iPad

[pbwalker]

Well, I couldn't wait...picked up the 32GB model about an hour ago.

Anyone else pick one up yet?

[SQLGeek]

The Apple Borg Collective marches on.

I'm curious to hear what you think of it after playing with it for a while.

[marksiwel]

I have a phone and I have lap top
i see no need

[The Annoyed Man]

I have a phone and I have lap top
i see no need

All my computers are Apples, including the laptops, and I am a fan of the brand, but I think that the iPad is nothing more at this point than a cool toy. Unless it can run handwriting recognition software with a stylus, it doesn't serve a real need in either the business use or personal use communities that isn't already being filled by laptops and iPhones. Thus, it is a toy, not a tool.

My urologist uses a PC type notepad, and even dictates into it. That is an example of a business use. Apple will have to offer the iPad in some sort of similar configuration to do more than sell it as a toy. What's weird is that Apple already has the handwriting recognition stuff down going back to the Newton. Why didn't they include it?

[SQLGeek]

What's weird is that Apple already has the handwriting recognition stuff down going back to the Newton. Why didn't they include it?

Feature upgrade for future additions.

[marksiwel]

I have a phone and I have lap top
i see no need

All my computers are Apples,

I stopped taking you seriously right there

[pbwalker]

I have a phone and I have lap top
i see no need

It's not a phone or a laptop...those are technologies that Apple is not targeting with the iPad.

*just saw TAM's reply...and yes, it is essentially a toy. For me, it'll be a toy to teach ABC's and 123's to my daughter without having to sit at a computer or buying flash cards. It's a toy that I can have in the kitchen when I want to pull a quick recipe for dinner. It's a toy that will allow me to read the news without having to lug a laptop around. Lastly, it's a toy that will allow me to watch movies on my 4+ monthly flights to NYC. That being said, yes...Apple is lacking on the business side of the house.

[pbwalker]

I have a phone and I have lap top
i see no need

All my computers are Apples,

I stopped taking you seriously right there

Why?

I have worked in technology for 10+ years now and can honestly say I DESPISE Windows with a passion (supporting Windows Server environments will do that to a person). How they get away with the garbage they produce is beyond me. After supporting it for 6+ years, I went Linux and haven't looked back. I love my Macs and just chuckle at those who attempt to bash it to make themselves feel better about owning a Windoze machine.

[marksiwel]

I just like yanking the Apple peoples chain.
Heck I got the wife an iMac as a Wedding Gift,
I just like to game, and I cant do it on a Mac. Also they charge way too much for things compared to PCs. But I will say this, they are like Legos, everything works with everything else (Software and Hardware) and I like that alot, but I dont want to pay an extra 20-200 bucks compared to PC prices because its "Apple"

I havent had a chance to Linux anything thing. I just use my PC to Game and write here, since my VIdeo card crapped out, I just type and use the 360 to game

[C-dub]

I don't understand what the iPad's niche is. Can or does it run anything equivalent to Word or Excel? It doesn't have any USB ports. I read an article that posed the question about whether or not the laptop is dead with the iPad's arrival. I know that's not the question here, but I just don't see it replacing anyone's laptop yet.

[pbwalker]

I just like to game, and I cant do it on a Mac.

I'll agree with you 100% on that one...Apple is far inferior to the PC's when it comes to gaming.

[karder]

Let us know how you like the i-pad. I want one but my wife keeps giving me the "look" every time I bring it up. I am tired of living like an animal....I want an i-pad!

[pbwalker]

I love it! Posting from the iPad now! It's convenient and easy to use! My wife loves it, as does my 19 month old daughter. It took her attention away from my iPhone. lol. It took her all of 3 mins to figure out how to unlock the iPhone. lol

[pbwalker]

I don't understand what the iPad's niche is. Can or does it run anything equivalent to Word or Excel? It doesn't have any USB ports. I read an article that posed the question about whether or not the laptop is dead with the iPad's arrival. I know that's not the question here, but I just don't see it replacing anyone's laptop yet.

Yes, there are apps for Word, Excel, and PPT. It has no USB ports but there is and add on to plug in your camera via USB or by SD card.

[The Annoyed Man]

I don't understand what the iPad's niche is. Can or does it run anything equivalent to Word or Excel? It doesn't have any USB ports. I read an article that posed the question about whether or not the laptop is dead with the iPad's arrival. I know that's not the question here, but I just don't see it replacing anyone's laptop yet.

Yes, there are apps for Word, Excel, and PPT. It has no USB ports but there is and add on to plug in your camera via USB or by SD card.

They're called "Keynote," "Pages," and "Numbers," and they can open/edit/save Powerpoint, Word, and Excel documents, as well as saving them into the Mac native file formats. The package is called iWorks, and it costs $79.00, which is just a wee bit cheaper than Microsoft Office (for Mac or PC).