Because if you ask any consumer this is targeted at, the iPhone users and ebook readers (what few ebook readers there are), if they notice a big difference, they’ll probably just say screen size. Other than that, between the two of them they do the same thing, except the iPhone fits in to your pocket.

I cannot see the same person who already owns an iPhone to want to give that up for an iPad or make that investment again. Netbook users are not going to shell out twice as much for a new netbook that has less memory, a non-changable battery and no keyboard.

I really would like to see Apple design a proper tablet/ tablet hybrid laptop to drive that market a little bit, but the iPad just sets things back. I can’t even call this thing a halfway device because it doesn’t really set itself appart from an iPhone aside from it’s size.

I don’t think it’s a bad thing that Apple /Steve Jobs decides to go out on a limb with his desire to creat new technology or a new experience, but at the same time it doesn’t seem like anyone steps up to Jobs and says “Look, I don’t think this is the best way to go about this. Why not try it this way, or explore it from this angle”. I don’t think Jobs has any opposition or counterbalance to his ideas or direction. And this was evident from even the title of the product.

I only pop in every once in awhile (You’ve got style!) so I’m hesitant to stick my nose into what can obviously turn into a flamewar

I find the opinions on the iPad to be rather interesting – people either love it or hate it. And it seems universal that tech-oriented people hate it. And for all the reasons you stated. It’s going to be subject to what’s likely to be the same system that limits the iPhone. The battery wont last nearly as long as the Kindle, even if it’s just use to read, and it’s not going to be capable of high end nerd tasks.

I think the iPhone is still a fantastic device, even with its limitations. I instinctively take issue with the statement you made about the iPad being meant to replace laptops… but rationally I think you might be right about Apple’s intention.

So where does that leave us? I think we need to change the context in which we look at the iPad. It’s meant either as a TV-side accessory that complements a full-fledged OS running on a real computer – or more likely meant for the casual consumer of internet applications. The people who use their computer to post on facebook, write blog entries from the park, and watch hulu.

I think the real strength of the iPad will not be in its own OS and whatnot, but the partnerships that Apple would be stupid not to make. I picture them fleshing out the iTunes store with eBooks from a major publishing company to compete with Amazon; streaming movies from netflix or hulu, etc.

How often have people asked you for help on using their operating system? I can’t count the number of times I’ve helped people debug their wifi connection, import their photos to whatever application, or any other number of tasks that as nerds, we take for granted. As far as I’m concerned, a limiting UI that’s geared towards short, basic tasks is perfect for people who don’t want, need, or even care to realize the they have the options available to them.

I think we, the geeking-out computer user/abusers want every new thing to work for /our/ idea of “computer usefulness”… our problem is that we don’t own a multi-million dollar computer company so we can make it our way.

Steve does. Right or wrong, /of course/ it’s gonna be what he wants. Many computer folks are complaining that it’s the 21st century and we still interact with computers with a typewriter… Steve thinks that this is a way to do something else. It won’t work for everyone.

Interestingly, Gizmodo linked to a Fast Company “quiz” to see if you can tell the difference between comments about the iPad from last week, and comments about the original iPod in 2001. It’s funny to see how similar the complaints and concerns are. I think Apple’s the only company that could possibly get away with that /again/.

–Kindle comes out, sells like hotcakes Holiday 2009–

after Steve’s first line. Urgh.

Steve: No one reads any more.

Steve: Oh. Well, here’s an e-reader for you. It also browses the web! And…spreadsheets!

Users: Thanks, Steve, but…Flash?

Steve: Flash, eh? No one will be using Flash, it’s all going to HTML 5.

Users:

Steve Jobs makes devices that function the way he wants, regardless of the technology that is popular at the time. If the software isn’t tailor-made for his hardware, he doesn’t like it, and forces his users to either limp along with gimped hardware, or choose to buy other hardware that actually functions in the real world.

Google is already thinking about it.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-30685_3-20000034-264.html

No love lost between Google and Steve lately.

As for me, I’d like pressure sensitivity. I live by my Wacom tablets, without them I’d likely be in casts up to my frakkin’ elbows from carpal tunnel.

As for Flash. … 75% of the Web’s Video content. Not to mention games, e-commerce interfaces, most media sites, many site interfaces, and some entire sites. YouTube only works due to w custom app. But it AIN’T goona happen. Apple (read Steve) hates Flash, is on hostile terms with both Google and Adobe. Flash is not as swift, elegant and stable. Flash lets stuff IN. Apple doesn’t CONTROL Flash. And Steve sacrifices virgins to the god of Simplicity. Check out the stuff that Apple clips, that only comes back becuase Pro users HOWL. So while I love my mac, I am NOT Steve Job’s BITCH.

I’ve come to realize over the years that there is a difference between being a Machead and an Apple Fanboy