Stop Telling Me What I Want Is Stupid

[neadods]

It doesn't even exist yet, and I'm already pissed off at the number of guys who are blowing off the notion of a 7" iPad as stupid. And they're all guys so far, because it takes someone who doesn't carry a purse to bitch that something that's roughly 7 x 5 inches "is too big because it can't fit in a pocket." (As opposed to the current iPad, which

Comments

[nonelvis]

I have an iPad and love it, so even if they never come out with the smaller version, I'd still recommend it. It's lighter than you'd think and makes an excellent computer substitute -- in fact, my first day with it was at a conference, using it instead of bringing along my MacBook Pro. I can even touch-type on it!

I haven't seen any of the backlash against the rumored new version, but I'll bet it's the same people who trashed the iPad when it was first announced -- people who bitched that it didn't do enough, that they couldn't customize it the way they wanted, that they wanted a real computer. What they failed to understand was that the iPad wasn't for them: it was designed to be the simplest, best e-reader and web browsing tool out there, and it succeeds very well at that. Ignore the haters.

[neadods]

What I want is a short-term computer substitute, but it still strikes me as having a lot of sheer face space -- good for watching movies and reading ebooks, but not so good for dropping in your bag and going. Nor could you hold it in one hand and turn pages with the same hand (I assume; correct me if I'm wrong, but that's how I'm often reading on the Touch - entirely one-handed while I do something else with the other.)

[nonelvis]

I must admit, I bought a slightly larger bag just for those days when I want to carry it around. But you can definitely hold it in one hand and turn pages with the same one, at least in one direction at a time. Mind you, I'm not walking around and reading with it, as I might with my iPhone -- it would be a bit too heavy to hold it up for a long period of time -- so if that's something you do with your Touch, you'll definitely want to wait for a smaller iPad.

[neadods]

I've got a big shopping purse... but by the time I put a full-sized iPad in it and my knitting, there isn't room for shopping. :)

[fabricdragon]

that sounds like a good size to me....
shrug
some people just have to "compensate" ya know?

[neadods]

Seriously, I do keep hearing "don't make my dick smaller!" It's one thing if the smaller size doesn't fit in with how someone uses the iPad - if they solely read and watch movies for example - but to outright dismiss alternatives?

[redpanda13]

People seem to watch movies on two screen sizes: as big as our dining room table turned on end, or an iPod screen the size of a matchbox. Not many choices in between.

[neadods]

Yeah, I was surprised at the person who said that he thought 7" was too small for a movie when they still sell them for nano-sized screens. You need a magnifying glass for that!

[belovedwarrior]

I just bought an iPad for my husband for his birthday and we both love it! I must have a big purse because it fits in mine just fine, but I do see what you mean about a smaller size would be a bit more convenient. Why not offer choices?

[neadods]

What really blows me is that the article that prompted this rant included a bit about Apple probably not having a new iPad because they don't like cluttering the product lines.

There are how many ipods?

(I have to confess, I was really supercilious to someone who got an ipad, but now I'm seriously tempted. I could *make* it worth it, but a 7" would be more worth it, if that makes any sense.)

[starcat_jewel]

Yeah, that would be purse-sized. But I've stopped carrying a purse at all; I rely on my belt-pack, and I don't think I'd be able to add even the smaller size of iPad to what's already there (namely, the wallet/checkbook pocket, the cellphone, and my little camera case). I'd have the choice of a back-of-the-case loop for the belt (which I suspect would make driving or sitting an Issue), or hanging it loose with a carabiner clip (letting it swing, and leaving it vulnerable to banging into things). Doesn't mean I can't see how other people would have a use for it, but I think my eventual choice is pretty much going to have to be some kind of smartphone... once they stop wanting to charge me an extra $40/month for online access.

[shawan_7]

Not buying an iPad until they've got an USB connection.

[neadods]

Never happen - Apple has always been rigid about keeping people in their own OS/memory/battery playpen.

OTOH, I hear rumors of an EEE 7" tablet by March and if Apple won't provide that is tempting, because I bet it would have a USB port *and* the ability to run my current browser.

[shawan_7]

Since my MacBook Pro has two of them, I think they will do the USB. Or force you to use their lousy Mobile Me system.