Wow... you can change the wallpaper... STOP THE PRESS

Gee... a WHOLE WEB PAGE in front of you that you can manipulate with your fingers... you don't say... like... um... tablet PCs that have been around for years? Or touchscreen desktops?

I'm sure I'll be proved wrong, and it'll be a complete success... but I really think they've lost it this time. I think this looks horrendously chunky and inelegant. Why does it have such large and horrendous edges around the screen?

Why is there no camera?

This device... the as yet announced 'Courier' is something that really does excite me. The interaction on THAT device is something that makes me excited about a portable computer again.

This? This does nothing for me... who really wants this limited functionality at this size? I'd rather this (plus more... camera etc.) in my phone that I can hold in my pocket rather than having less than that in something I have to carry in a bag.

If it were instead something more like what the Courier looks to be I'd actually see the joy in using it, the usefulness in having a 'live' scrapbook.

I just have this feeling that the iPad will be an iBomb.

But again... Apple seems to do no wrong, and people wee themselves over anything they put out... but this time... this time I don't see it.

Comment hidden because you are ignoring dag.(show it anyway)

I can't believe I got up at 4 AM to watch the unveiling of a digital picture frame. So, so, so underwhelmed. Where's the camera? Even an iPod Nano has a freakin' camera. I smell planned obsolescence.

Oh, and I'm watching their website video introduction and I'm feeling a little nauseous from their over the top, insanely overblown gushing over this thing as the greatest thing in the bloody world.

When Dag weighs in as it being a let down, I think we can safely say that it's a big disappointment.

[edit] Argh, and It shits me how they're going on about the 'quality' of watching movies is amazing... it's a friggen 1024x768 screen... could they not have picked an actual standard video res like 720p or something? Picking a screen res from 1999 is scary.

I was not blown away either, but that could also be due to the amount of "what if had this, too?" hype surrounding the buildup for the event.

I will certainly not rush out to get one right away, but I think this is a good starting point for the future of computing. Kind of like an "eBook Reader+"
More features will come over time, and I also agree that it needs a camera, some type of phone function (through sim card or skype), flash support and a bunch of other nicnacs to really function as small "all in one" machine to use around the house or on the go.

Just give it time.
Saw a great quote on twitter by tyler_thompson that I think hits the nail on the head: "Microsoft builds a giant $10,000 table for hotel lobbies, Apple builds a $500 tablet for everyone."

XGA screen resolution. Dongles dangling from the side. Cannot multitask (!). No Flash support (!!). "Extraordinary" indeed.
Even without any expectation to start with, I have to say this is, as dag said, very underwhelming.

PS: Someone is not losing their time.

>> ^maatc:
"Microsoft builds a giant $10,000 table for hotel lobbies, Apple builds a $500 tablet for everyone."


Yeah, well... except... um, it's not for everyone at all. It really has so few uses it begs the question why would you actually want one? Would you really like to lug this thing around for how little it actually does?

As I linked to above, that Courier interface and form factor excite me WAY more than this, really shows how you could use a tablet/book form device for note keeping etc.

This is almost Apple creating a product without having a purpose in mind when they did it.

I do like the form factor and the extended battery life. If it has full functionality on the web then it actually does look like it would be great for that. I like the direction the tech is going in at least.

Can it be used as an actual computer? In other words, can I plug a mouse and keyboard into it, prop it up on my desk, and use it for all the things a normal computer can be used for? Could I install all the software that a normal macbook can run?

As I said in another similar video, I'd be happy with a $300 netbook that can open 180 degrees. Is this thing, with its 1Ghz cpu, more or less powerful than a 1.66Ghz netbook? I look forward to some reviews from people who don't sound like they're about to piss their pants just from touching the damn thing.

What is this Ipad? Is it some sort of thing for menstruating women?

OMG IT DOESNT DO _____ SO IT IS A USELESS POS.

IF YOU LIKE THIS THEN YOU ARE A FANBOY (interchangeable with Obamabot) WHO DRANK THE KOOLAID AND NOW FUCK YOU AND UR GAY

google wave

^spoco2:
It really has so few uses it begs the question why would you actually want one?

Well, I'd probably prefer this over physical books (depending on pixel size). It sounds more like a Kindle replacement than anything so far.

It's thin and light, so it would fit in a briefcase nicely. Apple has never been the company for people on a budget. If $600 were a small sum of money for me then I would consider buying one (after playing with one at a store first). I doubt it would replace my netbook though.

Like I said I will likely wait for a later, better equipped version until I get one, but I could see myself using this around the house.

Right now at home I am using my IPhone a lot to quickly check stuff on the web, because sometimes starting up the laptop is just too much. In some of these cases I whish my phone was easier to navigate and this could fill the gap nicely.

They finally gave birth to this baby and I think it will learn to walk around our lives pretty quickly.

>> ^Psychologic:
^spoco2:
It really has so few uses it begs the question why would you actually want one?
Well, I'd probably prefer this over physical books (depending on pixel size). It sounds more like a Kindle replacement than anything so far.
It's thin and light, so it would fit in a briefcase nicely. Apple has never been the company for people on a budget. If $600 were a small sum of money for me then I would consider buying one (after playing with one at a store first). I doubt it would replace my netbook though.


My issue is really this though... I like my phone to do lots of extra stuff... surf the web, play games, play video etc. etc. because I have to carry it around anyway and in my pocket no less... so why not have it do lots of extra stuff. For ANYTHING else it better have some pretty darn stellar extra functionality to make me want to lug it around in a bag.

Now, this eBook Reading lark. I'm not onboard myself, still love actual books, read them every morning/night on the train to/from work... love them... I know lots of people love electronic books... but I really do love having book shelves with real honest to goodness books.

But I'm obviously not part of this 'new wave' of e book readers. But if I was I don't think I'd want to have one that is running a backlit screen with only 10 hours of battery life just to read a book, that seems very wasteful to me. I'd much rather have an e-ink screen that is passive most of the time.

So... I don't get it, don't know how it's going to find its market, because I don't think it has one. Plenty of the commentators are saying exactly the same thing... but who knows, maybe people do want this... me? No, everyone I've so far talked to? No... just... just has nothing going for it.

I see this listed on a "Huge Corporate Screwups" list in 3 years time. They're giving the Nokia N-Gage a run for its money.

Flash support is a deal breaker. Best browsing experience ever? Without the single most common webpage enhancement? Who are they kidding?

Newton anyone?

This is a product without a purpose.

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That was the lamest product introduction I have ever seen. I dont think that tablet he had did shitola. That was like 5 minutes with Photoshop to whip up that presentation and it probably was just a jpeg displayed on that thing in his hand.

His constant stream of compliments in front of a static picture of a background changing makes me ill.

Not everyone "needs" the DSLR that I use. Some people just want the camera in their phone, or their little point/shoot.

That doesn't mean my DSLR is a STUPID PIECE OF SHIT or whatever.

Jeez people, calm down. Lots of times technology is aimed at specific functions for specific people. And, as usual with Apple, there will be the super hardcore haters, the dumbass Apple-Sticker-On-My-Car fanoidz, and then the rest of us who like gadgets we find useful enough to buy.

Duh!

>> ^volumptuous:
Not everyone "needs" the DSLR that I use. Some people just want the camera in their phone, or their little point/shoot.
That doesn't mean my DSLR is a STUPID PIECE OF SHIT or whatever.
Jeez people, calm down. Lots of times technology is aimed at specific functions for specific people. And, as usual with Apple, there will be the super hardcore haters, the dumbass Apple-Sticker-On-My-Car fanoidz, and then the rest of us who like gadgets we find useful enough to buy.
Duh!


No, but see, this is the problem with Apple... EVERY product launch becomes like the second coming of christ, so when it turns out to be something that is so very much 'meh'... well it gives us who think Apple is over rated something to crow about for a bit.

And your analogy doesn't work. Your DSLR is like a top of the line PC/Laptop, it's not aimed at mass market, but even those who don't want it can appreciate that it's very good at what it does.

And a mass market object also fills a need.

This is a product with no need. It's not quite good enough to replace a laptop, not the right form factor or features to replace a phone, not good enough to carry around to collect your thoughts or scrapbook as it has no camera or hand writing ability... it's just a big ol... meh. It takes away the thing that makes the iPhone great (it fits all it does into your pocket and is a phone), it takes away what makes a laptop/netbook great (ability to connect to things like tvs, and have a good typing experience, and be able to multitask, and surf the web properly (flash)) and is left with a .... well... an over sized media player with web.

I don't ridicule it because it's something I don't want, it's something I don't want that I also can't see more than a handful of other people wanting.

meh is right. This product is completely underwhelming. Netbook manufacturers have little to worry about. As much as Apple might think that A4 processor is powerful, it is significantly handicapped by the OS and APIs Apple has implemented.

I honestly thought Apple was going to do some interesting take on the Tablet PC concept, and instead they are producing another locked-down gadget that ultimately resembles trash more than a computing experience. The lack of USB connectivity without dongles, a proprietary SIM card design, still no hope of Flash, no camera, a flawed keyboard design... the list is long.

Granted, I would not be surprised if it sold well, knowing how dedicated some Apple users can be.

1024x768 is retarded Like others have said at least do 1280x720.

Still no Flash? But also no camera or other features my iPhone has?

I don't think it's a piece of shit or anything but I'm a little disappointed. I'd hoped it would at least run Flash.

Older people really do benefit from touchscreens.

Kotaku has their take on gaming with the iPad, which goes much as I expected.

http://kotaku.com/5458393/hands-on-with-apples-ipad-just-the-games

Gaming controls that work on the iPhone do not translate to the iPad. The weight of the device does not help, either. Granted it depends greatly on the title used.

This thing will meet the computing needs of just about all of my relatives. They are average people with average tech knowledge and ability. This is the market that will benefit from the iPad, and will make Apple lots of money.

At first I forgot that Apple is targeting the 'average' market, and almost threw a fit over the lack of a webcam. Then I remembered that the majority of computer users don't actually use webcams. I don't even use a webcam, I was just hoping for as many bells and whistles as possible, without thinking realistically.

The lack of Flash also made me do a doubletake. But after some thought, I realized that Flash is mostly used for three things on the web: video, games, and advertisement. We can scratch the need for advertisement. There are already tons of free games for the iPad. Video is going to be a problem at first, but as HTML5 gains traction it will become a non-issue. I'm not so sure Flash is such a dealbreaker.

No multitasking is a bit of a bummer, but not as bad as many think. On my iPhone, I can listen to music, browse the web, and receive push notifications when I receive an instant message. In a second or two I can go from reading a web page to typing a message to a friend. When I'm done, I can easily get back to my web page. It's by no means multitasking, but it's not terrible.

One overlooked benefit is the security aspect of the iPad. Right now I can think of one "virus" for the iPhone. It only effects jailbroken devices with default root passwords, and is only proof of concept. As it stands right now, the iPad may be one of the safest browsing devices out there. As the resident tech guy, again and again I have helped clean up family computers which were completely trashed due to malware and viruses. I don't see that being a problem with the iPad anytime soon. This gives me piece of mind, helps me rest easier knowing my family isn't at such risk.

Personally, I don't think I'll be getting one because I already have an iPhone and a nice desktop computer. When I go mobile, I'll be getting a nice laptop. However, I can easily see my parents using an iPad. My dad LOVES his iPod Touch, hardly uses his laptop anymore. This will be perfect for the many many people like my parents.

It missing a tire inflator and emergency strobe...plus a hand crank.

"Apple says you can only decode H.264 video up to 720p, 30 frames per second, Main Profile level 3.1 with AAC-LC audio up to 48kHz. The only containers supported are .m4v, .mp4 and .mov."


Why purposefully limit this thing so much? The video resolution I can understand, but surely it could support more file types without much trouble. Low resolution, no multi-tasking, no flash, few file types... can it at least play music while using the browser?

[yawns]

I tell you the problem fundimentl issue

if this cost £45 and had 10 - 15 hours battery life it would be perfect

but this will cost 200-500 knowing apple.


I bet when pads get to the 15-25 pound price piont everyone and his dog will be using them , as they would be like pcs that you would just levee lying around the house , for when u want to check something quicly , watch tv , order stuff what have you . they will allso be the kind of things that shops will have loads of like argoss books but they will just be pads all over the place.

the problem is its only good if its cheep when a produc costs a large chunk of mony the user requires it to do certain things or have deep functoinality inorder to justify the cost.

Alot of commenters have expressed the lack of conviction, nay, BALLS that we were hoping this product would have. Nominally the expectation was that Apple was going after the netbook market but logically then it would still have a keyboard. No this is their plunge into a market that hasn't really worked out for anyone and even Apple with their mass-market appeal may not crack it. Laptops compete very effectively with this and are better featured and more flexible. I concur with the tech shortcomings and no multi-tasking? Wow.

People may like this but the shortcomings will be apparent quite quickly if you've previously used a laptop. The market for this thing will be as an additional web-browser to whatever you already have and composed of buyers who don't mind being corralled and guided towards a controlled and sanitised environment. I might not object either but if only for the convenience and purported ease of use. That said it would still have to be cheaper; I can see this thing getting dropped as it journeys between the lounge and kitchen.

As to what this should have been or the market they COULD have invented; well that's what really interests me. They could have defined the kind of everyday tasks/chores that this device could have taken on. It would have required a camera and alternative input and even scanning options. The possibilities are exciting. Bring the real world into the device, solve real problems, meet real needs. But the iPad is just about taking some netbook share. That's all it is.

The other thing I forgot to mention was that I made my mind up when I saw that keyboard accessory. In one picture you get the impression that the iPad is neither one thing or the other. There's no doubt that this could be someone's ideal platform. But alot of people? No flash compromises the browsing but then they do have to push itunes/the app store. At least this way they'll nab more credit card details.

MEH

SUPERLATIVE SUPERLATIVE SUPERLATIVE SUPERLATIVE SUPERLATIVE SUPERLATIVE SUPERLATIVE

This is where Apple's closed system begins to fail. On the iPhone/Ipod Touch it was okay that you were heavily limited to Apple approved products, applications and functions. People have low expectations from smartphones or at least did when the first version came out.

This is a different beast entirely. Since it's more or less looking to surpass the netbooks in a number of areas, it will be judged by near-PC functionality, and well ... it comes up short. Sure once they've gorged themselves on micro transactions which push the actual cost of the device way above the $499 introductory price, having youtube, ereader, video, music and an office suite should be enough for most people. Who knows that might be just enough to make it sell well.

But the point is, many people will be disappointed it doesn't offer them the range of packages that a Windows or OS X based PC does. They'll miss the free 3rd party content that they already have on their PC/Mac or have bought and can't simply transfer over because it's not a desktop level OS.

I remember a study found that a large majority of netbook buyers who bought it purportedly as their first laptop ended up disappointed because there was a preconception that it would perform as well as a full fledged PC. Apple denizens who staved off until now for a cheap and compact PC will be likely left out in the cold in the same way.

*backup=[...snipped...]

Added alternate embed code for this video - backup requested by gwiz665.

Sony have had there E readers out for a while , but i don't think this really falls in the same category as them as the screen would not be comfortable to use (for people that like books) and the battery life not so good. + its to large to easily carry around.

I think when these things cost under £50 you will see thousands of them all over the place like star trek where they are just a common thing , in the same way cheep moile phones are now.

I guess I'm late to this party, but I'm also glad to see some Apple sensibility here for once.

I really do not get how Jobs disses netbooks and then introduces something that is almost twice the price with half the usefulness. I know half the Apple user crowd will buy this anyways, but I guess I will take solace that my netbook easily fits in a carry bag.

My mum has one of those Asus eeePC's as well and despite being a technophobe she absolutely adores it. It's not about how fancy it looks or what it is capable of, its about how goddamn convenient it can be. That is why netbooks stormed the industry despite the fact they have barely been out two years now!

A $329 netbook can get 10 hours of battery life, has a built in camera + microphone, usb ports for removable storage, built in memory card reader for MORE removable storage, physical keyboard, can do more than one thing at a time, run flash... and hell the latest ones can even decode HD video with that nVidia ION stuff.

The iPad just looks like an iPod touch for old people... think about those large sized remote controls.

http://i.imgur.com/IUROK.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Wo27t.jpg

I think http://i.imgur.com/wApCi.png is pure brilliance.
>> ^RedSky:
http://i.imgur.com/IUROK.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Wo27t.jpg

Does Steve Jobs only own the one outfit, or what?

Because when I use my iPhone, I always think, "GEE, I wish this were 4 times bigger".

Nice try, Jobs.

I wonder if this could make a good substitute for a cintiq? It lacks pressure sensitivity, but aside from that... and if it accepts USB peripherals (does it?) then a pressure sensitive stylus could be employed. Boom, you got a Cintiq that's lighter, sturdier, more portable.

Hell, even if it doesn't accept USB peripherals, it could interface with a pressure sensitive stylus over Wi-Fi or bluetooth, the way AirMouse2 does.

>> ^budzos:
I wonder if this could make a good substitute for a cintiq? It lacks pressure sensitivity, but aside from that... and if it accepts USB peripherals (does it?) then a pressure sensitive stylus could be employed. Boom, you got a Cintiq that's lighter, sturdier, more portable.
Hell, even if it doesn't accept USB peripherals, it could interface with a pressure sensitive stylus over Wi-Fi or bluetooth, the way AirMouse2 does.


It wont have the resolution to do annything of the quality that you would get with Evan the cheapest of wacoms.
lol if it was capable then apple would take the touch pad market over night.

cinteequ is like £1200 and needs a stand to hold it , evan the small cinteequ looks like a clumpy old school 14" TFT . apple could actualy do a good job wacom is a bit shitty on the design side of things , well untill recently annyway.