It's coming....
 

Anyone getting one this weekend?

And here's an interesting indicator of market adoption:
And an iPad in Every Backpack - Media Decoder Blog - NYTimes.com

The chatter now includes a double-resolution screen, support for wireless-N, and a front-facing camera. Also it's expected to be based on the same Apple-designed chipset the iPad rocks. Word is that a CDMA-based iPhone might be coming later this summer, which would be available on Verizon and Sprint.

This is all rumor, of course--hard to know what's true and what's pure speculation, in the run-up to an Apple release.

Mine shipped out from CN a couple of days ago...
Yep. Supposed to be here by Saturday.
We'll see.

Wow, nice, ART.

I'd like to hear your initial impressions. Will you write us up a review?

Flash will probably not be added to the iPad any time soon. Apple has issues with Adobe. That said, html5 is supposed to be the next big thing and the iPad does support that.


I hear T-mobile is definitely getting the iPhone. I've also heard Verizon is as well but I find that a little harder to believe seeing as it requires them to change hardware. It seems like the most likely scenario is that the iPhone will become unlocked so that you can use it on any carrier.

Now as far as the iPad is concerned: I can't wait! :)
I figure, if it can surf the web, watch movies, and view photos from my camera, I can definitely use it. I recently sold my Apple laptop because it was just too big and bulky. All I really did on it was surf the internet and take it on the occasional plane ride. I also just replaced my iPhone, (it was great although At&t was terrible) but the screen was just too small to sit on the couch and browse the internet. I've been an Apple person for a long time so I've learned that with Apple products it kind of goes like this: it may not do everything but what it does, it does very well.

I will be standing in line at my local Best Buy when they open. I figure I have a better shot there then at an Apple store and it's a little late now to preorder.

Oh and Gizmodo has a nice summary of some reviews here: First iPad Reviews Are In - Apple ipad review - Gizmodo

Baraka_Guru...for whatever it's worth, sure, I'll type out a few impressions from my minimally relevant point of view.

I had a dream last night that I really really wanted an iPad.

Then I woke up and realized.... I DO really really want an iPad.

Consumers aren't the only ones whipped up into a frenzy....
 

It appears that the run-up to the release of the iPad tomorrow has caused excitable consumers and media companies alike.

Media players set to climb atop iPad's platform - The Globe and Mail

Television, newspapers, and magazines are realigning their business models and distribution channels in response to the iPad. It isn't entirely new; they've been thinking about online content and content for mobile devices for years.

However, some critics and analysts are saying the iPad will be a game-changer, bringing the best of all worlds.

Some highlights from the article:

• CBS and ABC have worked out deals to make their shows available for free on the iPad.
• The New York Times is one of the first newspapers to have an app for daily publishing, plus an iPad-coded website.
• Five of the biggest magazine publishers in the States are collaborating on a project called Next Issue Media to create a “digital storefront.”

it's chindogu - got the whole wide web in my hands
 

First feel of the iPad here in my hands.

Slippery...a whole new thing to get used to holding in my hand.

More later...

Nice. For some reason I have more scale with you standing with it. I think that's a mental image.

Very nice. Let us know how TFP looks on it. :)

It is chindōgu, but I mean that in a good way!

Don't drop it!

Apparently this uses a non-standard USB port which only lets the iPad charge via the all adapter (sold by Apple) or a mac. It won't charge on your PC....

Once again apple is trying to lock their customers into their products. I don't think I will ever by an apple product, they have become incredibly evil and anti-competitive.

According to Apple, it uses USB 2.0, and is compatible with Mac OS X and Windows. It would be kinda silly of them to not make this compatible with PCs, considering the size of the market.

Also, I don't understand the connection to being proprietary and being anti-competitive. It's not a new concept.

Handles like a dream. Much faster than the iPod Touch/iPhone. Apps are highly responsive, and iBooks is outstanding (built-in dictionary ftw). Seems to work just as well as Safari on my Mac, actually. TFP looks great.

Posted from the iPad.

Being 2.0 complaint only means it can communicate over 2.0, it doesn't mean it will charge over it:

Apple iPad charging woes: USB hubs, non-Macs and weak ports not rejuvenating -- Engadget

---------- Post added at 12:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:32 AM ----------

Some people on mac's are reporting theirs won't charge either, in particular if they are running windows on their mac...

Ah, apparently it was designed to be charged using a wall plug. It comes with a 10W USB Power Adapter.

And the battery must be a beast compared to the iPod Classic, if you compare the stats (6 hours of video playback for the iPod vs. 10 hours for the iPad).

---------- Post added at 08:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:47 PM ----------

Nice. How do you find the keyed input?

The keypad most certainly is a step up from the iPhone/iTouch. I didn't realize how much the size effected accuracy and speed. It's performance seems to be faster, too, but that could just be my happier fingers.

You guys are killing me. I'm a technophile and I don't want one of this. I don't even own an apple product.

I just put out to pasture a Lifesaver iMac and a Wallstreet Powerbook. There's still a Mac somewhere in the living room.

HTML5 is not very good. A mild reproduction of flash and does an even worse job of compression. Flash works best due to it's ability to compress. That's the reason it's so fast.

And it's not at all hard or expensive to change the hardware in the phones.

It's not that Apple doesn't want to change the hardware; they just don't want to use Flash.

And it looks like they won't need to.

Apple - iPad-ready websites

I know somebody who bought one and I'm so glad I didn't buy into it. It's just a toy. It's absolutely not a netbook replacement. I'll be waiting for the HP Slate or the Microsoft Courier (which I hope is actually made, it looks ridiculously amazing).

Anyone who called this a netbook replacement was a liar and a fiend. It's not a netbook, it's an ereader with more functionality. You have a desktop for serious computer things and then have an iPad for when you're out and about. Netbooks don't even make sense, they're just really cheap, shitty laptops.

Well, Steve Jobs at the unveiling said, of netbooks, "They're not better at laptops than anything, they're just cheaper." That to me sounds like he's calling out the netbook market. If it was touted as a better ereader I wouldn't have had a problem, I would have still thought it was a poor replacement but at least that's a good comparison. an ereader with an LED screen? Oh man, my eyes.

Getting any sort of functionality out of the iPad's keyboard other than typing a very short email or a website address is not fun.

I agree that netbooks are a pretty dumb idea but lots of people bought into that idea and netbooks do a hell of a lot more than the iPad.

As I said, the HP Slate or the Courier seem to be much stronger products.

Why is that? They look essentially the same.

because it's a full PC versus a giant iPhone.

The Slate has a full operating system (Windows 7) which is a must to me, USB, webcam, ability to multitask, memory card reader, and is cheaper. No word on storage space though.

The Courier just looks amazing. I don't know much about the Courier but the video in this article makes me squeal with glee haha.

Switched On: Courier courts the creative -- Engadget

Ah, I see now. Fair enough.

But if I wanted a full PC/operating system, I'd get a regular computer (i.e. a laptop or desktop).

You CALL yourself a technophile, you mean, Xerx.

I went and fondled one in the store yesterday. S'nice. The keyboard does okay, it would take some getting used to, but the iPhone keypad took some getting used to too, and I'm acceptably quick on that these days.

It's FAST. I'm used to some UI lag on my iPhone 3G. NONE on the iPad. Screen rotation is basically instant. That new processor is the deal, evidently.

What didn't I love? Well, it was warm. The demo units were pretty much in constant use from when the store opened to when I got there about 5pm, and it was a warm day, and both I and the guy at the demo bench next to me noticed the back of it got warm to the touch. Not uncomfortably so, but it sort of counters the illusion of this pristine slab of aluminum with a cool glass screen.

I also didn't quite know how to hold it--standing at the bench, I had to set it down for any two-handed operation (typing, for instance). I don't know how I'd do that if I were standing with it somewhere. But I guess its main use case is the lap on the couch, so maybe that's not such a thing.

It is a new user experience. People will find new ways to use it and what it does...essentially bring the Net and intimate computing into one's hands and lap in a closer way. It will be heavily accessorized and it will evolve along with its accessories.

Exactly. I already have one of those. But I could also use a small, elegant, easy to use device to put the internet in my lap. I imagine that Safari would be my most-used app on the iPad by a very long shot.

I would rather have it all in one device. Isn't this the argument people made against smart phones? "Oh I already have a phone and an mp3 player and a laptop, why would I want this iPhone?" It's much nicer to have everything in one device than several little niche devices. This device doesn't even do typing well, like I said in my first post, it's a pain in the ass to type anything longer than a text message length email. Reviews say that if you want to do anything other than that with it, then you should probably buy the dock. Wow, not only is a niche device but its claims of being super portable for on the go use only holds true if you don't plan on using it as a productivity tool. I'll pass, thanks.

Someone can't be a technophile and not want a product from a company that is insistent on dumbing down technology to the level of reality TV shows? :rolleyes:

The fact that it's better doesn't matter. Apple doesn't like adobe.

Ding ding.

Okay, I went to best buy yesterday at 9 am and I had no problem getting a 64gb iPad, in fact they had plenty. No cases though, I'll have to go back for that.

So far I really like it. Of course it's not perfect and it doesn't do everything but it's great for browsing the web and playing games. I haven't gotten the camera connection kit but I intend to use that for photo shoots since this is after all property of my company.

My main complaint with the keyboard is that the apostrophe is not easily accessible. Other than that it's easy enough to type on except i'm use to resting my fingers on the keys. I already have a bluetooth keyboard that works well so I'm not concerned.

The html5, while not that best thing in the world, does work for streaming videos but it's easy to format movies for it that you download as well.

Oh and I've heard people complain that they don't know how to hold it but I haven't had that problem. I've been using my legs or pillows while sitting and resting it on my forearm while standing. You can do everything with one hand fairly easily, except of course typing. I hope that provides some insight for you guys. If you're a techie that has to be able to do everything at once this isn't for you but I think many people will love it.

(typed on an iPad)

It irks me that you'd say that with such confidence and the problem is, that's completely true. Tech companies have more than often refused to abide by the law of the land which is UPGRADE UP!!!

Yep. I'm not supporting Apple on this subject but I also have no intention of switching back to PCs. Unfortunately, it looks like Apple will not be changing it's position any time soon.

I don't consider anything less than a laptop as a productivity tool.

I view the iPad and tablet computers in general as consumption tools.

I have an iPad Touch; it's for music, podcasts, audiobooks, and the occasional app, such as weather, calendar, contacts, news headlines, etc.

I have a cell phone...for telephone calls.

The only thing I'd want an iPad for is music, video, browsing the net, several simple apps (generally for receiving information), and the occasional nonfiction book.

The last thing I'd want to use it (or a tablet computer) for is productivity. I'd rather use a real keyboard for work-related projects. Having to attach a keyboard and mouse to a tablet device, and especially having to set it up on some kind of dock or whatever, kinda defeats the purpose for me. It's like trying to turn a tablet device into a laptop. So I think I'll just stick with a laptop. I don't see myself doing what I do for a living on a virtual keyboard. I need a real keyboard and mouse. I need to sit for long periods of time, preferably at a desk with an upright screen of a reasonable size.

I used to dream of an all-in-one device. But I've come to the conclusion that it will be a long time before we see one that's extremely satisfactory. In the meantime, I'll take a few multifunctional devices.

---------- Post added at 01:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:16 AM ----------

It's not about "upgrading" or "keeping up with the times." If you want to know what specifically Apple doesn't like about Adobe Flash, consider this, which is what Jobs said about it recently at one of Apple's "Town Hall Meetings":

They are lazy. They have all this potential to do interesting things but they just refuse to do it. They don’t do anything with the approaches that Apple is taking, like Carbon. Apple does not support Flash because it is so buggy. Whenever a Mac crashes more often than not it’s because of Flash. No one will be using Flash, the world is moving to HTML5.

Steve Jobs Unleashes His Fury During Town Hall Meeting

Also consider that security is another issue:
Adobe - Security bulletins and advisories
Expert says Adobe Flash policy is risky
Adobe Could Be Your Security Weakest Link - PCWorld Business Center

The problem is that these are all strawmans. Flash crashes so much and is such a security hole because it is so ubiquitous. There are millions of programmers around the world using or trying to use the language and some of them are simply better at doing it than others. Flash is enough more complicated that people are going to screw up and cause errors and crashes. If html5 achieves the same degree of success as flash, we're going to run into the same problem all over again.

Apple's making a mistake, and they're hiding behind bad reasons for that mistake with justifications that don't make any sense in the big picture. Alas, it's a waste of breath. They've made their choice. I just hope the market innovates a solution, either by forcing apple to recant or by forcing the rest of the world to adopt an equivalent or better standard.

I agree it will be hard to get an all in one device that is satisfactory but I can dream can't I? haha. The Courier is biggest hope.

Definitely. And I know personally, consumption is probably 80% of my usage profile. Including the kind of consumption that includes typing "Definitely. And consumption is...". I could very easily see myself contributing bits of text like this on an iPad keyboard. I'm not going to type a dissertation on it, most likely, but it's sort of ideal for the kind of consumption I mostly do.

This is the case for me as well. I have a 24" Imac that I can use for producing things. The ipad is just something a little easier for the consumption side of things. This morning for instance I sat down at my iMac and worked on my company's finance database and the emailed logo files off to my designer after adding notes via Illustrator. There's no way I would attempt to use an ipad for those things. But now I am browsing the Internet and sitting on the couch so I pulled the ipad out.

By the way for those people out there thinking about getting an iPad or who have already gotten on but not a case: I really do not like the Apple case. The seam on the edges is annoying and it gets dirty and scratched really easily . The concept is good though, I'm hoping someone puts out a better version soon.

When does the fully fledged New York Times app come out? The Editor's Choice thing is tiny, though well put together.

BTW, you must download Netflix for iPad right now. It's out of this world.

OK so, yesterday I was at the mall and accidentally, yeah, it was totally by chance, I found myself in an apple store and I decided to fondle one of these. What can I say, it was great. The display was incredible. It's definition was exceptional. The response was not lagging. I am, however, afraid of what happens after it gets old. I had an iPod a while back that I got rid of because it's UI became slow.

I see this in my somewhat near future.

The iPad case arrived today. It changes the device because the device itself is adaptable. New additions to it alter it.

The case changes how it feels in the hand and how it is intimately held and used. All that is very significant. This will happen a great deal. Accessories will evolve. There will be preferred accessories that extend the tablet's usefulness in ways that are commonly accepted and appreciated.

I'll use it with this case for a few days and see how it goes...

I'd rather decide for myself, and I don't like the vibe that this thing is a front door to an Apple store, a device built just to sell me stuff. I mean I have my OWN MP3 collection and I don't want the coupon for Rhapsody that came with my Sansa player and I don't want software that just leads me to a store. I'd rather surf for what I want on my own.

you characterise taking your laptop everywhere as a chore, dragging it here and there, how long would it be til you drag the pad here and there dragging that damn pad to the kitchen again !
why would it be such a joy to drag this thing everywhere instead of a slightly larger device ? sounds to me like a kid making excused to buy a new toy and not any real reason to own it. if you don't want to be burdened by trendy electronics never needed by anyone in human history, well just let them all go.

no offence, just sayin ya know.

not that I know anything but I thought Apple and Adobe were like two peas in a pod, after all Adobe is all about art creation and everybody knows Macs are the panacea of creativity and intuitive art creation (not imho)
whut up wit dat ? whut up wit dat !? oooooweee ! whut up wit dat ? whut up wit dat ?!

What's the big deal? The iPad is a underperforming microcosm of a tablet computer. Big deal. Mac fans will love it. Hardcore pc users will not. 'nuff said.

The iPad will never be able to do anything more than Apple wants it to. Which is why I don't own one. But it is also why my roommate does own one. To each his own. There will always be a new gadget for the rest of us to blow our money on that we don't really need.

for HTML5 sympathizers, go here just to see how cumbersome implementing new software conventions is.

Writing this from the SoHo Apple store on an iPad. I find it a bit heavy in the hand after a few minutes and typing this isn't Horrible but I'm hunting and pecking instead of touch typing.

It is a sexy piece of hardware but find the net book a bit. More comfortable in comparison...

Sent from an iPad

Same.

I don't like the fact that they can charge almost 1000$ for a fully loaded iPad (maybe even more with tax & accessories/basic apps) then tell you what you can and can't do with it, despite it being technologically capable.


Everytime Jobs comes out with a new product I want to build another PC for my home in defiance, right now I think I'll be happy with an android phone instead.

My boss brought an iPad back from New York. I've had a chance to briefly play with it. I like the size and weight of the device but it's the interface that changes everything. I really want one now but would be willing to wait until the android powered units hit the market.

Well, you can stop hoping that Courier will cure what ails....


Microsoft Cancels Courier Tablet

• By Priya Ganapati http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/wp-co...s/envelope.gif
• April 29, 2010 |
• 4:36 pm |
• Categories: Media Players

http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/ga..._o-660x495.jpg
Microsoft’s dual screen prototype Courier tablet project is dead, even before it could make it out of the company’s research labs.
Microsoft has reportedly canceled internal work on the tablet, says Gizmodo. Gizmodo had initially revealed the Courier as a project that Microsoft has been working on. The tablet was said to have two screen, fold like a book and include a touchscreen display and a stylus. But the Courier never made it outside the pages of the blog.
Microsoft did not ever publicly announce the device or show it at conferences.
PC makers have offered slates and convertible notebooks for nearly a decade, and they’ve never caught on. But now, a new generation of attractively designed and low-priced screens are looking to lure in consumers. Apple’s iPad is leading this category and Apple has sold more than 500,000 iPads. Meanwhile, other companies such as Dell and HP are working on introducing tablets.
Microsoft’s Courier was never seen as a viable competitor largely because the device never truly went beyond the vaporware stage. Microsoft did not specifically comment about Courier’s future but Frank Shaw, corporate vice president of communications at Microsoft says Courier will have a legacy.
“It’s in Microsoft’s DNA to continually develop and incubate new technologies to foster productivity and creativity,” he said in an e-mailed statement. “The Courier project is an example of this type of effort and its technologies will be evaluated for use in future Microsoft offerings.”


Read More Microsoft Cancels Courier Tablet | Gadget Lab | Wired.com

For what it's worth, I've used both Android phones and Iphones and I have to say that I much prefer iphones. As nice as it is to be freed from all of Apple's restrictions, the Androids just don't run with the same ease and speed. I'm not as impressed with the Android OS as I thought I would be.

Oh and last I heard the Courier is not going to be an option in the future. http://gizmodo.com/5527442/microsoft...tablet-project

Well, it's interesting.

Apple has sold 1 million iPads already, and all within the first month. That's in half the time it took to sell 1 million iPhones. All I can say is, "Wow."

One analyst is predicting that Apple will rake in $1 billion in iPad sales by June. In case you haven't realized yet, that's just around the corner.

The Courier has been canceled :(

AND by then there will be a new iPhone.

I'm holding off on the iPad for the time being, but I'm re-upping on the iPhone (from my poor old 3G with the cracked screen) pretty much the minute the refresh is out.

Aaaaand, since i just started a new job, in a few months my financial situation might render it just too tempting to quit holding off on the iPad....

Which is so sad. It made the iPad look like the ridiculous toy that it is. :(

If people figure out how to have windows 7 installed on the iPad without it being tethered then it might be worth buying. but until then, meh.

The only reason I'd currently want a tablet is for a digital journal to take notes on. I'm working on my PhD in computer science and am thus always doing research on pads of paper. A digital journal would be awesome for consolidating and logging my thoughts. However, in order for a digital journal to be useful it has to allow pen input with a fine point. I'm not going to take notes and draw pictures with my finger...

Exactly. I'm working on my PhD in Organic Chemistry and would love to have something like the Courier to keep my thoughts and research organized. The iPad just doesn't even come close to cutting it in that aspect.