iPad (now with wings)

[Lazlow]

wiki c&P

Also referred to as the Apple Tablet or iPad,is a rumored upcoming tablet computing device product from Apple Inc. Apple has not acknowledged rumors that it is developing a tablet of any sort or that any future product will be called iSlate. Many observers expect Apple to announce the iSlate at a press event on January 27, 2010 at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco. The iSlate is expected to be sold starting in March 2010.

The device is expected to incorporate a 10-inch (26 centimeter) multi-touch display made by Innolux, a subsidiary of Foxconn. The price is expected to be more than the iPhone but less than an Apple notebook computer USD.

Yair Reiner claims the iSlate will compete in the market against dedicated e-book devices such as the Barnes & Noble nook and the Amazon Kindle while offering 70% of revenue to publishers, the same arrangement accorded developers of the App Store. These arrangements would also extend to print publishers who currently receive less in digital work royalties from companies like Amazon.com.

-------------------------------------

ILounge and Gizmodo claim two versions of the iSlate are expected to be initially available. One model will feature a webcam and a 3G modem. It is likely to be compatible with applications from the App Store, as Apple has asked certain developers to adapt their existing applications for a larger screen.

-------------------------------------

On 18 January 2010 several media outlets announced that they had received event invitations from Apple. There is no indication in the words "Come see our latest creation" (the invitation tagline) that it is anything to do with an iSlate device, but many believe it is. The event will be held on 27 January 2010 at 10AM PST

On one hand, it sounds like a massively overpriced (rumoured US$1000) e-Book reader. On the other hand, an interesting netbook competitor.

edit: dash in the title is a typo >_>

[TAT]

Word on the street is that in the US it will be locked into the seller's wifi network (i.e., 3G), and that you won't have the option of selecting your own

[Natrak]

That would be incredibly gay.

[Lazlow]

Same thing happened with the iPhone in the US, they had an exclusive deal with AT&T that any iPhone purchased essentially required a 2 year contract with AT&T to function - at all. Until activated by AT&T you couldn't even use it an an iPod. Any 3rd part sim card simply would raise an error message.

So even before the iPhone was confirmed for release in Australia, Law researchers had already cited sections of the Trade Practises Act (http://www.news.com.au/technology/features/iphone-could-breach-local-competition-laws/story-e6frfry9-1111115642367) - specifically regarding Third Line Forcing - which indicated such practises could be unlawful.

So if the iSlate is to be sold in Australia by mobile carriers, it would most likely be under the current system that exists for mobile phones. That is the sale of the phone is subsidised by the carrier, which is paid off by the user over the period of the contract, and is only sim-locked for that period.

[Knuckle Children]

Posted on OCAU:

Don't forget my list of predictions for the event!

1) Apple will release a beautiful tablet with a UI that no other company would have ever thought of implementing, but they will leave out a vital feature that most geeks (but not regular folk) find invaluable, like the ability to play music with a bitrate of infinity squared.

2) As a result of this missing feature, the geeks will angrily dismiss anyone who likes the so-called Tablet, including the editors of Engadget. In fact, the geeks will even question whether the Apple Tablet is actually a Tablet, due to this missing feature, which will be ironic because no such definition for what constitutes a "true" Tablet will currently exist. A new definition containing said missing feature will quickly be created by the offended geeks, for the sole purpose of bashing the Tablet henceforth.

3) Months later the Tablet will be released to glowing reviews and lines outside Apple Stores, enraging the offended geeks further. As a result, any Tablet related posts made by sites like Engadget will swell with angry geeks, dismissing the Tablet out of hand. Taunts of "Well, the iTablet is nice, unless you want to listen to music in a bitrate of infinity squared," will be repeated ad nauseum until it becomes an annoying cliche.

4) As a result of the popularity of said Tablet posts, sites like Engadget make even more Tablet related posts, which in turn, cause the angry geeks to accuse sites like Engadget of being "biased" for Apple. The click rates on the hated Tablet posts go even higher until invariably, it wins gadget of the year in magazines like Time.

5) Shortly after the iTablet makes a big splash and great sales, several companies will promise to come out with Tablets that contain the missing feature that the angry geeks have been wailing about, but the imitation Tablets can't quite "touch" the new revolutionary interface that Apple has designed expressly for their Tablet. As a result, the so-called "iTablet Killers" don't make quite as big as an impact.

6) The few people who are actually brave enough to praise Apple for the iTablet, will mock the new "iTablet Killers" by pointing out just how much the other companies rip off Apple's new revolutionary UI. The angry geeks will respond in turn by pointing out that Apple didn't invent Tablets, and will even dig out an obscure company in Romania that did Apple's revolutionary UI first.

7) The controversy about the iTablet finally dies down when rumors surface that Apple is working on a new gaming console. Angry geeks everywhere start tearing their hair out.

LOL

EDIT: If the iSlate (or whatever it will be called) is announced, what can be made of the logo on the invitation?

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/4918/topuc.jpg

Possibly some sort of in-built, touch-based Paint application? Would be a bit of fun if it was intuitive and comprehensive enough

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

First pic:

http://gearmedia.ign.com/gear/image/article/106/1063527/apples-first-tablet-20100125055807788.jpg

[Lazlow]

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/6323/20081007024459newtoneat.jpg

[Knuckle Children]

Oh crap, I thought I had the first leaked pic:

http://www.stanford.edu/~njenkins/archives/images/magna-doodle-erased.jpg

[StorminNorman]

Just a note: it seems pretty likely that the tablet will be named "iPad" (seriously), so you may want to rename the thread to that.

Personally, I'm secretly hoping they go with MacPad, but it's unlikely if they want to tie it to the iPhone ecosystem rather than the Mac ecosystem.

[Lazlow]

I was hoping it was going to be iSlate.

iPad sounds like a trend conscious sanitary product.

[StorminNorman]

I agree. It's not my favourite name either, but they did register it as trademark not too long ago.

There's some legal contention over it from Fujitsu though, apparently.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

IGN Gear's going to be liveblogging it from 5am on Thursday if anyone cares.

[Knuckle Children]

Just a note: it seems pretty likely that the tablet will be named "iPad"


Good call (http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2010/01/apple-tablet-event-liveblog/)

[TAT]

So it's basically a big ****ing iTouch?

[Silverwolf]

So it's basically a big ****ing iTouch?

a NEW big ****ing iTouch!

[Natrak]

So it's basically a big ****ing iTouch?

Am I the only person who wasn't expecting much more? >_>

[aubergine]

So it's a NDS LL of an iPhone, and expensive as ****.

The screen is 720p but unless there's some magic thing it does, I can't see it competing with laptops! Or maybe people will buy anything Apple now.

[Knuckle Children]

So how am I going to play Flick Fishing on this? :mad:

[StorminNorman]

So it's a NDS LL of an iPhone, and expensive as ****.

I'm not sure what universe you live in, but here in my universe, it costs about the same as a decent netbook for something that's significantly more powerful than a netbook (in terms of raw MIPS, at least). Apple are using a new "A4" CPU, which is presumably an ARM11 with knobs on (given it runs the ARM-based iPhone OS). Hands-on impressions so far suggest it's quite a lot quicker to use than an iPhone.

One big downside of using iPhone OS is that Adobe still haven't ported Flash to the platform. On the iPhone, this can be laughed off as a hilarious quirk, but on this device, it's a much bigger limitation. Hopefully Apple will pro-actively encourage faster uptake of HTML5 (which negates about 90% of Flash's functionality) so that this problem goes away in the near future (side-effect: you'll be able to use HTML5 content on your iPhone).

I kind of disagree with the idea that this is an "iPhone XL". While it runs the same OS, and has similar internals, the overall aim of this device is a lot different. It's definitely aimed more at the netbook market (and laptops in general (http://i.gizmodo.com/5458349/apple-ipad-just-tried-to-assassinate-laptops), if Gizmodo is to be believed), and the pricing reflects this.

Overall, it's Apple doing what they've been doing for years now: entering a market that, up until that point was filled with terrible, inadequate devices and showing everyone what those devices (MP3 players, mobile phones, tablets/netbooks) could (not should) be like.

[tau]

So how am I going to play Flick Fishing on this? :mad:

with yer cock

[Natrak]

I think it's the sort of thing that doesn't have a whole lot of appeal to tech geeks, but the mass consumer is probably going to be really attracted by the simplicity of it as a device that can surf the web, play music, read e-books etc. while sitting in the loungeroom which is something you can't quite do as comfortably with a netbook.

[lex3191]

it would be good if it could send and recieve calls. I would like to see people walking around with giant iphones held to there ears.

[texta]

I think it's definitely got potential. If some of the newspapers improved their online editions to be more like normal papers then I could see myself reading the papers over breakfast on one of these babies.

[Stevorooni]

Or maybe people will buy anything Apple now.

Waiting for the iToiletRollHolder

[big_b]

what i dont like about the design is how you have to hold it infront of you to watch/read anything. Ive found this annoying with my iphone. Im on my lunch break and I want to watch youtube but I have to watch it at a funny angle whilst eating as I cant hold it and eat at the same time. Sometimes I find something to lean it against. With my laptop the screen can be positioned at any angle I want. Plus as I have a iphone which can already access the internet to read articles and browes the interweb I really wouldnt want to have to carry around something much bigger. Something too big to fit in my pocket. It would also scream 'steal me'.

In summary normal netbooks and notebooks win for being able to position the screen. Plus the Iphone wins for being able to fit in my pocket.

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

Does it have porn on it?

[JubeiSaotome]

Can't wait for the iPad mini, oh wait, i already have one.

[drzaius]

I'm sure the multitouch browsing/photo exerience will be nice on a bigger screen.
It's not something I'd travel with (over my iPhone) or use for productivity/gaming (over a laptop/desktop) but I can see it having a place as an instantly accessible Internet/media portal arond the house. Quite a luxury though for such a limited use.

But **** they need more video streaming compatability. On the iPhone and the ipad. I couldn't even watch the keynote via apple.com on my iPhone. Why does it not support QuickTime? WHY?

[Vindik8or]

This thing can't be too different from the iTelephone so that apps can work across all platforms. Although I suppose it could be, to make iTools buy it for stuff that won't work on the iTelephone.

I predict a great deal of infertility caused by heat resting for 10 hours on the gentleman's region. This should be excellent for preventing yuppies from procreating.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

Yeah, I can't really use this. I like the iphone because I can just put it in my pocket.

Although if I ever needed a laptop/netbook and had the cash to burn..

[AyatollaofRocknRolla]

I really don't get the hooha surrounding this device. Sounds like a giant iphone to me. I'd be more inlcined to by a laptop for that price.

[SOX]

What kind of price would Australia be looking to pay for one of these?

[Lazlow]

I really don't get the hooha surrounding this device. Sounds like a giant iphone to me. I'd be more inlcined to by a laptop for that price.

This is competing in the netbook market, and if the price point stays below $800ish, it'll shit it in. A full fledged laptop will cost substantially more, and is a different market altogether.


What kind of price would Australia be looking to pay for one of these?

Starts @ US$499. Phenomenally better than the rumoured $1000.

what i dont like about the design is how you have to hold it infront of you to watch/read anything. Ive found this annoying with my iphone. Im on my lunch break and I want to watch youtube but I have to watch it at a funny angle whilst eating as I cant hold it and eat at the same time. Sometimes I find something to lean it against. With my laptop the screen can be positioned at any angle I want. Plus as I have a iphone which can already access the internet to read articles and browes the interweb I really wouldnt want to have to carry around something much bigger. Something too big to fit in my pocket. It would also scream 'steal me'.

In summary normal netbooks and notebooks win for being able to position the screen. Plus the Iphone wins for being able to fit in my pocket.

http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/9374/ipadu.jpg




At 10inches diagonally, and only half an inch thick, with a very slick intuitive interface and a reasonable price point, I think the iPad has a tonne of potential. Despite its shit name.

EDIT: I'll that I also agree with Dimorphic... Apple need to vastly improve the media streaming capabilities of these devices. The current system on the iPhone is rather poor.

[SOX]

Starts @ US$499. Phenomenally better than the rumoured $1000.


US$499 could mean anything over here.

[Lazlow]

Well if the ratio of a US Macbook Pro vs an Aus Macbook Pro is anything to go on, the base iPad will be roughly AUS$665.

That said, the wifi + 3G versions will be dependent on how they deal with mobile network providers.

[drzaius]

what are those pictures? is that an actual case for it?

also - i know it's been said, but its odd that it isn't widescreen.

[Lazlow]

what are those pictures? is that an actual case for it?


yes, its on the accessories page on the apple website, a good place to start for people looking for info. :p

i know it's been said, but its odd that it isn't widescreen.

Not really. Its the same aspect as the iPhone.

[Ashmaran]

It seems like a bit of a premium niche product. They've gotta add some sort of multitasking in though. You can't even listen to music while doing other stuff! It just seems silly, why have a music player if it can't do anything else at the same time and won't fit in your pocket?

My only interest in it is potentially as an ebook reader, or as an interesting platform for games / apps. I think you could do some cool things with multitouch and a decently sized screen.

Oh comics would also be win if the price was decent.

[texta]

If it's running the iPhone OS then you probably can listen to music while doing other things. It works for me anyway.

[Vicious]

If it's running the iPhone OS then you probably can listen to music while doing other things. It works for me anyway.

No multi-tasking -- I wouldn't bet on it if I were you. It's more like a neutered iPhone OS.


Sounds like a poor substitute for a netbook honestly. I've heard some suggest using it as an ebook reader, but for those that actually have or tried a proper reader (with e-ink) will know it's just a poor substitute. Also 4:3 for the loss.

Compared to some new netbooks coming out this is pretty underwhelming. There's nothing particularly new or innovative so to speak.

[Lex]

Ooh ooh, can this be another retarded mac vs pc debate? I love that shit.

Norman, get the **** in here.

[Lazlow]

Unlike the iPhone, the iPad can run more than one app at a time

A cautiously optimistic article (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/three-reasons-the-ipad-will-be-a-success/story-e6frgakx-1225824204183)

[SOX]

Ooh ooh, can this be another retarded mac vs pc debate? I love that shit.

Norman, get the **** in here.

The mac apologist is already pages ahead of you :P

I'm not sure what universe you live in, but here in my universe, it costs about the same as a decent netbook for something that's significantly more powerful than a netbook (in terms of raw MIPS, at least). Apple are using a new "A4" CPU, which is presumably an ARM11 with knobs on (given it runs the ARM-based iPhone OS). Hands-on impressions so far suggest it's quite a lot quicker to use than an iPhone.

One big downside of using iPhone OS is that Adobe still haven't ported Flash to the platform. On the iPhone, this can be laughed off as a hilarious quirk, but on this device, it's a much bigger limitation. Hopefully Apple will pro-actively encourage faster uptake of HTML5 (which negates about 90% of Flash's functionality) so that this problem goes away in the near future (side-effect: you'll be able to use HTML5 content on your iPhone).

I kind of disagree with the idea that this is an "iPhone XL". While it runs the same OS, and has similar internals, the overall aim of this device is a lot different. It's definitely aimed more at the netbook market (and laptops in general (http://i.gizmodo.com/5458349/apple-ipad-just-tried-to-assassinate-laptops), if Gizmodo is to be believed), and the pricing reflects this.

Overall, it's Apple doing what they've been doing for years now: entering a market that, up until that point was filled with terrible, inadequate devices and showing everyone what those devices (MP3 players, mobile phones, tablets/netbooks) could (not should) be like.

[Vicious]

Ooh ooh, can this be another retarded mac vs pc debate? I love that shit.

Norman, get the **** in here.

Hardly. I'd advocate a netbook with OSx86 over this POS. At least then you get a full OS and some actual use out of the device ffs.

EDIT:

Hell, get a Macbook Air refurbed + student discount if you can. It'll cost the same as the ipad with accessories anyway and will also be more useful (at least in the US).

[Lazlow]

I'd advocate a netbook with OSx86 over this POS. At least then you get a full OS and some actual use out of the device ffs.


What would the average joe get out of a x86 Netbook they couldn't from the iPad?

EDIT: that is, i know more tech savy people prefer to tinker with something more flexible, but Apple have never really marketed themselves to those people. Hell they actually do some marketing, I wouldn't know about the range of alternative mp3/media players if it weren't for forums and tech sites.

[Vicious]

What would the average joe get out of a x86 Netbook they couldn't from the iPad?

Flash, better browsers, a keyboard standard, naturally protected (clam shell), USB, ethernet, multi-tasking, applications that aren't sold in the apps store that actually scale to resolution, an actual 16:9 display (720P ones available on certain "HD" models), a VGA out should you need it (some include HDMI and HD acceleration cards should you want), larger drive sizes, lower cost, webcam + mic, etc.

The list goes on and on and on. This is an extremely limited and niche device no matter how you look at it.

EDIT: that is, i know more tech savy people prefer to tinker with something more flexible, but Apple have never really marketed themselves to those people. Hell they actually do some marketing, I wouldn't know about the range of alternative mp3/media players if it weren't for forums and tech sites.

And yet it still doesn't excuse them for criticism. When you get down to it the benefits of this device are few and far between. I at least can say the iTouch is an interesting device due to it's uniqueness, novelty, and low cost of entry. This is competing with a market that it's just not ready to compete with.

[/backslash]

This iPad might come in handy for reading issues of Pixel Hunt so it'll feel more like a magazine. Obviously I'm not seeing the additional potential :p

[Lazlow]

Flash - agreed

better browsers - debatable. I have no issues with safari

a keyboard standard - given its form factor, not a requirement. its like complaining about the lack of keypad on an iPhone.

naturally protected (clam shell) - if I were concerned about such things, I would've only bought clam phones... but I never have. I see protectors as inexpensive additions.

USB - an issue if you're looking to move files around with it. EDIT: I noticed on the accessories page there is a camera connection kit that features two dongles, a USB port and a SD reader, that plug into main iPad docking port so you can transfer photos onto the iPad. That said, given the size of these dongles, surely these are slots that could've fit into the main iPad itself

ethernet - given they're trying to keep it small, and it has wifi, an expected abscence. debateable if its even required given its a portable device.

multi-tasking - debatable. I've seen reports it can multi-task, I've seen people say it can't. The iPhone can certainly play music while doing other things.

applications that aren't sold in the apps store that actually scale to resolution - agreed, however dev's were asked a while back to ensure they're apps can operate at higher resolutions (if I weren't at work I'd dig out the statement from Tony Warriner of Revolution who states this), so its possible recent and future apps wont be merely stretched.

an actual 16:9 display (720P ones available on certain "HD" models) - An issue for movie viewing, not much else as far as I can see.

a VGA out should you need it (some include HDMI and HD acceleration cards should you want) - it has video output

Support for 1024 x 768 with Dock Connector to VGA adapter; 576p and 480p with Apple Component A/V Cable, 576i and 480i with Apple Composite Cable

larger drive sizes - agreed. that said I've yet to max out my 16GB iPhone yet.

lower cost - par for the course with Apple.

webcam + mic - webcam is an oversight for sure, has a mic though >_>

[[m]averick]

Oh man, I cant wait for this baby!

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/comment/4/2010/01/5b00d8520eee5ebd0dd0b18d160962ff/340x.jpg

you mean it can, I mean cant, do all these things? (http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/computers/12-key-features-the-ipad-lacks-20100128-n1ae.html)


:rolleyes:


PS, hyper forums needs strikeout font. That joke needed strikeout to work.

[Vindik8or]

Fantastic picture!

[Stevorooni]

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/2015/ipadh.jpg

[Ashmaran]

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/2015/ipadh.jpg

FTzhXMbOWHE

[texta]

multi-tasking - debatable. I've seen reports it can multi-task, I've seen people say it can't. The iPhone can certainly play music while doing other things.

I think people get confused between multi-tasking as in it only has a single CP core and multi-tasking as in being able to do more than one thing at once. It's true that it one has one core so you would only be able to do one CPU intensive task at a time but as people should recall from the dark ages of single core CPUs in PCs (which really wasn't that long ago), there was never a time when you couldn't run a couple of light weight programs at once and this will certainly still be the case with the iPad.

[Lazlow]

1. iBooks is initially US-only - right now yes, but the iPad's release is at least 4 months off for Australia.

2. No built-in camera - you want to take pictures with it?

3. No USB ports - not true, but they should be built it

4. No memory card read - not true, as above

5. Keyboard dock sold separately - it's a touch screen device ffs, what logic is in there in packing in physical keyboards?

6. No multi-tasking - debatable... afterall some people keep reporting it has no video out, when it does.

7. No Adobe Flash support - f***ing stubborn Apple

8. Can only run Apple-sanctioned apps - well duh

9. Can only access iTunes videos and music - as above (plus you should still be able use your own ripped CDs & DVDs)

10. Lacks HDMI port - it needs one? (from what i can see only the Dell Mini 10 has one)

11. Screen is 4:3 aspect ratio, not 16:9 widescreen - a knock on effect of the iPhone. Damned if they leave it, damned if they change it.

12. No full GPS support - Be nice I guess, but its never been a selling point for myself.

Don't get me wrong, its not the ducks nuts, but some complaints seem a little frivolous. Especially with regards to physical keyboards (or adapters for them), and being locked to iTunes apps which to me was bleedingly obvious.

My complaints would be:

- capacity; apps are getting bigger, shouldn't be much of a stretch to bump up the storage space.
- flash support; I'm not sure of the specifics, but Apple seem unwilling to support it
- card reader/USB; surely couldn't have comprised the form factor to implement either.
- webcam; personally not fussed, but it seems webchat is par for the course these days

and if indeed it can't multitask (ie music while web surfing, or websurfing while chatting), then that'll be a blow aswell.

[Northy179]

My complaints would be:

- capacity; apps are getting bigger, shouldn't be much of a stretch to bump up the storage space.
- flash support; I'm not sure of the specifics, but Apple seem unwilling to support it
- card reader/USB; surely couldn't have comprised the form factor to implement either.
- webcam; personally not fussed, but it seems webchat is par for the course these days

and if indeed it can't multitask (ie music while web surfing, or websurfing while chatting), then that'll be a blow aswell.

yeah, i got a macbook pro and an iphone and this just seems like the middle bastard child which doesn't have the facilities or design bonuses of an actual laptop or the pocket portability of a iphone... im sure it still has its advantages and will revolutionise the way we recieve material on the go, just don't see any sense in getting one myself.

[Lazlow]

See for myself I have a desktop and an iPhone so I can see where something like the iPad can fit in at the right price.

But I'm curious to see what Dell's "slate" is like. So far they've only shown a 5 inch version.

[Shorty]

- card reader/USB; surely couldn't have comprised the form factor to implement either.

Not as standard. There's a Camera Connection Kit on the specs (http://www.apple.com/au/ipad/specs/) page that allows you to plug connect a camera's USB cable or SD card to the dock to download photos.

[Lazlow]

Yeah, posted about that previously :p

That comment was more that there should at least be one of each built in.

[Shorty]

Oh, my bad. :p

I think you have a point, there. If you could take a flash card straight out of a camera, whack it into the iPad and download photos directly to the iPad's photo utility, I think you could convince quite a few people to buy one.

[big_b]

Ive decided that all the features DO look amazing. It took this video to help me relize this though.

http://www.funnyordie.co.uk/videos/167d70800c/the-ipad

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

I think the iPad has potential as a business device. I could see myself using it for work but for a few key things.

-I can't use Internet Explorer with this. This wouldn't be a big issue (as far as me personally is concerned), but a lot of my web based applications for work have to run on IE6. This is more a fault of my work being too cheap to update to better versions of their current software than a problem with the iPad, though.

-Apple's ability to ignore any type of expandable memory confuses me. I don't understand why a memory card slot or USB port couldn't be incorporated into the design (especially a memory card). I know you can buy an addon memory card reader, but that's extra money for something that really should be included in the device, especially if Steve Jobs is as keen on people using it for photos as what I've seen in a few videos.

-As someone said before, the lack of Flash on the iPhone is no big deal, but in a device this size, it's a problem.

-A webcam would be nice for video conferencing facilities, but I don't think it's needed.

-A touch screen interface for reading books sounds like an awesome idea. If it also supports Kindle (as well as whatever Apple decides to put on iTunes to sell books), even better.

As far as this device goes, I think it's great. It looks simple to use and with the way that it can use mobile networks (the iPhone wasn't sold on only one network like it was in the US and UK so I see no reason for the same thing to happen here) as well as wifi make it a powerful device for business. I'd almost try and talk my work into buying me one seeing as I can be on the road sometimes, and if the cost is around $800 for the basic unit, I think I could almost talk them into it.

Edit: Oh and HSPDA support instead of just 3G would be good too

Edit 2: After looking at the tech specs, it can use HSDPA.

Edit 3: Now I wish I hadn't started looking at it. I've practically sold myself one.

[tau]

Only reason I'd get one is if I could also use it as a second screen/touch input device for my computer. Here's hoping!

[buckstwits]

-A touch screen interface for reading books sounds like an awesome idea. If it also supports Kindle (as well as whatever Apple decides to put on iTunes to sell books), even better.

iPhone/iTouch has an app for Kindle support. the Ipad shouldn't be any different

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

Only reason I'd get one is if I could also use it as a second screen/touch input device for my computer. Here's hoping!

That's another thing. I'm interested to see if the iPad will interact with the iPhone or other devices, as well as networking with other computers and printers.

[Lazlow]

I'd be interested to know if you could tether an iPhone to a wifi only iPad. Or if you could probably swap your sim out of your iPhone and into your iPad.

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

I'd be interested to know if you could tether an iPhone to a wifi only iPad. Or if you could probably swap your sim out of your iPhone and into your iPad.

I thought about two SIM cards for the one number, so you could use the data plan for your phone with the iPad, but I'm 99% sure that mobile carriers don't offer that sort of service.

[naclj]

So people at hyper really do want one of these.

i was excited about the announcement and then when i read the details of what it could do, i became decidedly unexcited.
Imo it doesnt do anything that my iphone cant do (that i care about).
I honestly cant see it being a useful work tool, unless your definition of useful is merely a document viewer and email/internet browser (which depending on job can be very useful).

i cannot believe it still wont multitask or that it wont output hd video, both of those points make it seem completely unnecessary for me, its just a big iphone that wont fit in my pocket or make phone calls.
I am a heavy pc user and it doesnt have a place with all my gear

that said i certainly CAN think of people i know that it would suit quite nicely (though i think the price will be prohibitive for them), they tend to be the same people that think the Wii is the best console/the only console.


But even though i personally don't want one, i think it is great because it almost guarantees that a fully featured windows 7 tablet will be close behind

[StorminNorman]

Or if you could probably swap your sim out of your iPhone and into your iPad.

The iPad uses MicroSIM (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MicroSIM) cards instead of normal-sized SIM cards, so you can't do this.

[Lazlow]

Weak in the balls man!

[TAT]

That's incredibly pointless and even more communist than the iPhone

[Ashmaran]

Haha you mean there's no room in that thing for a regular sized sim card?

[TAT]

This is way too funny to not post

(um, wtf? no attachments!)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/Devest8r/1264767441773.jpg

[StorminNorman]

Haha you mean there's no room in that thing for a regular sized sim card?

Apparently MicroSIM's entire reason for being is to fit inside non-phone embedded devices.

[Lazlow]

Ain't no f***ing way I'm signing up for a second contract

[tau]

http://images.encyclopediadramatica.com/images/4/4a/IPadnano.png

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

This all is rather balls.


Has anyone found a download link for the presentation video yet? The apple one keeps closing and I just watched one on youtube where he was demoing a game and the camera man zoomed into the back of the ipad instead of filming the ****ing screen.

[Gutsman Heavy]

So can you use this thing to draw with like all those other things that look like this do?

[tau]

Apparently not actually... there's no specs for any stylus or description of a pen input, and the iphone/ipod touch don't allow the usual stylus input.

[Ashmaran]

Doesn't really make sense to me, the whole reason I'd buy a 'tablet styled pc' was so I could use a pen with it.

Surely this thing would be awesome if you could scribble notes on docs / hand write stuff as well?

Is there some reason, like the touch screen is not suited to that kind of contact?

[tau]

Multi-touch Systems
To allow people to use touch commands that require multiple fingers, the iPhone uses a new arrangement of existing technology. Its touch-sensitive screen includes a layer of capacitive material, just like many other touch-screens. However, the iPhone's capacitors are arranged according to a coordinate system. Its circuitry can sense changes at each point along the grid. In other words, every point on the grid generates its own signal when touched and relays that signal to the iPhone's processor. This allows the phone to determine the location and movement of simultaneous touches in multiple locations. Because of its reliance on this capacitive material, the iPhone works only if you touch it with your fingertip -- it won't work if you use a stylus or wear non-conductive gloves.

Go here (http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/iphone1.htm) if you want to read more.

There is however a stylus you can get that works on iphone/touch if you really want it, some third party dev made one.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

http://art.penny-arcade.com/photos/775608220_HL2Ac-L.jpg

[Vicious]

Let's face it; this (http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook) is what people were hoping for.

[Blue]

Let's face it; this (http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook) is what people were hoping for.That is really cool.

God. Why didn't they just release that? Damn iPhone fever.

[Shorty]

Let's face it; this (http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook) is what people were hoping for.

I honestly thought that was what Apple's "tablet" was going to be.

[Vindik8or]

Go here (http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/iphone1.htm) if you want to read more.

There is however a stylus you can get that works on iphone/touch if you really want it, some third party dev made one.

Sounds like you just need a conductive material on the nib of the stylus.

[Gutsman Heavy]

Let's face it; this (http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook) is what people were hoping for.

indeed.

Would I be correct in assuming I can't just buy one from the local 'puter shop?

[Vicious]

indeed.

Would I be correct in assuming I can't just buy one from the local 'puter shop?

There's some local shops in the US that sell it . . . international would probably require special order.

EDIT:

This (http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/modbook) is the international website you can order from it seems. You'll also probably have to buy a complete new unit rather than go through a conversion process.

[Lazlow]

Flashpoint as Jobs takes aim at Adobe (http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/computers/flashpoint-as-jobs-takes-aim-at-adobe-20100201-n86t.html)

A deep-seated hatred is developing between Apple chief executive Steve Jobs and the creators of the technology powering 75 per cent of video on the web, with the dispute now public and increasingly bitter.


The iPhone, and now the iPad, both lack support for Adobe Flash, an inexplicable omission for many users who have become used to Flash as one of the most common plugins on their desktop and laptop computers.

Jobs and Adobe have traded barbs over the issue. Adobe has called the iPad restricted and Jobs has fired back with claims that Adobe is lazy and its software causes the Mac to crash.

[Shorty]

Didn't Adobe help build the Mac's reputation as a graphics and DTP powerhouse? If so, this is really sad. Surely they could help each other out, here.

[Lazlow]

Even more hilarious is later in the article he takes a potshot at Google's "iPhone killer", yet Apple and Google are supposed to be collaborating on HTML5!

Apple's probably pissed that Google is now sidestepping the App Store by writing programs with HTML5, so they're directly accessible via the browser. (http://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/Horizons/2010/0126/Google-Voice-iPhone-finally-get-along-but-without-Apple-s-blessings)

[Shorty]

True, but it seems to make sense given that Google's been all about "run this application from damn near anywhere" for a few years now.

[TAT]

Jobs calling Adobe lazy?

It took 2 years for the iPhone to get MMS ffs...

[StorminNorman]

To be fair to Jobs, nothing he's said about Flash is untrue.

It really is a bug-ridden pile of burning shite, no matter which browser/OS combination you're forced to use it under.

The sooner YouTube supports HTML5 in Firefox, the sooner I can get rid of it from my computer.

[TAT]

God luck using Steam, browing for Bunnings stores in your area (etc, etc) without Flash

[Blue]

flash?? mrlk CRASH amirite?! eh jobs?

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

So it doesn't have porn then?

[Lazlow]

Some specs comparisons

HP Slate vs Apple iPad (http://www.techpinas.com/2010/02/hp-slate-vs-apple-ipad-tablet-battle.html)

Apple iPad vs Dell Mini 5 (http://www.techpinas.com/2010/02/apple-ipad-vs-dell-mini-5-tablet-battle.html)

For my money, the HP Slate wins hands down based on this information.

The Dell Mini 5 is too small, and too expensive, coupled with an OS that's completely foreign to me.

The HP Slate on the other hand has very - albeit rumoured - tasty price tag for what its packing.

[Blue]

Some specs comparisons

HP Slate vs Apple iPad (http://www.techpinas.com/2010/02/hp-slate-vs-apple-ipad-tablet-battle.html)

Apple iPad vs Dell Mini 5 (http://www.techpinas.com/2010/02/apple-ipad-vs-dell-mini-5-tablet-battle.html)

For my money, the HP Slate wins hands down based on this information.

The Dell Mini 5 is too small, and too expensive, coupled with an OS that's completely foreign to me.

The HP Slate on the other hand has very - albeit rumoured - tasty price tag for what its packing.I agree. 1.8Ghz with Windows 7 makes it a much more tempting proposition than the iPad. Multitasking is very important on a so-called convergence device. Big iPhone without the phone, or netbook without the keypad? I'd take the HP Slate any day. Apple really should have gone with the iSlate name, as well.

Having said all that, though, I think I'd sooner grab a netbook. Sometimes, you just need keys. I'm considering buying one purely for uni work, and you need a keypad for that. I can't see when I'd ever be sitting down with a computer and prefer to have no keyboard, and have a touch screen instead. I'd prefer it if they just added a touchscreen to a regular netbook, along with a swivel hinge that allowed the screen to fold flat over the keyboard side when it wasn't required. Best of both worlds.

[Clockw0rk]

(Penny Arcade comic containing the f-word)
But when Blake evades the swearfilter, not even the admins care.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

You are correct sir.

Unless the iPad was so disappointing we're the only ones to read this thread.

[Lazlow]

Gizmodo spec comparison chart for the soon to be released Slates

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/4017/slatechartv2.th.jpg (http://img716.imageshack.us/i/slatechartv2.jpg/)

One missing from the above chart though is Microsoft's Courier (http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/microsofts-courier-digital-journal-exclusive-pictures-and-de/).

also; HP Slate to be cheaper than Apple iPad (http://goodereader.com/blog/tablet-slates/hp-slate-to-be-cheaper-then-the-apple-i-pad/)

[Knuckle Children]

Just had a thought. I'm hoping when the iPad launches that if we've paid for an app on our iPhone/iPod Touches, that we can download its iPad equivalent for free (assuming that there is one). I'm also wondering if you buy a game/app from the app store in future, whether it will give you the rights to the game for both devices, or only the specific version of the game that you choose.

[Lex]

I heard apple will be charging for major updates on the ipad after the first one. Good show, you greedy ****s.

[Lazlow]

Top 10 iPad disappointements and magic moments (http://www.news.com.au/technology/top-10-ipad-disappointments-and-magic-moments/story-e6frfro0-1225849521318)

[Knuckle Children]

The trick with new Apple products is simple; just wait for the second generation, when everything that should/could have been in the first generation is included. Know this, and avoid disappointment.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

lAl28d6tbko

[Shorty]

Has there ever been a device that hasn't blended? Except for maybe the blender itself.

Also, to be fair he did help out the blender a bit by breaking the iPad in half before blending.

[Queenie]

Ipad: I honestly never gave a shit

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

I'm interested in it. I think it could be a useful device, but I just can't justify the expense. If I could convice work to buy one for me, that'd be awesome, but that's never going to happen.

[buckstwits]

This looks cool (skip to 4:45)

rSnIXfoSU6I

[aubergine]

I may have missed something but I completly fail at understanding how this isn't just an iPod touch XL. A$ have kept saying how innovative it is... but... how?

[texta]

I think I'll get one for my partner and then steal it to play with at regular intervals.

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

Ipad: I honestly never gave a shit

I'm still wondering why everyone likes the iPhone so much, I get it, it's big and it's a phone.

[Knuckle Children]

I'm still wondering why everyone likes the iPhone so much, I get it, it's big and it's a phone.

The iPhone is nothing special if it's just used for basic phone calls, messaging and camera, and that's all that you're after in a mobile phone.

If you utilise all of its capabilities however, it's one hell of a device; games, fast mobile internet, GPS, iPod, e-mail, and an incredibly comprehensive and well-organised app store, among others. These aren't all unique features by any means, but the iPhone does it better than its competitors. And the touch screen is streets ahead of the pack.

EDIT: Oh yeah, this is the iPad thread... >_>

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

Also it's not very big at all.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

gew68Qj5kxw

Interesting, but there's not many books you could do that with.

Well lots of kids books I guess.

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

US more important than the rest of the world (http://www.news.com.au/technology/apple-delays-ipads-worldwide-release-by-a-month/story-e6frfro0-1225853844662[/url)

[TAT]

gew68Qj5kxw

Interesting, but there's not many books you could do that with.

Well lots of kids books I guess.
You'd get stupidly tired shaking that ****ing behemoth around for the whole story

[AranchineD]

Apple says you won't get tired


That means you won't get tired motherf***er

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

US more important than the rest of the world (http://www.news.com.au/technology/apple-delays-ipads-worldwide-release-by-a-month/story-e6frfro0-1225853844662[/url)

"We know that many international customers waiting to buy an iPad will be disappointed by this news, but we hope they will be pleased to learn the reason - the iPad is a runaway success in the US thus far."

Why the **** do I care about your god-damned success, Apple?

It's not like there was a chance you'd go broke before a local release happened.

[Lazlow]

Despite the iPad selling twice as fast as the iPhone (http://www.news.com.au/technology/apple-sells-one-million-ipads-in-28-days/story-e6frfro0-1225861821975) gimped 3G video streaming more noticealble on iPad (http://www.news.com.au/technology/g-ipad-users-meet-grainy-video-hurdle/story-e6frfro0-1225861948426)

[Cubby]

How sad is that. (The sales)

[texta]

We're going to abuse my partner's education allowance she gets from her work and get one when they come out. Then I will steal it and walk around uni wearing a beret and holding it up to my ear like a phone.

[nintendo]

So the Apple store is down right now for updating......

Damn it. I wanna pre-order mine now!

[Knuckle Children]

So, Apple's released the price schedule for the iPad (http://store.apple.com/au/browse/home/shop_ipad/family/ipad?Email_OID=996f17cc877d57b66336e3c282a29f91&Email_PageName=P0009328-160982&cid=CDM-AU-DM-P0009328-ALL&cp=em-P0009328-160982&sr=em)

$629 for the 16GB 3G, up to $1049 for the 64GB 3G + WiFi model. A bit out of whack with the current exchange rate when compared to the US pricing, but you expect that.

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

Doesn't make it right, though. You can't even import an iPad to get the cheaper price because the 3G model is locked to a US mobile network like the iPhone is.

[Knuckle Children]

Of course it's a rort, but it's par for the course when you live in the lucky country.

[texta]

If you don't like it then perhaps blame John Howard for the GST.

[Cubby]

Weren't electronics taxed worse before the GST?

[texta]

Dunno. If that's the case then I guess replace "blame" with "thank".

[Knuckle Children]

If you don't like it then perhaps blame John Howard for the GST.

This issue is much older than the GST.

Seems like the Labor faithful are getting a little bit nervous...

[Cubby]

I'm not 100% sure because it was so long ago, but I remember in the papers them saying what tax %s would be replaced with the flat 10% GST rate. And I think the electronics used to be quite high, 30-40% But like I said it was a long time ago, that could have been for something else.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

Makes me grateful I don't plan to get one.

UNLIKE THE NEXT IPHONE!

[texta]

This issue is much older than the GST.

Seems like the Labor faithful is getting a little bit nervous...Ha. Not really. It was a pretty cheap shot, but if I wanted to be political, I would have discussed Abbott, not Howard.

All I'm saying is that if you take 10% off the Australian prices they're roughly equal to the US prices. So it's not as though Apple are just bumping up the price for foreigners. And I guess when you look at that extra $100 you're paying, and compare it to say the quality of our health system or the cost of higher education in comparison to the USA, it's probably a trade off most of us would be happy to make.

[Ali G]

Ha. Not really. It was a pretty cheap shot, but if I wanted to be political, I would have discussed Abbott, not Howard.

All I'm saying is that if you take 10% off the Australian prices they're roughly equal to the US prices. So it's not as though Apple are just bumping up the price for foreigners. And I guess when you look at that extra $100 you're paying, and compare it to say the quality of our health system or the cost of higher education in comparison to the USA, it's probably a trade off most of us would be happy to make.
Plus the advertised prices in the US don't include sales tax (which apparently varies a lot depending on state - the reason why it's not included).

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

If you don't like it then perhaps blame John Howard for the GST.

I was more getting at the fact that when the Australian dollar was worth 60cUS then went up to 90cUS, it didn't seem to have an effect on any prices at all, even though our dollar is able to by 33% more compared to the US dollar as it was before.

[StorminNorman]

The real reason for the difference is that the Australian price includes a limited warranty, as required by Australian law. In the US, such warranties cost extra. The same thing happens with digital cameras and various other kinds of consumer electronics.

Basically you're paying extra because we have consumer protection laws that don't suck.

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

Can you explain why when a hardcover SW book comes out here it costs AUS$55 but I can order it from Amazon.com for AUS$30 including 2 week postage?

[Ali G]

Can you explain why when a hardcover SW book comes out here it costs AUS$55 but I can order it from Amazon.com for AUS$30 including 2 week postage?
Book shops in Australia have to buy their books from Australian suppliers, which are generally more expensive than overseas suppliers. (This might be slightly off, but I'm pretty sure that's the general reason why)

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

Apple's no-nipples policy means fashion mags are censoring their iPad editions. (http://www.shinyshiny.tv/2010/05/apples_itunes_censors_fashion_magazines.html)

[Knuckle Children]

Optus has released their pre-paid and post paid iPad data plans (http://www.itwire.com/it-industry-news/strategy/38983-optus-reveals-full-ipad-plans)

They won't be selling the hardware though, neither will Telstra. 3 and Vodafone are yet to confirm if they will.

Honestly, if I was to get one, I think I'd be best served by the 10GB pre-paid option with 6 months validity (186 days) for $80. This seems like a pretty reasonable deal to me. The 15 and 30 day validity for lesser plans however, seems far too short. I really don't think I'd be chomping through so much data in such a short time through 3G.

[Lazlow]

Going on how I use my iPhone, I probably wouldn't even opt for a 3G version.

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

I think the way that I'd use an iPad would be more around the house on the wifi rather than on a mobile phone network, but I can see it being a handy tool for when (if) I go away, so if I was ever to get one, I'd get a 3G model, but a prepaid plan would be enough for me. That way I only pay for what I use.

That said, if there was a way to tether the iPhone to the iPad so I could use the internet from my phone, I'd only get the wifi model.

Edit: Well, looking at the Optus and Telstra plans, Telstra has my theoretical business so far. $20 for 1GB that lasts 30 days is the best so far.

[Knuckle Children]

Edit: Well, looking at the Optus and Telstra plans, Telstra has my theoretical business so far. $20 for 1GB that lasts 30 days is the best so far.

What about Optus' $80 for 10GB that lasts 6 months? That's by the far the best of either carrier's options imo.

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

Sorry I meant to say the best one for me. If I ever use it away from my house I'd only use it once in a blue moon, so a $20 recharge would be enough for me.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

If I ever got one I'm sure you could jailbreak it and tether it to your iphones 3G connection.

That's what old Blakey would do.

[Lazlow]

Australian iPad launch pushed back another 2 weeks (http://www.news.com.au/technology/international-ipad-launch-delayed-again/story-e6frfro0-1225866562002)

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

I got to have a bit of a play with one of these today. It is very much a big iPhone in the way it operates, but god damn is it sexy and lighter than I thought it was going to be.

Since most of the things on the iPad were the same as the iPhone, I went straight to the 'Notes' app to try out the keyboard and I must say I was pleasently suprised by how easy it was to use when the iPad was used in landscape (portrait was pretty cluttered). It was hard to get used to not feeling the keys like you do on a physical keyboard, and I think I was watching my fingers a lot more than I would on a normal keyboard, but it worked well.

There was a couple of videos on there as well which looked really nice. I didn't want to give the speaker too much of a flogging as it was a seminar for work where I was actually supposed to be paying attention to the changes in the government telecommunications CUA, not evaluating the iPad, but it seemed to do the job nicely, and internet browsing was a lot easier with the bigger iPad screen.

[Lazlow]

I guess you don't work for DSE or JB HiFi (http://www.news.com.au/technology/retailers-focrced-into-ipad-secrecy-pact/story-e6frfrnr-1225870326175)

APPLE has gagged retailers from talking about the iPad before its Australian launch.

The mega-hyped device finally goes on sale on Friday, after its release was delayed by two months due to overwhelming demand in the US.

Sources yesterday confirmed to the Herald Sun that retailers such as Dick Smith and JB Hi-Fi have been forced to sign non-disclosure agreements preventing them from discussing their iPad plans.

A spokesman for one Melbourne electronics store contacted yesterday said it wouldn't even learn until the last minute if it would have any iPads for sale - and if so, how many.

[Cubby]

Don't companies only do that with shit products? Like not allowing reviews of movies till they are released etc.

[Ali G]

Don't companies only do that with shit products? Like not allowing reviews of movies till they are released etc.
It's not like the iPad hasn't been released anywhere else yet.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

Apple blinks: New iPad XL to offer Flash capability. (http://scoopertino.com/apple-blinks-new-ipad-xl-to-offer-flash-capability/)

[Lazlow]

Looks like Apple will finally develop a product with a good battery life.

[Cubby]

It's not like the iPad hasn't been released anywhere else yet.

Exactly, so what are they doing it for.

[Lazlow]

Well I notice the article mentions they can't even discuss plans, so I can only assume they're protecting their direct sales.

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

I guess you don't work for DSE or JB HiFi (http://www.news.com.au/technology/retailers-focrced-into-ipad-secrecy-pact/story-e6frfrnr-1225870326175)

Nope I work for a TAFE in WA. Recent the state government renegotiated the common telecommunication contact that all WA government departments and had a launch for it yesterday. It turned out to be a mini-expo with the different vendors showing their wares. Telstra had brought an iPad along, so I took the oppourtunity to have a bit of a play. We weren't told not to talk about it so I guess if anybody gets in trouble it'll be Telstra.

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

Vodafone release iPad data plan prices (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/vha-reveals-ipad-pricing/story-e6frgakx-1225871562694).

I'm impressed with the good quality prepaid deals for the iPad. See what happens when telcos don't actually sell the device?

[texta]

http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/digital-life-news/nets-slung-around-apple-factories-to-deter-suicidal-employees-20100526-wear.html

[Lazlow]

iTWire Tech Editor arrives 30mins before launch and pushes his way to the front to claim first iPad sale; The Australian photographer "roughed up" by Apple staff (http://www.news.com.au/technology/ipad/journos-jump-queue-to-become-first-ipad-buyers/story-fn5knrwy-1225872393569)

Full story @ The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/media-assaulted-in-ipad-mayhem/story-e6frg996-1225872420734)

[Knuckle Children]

So if I didn't buy one today, I guess I'll probably have to wait another month or so for the next batch?

EDIT: Apple stores sold out, resellers have plenty.

[REQUIEM]

So if I didn't buy one today, I guess I'll probably have to wait another month or so for the next batch?

EDIT: Apple stores sold out, resellers have plenty.

I'd wait for the next version. Within 9 months it will be a updated with better features as already stated from US launch.

[/backslash]

So did anyone get one today? I dunno how you'd casually hold it whilst playing games (or doing anything really), wouldn't you need a stand or something?

[Lazlow]

Was keen on the HP Slate; read today they're switching from a variant of Windows 7 to PalmOS

[Cubby]

Is the Slate the one that came out 8 years ago, and is still pretty much matched feature wise with the iPad?

[Lazlow]

Slate isn't out yet. Was announced at a trade show earlier this year.

[drzaius]

Wow. The 3g models are nowhere to be found in Perth. Plenty of wifi ones though.

[Starscream]

I haven't been following the thread or hype but does the iPad have a (same or similar) feature/function to download and read e-books (like Amazon's Kindle)?

[Lazlow]

Supposedly the entire point of the device. Apple Store will have its own books section, not sure if its up an running on the AU store yet though.

[tau]

Kindle app (http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/kindle/id302584613?mt=8)

[Ali G]

Supposedly the entire point of the device. Apple Store will have its own books section, not sure if its up an running on the AU store yet though.
It's up, but at the moment there's only stuff that has no copyright on it on there.

[nintendo]

So I'm going to try and track down a 64gb 3g version tomorrow. Wish me luck lolol

EDIT:
Also forgot to say that I used one of these bad boys today, and damn. Fine arse piece of machinery. Its absolutely perfect for my manga viewing lolololol

[drzaius]

If you are in Perth there are literally NONE.

[nintendo]

Yeah, I was told yesterday by David jones that they had some left. I'm just hoping it was the 64 3g model. I'm kinda hedging my bets on the people in the gold coast being too stingy to pay $1049 for one

EDIT:
just thought I'd add that the reason I couldn't buy it yesterday was because the ipad guys or apple guys had already gone home. It's also why u couldn't be told what model it was that they had left.

[StorminNorman]

Was keen on the HP Slate; read today they're switching from a variant of Windows 7 to PalmOS

It's actually WebOS, which the OS that Palm developed as a successor to PalmOS. It's a really nice OS with limited developer support. It has some really nice features that should lend themselves well to a large tablet device.

Word is, it works better on a tablet than Android, anyway.

[Ali G]

If you are in Perth there are literally NONE.
Yeah, it looks like they sold out of 3G really fast. I had no problems buying a 16GB Wi-Fi yesterday, though.

[drzaius]

Yeah. Wifi was everywhere. No 3gs though. It was so annoying. Too many models apple, too many models.

[drzaius]

Actually to be fair I DID find a 32gb 3g which would have sufficed, But once i am chasing the white whale I have to catch the ****er.

[nintendo]

So Ive got my 64gb 3g, but now i find out that i need osx10.5 or later. F#*kin tiger bs.

[Lazlow]

Applol

[nintendo]

After going to a friends place and setting it up on his computer, I'm grabbing snow leopard tomorrow, I have to say I'm in love with this thing. It's so beautiful. It's also as if we are meant to view web pages on this thing. The web has seriously never looked jbetter.

Also for all those people out there saying they need flash, for myself, I never run into an issue, aside from the odd video, where I can't do all my browsing from my iPhone. Because since about January the iPhone has been my only sauce of Internet browsing, but now with the iPad it just git blown out f the water.


All this was typed on the iPad while lying on my bed. I cannot think of a better place to browse the web from.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

A woman's vagina.

[Starscream]

Kindle app (http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/kindle/id302584613?mt=8)

I was considering importing a Kindle but with this app, I might wait and see how iPad 2.0 is when it's released. But then again I just want to read books.

[Knuckle Children]

All this was typed on the iPad while lying on my bed.

What are you wearing?

[Ali G]

After going to a friends place and setting it up on his computer, I'm grabbing snow leopard tomorrow, I have to say I'm in love with this thing. It's so beautiful. It's also as if we are meant to view web pages on this thing. The web has seriously never looked jbetter.

Also for all those people out there saying they need flash, for myself, I never run into an issue, aside from the odd video, where I can't do all my browsing from my iPhone. Because since about January the iPhone has been my only sauce of Internet browsing, but now with the iPad it just git blown out f the water.


All this was typed on the iPad while lying on my bed. I cannot think of a better place to browse the web from.
I was initially quite skeptical, but after trying my brother's out on Friday, I bought one yesterday. It is amazing, and such fun to use. Also if anyone who has an iPad wants to see a fantastic app, buy Wired magazine's app. I've tried a few magazine apps before, but this is the first that works really well, and is actually done in a way that uses the iPad's capabilities.

[nintendo]

You know. Hust before I pressed post quick reply I thought of editing in a refence to posting in a vagina, but I thought that someone would do it for me. Always good to know when your rIght.

Yeah I was planning on getting one, but not for at least 3 weeks or so. But after my hands on in the David Jones store I couldn't resist.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

You know. Hust before I pressed post quick reply I thought of editing in a refence to posting in a vagina, but I thought that someone would do it for me. Always good to know when your rIght.

lolpad more like!

[nintendo]

this thing brings out the funny in me......

[Lazlow]

iPhone has been my only sauce of Internet browsing

delicious

[Vicious]

It's actually WebOS, which the OS that Palm developed as a successor to PalmOS. It's a really nice OS with limited developer support. It has some really nice features that should lend themselves well to a large tablet device.

Word is, it works better on a tablet than Android, anyway.

I'm actually a Palm Pre Plus owner, and got to say WebOS is indeed a thing of beauty. While dev support is limited, I've never had a problem finding an app that I actually needed or wanted. I still probably wouldn't buy a tablet though - my netbook does most things just fine for me honestly.

[Xanafalgue]

So is the point of this thing to read e-books or just piss around with the screen? My boss has one, I had to sit there in the lobby pretending to be interested as he flipped pictures of his dog around and shit.

I *love* how its compatible with nothing but has an adapter for everything!

[Cubby]

If someone shoves it down your throoat like that, keep asking questions about things you know it doesn't do.

[Ali G]

Just bought a case for mine but completely ****ed up the screen protector part. Looks like I'll be shelling out another $20 for a pack of screen protectors. Does anyone have any tips on putting them on?

[/backslash]

Just bought a case for mine but completely ****ed up the screen protector part. Looks like I'll be shelling out another $20 for a pack of screen protectors. Does anyone have any tips on putting them on?
I got a free one delivered for my iPod Touch & managed to botch that up. I've only ever put on a screen protector correctly once :( All the other times it inherited so many air bubbles & dirt marks that I just completely ruined it despite doing what it said to remove them. Arrrghhhh

Wonder if I can pay someone to put it on professionally?

[nintendo]

My girl friends sister worked in a mobile phone shop, so I used to get then for free from her. But now she is in china so I cant get her to put them on for me.....

I'm loving using this thing at work on my breaks. So much better than an iPhone.

[Ali G]

I got a free one delivered for my iPod Touch & managed to botch that up. I've only ever put on a screen protector correctly once :( All the other times it inherited so many air bubbles & dirt marks that I just completely ruined it despite doing what it said to remove them. Arrrghhhh

Wonder if I can pay someone to put it on professionally?
Yeah, I followed the instructions but there were still heaps of air bubbles. I'm kind of regretting my choice in case too now, it's made of silicon and looks good, but feels almost as heavy as the iPad itself. At least it only cost $30.

[Vicious]

How are you guys installing your screen protectors? Installing them dry never worked for me:

Wet Adhere method (http://touchproinfo.com/2009/11/02/guide-to-flawlessly-install-screen-protector/)

Many screen protectors now include spray bottle solutions to accomplish the same thing . . . gives it a bit longer to get air bubbles out without it adhering too fast.

[/backslash]

I've got some Bodyguardz screen protectors which cost me $30 for 2 & come with an application solution but I still haven't been game enough to attempt it :p

[Lazlow]

heatz0r's own iPad iStylus - $80 (+ post) (http://wifflelevertofull.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/sausage.jpg)

[Ali G]

If the screen protector is real bad, it's worth a shot to peel it off and clean it with dishwashing detergent, shake off the water and use something like a serviette to soak up the water drops.

No point for me anymore, I got angry and scrunched the bastard of a thing up.

[drzaius]

so how can i tell which of my apps are ipad compatible?

[Ali G]

so how can i tell which of my apps are ipad compatible?
In your iTunes list there's a separate list for the ones that are iPad compatible and in the iTunes store, there's a little plus sign which indicates the app is iPad compatible.

[drzaius]

its weird... i've bought a LOT of iphone apps but they aren't displayed under 'apps' on itunes since i've updated to the latest version. Its all definitely linked into the same account and i know they were there previously. I wonder where they have gone?

[Lazlow]

Can't afford an iPad? (http://www.news.com.au/technology/ipad/worlds-first-ipad-lookalike-on-sale-the-iped/story-fn5knrwy-1225874244075)

[nintendo]

So I just went out and bought the $50 unlimited dealio from optus. My reason being that in having the iPad for only 3 days I've gone through 1gb of data already, and looking at the other offers they had, none of them can give me enough data. I use this thing way more than my iPhone, which is where the higher consumption of data comes from. On my iPhone I can manage on 1gb, although I always get reeeeal close, but for the iPad I've done 1gb in three days lol.

EDIT:
Also, what is everyone else on for data? My initial thought was to try the 2gb I got for free with the sim card, but now seeing how much I use I've already had to upgrade.

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

Does anyone know if you can tether an iPhone to an iPad? I tried looking on the internet but there doesn't seem to be anything conclusive. If you can I think I wouldn't mind getting a wifi only iPad, which would be great as they are a lot cheaper.

[Ali G]

Does anyone know if you can tether an iPhone to an iPad? I tried looking on the internet but there doesn't seem to be anything conclusive. If you can I think I wouldn't mind getting a wifi only iPad, which would be great as they are a lot cheaper.

Pretty sure I remember someone sending Jobs an email about whether it'll ever be possible and he said no. In any case, I don't think you can now.

[Lazlow]

F***en Ch10 news said the iPed runs on the same OS as the iPad; muppets.

[Knuckle Children]

... for the iPad I've done 1gb in three days lol.

EDIT:
Also, what is everyone else on for data? My initial thought was to try the 2gb I got for free with the sim card, but now seeing how much I use I've already had to upgrade.

Christ dude, how are you chomping through so much data via 3G? What sort of browsing are you doing? Are you living on YouTube, or hitting the App Store with a vengeance?

[nintendo]

I would be hitting the app store hard if I could dl more than 20mb at a time, but as it is I mainly just read manga and news. However I do read a fair bit of manga and news. I just find it so much more appealing reading on the iPad than on my laptop or computer. I just lie in my bed or sit on my couch (which I only used to do to watch DVDs, can't remember the last time I sat in it other than for a DVD). Also, pro tip, streaming porn sites work just fine on the iPad as me and my friend found out.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

Does anyone know if you can tether an iPhone to an iPad? I tried looking on the internet but there doesn't seem to be anything conclusive. If you can I think I wouldn't mind getting a wifi only iPad, which would be great as they are a lot cheaper.

I'm sure you can if you jailbreak it. If I was to ever get one it would be a wi-fi model with the plan being to do that.

[drzaius]

You and your friend?

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

Eh? I'd use my iphone.

[nintendo]

'course brah. Don't you and your mates browse porn casually together. It's bromance. Tightens the bonds of brotherhood or someshit....>.> <.<

Or, you know, we just wanted to see if it worked alright

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

What is going on I don't even

[nintendo]

Anyone tried out Pages yet? I'd be interested in some impressions if anyone has because I cant get it yet without going to uni and using wireless. They really should allow you more to download over 3G. I know why they do that for the iPhone, but it still is a pain in the arse, especially on the iPad where it's all about data coming over 3G.

[Knuckle Children]

Wifey got a 64GB WiFi model today. So, you can't charge the thing with your PC via USB like the iPhone? Not enough current maybe?

[Vicious]

Wifey got a 64GB WiFi model today. So, you can't charge the thing with your PC via USB like the iPhone? Not enough current maybe?

Some MoBos apparently aren't putting out enough juice, but certain manufactures are fixing firmware to handle it.

Read about it here (http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/31/gigabyte-asus-and-msi-deliver-driver-software-to-allow-ipad-cha/).

[Knuckle Children]

I've sorted the problem. I was trying to charge through a USB hub. Now that I've plugged the cable straight into the back of the monitor, it's all good.

[nintendo]

Oh ffs. I finally get the time to install snow leopard today, and now that I have the latest version of iTunes it likes to f^*k with my iPad and iPhone. It just doesn't recognize them. The only solution is to reinstall iTunes. Which blows. Apparently it's iTunes causing it, and it's a real problem because looking around a lot of people are in the same boat.

Apple is meant to be working on a new version of iTunes which should fix the problem, but that doesn't help me. The only way to get it to work is to reinstall iTunes every time you turn the computer back on. Which I can't do because I don't have an install of iTunes and i don't have the net to get one. Ffs.

[Knuckle Children]

What version of Snow Leopard are you running? The launch 10.6 version, or the latest patch, 10.6.3? From memory, the update notes for 10.6.3 mentioned something about the iPad. What about iTunes? What exact version of that are you running?

I'm just interested because I've got a Mac running the latest versions of Snow Leopard and iTunes, and I've had not one problem with iTunes recognising, or syncing with my iPhone or iPad.

[nintendo]

I'm running the latest 10.6.3 which I bought from an applestore last week. Looking in the support forums it is telling me that iTunes is the problem, because apple hasn't made a new version so it f*^ks up apparently.

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

Great wallpaper for the iPad:

http://lonelysandwich.com/photo/1280/504271269/1/tumblr_l0j5raZvkP1qz4ml7

[Northy179]

^ lol, genius

[Knuckle Children]

You reckon putting a bubble free screen protector on an iPhone can be a bitch, try doing it on an iPad. F*** me. Probably didn't help that I used a cheapy that I bought from Hong Kong for a buck, but there's no way I'm paying $20-$30 for one from JB/Apple, only to f*** it up.

[Cubby]

Something tells me everyone will have that wallpaper whether they like it or not.

[Shorty]

JB Hi-Fi has denied forcing customers to buy accessories with their iPads (http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/ipad/jb-hifi-denies-ipad-upsell-reports-20100612-y4kk.html). Apparently, customers are reporting that they've been told all sorts of things, such as needing to buy a Telstra micro SIM because the iPad is locked to Telstra, that you need to buy a micro SIM to activate the iPad or that you don't get a power supply in the box.

[Knuckle Children]

That is really shoddy form shown by those particular stores. Outrageous even.

[Northy179]

JB Hi-Fi has denied forcing customers to buy accessories with their iPads (http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/ipad/jb-hifi-denies-ipad-upsell-reports-20100612-y4kk.html). Apparently, customers are reporting that they've been told all sorts of things, such as needing to buy a Telstra micro SIM because the iPad is locked to Telstra, that you need to buy a micro SIM to activate the iPad or that you don't get a power supply in the box.

lol, wut? thats so low

[SOX]

Got to try out one of these yesterday and while it seemed cool, I just kept thinking to myself why would you use one of these things as opposed to an iPhone or a laptop - just seems to rest in an inconvenient middle ground.

[drzaius]

Ive stopped carrying my laptop with me since i bough an ipad. I use it mainly for word processing - to take down notes during meetings and collect research data. Its surprisingly functional. the onscreen keyboard is ok and allows reasonably accurate two hand typing on your lap.

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

The interest free deal I had with my computer has been paid off so I'm seriously considering getting an iPad, but I'm still not sure which model to go for. I mean, if I can tether it to my iPhone I could make do with just the wifi model, but nothing I've seen has said that tethering is even possible. I'd want the 64gb model for the extra storage (I always go for the bigest capacity device) so the tethering feature means the difference between paying $879 for the wifi model or $1049 for the 3G one.

I've had a look around the net and have seen that you can tether the iPhone to the iPad through a jailbreak application called MyWi. It's the first time I've seriously considered jailbreaking my phone. What are the risks involved in jailbreaking? Does it void warranty? How does it affect future updates?

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

So I finally went to try and get an iPad last night only to find out Apple has told all resellers not to sell it on finance. What the hell? How can Apple demand that? It's like Apple deciding that customers can't buy an iPad with a Visa card. It's just plain stupid!

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

http://techsplurge.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/wired_mag_pic.jpg

Wired Magazine (http://techsplurge.com/gadgets/ipad/wired-knew-ipad-coming-11-years/), 1999.

[nintendo]

Woah, been awhile since I've been in this thread so I thought I'd come and share my Internet usage with this thing. In my first month I used almost 7gb of data. And for $50 I think that's actually a fairly good deal.

I also still have a huge boner for this thing. It's so much better than my iPhone or my laptop as a portable Internet device, whether I use it for gps or just reading manga it shits all over them.

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

New iPad rumoured to feature camera and USB port (http://www.news.com.au/technology/goldman-sachs-analysts-say-new-lighter-ipad-will-include-camera-and-min-usb-port/story-e6frfrnr-1225932204061?area=technology)

[Cubby]

Will probably be a 2MP cam, and a USB 1.1 port.

[Lazlow]

Late to the party, there's a plethora of touch screen tablets coming out now with forward and rear facing cameras, and various ports.

[Knuckle Children]

Late to the party, there's a plethora of touch screen tablets coming out now with forward and rear facing cameras, and various ports.

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gawker/2009/06/steve-jobs.jpg

[Lazlow]

I forgot to mention all the other ones have a better operating system.

[Knuckle Children]

I forgot to mention all the other ones have a better operating system.

http://www.skuggen.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/steve_jobs_angry-e1271408908203.jpg

YOU TAKE THAT BACK!

[texta]

Late to the party, there's a plethora of touch screen tablets coming out now with forward and rear facing cameras, and various ports.

I forgot to mention all the other ones have a better operating system.

http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/529676/haters_gonna_hate.gif

[nintendo]

Just found out from my gf today that her sisters bf just gave her an iPad knock off from china. I'm actually really interested to play with it and see what it's like. I'll have to wait until I go over to Korea in December though.

Anyone else still got love for this thing? Or am I the only one? I still use it as my only Internet device and it serves me just fine. When I go to Korea though I'm going to bring a small net book with me so I have something to keep it synced with, and something to torrent on whilst there.

Rumors are saying that in the latest developer build there was an option for tethering in the European version. If so, I reckon that'd be a pretty schweet beans thing to have. Not that I'd use it, it'd just be nice to have.

[Lazlow]

So you not only own a netbook and an iPad, but you're taking both on overseas travel? :/

[nintendo]

Basically. But it's a bit more complicated. Believe me if this was only a short trip, or maybe to somewhere with not as good Internet, but I'm going to Korea for 2 months. I'm going to use the net book as a torrent box basically, and something to keep my iPad synced with (eg pics).

I would take my laptop but it's a little big imo, at 2.5kg, so I figure a net book for about $400 is a fair price. I won't be doing any browsing on it, that would be stupid when I've got the iPad, but just for tormenting and the ability to keep my iPad synced I think it's an alright idea.

[Lazlow]

Seems pretty stupid to take the iPad if you can browse on the netbook. But obviously you've blown your money on it so you need to justify buying it.

If only iOS wasn't so restrictive and actually let you do what you want with it.

[nintendo]

Id take the iPads browsing experience over that of a netbook any day tbh. What's so wrong with that?

Correction. I'd take the browsing experience of a tablet over that of a netbook any day.

[Lazlow]

Should've held out for an Android tablet then http://uyac.com.au/forum/images/smilies/1.jpg

[texta]

Not really though. The iPad is pretty great.

[Manny M]

Just found out from my gf today that her sisters bf just gave her an iPad knock off from china. I'm actually really interested to play with it and see what it's like. I'll have to wait until I go over to Korea in December though.

My step father was given an 'iphone', which turned out to be an asian knock off... and it was horrible! The touch screen was so unresponsive that he would miss most of his calls. The resolution was incredibly low and it just felt like a piece of shit.

I imagine the fake ipad to be the same.

[StorminNorman]

So my Dad decided that he had too much money burning a hole in his pocket and bought himself an iPad yesterday. it's actually pretty great, although it feels just slightly too large for what it is.

He's mostly bought it for the games, but we've got a few other things on it too.

My favourite app so far is Flipboard, which turns your news/social media feeds into a magazine. It's way cool.