iPad? Mmmm...
The iPad was introduced as an "in beteween" device, between a smartphone and a laptop. Job's argument that in order to create a so-called in between device it has to be better at certain tasks. This may be a good argument in times of prosperity, but in reality, who needs to spend hundreds of dollars on a device that DOES what your other devices already do--no matter how much better? His argument doesn't really make a lot of sense in accordance with the times--but perhaps Jobs couldn't say for marketing reasons, or something, that this device is for older people (an article posted this idea, and I agree with it)? Seriously, besides baby boomers, the only market the iPad will sell to are those without a smart phone OR a laptop...aka, poor people like me! (Probably why they made their target price so "low").
Why would it sell to baby boomers? I, at least, feel that the iPhone OS (the OS also used for the iPad) is QUITE intuitive, especially for those that don't like to have a lot of things going on all at once (no true multitasking on the device, iPhone or iPad). The software is built to be practically user proof . The screen is big and easy to touch, and does 90% (obviously not a real statistic, but you get my point) of what the AVERAGE user does on a desktop: internet, e-mail, chatting, video, music. Also, it has other appeals--it doesn't have a lot of nasty chemicals, and it FEELS good (How do I know? Aluminum...just feels good). I'm sure something older hands can appreciate. Seriously, how would older people NOT enjoy this device? They CAN'T fuck up on it, and I think they'll probably enjoy the touch interface more than anyone... At least--this is my theory of who the real market is for. Other wise, the iPad doesn't really have a market...
There was one thing I REALLY agree on with Jobs, netbooks are nothing but CHEAP laptops. I went netbook hunting for a while, and the hinges didn't seem as impressive, the keys were cheaper, and the screens, urg on the screens, seriously. Not to mention, I really, really, hated the materials they were made out of. I'm sorry, but I really do feel most computer companies underestimate the importance of touch in choosing materials for their products--I'm over plastic (unless they can make it feel nicer..and less chemically). After a while, I decided a netbook was not for me. I considered getting a laptop, but they're heavier, still pretty cheaply made for the price I was going for, and I disliked my laptop when I did have one. No seriously, I did.
Laptops/netbooks are uninspiring for me since I already have a desktop. I know it sounds crazy, but getting out my hefty laptop, plugging it in, being super careful not to break it (I'm really paranoid about henge...it's how my laptop eventually died), seems like more a pain in the ass to me than dragging my butt all the way across campus, waiting in line, and using the computer there. I also hate (and hated) the idea of having two full functional computers, it seemed silly. Another reason I'm not a fan of the idea of getting a laptop/netbook is that it's hard for me to look at homework problems/assignments/lecture notes/etc on a vertical screen and translate that to my horizontal notebook. It frustrated me so much I actually started printing out all of my assignments/supplemental notes/whatev.
And...enter the iPad.
Now, I'm NOT saying I'm going to get one, cause they are expensive...but...I'm interested to say the least. I like the idea that I could put it side by side with my homework and read important documents in any which way position I like (which is important with the way I study). It's battery life is more than enough such that I wouldn't have to drag around a charging chord around with me. I like the shape of it, it's the size and weight of one of my notebooks. I can get internet access anywhere (not tugging along campus annoyingly...and campus is fully wifi of course...) And I LOVE that it's not a full laptop. I know the iPad has a lot of set backs that bother a lot of people, but none of them are a concern for what I'd be using the iPad for (an educational device/ quick Internets). Did I mention I love the feel of "REAL" materials?
The iPad isn't the only tablet out there, and if it's a success, there will be even more to follow. I know Lenovo has some funky laptop/tablet hybrid coming out. So, I'm keeping my options open, but the iPad has definitely made me realize that there is at least a market for tablets out there (for old people, and lame people like me without "smart" mobile technology). So will iPad be a success? I don't really know, or care, but I have to say, Apple has at least got me thinking about one...
Why would it sell to baby boomers? I, at least, feel that the iPhone OS (the OS also used for the iPad) is QUITE intuitive, especially for those that don't like to have a lot of things going on all at once (no true multitasking on the device, iPhone or iPad). The software is built to be practically user proof . The screen is big and easy to touch, and does 90% (obviously not a real statistic, but you get my point) of what the AVERAGE user does on a desktop: internet, e-mail, chatting, video, music. Also, it has other appeals--it doesn't have a lot of nasty chemicals, and it FEELS good (How do I know? Aluminum...just feels good). I'm sure something older hands can appreciate. Seriously, how would older people NOT enjoy this device? They CAN'T fuck up on it, and I think they'll probably enjoy the touch interface more than anyone... At least--this is my theory of who the real market is for. Other wise, the iPad doesn't really have a market...
There was one thing I REALLY agree on with Jobs, netbooks are nothing but CHEAP laptops. I went netbook hunting for a while, and the hinges didn't seem as impressive, the keys were cheaper, and the screens, urg on the screens, seriously. Not to mention, I really, really, hated the materials they were made out of. I'm sorry, but I really do feel most computer companies underestimate the importance of touch in choosing materials for their products--I'm over plastic (unless they can make it feel nicer..and less chemically). After a while, I decided a netbook was not for me. I considered getting a laptop, but they're heavier, still pretty cheaply made for the price I was going for, and I disliked my laptop when I did have one. No seriously, I did.
Laptops/netbooks are uninspiring for me since I already have a desktop. I know it sounds crazy, but getting out my hefty laptop, plugging it in, being super careful not to break it (I'm really paranoid about henge...it's how my laptop eventually died), seems like more a pain in the ass to me than dragging my butt all the way across campus, waiting in line, and using the computer there. I also hate (and hated) the idea of having two full functional computers, it seemed silly. Another reason I'm not a fan of the idea of getting a laptop/netbook is that it's hard for me to look at homework problems/assignments/lecture notes/etc on a vertical screen and translate that to my horizontal notebook. It frustrated me so much I actually started printing out all of my assignments/supplemental notes/whatev.
And...enter the iPad.
Now, I'm NOT saying I'm going to get one, cause they are expensive...but...I'm interested to say the least. I like the idea that I could put it side by side with my homework and read important documents in any which way position I like (which is important with the way I study). It's battery life is more than enough such that I wouldn't have to drag around a charging chord around with me. I like the shape of it, it's the size and weight of one of my notebooks. I can get internet access anywhere (not tugging along campus annoyingly...and campus is fully wifi of course...) And I LOVE that it's not a full laptop. I know the iPad has a lot of set backs that bother a lot of people, but none of them are a concern for what I'd be using the iPad for (an educational device/ quick Internets). Did I mention I love the feel of "REAL" materials?
The iPad isn't the only tablet out there, and if it's a success, there will be even more to follow. I know Lenovo has some funky laptop/tablet hybrid coming out. So, I'm keeping my options open, but the iPad has definitely made me realize that there is at least a market for tablets out there (for old people, and lame people like me without "smart" mobile technology). So will iPad be a success? I don't really know, or care, but I have to say, Apple has at least got me thinking about one...