Cult of Mac: Apple News, Reviews and How Tos

53 comments

I know that many will buy this because of the price point, myself included. HOWEVER, the fact that the iPad still does not support flash is going to be a MAJOR issue for those who want to use it for browsing the web. That is an awful lot of missed content even to justify the “laptop replacement” idea. That being said, users will enjoy being able to safely browse the interwebs with more confidence and less fear of viruses.

Sam, on January 27th, 2010 at 4:30 pm

In a word, “no.” The iPad, while cool, is NOT going to kill anything. Until you can slap MS Office on one, the Macbook Air is quite safe. And unless you can get two weeks of battery life off it, the Kindle is safe as well.

TXCiclista, on January 27th, 2010 at 4:32 pm

At $499 it can’t do 1/10 of the crap my $250 netbook can.

No flash, no camera , no keyboard, no multitasking. Its a big ipod touch, and its not killing anything.

conv3rsion, on January 27th, 2010 at 4:33 pm

Ah, you’re falling into the trap by comparing the iPad and the MacBook. The iPad is a *limited device* – it does less than a MacBook and as such, consumers expect to pay less, Apple couldn’t have charged more than 499$ for the iPad.

Enda, on January 27th, 2010 at 4:33 pm

All of the above plus I’ll need 10.5.8 just ot use it at home. I can see their strategy though: grab the switchers by the cojones, the wallets will follow.

Eoin, on January 27th, 2010 at 4:35 pm

no it won’t at all.
ok with the lack of flash (too buggy,I accept that ),but LACK OF MULTITASKING???Major issue.

I truly believe Apple failed major today.Ipad 2 however will be great.And the need for jailbreaking never was greater than now.A jailbroken iPad will be just AWOSOME.especially with dock stacks.

alexx_kidd, on January 27th, 2010 at 4:35 pm

The funny part is, all my mac friends are barely interested in this, and are already satisfied with their kindles and sony readers.

All of them were thinking “I already have an iPhone/iPod Touch, why would I want this?”

Khalood, on January 27th, 2010 at 4:36 pm

I’m not so aggree with you Leander…
You really think that “It’s a replacement for that laptop — a true alternative?”
I don’t think so, as I don’t think that “The iPad+ keyboard dock = cheap MacBook.” because it doesn’t work with SnowLeopard and that’s a limitation if you compare the chances given by a laptop: how can you compare it even with a macbook air????
I’m not considering the commercial success it could have becoming a “status symbol”, just thinking that I expected more from iPad than a big iPod that enables me to read ebooks and run iWork…
This is a big wonderful gadget, really wonderful, an extended media-center, but a not an alternative to a laptop.

roberto, on January 27th, 2010 at 4:36 pm

Yeah I like this thing, I really do, but it doesnt kill the laptop, not the more powerful laptops like macbooks and mbp. Why? Cause its simply not as good as they are. not as fast or powerful or as i/o swapable, not as good graphics, or hd space. This will be like chrome os, cool, novel, and a basic needs filled machine. but performance will always belong to the laptop

David Fulero, on January 27th, 2010 at 4:37 pm

No Multitasking = Large Ipod Touch as far as I’m concerned. I think it looks like a great device, but I won’t be selling my MacBook to replace it with an iPad.

John, on January 27th, 2010 at 4:37 pm

To say that the ipad is replacing a macbook is shortsighted. It will only be that way for people who strictly use a computer for media and web browsing. The ipad doesn’t even have a usb port.

Mike D, on January 27th, 2010 at 4:38 pm

i dont think ill give up my kindle , netbook or macbookpro
if anything ill just use it for play,and a mobile computer.
if im at home ill use my mac pro, to read i prefer the e – ink on my kindle to colour screens. maybye i wont use my wifes macbook air but i gave that up for my macbook pro. my netbook runs all my old hardware thats xp only so ill not be giving that up.

the only thing i can think of is on the go but my iphone covers that.
i wanted something to replace my phone, but forget having 3 data plans so idont think it will be usefull to me but i will buy two.

why would you watch movies on a small screen at home the apple tv handles that. is it worth carrying around when you have an iphone?

i think the biggest users of it will be gamers mostly kids.

bubbakush, on January 27th, 2010 at 4:43 pm

Yes, as you say a true “alternative” to a laptop — one in which can do no multi-tasking like any cheaper (more powerful) netbook. This is sorely a big win for fanboys and non-geeks, but a terrible product for anyone who already has a smartphone or laptop.

Aaron, on January 27th, 2010 at 4:45 pm

God, I love you, Leander, but I think you’re nuts here. The iPad? Absolutely a Kindle killer, if the 10 hour battery life is to be believed? But as a netbook killer, it doesn’t even compete.

I may write something about this tomorrow, but essentially it all comes down to multitasking: the iPad doesn’t seem to be able to do it, which means it simply isn’t even a rudimentary production machine. Netbooks are rudimentary production machines, with the same battery life and more features at roughly the same price (or less!)

Netbooks aren’t going anywhere. Apple’s target here is the e-reader and the non-iPod PMP, not the netbook.

John Brownlee, on January 27th, 2010 at 4:46 pm

While I believe the iPad is indeed a nice product, it’s very disconcerting to me that I cannot justify buying one. That’s a first. I cannot think of a good reason to buy one other than to develop for it.

I’ve got an iPhone and a MacBook Pro. This sits firmly between those two. It’s not exactly discreet enough to bring to work, so I cannot justify toting it around with me. A lot of the web applications and games I like are flash-based and there’s no Flash.

I cannot find a single reason to drop the entirely affordable $499 on it. This makes me sad.

Erik Madsen, on January 27th, 2010 at 4:55 pm

The iPad is not going to replace a laptop for anyone who cares enough to read this blog. We are all computer people. But for all the non-computer people who just want a cheap device to browse the web, write, email, share photos, etc the iPad will be all they need. It’s got the appeal of a netbook but it’s way faster and easier to use. Personally I want one in addition to my laptop. Laptop = work machine, iPad = fun machine.

Zeke, on January 27th, 2010 at 4:57 pm

The iPad can only replace a (very) simple netbook. Never a full notebook. A MacBook Air? No way! How are you supposed to live of a “notebook” with only iPhone OS Apps? No camera for video chats? Come on…

You are also forgetting something major here: E-ink. Try reading a book on a LED screen. It’s terrible compared to Kindle and other e-readers using E-ink technology to simulate printed paper. So it doesn’t replace these either.

It is a fun, multimedia “lifestyle” device. Or a big iTouch (with 3G, a big iPhone with no Phone or camera) that won’t fit in your pocket. Not a killer.

Will, on January 27th, 2010 at 4:58 pm

i have an iphone and a macbook air, i think that this combination is more than one ipad. i think also that a lot of people use netbook only for reading pdf receive mail and internet ipad is a greate real solution in an easy way, have you ever tried to use a netbook? it is not a very good experience, ipad could be faster and easly to use.

daniele, on January 27th, 2010 at 5:15 pm

No, it won’t kill it.
For any “need a laptop type thing but don’t want to carry my MacBook Pro” around I’ll still stick to my netbook (a Dell mini.. but it does fine what it’s supposed to) and possibly Kindle – if there are any PDFs or ebooks for hte tech books I need. Or if non-tech books, a few paperbacks in the backpack and I’m good to go. And after finishing the books I like to leave them in wild and see if anyone catches them (no how would I use iPad to bookcross, huh?)

Anna, on January 27th, 2010 at 5:21 pm

Are you kidding???… this is a big iPod Touch that will be marketed to kids (for games) and to OLD PEOPLE…. Big Apps Big Buttons…. I’m so disappointed with this. I hope iPad 2.0 will be better. I expect it will.

Buzz, on January 27th, 2010 at 5:21 pm

The iPad will be SLATED

iFanboy, on January 27th, 2010 at 5:22 pm

In order to kill the Kindle, it has to sell books. The books in the iBookstore are not going to be at the sweet price point – $10. So you’re paying more money for an iPad so you can pay more money for books.

For those who argue they can just use the Kindle store, haven’t any number of applications been rejected from the App Store because they “duplicate functionality” of an Apple-provided tool? What’s the status on Kindle or B&N apps if there’s already an Apple-provided bookstore?

Dan, on January 27th, 2010 at 5:31 pm

The iPad will kill … the iPad. It does nothing of use that my iPhone doesn’t do, and few of the useful things my $300 linux netbook does. And given it’s closed technology, apple can make sure it never truly will.

Steve, get in that iTimemachine, go back and tell yourself to kill funding of this iAlbatros, it’s egg on Apples face.

hbm, on January 27th, 2010 at 5:45 pm

Erik Madsen said it best…I really don’t know that I can justify an iPad. I have an iPhone, Kindle 2 and a Macbook Pro. Don’t know that I would leave EITHER at home if I have an iPad. I can totally seeing it replacing my Kindle, but I’m not sure that the price hike over the Kindle is worth it. Cool? ABSOLUTELY. Justifiable? Not sure at this point…guess I’ll have to wait to play with one in the store.

Joshua Yates, on January 27th, 2010 at 5:49 pm

Leander,

Nice try. But from the many contrary comments here, it looks like you haven’t been able to impart any wisdom on the many who peruse your blog.

I believe you. I believed this line of reasoning and Jobs’ ability to look far into the techno-humanist future for a very long time now. Simply because he has proven it – time and time again.

As an AAPL investor I am glad that the naysayers are loud enough to sway the masses. Because every time Apple proves the naysayers wrong, shares go up like a rocket. If it’s all about expectations, then guess who’s winning the expectations game?

Cheers!

Nickie, on January 27th, 2010 at 5:59 pm

I watched the live feed of the announcement today with great anticipation. As soon as the ipad was first shown, my anticipation was quelched and replaced with, “Keep an Open mind.”

The ipad is the ideal and future trend for “house” computers. In other words, for housewives, children, and the retired (anyone who does not already have and use a computer for work) the ipad is the way to go.

Am I going to get one? I would LOVE one on my coffee table but with an imac, macbook, and an ipod touch it is impossible to justify the purchase.

Apple, I hope this goes well for you. I am cheering for you but have some doubt.

pezdave, on January 27th, 2010 at 6:02 pm

I could see my mom using this except there does not seem to be a way to print. She just loves printing web articles and stuff she gets via email. She is not good with the computer and this would be great for simple web surfing and email except for printing. They should really hook up with Epson and Hp and put some wireless printer drivers in this.

Jeff, on January 27th, 2010 at 6:08 pm

Why all the fuss about a USB port for printing? Haven’t these guys heard about Wi-Fi enabled printers? Or printing to a printer on a Wi-Fi enabled Mac?

StuartAB, on January 27th, 2010 at 6:19 pm

disappointment! i dont like the idea of carrying an XXL ipod touch just for the sake of bigger screen advantages and, still, there’s no multitask..etc
software and hardware wise its a promising device though, i think i am going to wait for the second generation as there’s no room next to my iphone, ipod and laptop in my bag!

Ps. did Jobs really have to stick with the square home screen icons?, they are good for iPhone / ipod touch size devices but it just makes homescreen looks sort of empty and boring on iPad

belenus, on January 27th, 2010 at 6:21 pm

You write:
“The iPad is that alternative. It’s not an extra gadget, a luxury for someone who already has an iPhone and a laptop. It’s a replacement for that laptop — a true alternative.”

I have a iPhone, a mac book and windows laptop. I strongly disagree with your statement above. Can the iPad run Office? Can it run Quicken? Turbotax? Photoshop elements? Picasa? If not, it is _not_ a replacement for my laptop. It is a extra gadget for me, and between the iPhone and laptops, I am all set. I will not be buying a iPad.

hobbes, on January 27th, 2010 at 6:44 pm

The only way the iPad would replace my MacBook Pro is if I could create and edit MS Word docs on it.

Allan, on January 27th, 2010 at 6:51 pm

It might kill the Kindle. Not sure if it will be considered competition for a full-sized laptop however.

Mattzook, on January 27th, 2010 at 7:23 pm

I may be in the market for one as I like to travel backpacking style, and when I do I pack very light. Like “one college-sized backpack”-light. I’ve never taken a laptop before but I’ve been considering a Kindle instead of an actual paper book and an iPod Touch just to have a tiny wi-fi device. Thing is, I know I would prefer reading on the Kindle (e-ink and battery life) and I could buy both a Kindle and a Touch for the same price as the cheapest model iPad. Plus, this will probably knock the price of Touches and Kindles down a bit anyway. I need more info.

Collin, on January 27th, 2010 at 8:21 pm

IPad = iSuck

Very disappointing… its just an oversized iPod

Running one application at a time, come on…. and stuck with Apple’s Store to buy thier apps…. I want other apps, 3rd party apps, a camera, and definitely multitasking!!!

Bum deal. No deal and no buy.

Wizzy, on January 27th, 2010 at 9:23 pm

If it has a backlit screen, it won’t be killing the Kindle off. I can read much longer from the Kindle without eyestrain than I can from a computer screen.

Anonymouse, on January 27th, 2010 at 9:32 pm

It doesn’t even have a floppy disk drive! Ok, that was a joke. I think Leander is exactly right. People didn’t know what to make of the iPod at first either. For me, this would be the perfect mobile-at-home device. When I need to do more heavy-duty work like Photoshop, I’ll use the desktop, but for recreational use, an iPad will work just fine. And for many, many home users, it’s all they need.

Sezme, on January 27th, 2010 at 10:16 pm

I’ve already been doing everything this will do, since 04 with my cute little HP TC1100 . It still runs like a charm has over 3hrs battery life and Ill bet its lighter than the Ipad turns out to be. It can be bought for around $200 now. I laughed at the Kindle when it came out too. What a limited device.

Joel, on January 27th, 2010 at 11:15 pm

For me – Kindles aren’t available in NZ, but Apple sells all it’s other gear here so I expect the iPad will follow. I already use the kindle iPhone app, and stanza for epub books. so with 10 hrs battery life – yes this makes a passable e reader.
Web browsing – Mobile Safari is still the best pocket browser I have ever used. What makes it perfect is the smooth zooming and full rendering of almost all “Open” web content. I wont miss flash – imagine all those ads you wont see.
Flash heavy sites are going to have to wake up and smell the standards – if they want iPad and iPhone users eyeballs.
Net News wire gives me my RSS feeds, I sych all my mail, contact and calendars with Google, so as long as iPad still supports active sync that wont change. Now maybe instead of having to pay for iPad-Works, how about just using google docs, or maybe OpenOffice will get on the iPad? It works fine on my old 1.2Ghz netbook with 512MB RAM an 8GB flashdrive. All the specs apart from the CPU grunt are better on iPad than my AspireOne. I use that plenty now, so I would guess I’d use the iPad about the same.
No camera was dissapointing though. This would have made a brilliant video SIP phone.

John, on January 28th, 2010 at 1:51 am

Yeah… sounds like a little hyperbole that the iPad is going to be a solid laptop alternative. I agree with all of the points being made to go against that. Even the Kindle should survive; e-ink vs. the iPad’s screen for more authentic reading experience leave’s the Kindle with a distinct marketing advantage. I love Apple, but even the tech world should have a disclaimer that’s common to the financial industry: “past success is no guarantee of future results”. I think this product could still be technically successful in terms of units sold, but it’s not nearly the revolutionary device that was hinted about (and even suggested by the Mighty Jobs in his Keynote) during the last several months.

Charles, on January 28th, 2010 at 2:40 am

“It doesn’t even have a floppy disk drive, what suck!” – PC User Mentality

Mattzook, on January 28th, 2010 at 2:56 am

If the iPad kill some thing, it’s going to be the iPod touch. It’s no iPhone and it’s no macbook. I’m looking to buy a ipod touch and i probably wait and buy an ipad. It will never replace ma mac(for now), but it could replace my ipod 5 gen. and ipod touch hand down. And with VoIP permitted over 3G, apps like Skype… it’s going to be fun.

Ben, on January 28th, 2010 at 7:02 am

“Apple, I hope this goes well for you. I am cheering for you but have some doubt.”

Was there no public doubt when the iPod first came out? Was there no pessimism when the very first iPhone was announced?

The iPad could be like many other Apple products. They stumble a bit with introducing the first generation hardware. And then they finally get things perfectly in alignment with the 2nd and 3rd generation of the device.

Brentoni, on January 28th, 2010 at 7:11 am

Leander, I have to say… you are a mad man. The iPad will never replace the netbook.

brad, on January 28th, 2010 at 8:33 am

Right. And the iPods never replaced those cheap plastic $24.99 MP3 players from Taiwan.

Those cheap plastic $24.99 MP3 players are still around. They never disappeared. And yet, the “overpriced” iPods are still a huge success for Apple.

Brentoni, on January 28th, 2010 at 9:19 am

I won’t be buying it. The iPad is just a big ol, flat ol, iPod Touch. And if I have an iPhone and an iPod, WHY WHY WHY would I need this iPad? Thumbs down. This might flop, guys. What they should have done was come up with a 7 inch or 10 inch version of the Macbook. I would pay big money for that. I refuse to buy one of those small PCs, so I’ll just wait until Apple somes out with this small Macbook. That’s my dream.

iPad: No likey….no buyey. They apparently didn’t listen to what consumers wanted. Bad for business. Still love Apple though.

Keisha, on January 28th, 2010 at 10:47 am

I think people forget that the thing is half the weight of a Macbook Air. It’s like… an Air without a keyboard.

I’m estimating a year until they fix no multitasking and no flash. Like no copy/paste on the iPhone.

Squight, on January 28th, 2010 at 3:43 pm

that is freaking gay dawg like omg for real like no lie

luisa, on January 29th, 2010 at 2:30 pm

The crippled browser kind of defeats the whole point for me. The limitations are acceptable on the iPhone because it’s small but not on something big like this. And no multitasking? This thing is too braindead. If it was more like a keyboardless Macbook it could have been pretty cool.

silk, on January 29th, 2010 at 8:11 pm

Keisha, get an MSI Wind or similar netbook and put OSX on it. I have done it and it’s pretty nice.

silk, on January 29th, 2010 at 8:12 pm

that’s the whole POINT – abaduh

Kevin Cassidy, on February 2nd, 2010 at 5:21 pm

Hey

Honesly. They might sell 5k – 35k(per country maybe) of it but thats all. No one with ”brain” is going to buy it. If they’d sell it for 100£ I might consider it for fun but, for 500 I can get quite strong laptop, for 700 a monster…. Ipad it looks nice but thats all . :/

Oh. btw the reason why hes undercutting is because no1 buy they stuff. Only way to get new clients its to release ”better” and ”cheaper”. 1980 flow of ppl is going to an end, soon Steve&Apple is going to be as usual company as Sony/Panasinic/Aiva/Dell/etc etc with normal non Apple ” tax up” prices

Dariusz, on March 14th, 2010 at 3:46 pm

I love all Apple products, except for this piece of crap. To make the sales work, it should come down to $300-350, slightly more than Kindle. If you already own iPhone/ipad, you can download the free kindle app. For $500 and up, it makes no sense. Then again, you know there will be a price cut in few months after the launch. Apple does this all the time. So, don’t feel rushed to buy this piece of crap.

Luke, on March 24th, 2010 at 1:06 am

I think the I pad is the best It is so great to be able to carry it around with you every where It is better then all the others I hope to get one for my Birthsay hihihi IT is like american express don’t Leave home without it

Barbara Bertrand, on July 21st, 2010 at 4:47 pm

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