Bitchin' Blog Posts
My Initial Reaction to the iPad
by SB Sarah | by SB Sarah | January 27, 2010 | Wednesday at 11:10 pm | 104 Comments
I am underwhelmed.
Here’s my initial thoughts on Apple’s big announcement, culled from Notepad and Twitter.
- iPad?! Really?! REALLY? Gosh, I’m sorry I no longer have a Nook now. They would have been great partners.
The iPad, now available in Light, Maxi, and Super (8Gb, 16Gb 64Gb)? As Tessa Dare said, are there NO women at Apple who could have given them the heads up (HA) that this is a BAD NAME?
Please someone tell me they’ll just name the next device iVAGINA and be done with it? Is this how they’re targeting female technology consumers and book readers? Sweet holy crap.
- Yadda yadda bunch of stuff it does yay.
- iBooks: HOLY LAMESAUCE people. It was a throwaway app demo, with more time spent on games and on their iWork suite.
- It uses ePub. Water is extra wet sometimes.
- Helloooo? DRM? There’s none in iTunes now… so, absence of mention makes me very curious. Like, if you have to ask, you won’t like the answer.
- The amount of time spent on iBooks made it insignificant, especially when I stopped to ponder what COULD have been shown.
There was a momentary display of the store, and the pricing therein didn’t thrill me, and a display of animated page turning. Woo. A choice of fonts… five fonts.
This isn’t “standing on the shoulders of Kindle.” It’s giving the Kindle half a nod from across a ballroom full of other people you’d rather talk to.
Then there was copious onanism about iWork, particularly Pages, and this is where I got really annoyed. How is there not more integration between iBooks and the iWork suite, especially as their featured demo was a term paper in progress with illustrations and source material?
What about onboard social networks, email functionality, or notation from inside iBooks? Wouldn’t that be a key feature to intregrate with the endless onward wanking about Pages? For example: writing a report… and easily with a single gesture including both the source material and the citation using iBooks and Pages?
I realize that reading isn’t the utmost important thing for everyone else, but come on now! Productivity in all forms includes printed material. The lack of interaction demonstrated in iBook makes me hope for other reading alternatives on the iPad (DEAR GOD THE NAME). Color me underwhelmed in a big, big way.
I am planning to order one, as I’m very curious about iBook, and about whether or not I’ll be able to use Stanza on it. Stanza on the iPhone is a hot sexy revelation.
With the iPad, my biggest concern is will my retinas hate me if I read on it. I love the Stanza features while reading, especially the email and Twitter integration, but the eyestrain I get from focusing on such a tiny screen is so painful it’s unreal.
Reading on the iPad may be awesome and comfy, despite the backlighting.
IF I’m able to use Stanza. iBook didn’t wow me out of the box, (Heh heh. Box.) and I hope I have options. However, as Jane pointed out in conversation on Twitter, alternative video or music or app stores are not on the iPhone. I hope this doesn’t mean I have to hack my iPad to use Stanza. And tape it together. Using wings.
Finally, one last thought about the iPad: someone, anyone, ask a woman before you name a device. Please.
You can watch the presentation online already:
Filed: But...that's not really about romance novels, General Bitching, Ranty McRant
Tagged: writing, twitter, people, nook, lamesauce, kindle, itunes, iphone, ipad, apple
DS said on 01.27.10 at 11:24 PM • [link]
I was hoping you would have your comment up. Underwhelmed indeed. Aside from the name it just looks like a big iphone. I don’t know if I will get one or not.
liz m said on 01.27.10 at 11:24 PM • [link]
I don’t want to buy new purses. Right now my Tokidoki Sorrisso fits a 160GB ipod, a Sony 505, a Nokia phone and all my assorted stuff. So right away, the iPad is too big and needs to come in a compact size.
I’m concerned about eyestrain but FAR more interested than you are in iBooks. If I can use the iBookstore with a Sony, then it’s on. The pricing they showed was cheaper for paperbacks - all the paperbacks on the demo screen were $4.99. If there’s a DRM workaround like there always has been iTunes (even when there winknod wasn’t) that could be huge to me.
Calibre and I never bonded, so I’m open to a decent book file app. But it it’s locked to the iPad, then fail of epic fail.
dangrgirl said on 01.27.10 at 11:31 PM • [link]
I was under the impression that every single iPhone app can be run on the new tablet device. This means you should be able to run the Stanza iPhone app on it.
Bonnie said on 01.27.10 at 11:34 PM • [link]
Yes, I am underwhelmed as well. Not what I was really expecting. It’s too big. I also expected it to be a phone. I have too many gadgets as it is.
The name doesn’t bother me at all. When I first read it, my mind didn’t go there.
Ah well, I’ll save some money on this one.
Jen Penny said on 01.27.10 at 11:35 PM • [link]
It seems like some of the iPhone apps have to be stretched oddly to fit the screen of the iPad (WHY JOBS? WHY???)
I think the battery life is the biggest wow feature to me. But it really pisses me off as well that they marketed this presentation so heavily to the fan boys and gamers, and completely overlooked more practical uses and integrations. I’m sure they’re there, the just weren’t highlighted. One more reason to talk to a woman.
L said on 01.27.10 at 11:36 PM • [link]
HOLD IT!! Before everyone get’s their pads in a bunch. GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT FIRST!!! It will save on scathing comments on your blog. I can’t believe you didn’t research that first.
There is NOTHING on Apple’s website about the iPad being available in Light, Maxi, and Super. Those are comments you took from Twitter.
It is available with 3 different sizes of memory and choice of wireless or 3G.
Go here for the actual facts:
http://www.apple.com/ipad/
No, I’m not promoting the device. Just be fair to Apple. And they do have women employed there.
I would have put myself on the Buy List if I had a choice of ebook formats to choose from instead of just epub. I don’t want to be tied to one store to buy from. I want to buy from whomever I choose to. DON’T LIMIT ME.
It’s a good try, but not quite there.
Jen Penny said on 01.27.10 at 11:36 PM • [link]
Oh and I don’t know why everyone’s saying it’s too big. Check out this side by side w/ Kindle and iPhone: http://twitpic.com/101jb6
Ridley said on 01.27.10 at 11:39 PM • [link]
The name, dear God, THE NAME!
I can not see it or say it without thinking of the dark time in jr. high before I discovered tampons. Those are not the sensations you want to evoke with your product name.
I was also underwhelmed. I hate their lovefest with AT&T, for one, up to 10hrs seems way too short a battery life and I’m wary of iBooks. I definitely feel no need to preorder but I may try one in a store later on.
I certainly don’t see this being the ereading killer app it was supposed to be.
SB Sarah said on 01.27.10 at 11:40 PM • [link]
Yup. Those are comments I wrote on Twitter. It was a joke.
dangrgirl said on 01.27.10 at 11:40 PM • [link]
I would have put myself on the Buy List if I had a choice of ebook formats to choose from instead of just epub. I don’t want to be tied to one store to buy from. I want to buy from whomever I choose to. DON’T LIMIT ME.
The iPad runs 14,000 iPhone apps. Including Stanza.
And really, this is a first gen product. I think it’s pretty safe to say there will be improvements.
AngW said on 01.27.10 at 11:41 PM • [link]
Initial impressions in the Yay! Category
- I can finally organize my ebooks in a way that makes sense
- Potential for cookbooks in ebook form
- Can finally watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy on a device without whimpering about battery life when stuck on a plane
- The ability to use Keynote
- cheaper paperbacks
- Can watch cooking vids while in the kitchen without having to work around my laptop and OMG is the laptop more expensive than the iPad
- One month idle time battery life (Kindle is only 2 weeks)
- Using Evernote on this device would be made of awesome
- Not locked into a 2-yr contract for 3GS
- Live baseball games (this one is for the man of the house)
In the Meh! Category:
- Pages and Numbers
- No WACOM / stylus support for Brushes, Sketchbok, etc.
- Runs the iPhone OS
In the Boo! WTH! Category:
- No camera = no vid chatting
- No mention of OS 4.0, which is rumored to allow multi-tasking on the iPhone (and I guess the iPad now)
- No idea how big of a purse I’d need for this thing. Oof.
- With the reported processor speed, it should run more than a phone OS and should be able to handle office apps without them being, well, phone apps
- A letdown considering what Apple did with the Macbook Air
- Glorified iPhone
- No USB
Neither Here nor There:
- It’s a first generation and bound to be buggy.
- Will have to see about the DRM issue on the ebooks
That said, I’ll probably get either the 16 or 32 gb version. The Kindle interface is beginning to annoy the heck out of me and it’d be nice to try something new. Heck, since the iPhone apps work on the iPad, I could just load up the Kindle app and not have to deal.
Chris said on 01.27.10 at 11:45 PM • [link]
My first thought was “Oh, you shoulda gone with iSlate or iTablet or anything other than i(maxi)Pad…”
My veri is “bad47” - as in that name was a bad idea.
dangrgirl said on 01.27.10 at 11:47 PM • [link]
- Can watch cooking vids while in the kitchen without having to work around my laptop and OMG is the laptop more expensive than the iPad
I have an old ibook and would like to invest in an ebook reader aside from my iphone. This is cheaper than buying a new laptop no matter what AND has an ereader built in—plus I can run Stanza or the Kindle app on it. I can use it to write with the keyboard dock and it would fit in one of my larger purses.
The name stinks and the overdone gamer marketing was annoying.
dangrgirl said on 01.27.10 at 11:47 PM • [link]
“iSlate” was evidently already trademarked, but almost anything is better than iPad.
Angge said on 01.27.10 at 11:51 PM • [link]
There is NOTHING on Apple’s website about the iPad being available in Light, Maxi, and Super. Those are comments you took from Twitter.
I love when someone comes in a rage, telling people to get their facts straight and do research, then make a mistake of their own. Chill and learn to laugh. It was a joke.
Jen Penny said on 01.27.10 at 11:54 PM • [link]
Gizmodo on iBooks: “It’s an optical illusion, but just seeing the depth of pages makes the iBook app feel more like a book than a Kindle ever did for me. The text is sharp, and while the screen is bright, it doesn’t seem to strains the eyes—but time will tell on that.” http://i.gizmodo.com/5457757/
As much as I’m drawn to it though, until the lack of Flash is addressed, I don’t think I want to bother.
AngW said on 01.28.10 at 12:03 AM • [link]
This! Part of the reason I’m annoyed by the lack of OS 4.0 mention. Rumor being 4.0 bringeth the Flash support. May have to wait till the next Apple even, which I think is in March.
AngW said on 01.28.10 at 12:08 AM • [link]
Update via Gizmodo.com: http://i.gizmodo.com/5458376/apple-ipads-myriad-optional-dongles-usb-sd-ac-bbq
USB and SD card slot attachments. Listed under “Camera Connection Kit” or something like that. So, you could sync your camera and upload pics or yanks your books off your SD card.
Sharon said on 01.28.10 at 12:11 AM • [link]
Well, the reason you can’t integrate anything with iBook is that there’s no multitasking support: you also cannot listen to music while reading, and I wonder how many seconds would elapse between wanting to look something up, managing to do so via wireless, and returning to the book you were reading…. I think this is a big sad oversight, since the processor is fast enough to handle more than one task at a time.
Re: comment upthread about game marketing overload: the iPhone has provoked a rather successful gaming market, which has surprised many. I don’t think a 9.7” iPad will be as easy to play with, however, especially since the iPhone’s oscilloscope drives some of the catchier games.
Cathy said on 01.28.10 at 12:13 AM • [link]
I agree on almost all counts. This feels very much like a product getting tossed onto shelves just to say that you had it first. I anticipate significant improvements in the version I’m sure will be released next year.
I was annoyed, too, by the random facts getting tossed out during the presentation. Like that the iPad can be in idle mode for a month before the battery dies. Who the hell leaves their computer in idle mode for a month? Just turn the dang thing off. Also, why wouldn’t you use your new iToy for a month? iCoaster? I can leave my Kindle on idle indefinitely, but that really wasn’t a selling point. “Hey, if I don’t actually use this expensive bit of technology, the battery will last forever!” iDumb.
Karenmc said on 01.28.10 at 12:15 AM • [link]
I have a 2nd Gen ipod Touch, which I love. No need to buy one of these yet, but eventually I’ll want a bigger screen, especially for all the reading I do. As it evolves and the price drops, it’ll probably look better and better.
Nat said on 01.28.10 at 12:16 AM • [link]
iPad...? Oh boy.
Jen Penny said on 01.28.10 at 12:19 AM • [link]
Ok and here’s the backlash: http://i.gizmodo.com/5458382/
They make a lot of great points. When I think about the number of years this has been in development, it’s odd that it feels like it was still so rushed. (Notice, I’m almost exclusively referring to it as “it”... I just can’t say it with a straight face)
TaraL said on 01.28.10 at 12:22 AM • [link]
Amazing. Suddenly the Kindle looks affordable. Looks like I will continue with my Apple-free lifestyle.
Kalen Hughes said on 01.28.10 at 12:34 AM • [link]
Sweet sucking Jebus . . . catch the freaken joke clue before you spaz out on someone else’s blog.
When looking at the pricing all I can think is Wow, I could buy an eReader and a PC net book for that (and maybe a couple of nice meals out).
jfpbookworm said on 01.28.10 at 12:34 AM • [link]
I can’t decide if this is best described as a netbook without a keyboard, a Kindle with an inferior screen, or a less portable iPod Touch.
AngW said on 01.28.10 at 12:37 AM • [link]
Sharon said:
On iPhones that support the current OS 3.1, this is not the case. I can listen to music while using Stanza and so far, it hasn’t cut out on me while using the Kindle app. This is the same for Safari, the Twitter app I use, several PopCap games… I do agree that it’s not true multi-tasking.
Tamara Hogan said on 01.28.10 at 12:41 AM • [link]
MadTV, 2007: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsjU0K8QPhs
Annmarie Ortega said on 01.28.10 at 12:41 AM • [link]
The name is horrible. Do you think they’ll come out with another version… “now with wings”? LOL
dangrgirl said on 01.28.10 at 12:41 AM • [link]
When looking at the pricing all I can think is Wow, I could buy an eReader and a PC net book for that (and maybe a couple of nice meals out).
This is interesting because I had the opposite thought—now I don’t need to buy two devices. I can have just one that does both things and fits in my purse. Quick Googling shows me that an ASUS Eee PC with a 9” screen is about $450 and a Kindle is $260 = $710.
Or I could spend $499 and have a netbook and an ereader that runs multiple kinds of ereader apps. That’s about $200 worth of meals out.
I wonder if Apple didn’t include some important features so they have somewhere to go with the 2nd gen.
AngW said on 01.28.10 at 12:46 AM • [link]
I wonder if Apple didn’t include some important features so they have somewhere to go with the 2nd gen.
The 3G to 3GS leap was a pretty crappy move so here’s hoping the 2nd gen iPad doesn’t hit 9 months after the 1st gen.
Sharon said on 01.28.10 at 12:47 AM • [link]
Thanks for the correction, AngW—I’m glad Apple has fixed the music issue, at least. No multitask is probably why this first version has no SMS app, however….
Tessa Dare said on 01.28.10 at 12:51 AM • [link]
I agree with you, Sarah. Underwhelmed is my reaction, too. And I am a MacBook/iPhone devotee.
Because I am one of those people who figures out how to the use the most simple features of a gadget and pretends to be happy enough with them, I see no real advantage to this over reading books on my iPhone. Except for the size. But then, the size is also the main drawback. It looks way too big to comfortably or securely hold in one hand. Here is another way in which they most likely didn’t check with women - at least not ones with nursing infants or small children. I can’t think of any gadget—including a car—that I would purchase if I couldn’t manage it while [insert basic life activity or child-rearing task here].
iPods and iPhones (and even Kindles) have a high cool factor. They’re easy to be carrying around and fiddling with while you’re out and about doing other things. I could be wrong, but I have a hard time seeing this work the same way. Before the unveiling (and before that name! that name!), I was a potential rush-to-order person. Now I am in wait-and-see mode.
Bonnie said on 01.28.10 at 12:53 AM • [link]
^^^^ Everything Tessa Dare said. Yep.
Well, except the name. Heh…
dangrgirl said on 01.28.10 at 12:54 AM • [link]
http://www.boingboing.net/2010/01/27/the-netbook-is-dead.html
An interesting thought: “There’s a keyboard dock, turning it into a desktop computer. Expect third party ones that turn it into a netbook, too: making this a category killer app given the cheap, contract-free 3G.”
Kalen Hughes said on 01.28.10 at 12:56 AM • [link]
Except it doesn’t really replace a net book IMO (functionally speaking) and there’s not even a freaking integrated USB! It’s a glorified iPhone. Just yesterday I was telling a friend who’s a MAC-aholic that I need a new laptop and maybe the iPad would be the product that finally got me to drink the Apple Kool-Aid . . . ah, yesterday, I feel a Beetles melody coming on.
dangrgirl said on 01.28.10 at 12:58 AM • [link]
Except it doesn’t really replace a net book IMO (functionally speaking) and there’s not even a freaking integrated USB!
That’s a good point, but I doubt it’ll stay that way in future versions.
dangrgirl said on 01.28.10 at 12:59 AM • [link]
Or that function will be taken over by Bluetooth.
lilitu93 said on 01.28.10 at 01:00 AM • [link]
I’m not going to get the first version of it (especially as I can’t afford it, since we just had to get a new iMac as our old one died, and I might upgrade my 3G iPhone with the next model if it comes in 64GB), but I will seriously consider the second version or later.
I do hope they make a version for iBooks for the iPhone, however. I already use my iPhone to read books, and I’d like more options to do so, as not all books come in eReader format. (eReader is the only DRM-ed format for iPhone outside of the US, as we don’t have the Kindle or B&N apps.) Plus I hope they sort out the licensing quickly to get iBooks available outside the US - it’s US only for now.
BevQB said on 01.28.10 at 01:00 AM • [link]
Hmmm… could the almost universal underwhelm and ridicule for the ipad be the reason that Microsoft didn’t announce their Courier at CES? Could they have decided to sit back until we realized that Apple wasn’t going to be revolutionizing much of anything with this device? Then Microsoft could throw its Courier in the ring and watch all the other devices cower back into their corners.
Or, then again, maybe they just can’t get it to work.
=^,^=
Kalen Hughes said on 01.28.10 at 01:03 AM • [link]
With only 64Gigs, I’m drifting further and further into the WTF doldrums . . . the net books at Costco (in the $200-$300 range) have upwards of 250Gigs.
I’ve been dreaming of a one gadget mini computer for most of my life, and I find that I’m a bit annoyed that this isn’t it, LOL!
Ridley said on 01.28.10 at 01:14 AM • [link]
How is carrying the iPad (snort, giggle) and a cell phone any better than carrying a Kindle/Nook/Sony and a cell phone? Option B costs less and takes up less space and does pretty much the same stuff, if the cell is an iPhone.
Samantha said on 01.28.10 at 01:19 AM • [link]
While I think the name is bad, I am sure they named it a iPad in homage to Star Trek and the PADD device used on the show.
http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/PADD
Bonnie said on 01.28.10 at 01:27 AM • [link]
Ridley, it’s really not (although the iPad is a little bigger than Kindle) I already have an iPhone and a Kindle, so it would be stupid for me to get this. For my purposes, anyway.
I was hoping the iPad would be a phone, too, so I’d only have to carry one device. But I guess that was wishful thinking. Can’t really make it small enough.
Ridley said on 01.28.10 at 01:32 AM • [link]
It could have worked via bluetooth.
Rebecca said on 01.28.10 at 01:33 AM • [link]
I still like my Kindle so much I feel no need to try out anything else. Best $200 I ever spent.
ah said on 01.28.10 at 01:51 AM • [link]
From a friend of my husband’s: Apple just released the new iPad! Don’t go against the flow! Its the best thing they have ever released….PERIOD!
Bonnie said on 01.28.10 at 01:53 AM • [link]
Hahahahaha!!!!! Thanks, I needed that. :D
Bonnie said on 01.28.10 at 01:55 AM • [link]
Oh, and it doesn’t have a camera! Not good.
Gina Ardito said on 01.28.10 at 02:01 AM • [link]
Someone’s taken Sarah’s joke and run with it:
http://failblog.org/2010/01/27/name-fail-photoshop-win/
Bonnie said on 01.28.10 at 02:03 AM • [link]
LOLOL!!! Gina, I’ve seen it. It’s all over the net.
RStewie said on 01.28.10 at 02:05 AM • [link]
I am underwhelmed, with the majority. There’s a distict lack of functionality with the device that I just don’t like.
No camera, no phone, no multi-tasking. I was ready to be swayed from my girlish love of the as-yet-unveiled “Courier”, but alas! No. I need something that will let me read my ebooks (Digital Editions), work on my work documents (Windows), work on my homework (Windows), keep me organized, play music, and let me update FB and check email. All on the same device, without a lot of L33t maneuvering.
I still haven’t figured out how to run my Digital Editions without randomly losing books…I can’t be running around cracking DRM and converting from different software platforms!
Amy! said on 01.28.10 at 02:11 AM • [link]
Hmmm. Yeah, then name. Gah.
Note the footnote on this page: iPad features : iBooks available in the U.S. only.
Also note the major publishing houses listed as vendors. Any of them the ones you recall as DRM-free? No?
Yes, Stanza exists for the iPhone and for OS X. Are you certain that it’s going to be available for the iPad, now that it’s in direct competition? Nothing was said on the topic; I can see The Steve disabling download of certain apps onto the ... thing. Gah. I cannot use that name. Maybe if I think of it as “iPod” with a Boston accent?
Yes, there’s a camera connection kit. Does that mean that you can load things other than pictures from SD/MMC? Closed-OS model; connecting the reader does not insure that it’s going to give you a file-browser type experience.
It synchronizes via iTunes (and therefore ... what damned use is the Bluetooth? Can you do anything useful with Bluetooth, if you can’t use it to sync wire-free?). If iTunes included books as well as music and video, I’d be happier than I am to see this new, US-only application for managing books. Maybe it syncs books via iTunes? That would work, because then I could import my (legally purchased and) DRM-free epubs, and I could also use (DRM-free) pdf, given that the screen’s bigger.
But ... 1024x768? Not really impressive.
Yeah, the price is okay. I really want to know if I can put my books on it, without restriction, and without a specialized per-publication reader or a lock in.
It’s iPhone OS, which suggests that you can only get applications from the app store, and you can only get media via iTunes. If the books were in iTunes, then I’d be more confident that I could import my stuff, but given a dedicated “iBooks” app with a geographic restriction and a dedicated store, I’m not sanguine about my ability to read what I want on it.
Darlene Marshall said on 01.28.10 at 02:15 AM • [link]
I’m not sorry I bought my Sony Pocket (PRS 300) back in the autumn. It’s lightweight. It fits in all my purses except an evening bag (and if my formal events are so sucky that I need to have a book to read I have other problems, but they’re not so I don’t), and it displays books with a battery that lasts two weeks. I’m glad I’m not viewing this iPad as a must have item, but I’ll be interested in seeing if it has a real impact on ebook readership.
Deb said on 01.28.10 at 02:19 AM • [link]
I was able to follow the live blogging on endgadget this afternoon. Don’t know if anyone else noticed, but Apple has a deal with a few NY pubs: Hatchette Group, HarperCollins, Penguin, Random House in the iBooks store. Remember those publishers? Weren’t they the same who decided to delay release of their ebooks for 4 weeks to 6 months? This was announced in Dec. We Kindle, Sony, Nook, netbook, laptop, desktop et. al., readers now know why. They entered in a arrangement with Apple. I am not underwhelmed, I am seriously angry. Major publishers once again, forget the reader to work with a specific distributor. Major Fail.
The 64GB iPad with WiFi (AT & T) runs @ $700. With WiFi and 3G (AT & T) you are talking $824. A new MacBook is $999. It may not have the same portability as the iPad, but the functionality is so much higher. For anyone seriously looking at this device, I’d recommend looking at the netbooks. Much cheaper. The coolness factor may have lost some of the glow after seeing this new device, but your money would go a lot farther for a multifunctional device.
BTW, I love my MacBook, just thought I’d add that in case I sound like I have a gripe with Apple.
meezergrrrl said on 01.28.10 at 02:22 AM • [link]
The mythical creature: a single device that does everything and has endless battery life.
I started pursuing this creature back in 1999/2000. I had the first palm-OS phone. Then the next palm-OS phone.
I need my phone to be a phone first and foremost. When I’m on travel, or not near a landline, everything else I do on my iPhone is secondary to it being a phone. And thus, I carry a USB power cord everywhere.
...and do my serious reading on one of my Sony Readers or my Nook.
Did you know that 1.5lbs is actually an additional 4.5 lbs of weight on a person’s knees? This is significant to those of us who already carry a larger than average load of stuff and have knee problems.
**shakes head**
What.were.they.thinking???
I’m thinking one last word: undo!
Brooks*belle said on 01.28.10 at 02:25 AM • [link]
I have a Kindle 1. This iPad does nothing to tempt me away. In fact, since I have the Kindle iPod Touch app—I have the best of both worlds.
Question: So if they come in Light, Maxi, and Super (yes yes I know it’s a joke) does that mean my iPod touch is the Pantyliner?
dangrgirl said on 01.28.10 at 02:30 AM • [link]
With only 64Gigs, I’m drifting further and further into the WTF doldrums . . . the net books at Costco (in the $200-$300 range) have upwards of 250Gigs.
I’ve been dreaming of a one gadget mini computer for most of my life, and I find that I’m a bit annoyed that this isn’t it, LOL!
I’ve been dreaming of that mini computer too. How do you think that kind of netbook would compare speed-wise to the iPad? The iPad is designed to do all sorts of photo and movie functions that the netbook doesn’t even attempt.
dangrgirl said on 01.28.10 at 02:33 AM • [link]
How is carrying the iPad (snort, giggle) and a cell phone any better than carrying a Kindle/Nook/Sony and a cell phone? Option B costs less and takes up less space and does pretty much the same stuff, if the cell is an iPhone.
Well, I don’t own a Kindle/Nook/Sony. I’ve been waiting to see what Apple came out with because I also need a new laptop. Besides, you can’t compare an ereader to the iPad in an apples-to-apples way because they don’t do the same thing. An ereader does one thing an ereader is one function of an iPad, not it’s sole function. I do have an iPhone and reading books on it is not fun.
Deb said on 01.28.10 at 02:41 AM • [link]
@ Dangrlgirl: the netbooks run on Windows. Adobe has Photoshop Elements standalone and Photoshop Elements coupled with Premiere Elements for video. These are targeted at consumer level and priced accordingly. Both products do not run on a Mac. http://www.adobe.com/products/psprelements/
I haven’t used Premiere Elements, but have done a little with Photoshop Elements. It has quite a bit of Photoshop built in.
As far as speed, as the iPad is released yet, only Apple knows at this point. With a netbook, you would have to purchase a wireless plan. I run the Macbook on AT & T DSL wireless. Very satisfied with that.
HeatherK said on 01.28.10 at 02:49 AM • [link]
I confess, I WANT ONE. However, I’m not really looking at it from the book angle, so much as a portable note book, meaning keeping my WIP notes and series notes handy and easily tweaked when necessary. However, I’m going to wait to get one. I’m leery of first gen new tech, so I’ll be going with the iPod Touch until the iPad’s been out a while before sinking my $$$ into getting one.
Stacia K said on 01.28.10 at 03:54 AM • [link]
@Deb:
Not Random House. They’re still negotiating.
AngW said on 01.28.10 at 04:15 AM • [link]
I’m sitting here sans ‘net while Verizon tries to figure out what’s going on with my DSL. The iPad with 3G is looking mighty awesome right now compared to the thumb pecking I’m doing on my iPhone. If the power goes out, at least I’d have 3G. I can’t look at the tablet as a reader—it’s more than that. While underwhelmed compared to the hype, tonight’s pretty much guaranteed I’ll buy one.
SonomaLass said on 01.28.10 at 05:58 AM • [link]
I don’t have an iPod or an iPhone, just a (several years old) Mac Powerbook. I’m thinking I may be able to make use of the iPad, despite its silly name, as an e-reader and for most of the other things I use my laptop for other than work.
But OH the name!
To quote a former student:
“So, the marketing is…you will only use it once a month…you’ll need to conceal it well in a purse or pocket…you’ll be mildly embarrassed to buy it in front of a clerk of the opposite sex….BRILLIANT!”
But hey, if people don’t like the name, or the way it works, maybe I’ll actually to be able to GET one without standing in a stupid queue.
Bonnie said on 01.28.10 at 06:41 AM • [link]
If Tessa Dare had never mentioned the correlation between the “iPad” and feminine hygiene pads I never would have thought of it.
It’s all her fault!!
Brain- bleach, please.
Mels said on 01.28.10 at 06:46 AM • [link]
MadTV, 2007: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsjU0K8QPhs
Hehehe, I was waiting for someone to mention this. It was the first thing I thought of.
Tessa Dare said on 01.28.10 at 08:01 AM • [link]
Sorry, Bonnie! But really, don’t blame me. I was hardly the first person to think that, or to tweet about it. Much as I would love to take credit for spurring the worldwide reaction. :)
terripatrick said on 01.28.10 at 08:50 AM • [link]
Mels!! THANKS FOR SHARING!!
IF anyone missed it - MadTV, 2007: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsjU0K8QPhs
Wendy said on 01.28.10 at 08:55 AM • [link]
lilitu93 said
I’m in Australia, and I can use the Kindle app on my Touch—it wasn’t available on Oz iTunes store when the Kindle first came out in Australia, but is now. You might want to search your local iTunes store again in case it’s come out in your area too.
The B&N app still doesn’t work outside the US, however.
I’m holding off on judgements until I get to actually try the ereading capacity for myself. I can say I adore my Touch and would be all over something that is exactly the same but with a bigger screen. To the people saying it’s too big? That’s what the Touch is for.
I don’t get the fuss over the name either, but then, I don’t get why some women get embarrassed by sanitary pads in the first place. Yep, we’re designed to bleed once a month. Pads tend to come in handy right about then.
Mezza said on 01.28.10 at 09:20 AM • [link]
The Australian reviews reveal that the e-book app is only available inthe USA and that the connectivity things all need to be purchased separately. So a fail for me.
Kaetrin said on 01.28.10 at 09:36 AM • [link]
OMG! The name!!
I first saw it on an email headline from the local newspaper and, honestly, my mind was going to that Japanese invention - I think it’s called the I-Vibe? (- anyway it’s a vibrator of some sort and it can connect (??) to one’s iPod). I clicked on the link before my mind boggled too much and blew a sigh of relief.
I can’t help it now though - my mind goes straight there. *snigger*
Srsly. what were they thinking???
Cara McKenna / Meg Maguire said on 01.28.10 at 03:28 PM • [link]
I don’t think I mind the name all that much, except it makes me think you should be able to write on the thing, like with a stylus. That would make pad less giggly-worthy for me. Price tag seems okay if you can look at the thing as a cute computer with a lot of capabilities. Personally, I’ll stick with my iPod Touch for my apping, surfing, games, music, video, and e-reading needs. I mean, that f**ker’s still handsome and shiny and fits in my pocket.
Nice try, Apple, but too bad for you, your product from two years ago still meets all my needs.
DS said on 01.28.10 at 04:18 PM • [link]
I’m going back to watching the enTourage eDGe now. It caught my eye during the CES reporting and still looks pretty shiny. I can live with 4 gb on board, two USB ports and an SD slot.
I might consider getting my nephew an iPad for a graduation present later, but if my inner twelve year old boy keeping snickering at this, I don’t want to think about what his outer 17 year old boy would do.
stevie said on 01.28.10 at 04:21 PM • [link]
They were thinking that Apple sells lifestyle not products; this is not pile them high and sell them cheap.
Premium brands do not want the wrong sort of customers, and people who go squee and snigger at a possible connection to menstruation are very definitely the wrong sort of customers…
SB Sarah said on 01.28.10 at 05:22 PM • [link]
You mean the female type of consumers who spend literally millions of dollars on consumer electronics ($55mm out of $96mm in 2004), who spend anther few million on books and on digital reading devices, who are tired of having electronic devices marketed NOT to them? Whose needs and desires for technology are an afterthought, despite being the larger buying market segment?
If that’s the wrong type of customer, they’re not looking to let the right one in. And that, in any economy, is fail.
Tessa Dare said on 01.28.10 at 06:36 PM • [link]
Well, if this is Apple’s way of telling me they don’t want me as a customer - gee, I am glad to learn that now, before I spend any more thousands of dollars on their stuff.
Honestly, I don’t think that’s what’s going on. I think they were aware of the possible jokes and went ahead anyway because they have enough hubris to believe the name would become cool BECAUSE they used it. Maybe. Maybe not. We’ll see, won’t we?
It’s possible to think this is a bad product name without having hangups about menstruation, or thinking about periods at all. Here’s a video of some guys who were interviewed yesterday on the street - none of them think of maxipads, but they are still very meh the name. Because Apple has encouraged us to personally identify with its technology—they are selling a lifestyle, and it is young, active, and hip (even if a geeky sort of hip). That’s why they use the iWhatever naming scheme and start their commercials with “I’m a PC/I’m a Mac”. “Here I am, cool hoodie guy with my pod and my phone and my tunes…” And now to this ensemble, we are adding… a pad. Huh.
Obviously, the word “pad” has many uses, some of them vaguely related to the iPad’s function. But still. It mostly has mundane, inert uses. Changing pad, mattress pad, knee pad, brake pad, even note pad. Pads, in general, are something you (ab)use and throw away. It’s in the ear of the beholder, I suppose, but to me, the word just does not scream “new, sexy, must-have gadget.”
I mean, I’m certain Apple could revolutionize the vacuum cleaner, but that doesn’t mean they should call it the iSuck. Actually, I think that would be a way better product name. At least it sounds young and edgy, rather than absorbent and disposable.
Roslyn Holcomb said on 01.28.10 at 06:38 PM • [link]
I think it’s really odd that so many people have gone off on the name. My sense humor is as juvenile as can be, but my mind never went there. Presumably iPad is a play on the name of an already popular product, the iPod. I’m still checking the specs, but I think I like it. I definitely like the idea of it as an ebook reader, though I never buy Apple first gen.
Manna Francis said on 01.28.10 at 08:22 PM • [link]
I don’t have a problem with the name—it just makes me think of a writing pad.
I do, however, have a big, big problem with a closed OS. And you know what’s even better than an entirely closed OS? An OS where third-party apps have to be approved by an apparently arbitrary and inconsistent review system with no functional appeals, and can be removed at a moment’s notice. Yay, Apple!
willa said on 01.28.10 at 08:23 PM • [link]
I also didn’t think that the Light, Maxi, and Super line from SB Sarah’ post was a joke. It didn’t read that way to me. So people yelling at L, jeez. Pretty honest and innocuous mistake to make.
“iPad” doesn’t have only the one association, to menstruation, and that association is probably not the biggest one for many people. I thought of “pad of paper” and thought the name, while boring, wasn’t bad. Most probably the association with menstruation will not be overwhelming.
((reposting, got spamblocked first time, eek!))
scribblingirl said on 01.28.10 at 08:28 PM • [link]
i was wondering about that when the news first came out about delaying the ebooks…this makes total sense..i guess they figured people wouldn’t figure that out..
dangrgirl said on 01.28.10 at 10:07 PM • [link]
@Deb said to me: the netbooks run on Windows. Adobe has Photoshop Elements standalone and Photoshop Elements coupled with Premiere Elements for video. These are targeted at consumer level and priced accordingly. Both products do not run on a Mac. http://www.adobe.com/products/psprelements/
I haven’t used Premiere Elements, but have done a little with Photoshop Elements. It has quite a bit of Photoshop built in.
Deb, I have a cinema display desktop Mac where I do all of my graphic work. I’m a huge Photoshop user, so have no need for a hand-held device to run Photoshop Elements. In fact, I want my laptop or some similar device to NOT have that kind of software on it because it will simply be a distraction to me. For video, I used to use Final Cut, but now use iMovie. I have a very old iBook that I use when I write (and need to replace) and an iPhone. I’d like to have some sort of portable device that I could write on and also read ebooks on that’s a more pleasant experience than reading on my iPhone.
If the iPad is supposed to compete with netbooks, I don’t think it’s there yet just because of its lack of a USB hookup. Right now it’s basically an iPod Touch XL, which would work fine for someone like me who already owns a desktop machine, but not as a standalone device. I probably will get one at some point, but probably not first generation. I’d also like to see a third party develop a case with a built-in keyboard—this case would prop up the iPad like Apple’s case does, but would also fold out with a built-in Bluetooth keyboard. This way I can take the iPad to Starbucks and write.
dangrgirl said on 01.28.10 at 10:17 PM • [link]
Yesterday when this thread started, I thought someone said that Safari was the only browser available in the App Store, but now I can’t find it. Regardless, there are actually about a half-dozen browsers available: http://www.macworld.com/appguide/article.html?article=138409
“This sudden plethora of new browsers results from Apple’s decision to allow third-party browsers in the App Store—as long as they’re based on WebKit, Apple’s open source browser engine.”
I’m hoping this bodes well for apps like Stanza, which others have pointed out is now in competition with iBooks.
Lita said on 01.28.10 at 10:47 PM • [link]
Jeez - just love how all the haters have popped out of the woodwork.
1 - All apps that work on the iPhone/iPod Touch will work on the iPad. That includes Stanza, the Kindle App and any other ebook reader. No need to jailbreak.
2 - I really don’t feel like trolling back through all the comments here, but I did read one about the screen being seriously inferior to the Kindle’s (paraphrasing). You have GOT TO BE KIDDING ME? I have a 1stG Kindle and a Kindle DX, but you know what - the screen quality is no where close to the crispness I get on my iPhone. I find it funny that a group of readers who’ve dissed the Kindle for the lack of backlighting are now calling it superior to a screen that has close to 2000 times the pixel density. Personal experience only - my eyes hurt after a few hours of Kindle reading - I don’t have that with my iPhone. And I love my Kindle
3 - iPad - The joke was funny when I saw it on MadTV 4 years ago. It’s old and tired now. Not a great name - but if that’s a reason for the massive dump of hate here, you all collectively need to GROW UP.
There are times when I am extremely disappointed in the Smart Bitch community - and this is one of them.
SB Sarah said on 01.28.10 at 10:55 PM • [link]
Is being told to grow up part of the blog drama drinking game?
SusannaG said on 01.28.10 at 11:05 PM • [link]
If not, it should be!
Brigit said on 01.28.10 at 11:34 PM • [link]
http://failblog.org/2010/01/27/name-fail-photoshop-win/
Angge said on 01.28.10 at 11:56 PM • [link]
@willa
Only two people, myself included, corrected L, and no one “yelled”. On the internet yelling means typing all in caps, LIKE THIS HERE. So if anyone was yelling it was L.
@SB Sarah
OH, GROW UP!
NO, YOU GROW UP!
Now I’ve contributed to the drunkenness of the readership. Yay!
When people start telling others to grow up just because they’re having fun, they sound like a sourpuss pants.
jfpbookworm said on 01.29.10 at 12:18 AM • [link]
Re pixel density:
The iPad is 768x1024, 132 ppi.
The iPhone is 320x480, 163 ppi.
The Kindle is 600x800, 167 ppi.
The Kindle DX is 824x1200, 150 ppi.
There really isn’t any measure where the iPad has the best display.
(And my reader of choice, my HTC Touch Pro, is 480x640, 285 ppi. Sure, you have to turn the pages a lot, and the battery life sucks, but it’s light and the text is beautiful.)
joykenn said on 01.29.10 at 02:03 AM • [link]
Yeah, its thin but too heavy. Hey, any of them try to read in bed with a pound and a half book. That’s too heavy to confortably hold in your hands for the length of time I read. BUT, maybe competition will spur the other ereader developers. I’m really sick of paging through page after page of listings on my Kindle to check for a book. Really, really need the ability to sort by more than author and title. Really like the color but want some independent testing of that claim for 10 hours before I believe it. Hey, maybe the next version of Kindle or Sony will have color also!
SonomaLass said on 01.29.10 at 03:48 AM • [link]
I bought the Wii, and that’s at least as stupid a name. Ultimately I don’t think people serious about shelling out hundreds of dollars for a new toy are going to balk at the name, and I’m pretty sure Apple’s counting on that. It will meet some people’s needs and not others, like any device.
That doesn’t mean that people won’t wish for different or additional features. But no single device is going to meet every user’s needs—to quote Jessica from Racy Romance Reviews, it’s not the iJesus.
And for sure it’s fun to snark on the name; that doesn’t make you a hater, when they’ve left themselves wide open for all of it! They may even have expected this, and counted on it adding to the buzz. I know several people who would otherwise have ignored this announcement who have been having fun with the name, which in the end is probably all good for Apple.
As for growing up, please no! If the Bitchery starts acting mature, I’ll have to go play somewhere else. D:
JamiSings said on 01.29.10 at 09:09 AM • [link]
To be fair on the iPad name, maybe the makers & namers are Trekkies? The big things you often saw Picard, Data, and others carrying around, reading from, and writing on are called PADDs.
Kaetrin said on 01.29.10 at 11:23 AM • [link]
I don’t really think that Apple cares if I snigger like a “juvenile” at the name of their new device. (All publicity is good publicity right?) I’m sure they don’t have a questionnaire for me to fill out before I buy an Apple device which will disqualify me from purchase if I have at any time mocked or laughed at Apple devices.
I don’t have any strong feelings about the device itself - I’m not a hater at all - but the name did make me laugh. My hubby went straight there too so obviously I married someone just as juvenile as me!!
Anyway, I think I’m in pretty good company, juvenile or not - at least they’re not insulting me for having a giggle…
@ SonomaLass - I laughed at “Wi"i too - and I still think it’s a stupid name - but I still bought one!
Kaetrin said on 01.29.10 at 11:25 AM • [link]
As you can see from above, I can’t work these quote thingy’s either!! Do I still qualify for the Bitchery???
JenD said on 01.29.10 at 04:00 PM • [link]
I think it’s pretty. Has a nice shiny quality to it.
And that’s about as far as I can go with the positives.
I was hoping it would be more somehow. I was really expecting it to be more like a computer and less like a phone.
Looks like I’m going back into wait mode until the Courier is (ever) released.
SB Sarah said on 01.29.10 at 04:14 PM • [link]
Kaetrin: I fixed it for you. No qualifications necessary. Actually *I* need to get on finding a better comments button set. So thanks for the nudge.
dangrgirl said on 01.29.10 at 05:46 PM • [link]
Someone cornered Jobs after the initial presentation about how it plans to compete with Amazon on prices:
http://www.9to5mac.com/mossberg-jobs-iPad-354645455
Mossberg: “Why should she buy a book for $14.99 on your device when she can buy one for $9.99 on Amazon on the Kindle or from Barnes & Noble on the Nook?”
Jobs: “Well that won’t be the case…”
Mossberg: “You mean you won’t be $14.99 or they won’t be $9.99?”
Jobs: “Uh…the prices will be the same.”
Jobs: “The publishers are withholding books from Amazon cuz they’re not happy with the…”
It’s not a definitive statement by any means, but still interesting.
Roslyn Holcomb said on 01.29.10 at 06:15 PM • [link]
My guess is Jobs is going to give the publishers a bigger cut than Amazon, but still match them on prices. He’s not interested in making money on selling books, he’s interested in selling iPads. After all Apple makes no money on iTunes. They make their money from selling iPods.
Ridley said on 01.29.10 at 06:47 PM • [link]
Jobs’ ego has its own gravitational pull if he thinks publishers are going to willingly piss off the existing 2mil+ Kindle readers to hop in bed with Apple.
Shit like that makes me determined to not buy Apple products.
JamiSings said on 01.29.10 at 06:50 PM • [link]
@Sarah -
On the internet, who knows? I just got called a fascist on YouTube. I have absolutely no idea why. Other then the fact I reported some SPAMy comments on other videos and recently posted as a comment to a clip from Saturday Night Fever “Disco rules, rap drools.”
Does liking The Bee Gees make one a fascist?
I don’t see why anyone would get upset over someone picking fun of a name of a product. FailBlog.org already had a photoshop of the iPad also doing the maxipad thing. Sure, I think of a Star Trek PADD when I see the name. But if you think of menstrual aids that’s fine too.
And for the people whom are upset about picking fun of the iPad name, you really need to get a life. There are so many things out there worth getting upset over. Things that actually matter. Like pedophiles and murderers and the like. Put it in perspective.
dangrgirl said on 01.29.10 at 07:55 PM • [link]
Does anyone know anything about the Kobo ereader?
http://blog.kobobooks.com/2010/01/27/the-ipad-is-finally-here-and-kobo-is-ready/
“With Kobo for iPad, you will be able to read all the books you have already purchased, buy and read new ones, highlight, annotate, and leverage some very exciting new features we have in store for our new apps.”
Kaetrin said on 01.30.10 at 03:45 AM • [link]
@ SB Sarah Thank you!!
chisai said on 01.31.10 at 04:13 PM • [link]
I don’t get the issue with the name, I really don’t. Are we such delicate fluttery creatures that the use of the word “pad” can cause such vapors?
Regarding the device itself - When I first saw it, I was pretty much ready to sell my firstborn for the cash. Then, looking at the actual specs, not so much.
- No flash = no Hulu - visions of watching my NBC/Fox shows on the way home from work effectively dashed.
- No multitasking
- No camera
- Its ebooks hardcovers will cost more than Kindle and will probably effectively drive up the pricing of Amazon’s ebooks as well - http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/28/business/media/28media.html
- It weighs too much to be a carry everywhere device
- The pricing, considering what the iPad lacks, is just too high. Remember, it’s not just the price of the device, it’s also the usage charges, which range from 14.99 (250 mb data which really isn’t much) to 29.99 for unlimited usage.
I’ve also gone through enough 1st gen iWhatever growing pains. Not pretty. I’ll wait it out. Right now, you’re just not getting enough bang for the buck, and I say this as an iMac (since the very first one)/iTouch user.
Amy! said on 02.01.10 at 12:36 AM • [link]
A followup of interest to those who want the iPad as an ereader.
Adobe on iPad DRM
What are my chances of putting epubs from my Sony (which have no DRM at all) onto an iPad?
Amy!
get whiter teeth said on 02.17.10 at 01:45 PM • [link]
Though the name Ipad sounds quite feminine, I had a chance to going through it for a little while. More than a mobile phone accessory, it seem to be acquiring most of the interesting stuffs that a gadget should have in handy. Worth the money
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