iPad = uFail

[madpoet]

Been eagerly awaiting the iPad launch notes, but after seeing it... wow what a disapointment. Only thing I like is the price point. No flash, no camera, no full OS, no OLED screen... this thing is just a 9.7" iPhone. Without the phone. Boooo.

[droht]

Been eagerly awaiting the iPad launch notes, but after seeing it... wow what a disapointment. Only thing I like is the price point. No flash, no camera, no full OS, no OLED screen... this thing is just a 9.7" iPhone. Without the phone. Boooo.

I agree MP, though you have to wonder if this is just a case of holding back features for v2. You know that a certain percentage of people will buy this thing out of the chute almost no matter what. Apple seems to play the game of screwing the early adopters better than anyone. If that is the case here they may be going too far.

[Jason]

Yeah, it's missing some stuff I think it should've had. But I'm going to reserve final judgement until I get a chance to hold it.

Don't foresee me picking one of these up though....

[Jason]

This is more like a really big iPod Touch. The 3G might appeal to some, but the price goes up pretty quick to get there. Also, there is probably a pretty pricey monthly 3G plan to buy.

AT&T is offering 2 plans for the ipad....$15/month for 250 mb, or unlimited for $30/month. No contracts for either plan

[m-fine]

OLED screens still suck for outdoor use. Other than that I agree with the critique, and in general I can not figure out why I would want one. I have an iPhone and a laptop already and they do everything the pad can do better. I will not go to 3 devices and the ipad can't replace the phone or laptop so what is the point?

[EddieHorton]

For anyone into serious home automation, though, this thing might be great. Better than a wall mounted touchscreen.

[SomeCiscoGuy]

For those who travel regularly and/or have a longer commute on the subway or L, this type of device has promise. I also see it finding a place in the education system - the ability to eventually carry all of your textbooks in a single .5" thick , 1.5lbs device when you're walking all over campus is a big potential benefit.

I agree that missing the camera for video conferencing is an issue, but AT&Ts network needs updates/upgrades before that happens... iPad 4G :).

I don't see the OS as being a big detriment, especially from the development perspective - one code set with fairly minor tweaks (yes, I'm oversimplifying) to take advantage of the higher display capabilities and you're hitting all iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad users.

[corndog71]

For the average person who doesn't give a crap about advanced computer features I think it's awesome.

I want one.

Just looking at all of the features I'm amazed at how flexible it is and yet how simple.

I've never owned a mac but have had a touch for the past couple of years. Ever since getting the touch I thought it was a terrific product.

I knew if they could make a bigger version they would really have a serious product for the masses. The 3G aspect takes it to another level athough I'd be perfectly happy with just the wifi version.

[Jason]

It does look pretty cool as a gadget. If I had $500-$600 just burning a hole in my pocket, I'd probably buy one. But I'd MUCH rather save it back for the iphone v.4

[Matt34]

I can see the medical field finding it very useful.

[Jason]

I wonder if they'll use these for the next Star Trek...

[hawkeyejw]

For those who travel regularly and/or have a longer commute on the subway or L, this type of device has promise. I also see it finding a place in the education system - the ability to eventually carry all of your textbooks in a single .5" thick , 1.5lbs device when you're walking all over campus is a big potential benefit.

I agree that missing the camera for video conferencing is an issue, but AT&Ts network needs updates/upgrades before that happens... iPad 4G :).

I don't see the OS as being a big detriment, especially from the development perspective - one code set with fairly minor tweaks (yes, I'm oversimplifying) to take advantage of the higher display capabilities and you're hitting all iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad users.

I'm with you on this one. If I were to start traveling a lot for work again, I would almost definitely get one of these. If it had the ability to at least multitask to the point of allowing me to surf the web while listening to music, I'd be sold. Even as is, I'm looking forward to holding it and trying it out. I really think this is about the user experience more than the specs, and that's where it seems like it will shine.

[rygher3]

I'm with you on this one. If I were to start traveling a lot for work again, I would almost definitely get one of these. If it had the ability to at least multitask to the point of allowing me to surf the web while listening to music, I'd be sold. Even as is, I'm looking forward to holding it and trying it out. I really think this is about the user experience more than the specs, and that's where it seems like it will shine.

I'd venture to guess you could listen to music and surf the web at the same time due to the fact that you can at least do that much on an iPod Touch..I could be wrong though.

[Jason]

I'm kind of an Apple junkie, so I've been following this most of the day. I seem to remember reading somewhere (might've been a gizmodo post-presentation video) that it can play music in the background.

[corndog71]

Yep, you can surf the net and listen to music at the same time on the touch.

I think it's safe to say it can be done on the ipad.