Point of iPad???

[iPod Nano]

Okay, so before I begin my thread (for real) I want to say 2 things.

1. Sorry if this is the wrong section. I didn't think it would fit in anywhere else.
2. I apologize if there are millions of other threads like this, but I searched w/ no success.
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I'm just wondering...what is the point of an iPad? I'm honestly surprised that people are buying them so quickly. It's capabilities are extremely limited, especially since it doesn't multitask. The IT guy @ my school has one and says it's no replacement for a laptop. What need is there for a category of devices in between a laptop and a smart phone? Why would I go browsing the web on an iPad (in which I am restricted to using Safari, other than Firefox or another browser that I may like) rather than my Macbook which can multitask and is capable of so much more? The only situation i can see this usable for is if you are on vacation and want a computer with very limited capabilities to do light stuff (email, minor web browsing, etc.) But (despite Steve Jobs' arguments) I consider my Netbook w/ Windows, and soon Linux, a much better choice as it is just as light as an iPad but does so much more. Plus, I can't image having to type on a virtual keyboard. it doesn't sound appealing to me. Does this make sense to anyone or am I just completely missing something that makes this device worth having?

[CrimsonRequiem]

I agree with you on most of the points that you brought up. Sometimes I get lazy and don't want to walk over to my iMac or open up my MB especially when I'm in bed. That's really the only time I will use my iPhone or iPod Touch to surf the web. I don't find the virtual keyboard all that bad...and I'm actually surprised how fast I can type with just one finger. >_>"

It's also the only time I use safari too. >_<"

You are right that the iPad is not really a substitute for a notebook and it does have limitations. Sometimes you don't really need to bring your Notebook with you on a business trip where you just want to watch some movies, do some reading, light web browsing, and looking over some notes.

I wouldn't use it to make a PowerPoint Presentation, even though you probably could. <_<" I'm just not expecting it to be of high quality.

I have considered using it as a presentation tool for doing sales pitches on my designs for free lance work, and portfolio. It seems to leave a lasting impression on potential clients and people in general. It's a pretty big investment just for that one aspect of it though.

[dtravis7]

I also agree with some of your points, but go listen to everything Steve Jobs says at the D9 conference. Cloud Computing. He predicts in 7 years Macs will very much decrease in sales and the iPad and it's predecessors will grow.

In another speech, Steve Balmer of Microsoft runs down the iPad and Jobs comments, BUT Ray Ozzie Microsofts probably successor to Balmer agreed and is totally for the PC dying and Cloud computing devices taking over. Jobs was quoted as saying the Death of the PC.

I have many uses where an iPad would be better for ME than any Netbook, but I need a real computer though for most of what I do.

[CrimsonRequiem]

I need a Cintiq for what I do, and I don't see Apple making one any time soon. >_>"

[dtravis7]

I need a Cintiq for what I do, and I don't see Apple making one any time soon. >_>"

But CR, with the iPad you just draw with your finger on the screen!

[CrimsonRequiem]

But CR, with the iPad you just draw with your finger on the screen!

That might work for finger painting but not for professional work.

[pigoo3]

Okay, so before I begin my thread (for real) I want to say 2 things.

1. Sorry if this is the wrong section. I didn't think it would fit in anywhere else.
2. I apologize if there are millions of other threads like this, but I searched w/ no success.
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I really think that these threads have covered this topic pretty well:

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/ipa...-buy-ipad.html

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/ipa...-add-ipad.html

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/ipa...ad-owners.html

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/ipa...tead-ipad.html

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/ipa...-just-fad.html

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/ipa...sing-ipad.html

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/ipa...mend-ipad.html

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/ipa...ghts-ipad.html

As you can see...this topic has been covered pretty thoroughly!

- Nick

[DarkestRitual]

You can only use Safari? Really? You can't use Opera for iPhone OS? Pretty sure you can use opera. :-P Plus if you don't see a need to buy one, don't.

By the way? The cat was already let out of the bag. Multitasking works in iphone OS 4. Due for release for the iPad this fall.

[Kevriano]

The point of the iPad is to make Apple a bundle of money, and to make people realise that they didn't know they needed it until they got one.

[CrimsonRequiem]

Isn't it their job to market things to you even if you don't need it?

[cuhnool]

Isn't it their job to market things to you even if you don't need it?

That's just about everyone's job, haha

[toMACsh]

Why would I go browsing the web on an iPad (in which I am restricted to using Safari, other than Firefox or another browser that I may like) rather than my Macbook which can multitask and is capable of so much more? The only situation i can see this usable for is if you are on vacation and want a computer with very limited capabilities to do light stuff (email, minor web browsing, etc.)

You're single, aren't you? Apple is going after a different market. Not everyone is you! I want one as a second web browser when my better half is using the Mini. I don't need the full capabilities of a more expensive MacBook. I haven't bought an iPad yet, as I'm not sure it can handle my web based e-mail. (site's problem) I tried it at
The Store, and it didn't play nice.

[bobtomay]

Note: Moved thread to appropriate forum.

Just as a side note, there are currently 5 browsers besides Safari specifically for the iPad and 10 for the iPhone which can be used. There are probably more on the way.

I happen to really enjoy my iPad. Yeah, I guess you could call me a fan of it. Fanboy though?... don't think so. Don't see me going on and on trying to convince other folks that they need one. Or posting about all the benefits of it. I own a lot of stuff. Betcha I own a whole ton of stuff that just not a whole lot of people need. The iPad is one of those.

Just exactly what is it that drives folks that don't want / don't have a need for any specific item to feel the need to go on and on about why they don't need one or what they want it to do that it doesn't? Please fill me in... I'd really like to know.

[dtravis7]

Bob, what are some of the other browsers names for the iPhone besides Safari and Opera? Just curious as I am sure you know how much I LOVE to try out new applications. I am like Van Smith in that way!

I really detest the idea of any Cloud apps but I will say that Opera on my iPhone 3g flies. It's VERY fast. It's sending the request to a cloud and then back to the iPhone, but It brings up the page much faster than Safari on the iPhone that I find myself using Opera when I am in a hurry.

The funny thing is, the iPad I used the other night at Best Buy using Safari seemed just as fast or faster with Safari as Opera is on my phone. It was very snappy.

[bobtomay]

Safari really is a pretty good browser on the iPad. It's every bit as fast as using Safari or Opera on my MBP. Don't really use FF except on my Win7 HTPC for hulu, Netflix, etc...

For the iPad you have:
Atomic Web Browser - this is quite a good alternative and the only one other one I use much since Safari and this one do pretty much everything I want while using it. Also:
A1 Perfect
iCab Mobile
IM+
CloudBrowse will let you use flash - they stream the sites from their servers - a little slow, but probably good enough for my wife to play Farmville on it.

iPhone same as above, checking the app store on my iPad and found over 15 pages of browsers at 12 per page - take your pick - some specialized, but they include:
Opera
Oceanus
Full Screen Browser
Mercury
Bolt
Perfect Browser
Full Browser