iPad

[Frequen-Z]

Apple's newest mobile device has just been announced minutes ago, the iPad, some sort of crossover between a Macbook and iPhone, it's a big rectangular slate with iTunes, photo viewing capabilities, a web browser, etc.

Thoughts on this, people?

Personally, no thanks, there's a reason this type of device doesn't already exist. It's pointless, too big to be suitably portable, too small to have real desktop usage. It's a niche in the market that didn't exist. But naturally, the Apple-heads will lap it up and pay through the nose.

 

[Z of the Na'vi]

I'm fine with my Macbook Pro.

And my Iphone.

I'll pass, but neat idea Apple.

 

[microhive]

Looks kinda ugly. I'll pass until we get something better.

 

[Robert632]

Source?

O.T: That sounds pretty dumb, if it's in a niche that doesn't, nor should it, exist. Also Ipad sounds really stupid to me.

EDIT:

It seemed pretty cool at first, but then I saw the image:

What the hell is that thing!? That's among the most awkward looking things I've ever seen, and I don't even know why I think it's awkward.

 

[Valksy]

Not for me. An instinctive and ancient part of me just can't help but think "don't touch my fucking screen". Last iphone i looked at was covered in fingerprints and to be honest I am typing on a laptop and i know that when the lid closes there is transfer of natural oils from keyboard to screen.

Just don't touch my screen, OK?

 

[Simalacrum]

It seemed pretty cool at first, but then I saw the image:

Its litterally a big iPhone!

I want to hear what this device can do which laptops and iPhones can't before I even THINK of buying it.

edit: that looks a bit like one of those 'concept' photo's... to prove that its the bonafied product, here is Steve Jobs holding the thing...:

Spoiler: voila! its real!

 

[Joa_Belgium]

I'm passing on this. When I saw it on the live blog I was thinking two things:

1. Who wants to carry this around?
2. ... Who CAN carry this around?

 

[MurderousToaster]

When will they stop milking everyone of their precious money? They release about 10 models of everything, so as soon as you buy it, it will be out of date. Also, damn, that thing's fugly.

 

[ribonuge]

Nobody is going to use that. At least not on the train like with the iPhone. It looks like a calender.

 

[Trifixion]

IZZZ APPLE PRODUCT...MUZZZZT BE MIIINE...BRAAAAAAIIINNNSSS...

...er, no thanks.

I'll admit, I have an iPod. But that's the only Apple product I have. And I don't use that memory hog called iTunes with it either...thank you, Red Chair Software, for giving me an alternative.

 

[thiosk]

Slate computers are frequently tried. THere is a difference between a pocketbook slate, like the iphone, and a full sized laptop slate.

You have to cover the screen with a keyboard to type effectively, so no writing dissertations or long-winded posts on the escapist, as you can't read the words you've typed on the screen.

I am all for convertables-- my laptop has a swivel screen so it functions like a slate when I want it to... THATS the laptop of the future.

Not this.

 

[Ranooth]

I will call it right now: This thing will fail when it comes to games.

I just hope developers realise that one hand will be spent trying to hold that thing.

 

[JEBWrench]

iPhone on steroids. Special report on Fox News.

Edit to prevent double-posting: Did someone from New England order an iPhone, and an Apple Genius(TM) called HQ and said "I'VE GOT A NAME FOR THE TABLET!"

 

[Voodoomancer]

Datapads! The world moves one step closer to becoming a stereotypical sci-fi...

And the concept is a good one. Like a clipboard that you write on, only it's also (almost) a fully functioning computer.

Now to wait for 10 years until they can make ones that will be any good...

 

[Ophiuchus]

It's... a big iPhone that can't make calls.

Actually, that'd just make it a big iPod Touch, wouldn't it? Great innovation there, guys. A bigger version of something you launched three years ago.

 

[Epitome]

It just looks awkward? Seriously why did teh go for a bridge between the smartphone and the notepad? They are two seperate things for a good reason? It cant replace your phone cause that thing is waaay too awkward to use every time you have a call to make, gaming wont work because 1) its a mac, and 2) one hand will be holding the thing or you will get a crick in your neck from playing at 90 degree angles. having I tunes built in is not really saying much, thats what ipods/iphones/mp3 players etc are for?

Who at apple thought, I know what would be convient to mesh together the functionality of a phone thats too large to carry and a laptop thats too small to do anything useful with.

 

[SnootyEnglishman]

I have a MacBook which i use many times of the day and an iPod Touch for my music...i think i'm good

 

[mountainfire]

Am I the only one who thinks this looks cool? But pricing will determine how cool I think it is...