Thread: iPAD vs Tablet PC: Forget the iPAD

Originally Posted by Butterfly

Apple can't compete anymore in terms of pricing

It never was in the Apple's agenda.

^ you forget the rest of the quote

in terms of pricing and specs

Originally Posted by Wallalai

Originally Posted by Butterfly

Apple can't compete anymore in terms of pricing

It never was in the Apple's agenda.

They appear to be doing ok.

Survey: iPad steals a third of netbook shoppers | MyCE – My Consumer Electronics

Survey: iPad steals a third of netbook shoppers

There’s some truth to Apple’s prediction that the iPad would win over potential netbook buyers, according to a survey of consumers.

Retrevo, an online store and guide to consumer electronics, polled 1,000 people — not necessarily Retrevo shoppers — through an independent firm. Of all the people who thought about buying a netbook before Apple announced its tablet device in January, 30 percent of them bought an iPad instead. Four out of 10 waited for Apple’s announcement, but bought a netbook anyway, and the other 30 percent got a netbook outright.



Another pie chart from Retrevo bodes even worse for netbooks. Asked straight-up whether they were planning on getting an iPad or a netbook, 78 percent favored the former, and 22 percent favored the latter.

Here’s what Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook said after Apple introduced the iPad, according to Macworld:

“The netbook is not an experience people are going to continue wanting to have,” Cook said. “When they play with the iPad and experience the magic of using it… I have a hard time believing they’re going to go for a netbook.”

The whole “magic” thing is getting played out, but the iPad — and the tablet concept in general — brings something special to the table. It’s more portable and accessible than a netbook by virtue of its design, and the app concept works really well. With the iPad specifically, the drawback is an inability to perform certain tasks, like run Flash Web pages, transfer files or, in my case, write a blog post.

Nonetheless, between laptops and smartphones, there’s not really a lot of room for both tablets and netbooks. They’re both low-powered devices with an emphasis on Web browsing, checking e-mail and light word processing. It’s easy to justify having a laptop to do the things a tablet cannot, but four devices is really pushing it. So I don’t think Retrevo’s survey is a fluke. I’m sure we’ll see more just like it as the tablet market expands.

“The netbook is not an experience people are going to continue wanting to have,” Cook said. “When they play with the iPad and experience the magic of using it… I have a hard time believing they’re going to go for a netbook.”

Until, for example, they want to plug their phone into the USB... oh hang on.

The majority of people who are buying iPads are generally too dumb to work a netbook anyway.

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

Until, for example, they want to plug their phone into the USB... oh hang on.

Uh.... what?

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

The majority of people who are buying iPads are generally too dumb to work a netbook anyway.

Ah, the last refuse of those unable to form a cogent argument on their own - labeling the bulk of others as 'too dumb'.

Like the review said - the iPad is a computer, without any of the annoyances of most computers.

All you are showing is how you have absolutely no idea what you are talking about, not even having seen or used an iPad, yet talking purely on specs.

Specs, which, I might add, you are not very forthcoming with, when asked... unsurprisingly so...

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

The majority of people who are buying iPads are generally too dumb to work a netbook anyway.

exactly, basically AOLer, and this is a good thing for apple, it will make the average apple user even more stupid than they usually are

Like the review said - the iPad is a computer, without any of the annoyances of most computers.

yes, yes, so is my cellphone <yawn>

I still take my netbook with me for minor "annoyances" like a keyboard, USB support, flash, changeable batteries, a choice of software other than what Jobs wants me to buy, etc.

^ Alright, so you have a chip on your shoulder, and I'm glad you got that off your back.

I have said it before, and I will say it again - obviously the iPad paradigm is not for everybody. Obviously, it's not for you, and I'm very glad for that.

Unwittingly, you are entirely right about your cellphone being a computer - that's the whole point about iPhone, or iPad -- they are devices specialized for a broad range of tasks and operations, though not all of them. A netbook pretends to do them all, just not well either. A netbook has numerous compromises as well.

For all I'm concerned, iPad has replaced 80-90% of the tasks I used my Macbook laptop (not netbook) for.

Unwittingly, you are entirely right about your cellphone being a computer

There's nothing "unwittingly" about it, Daffy, so let's not try and be patronising, eh? Let's face it, the iPad is a giant iPhone.

But for checking betting odds, news headlines, etc, I don't bother firing up the netbook; any one of my smartphones can be used for that.

I use my "other computer" for things that might involve typing, syncing my hetergeneous collection of mobile phones, printing, and so on.

I fully understand why people buy iPads (including, but not limited to the numpties that just *have* to have one), but that's because their needs are limited.

I would on the other hand be interested in a similar device with netbook like functionality, if only because it will take up even less space in my hand luggage.

As I've said before, Apple may not produce the kind of devices I want - they clearly are aimed at people with limited requirements - but they do spark innovation from other manufacturers, which can only be a good thing. You will see a rake of Android, Windows and Linux compatible devices coming onto the market this year, probably cheaper and more functional that Apple's consumer-oriented device.

Let's put it this way. I've had a netbook for nearly two years now, and there's nothing I can't do on it that I can do on the iPad. The reverse is not the case.

And netbooks are cheaper, and can be upgraded.

So why would I bother with an iPad?

It's aimed at people who know nothing about computers, simple as.

Good marketing, nothing more, nothing less.

^ indeed, not sure why Quack Quack doesn't acknowledge that iPad buyers are not computer savvy, and just your regular computer retards. I am sure it will be a big success for 60 something

iPad buyers are not computer savvy

Butters, Daffy clearly does understand computers - he just can't understand that the majority of iPad owners don't, which is why it's so popular with them.

That's why it mystifies me when someone with apparent intelligence shells out 500 dollars on a giant iPhone.

It shows the genius of the Apple marketing machine.

And while Daffy is quick to agree that the iPad is a computer, Apple Computer Inc., are doing their best to try and avoid calling it that, even dropping the word from their name.

They prefer to call it something like a "paradigm shift in consumer global interaction" or some such other bullshit that their fierce defenders gobble up like a cult.

It's not. It's a giant iphone.

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

That's why it mystifies me when someone with apparent intelligence shells out 500 dollars on a giant iPhone.

that's because he is a believer, a follower, it's a cult with rules, leaders and preachers

Quack Quack is a preacher, once you understand that, you will see that his non-sense make sense

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

It's not. It's a giant iphone.

You see, it's funny - what you say with derision, in an effort to belittle, is actually the very winning feature of iPad.

To be correct, it is not a giant iPhone, it is a giant iPod Touch - iPad does not make phone calls, and does not include a camera. The point, though, is that it is exactly like a large iPod Touch, which is where its strength lies -- you can do all you can on an iPod Touch, but gain the larger screen real estate. The additional speed, and the software enhancements to come are besides the point, in this case.

I do understand very well that the iPad caters to end users who need two things:

- a device that allows them to get their tasks done simply, and quickly. The Instant on alone is a huge differentiator in this case.

- a device with the total flexibility that the app store applications for the iPad bring to the table -- while not yet as many apps as the iPhone, the iPad is getting to the point where "There's an app for that" holds true for it as well, and with the built-in feature set exploited well by creative devs, functionality keeps expanding.

Once iPhone software 4.0 settles on iPad, a lot more functionality will be unleashed.

As for Butterfly, who I assume is feverishly foaming at the mouth calling everyone who buys iPads some kind of 'retard', aside from having him on ignore, I generally pay little heed to trolls who are total failures in their own life, and who have an incessant need for attention - Scampy is another of that sort.

I appreciate you making your arguments, albeit I maintain that you do not actually understand both the business model behind Apple, and why their products are popular. Marketing only goes that far - at some point you have to deliver what you promise. Microsoft spends 7x more in R&D than Apple, and 4x more the marketing budget and effort -- yet, their actual results are simply one failure after another, because they fail to deliver. There's a reason why Microsoft's growth over the past decade has been essentially stagnant, while Apple grew something like 70-fold.

Originally Posted by The Fonz

So then should I buy a laptop or a ipad.?

I'm in the market at the mo. But donot want apple to release a new version in 12 months time cause then my 1 will be outdated

First of all, Apple will *ALWAYS* release a new product every 12 months. There's a new iPhone every June/July, just as there will be a new iPad every April/May.

That said, it depends on what it is you want to do, and what you needs are.

If you are looking for a device to primarily surf the web, remain email connected, and be connected everywhere you go, in a simple, elegant package - the iPad's for you.

Add to that, that Apple will be providing software updates that will add significant added features and capabilities to your iPad over the next 2-3 years, and you have device that allows you to retain your investment, by not being outdated by new software or hardware releases. So far, Apple has kept updating the original iPhone from 2007, until now. Software version 4.0 to be released on Monday will be the first update that will no longer support the 1st generation iPhone (yet software 3.x will keep working just fine). This may be important to you, or it may not.

If you need large hard drive storage, a webcam, etc, then iPad is not for you, and a laptop might be the better choice.

Up to you, as the saying goes, based on what you need.

Once iPhone software 4.0 settles on iPad, a lot more functionality will be unleashed.

Little or nought of which I won't be able to do on my Android smartphone, and less than I can do on my netbook.

But I can see why it does nicely for so many people, especially Americans.

Originally Posted by DaffyDuck

As for Butterfly, who I assume is feverishly foaming at the mouth calling everyone who buys iPads some kind of 'retard', aside from having him on ignore, I generally pay little heed to trolls who are total failures in their own life, and who have an incessant need for attention - Scampy is another of that sort.

keep dancing Daffy

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

But I can see why it does nicely for so many people, especially Americans.

Nice try - cute. I'm going to leave you to yourself, now.

Originally Posted by DaffyDuck

First of all, Apple will *ALWAYS* release a new product every 12 months. There's a new iPhone every June/July, just as there will be a new iPad every April/May.

That said, it depends on what it is you want to do, and what you needs are.

If you are looking for a device to primarily surf the web, remain email connected, and be connected everywhere you go, in a simple, elegant package - the iPad's for you.

Add to that, that Apple will be providing software updates that will add significant added features and capabilities to your iPad over the next 2-3 years, and you have device that allows you to retain your investment, by not being outdated by new software or hardware releases. So far, Apple has kept updating the original iPhone from 2007, until now. Software version 4.0 to be released on Monday will be the first update that will no longer support the 1st generation iPhone (yet software 3.x will keep working just fine). This may be important to you, or it may not.

If you need large hard drive storage, a webcam, etc, then iPad is not for you, and a laptop might be the better choice.

Up to you, as the saying goes, based on what you need.

Hi DDuck, thanks for your comment. I guess you are right about the new releases of product annually, always gonna happen

I have a huge collection of porn on my current harddrive and I don't want to loose that so I guess a laptop is better for me. Now I don't know whether Apple or M$ operating system! Its never easy today with technology

Originally Posted by The Fonz

Hi DDuck, thanks for your comment. I guess you are right about the new releases of product annually, always gonna happen

Plus, you will run into the same yearly product cycle with nearly all the other manufacturers -- the difference would be how they each treat their legacy customers:

- do they keep supporting a given product a given number of yours, adding features and capabilities to it, as Apple does.

- do they abandon each product when a new model comes out, leaving you to essentially have to buy the next year's product if you want a given feature - HTC is well-known to orphan prior model customers, as are nearly all current smartphone makers. The record is spotted with netbooks - some do, some don't.

Originally Posted by The Fonz

I have a huge collection of porn on my current harddrive and I don't want to loose that so I guess a laptop is better for me. Now I don't know whether Apple or M$ operating system! Its never easy today with technology

I have absolutely no problem accessing and viewing my large 'education movies' collection on my iPad, and I don't even need to carry them with me. Accessing external media is absolutely not a problem with the iPad.

If you prefer a laptop, I would simply suggest a MacBook or MacBook Pro - you will have not just well built hardware, but an operating system that will protect you from virus, malware and spyware (Macs do not have the same concerns over virus and malware issues).

In the end, it really comes down to, again, what it is you want to do, and what you need to use it for.

If you prefer a laptop, I would simply suggest a MacBook or MacBook Pro - you will have not just well built hardware, but an operating system that will protect you from virus, malware and spyware (Macs do not have the same concerns over virus and malware issues).

That's why they're good for people that don't understand computers.

^ whatever, dude.

You obviously fail to grasp the difference between unwarranted smugness, and well reasoned smugness. I applaud, you, though, for having turned a messy, virus ridden ecosystem intonsome kind of feature, or badge of merit.

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

That's why they're good for people that don't understand computers.

So what would you recommend for people that do understand them?

So what would you recommend for people that do understand them?

Making an informed choice.

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

Making an informed choice.

Nice dodge.