computer user doesn't even want most of that shit they want to be able to read their emails and newyorktimes.biz and this gargantuan iphone does that shit for them but starts up quicker and has a longer battery life supposedly. Not being able to run any software you like just apple approved appz seems really restrictive to us but to that kind of user it's just not having to worry about malware and shit.
It's a computer for babeys and talking to most non-gamingforum people that's exactly what they want

hey drule read this post over and over again until you get it.

 DURRR DURRR DURRR BUT A LAPTOP IS BETTER *posts a bunch of specs/doesn't get it*

You guys just don't get it.

Nobody here has used it yet. There is no doubt in my mind that this thing will see like fucking crazy. Probably a couple million units on launch day.

But, the way Apple has demoed it so far, and all the bad facts already released about it make it sound like the biggest piece of shit ever made. It seems so useless.

It might not be useless when the general public actually uses it.

Did any of you watch the reveal? Apple showed absolutely none of the cool features of the iPad, but instead they showed how you can make SPREADSHEETS and other stupid features that trendy consumers will probably never use this thing for.


edit:


did anybody see Nintendo's response to the iPad?

The unveiling of the new Apple iPad earlier this week has a lot of people excited. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata is not one of them.

"It was a bigger iPod Touch", Iwata told Associated Press, adding that the new device offered "no surprises".

The Nintendo president was equally down on the recent enthusiasm over 3D technology, saying "I have doubts whether people will be wearing glasses to play games at home. How is that going to look to other people?". Iwata also said Nintendo would need to look into the "possible health effects" of playing games in 3D for prolonged periods of time.

I don't know. How does shouting/blowing into a handheld on the train make you look?

His buzz-killing didn't stop there, either, responding to questions about motion-sensing handhelds and high definition Wiis with "I question whether those features would be enough to get people to buy new machines".

Course not. Not like they're redesigning the case, adding a camera or just making it bigger, are they?

Apple also wouldn't advertise their product on their front page as if it were a flagship product if it wasn't aimed at the same audience as their other devices.

I think this is true because xserve isn't even in the same page you find the trendy apple products

How does shouting/blowing into a handheld on the train make you look?

Just like to say that I did this and yes I did look like a wally.

Just rub your finger over the mic if you don't wanna look sillier than you do already playing your baby toy

Ooh that's a top tip that is.