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A Reaction to the iPad

January 28, 2010 By

Finally released, and a bit of a letdown.

WOW.  What a letdown.  I can not believe that this was the subject of endless hype.  Here are the quick stats (if you haven’t found them somewhere else).

A4 1GHz Processor

16GB ($499), 32GB ($599), or 64GB ($699) Flash Memory

WI-FI enabled, 3G for $129.99

iPhone OS 4

20 Pin Apple Interface

1024×768 Capacitive Touchscreen

Alleged 10 hour battery (with WiFi or without? What about with 3G switched on?)

And that’s about it.  Sure it will play nice with all your iPhone apps, but not in full screen.  Sure it will play HD video, but not output via HDMI.  It’s not even widescreen.  This is supposed to be Apple’s pièce de résistance, yet is trumped by $200 Android/Ubuntu/WinCE tablets (See SmartQ V7 here).  Why is it trumped?  Similar battery life, capability to play well with others via USB-micro charging, standard USB 2.0 ports, and an HDMI port.  The iPad will require numerous dongles to interact with other devices.

To me, this is one of the greatest failings of the iPad.  Today’s devices require interaction with other devices, and not always over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.  For high speed transfers (or even using an USB stick for additional space) you will require a dongle.  For people on the road frequently, having to carry dongles is a less than attractive premise.  The iPad will require users to carry cords and dongles that do not work with any other devices (save iPod Touch or iPhones).

However, Steve Jobs and Apple definitely succeeded in some areas.  The device looks pretty cool (pretty much a giant Apple iPod Touch).  It is extremely thin, and boasts pretty good battery life.  As I wrote earlier, the battery life does have some questions.  Apple’s laptops traditionally perform extremely well in this capacity, but the iPhone 3G and 3GS did not perform as well (due to the power-sucking nature of 3G modems).  Ease of integration with your current iTunes accounts will allow you to easily transition from your current device.  Per usual, Apple’s accessories are very cool, they have multiple dongles, as well a stand to give it a keyboard.  Of course these will cost a pretty penny, around $30 for the VGA dongle, and $70 for the keyboard stand (which is oddly in portrait mode).

The Keyboard accessory allows you to easily type.

But I think they missed more than they hit.  No camera, no USB or other input capabilities, no HDMI, and very limited memory.  For a device that is supposed to enable movie watching on the go, the aspect  ratio, and small memory capabilities make that hard.  Widescreen videos (almost the only thing you can watch any more!) will have the black bars on top and bottom.  In addition, due to the resolution (1024×768), HD video (720p) will be condensed, and SD video will be stretched.  Both will put additional strain on the A4 processor.  Lastly, the pricing is strange to me.  The top end costs $839, but still only provides 64 GB of storage, and the bottom end is $499.  I don’t understand the need for the pricing scale, especially offering 6 options.

My verdict? The iPad is cool, but it’s just not there.  Many Apple consumer products have had their first release be less than perfect.  Examples are the iPhone 2G, and the 1G iPod.  Both were released in very crippled forms that were adopted primarily by Mac “fanboys” and later incarnations turned out to be game changing devices.  The iPhone 2G didn’t have MMS or high speed wireless broadband connections, it lacked a camera as well.  Eventually, Apple figured a lot of things out (not yet flash, though Adobe has figured out flash for iPhone) – and the 3GS is truly a pretty incredible device.  Personally, I don’t think I’ll ever buy an iPad, but if you have a hankering, wait for the iPad 2G, potentially w/ WiMax/4G and a better display (and a few other capabilities).  I doubt Apple will change the shape enough to add HDMI + USB ports to the body, but I wouldn’t buy it without them.

Please leave your thoughts/views on the tablet release below.

Thanks!

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About RyanKamauff

Ryan Kamauff is an ITIL-certified technology research associate with experience evaluating technologies and performing due diligence assessments on a wide variety of firms. He is a writer at CTOvision.com and a business school graduate with US Army operational experience both CONUS and in Iraq.

  • http://www.devost.net MGD

    I think you're demonstrating a failure of imagination by judging the device on specs alone. What Apple had obviously designed is an experience device that will change the way people interact with, produce, and consume content. I've played with dozens of tablet PCs that have better technical specs than the iPad, but none have provided a nice content experience.Honestly, if I were buying my nine year old a computer today, I'd probably get her an iPad instead of a PC (Mac or not) as I think the iPad is giving us insight into how we'll interact with our machines in the next decade.

    • kalimba

      MGD – yes, I recently bought my tech savvy son an Ipad for his 10th birthday and it is fascination to see how he uses it. Very creative toy, and a decent backup for me if needed.

  • ryankamauff

    Matt,Thanks for the reply. Content delivery/management is certainly Apple's forte. I agree that as a computer for a 9 year old she'd probably love her iPad – and it would fulfill all her needs. Also, I think you're right, if you already rely on iTunes/Apple for content delivery, the iPad will be perfect for you. There is the space issue, but I foresee an iPad docking station w/ HDMI, hard disk space, and Ethernet that will allow you to fit the iPad into your home entertainment system (perhaps use it for Netflix OnDemand video viewing?). But what if you don't rely on Apple's infrastructure for content delivery? Apple often doesn't let others in through their content delivery system, marrying you to their system and their infrastructure. Also, the lack of external connection slots seems absolutely ridiculous. For HD geeks like myself, HDMI is the greatest thing possible. I need only 1 cable where previously I needed 4 (YPbPr component + Digital Audio). If it is truly supposed to be a multimedia consumption device, what if I want to consume on my HDTV, with 5.1 (or 7.1) surround sound? Do I need a dock or a dongle? What is so wrong with just having a port. Furthermore, almost all video content created today is displayed in 16:9 contrast ratio. It may not sound like a big deal, but a lack of widescreen means that watching HD video on the iPad's 9.7" inch screen would be the same size as watching those videos on a smaller screen.Looking at the specs, you have to use imagination to see what they enable/disable. In my mind, the iPad's spec's disable more than they enable (no Skype videochat?). I firmly believe the iPad can become what everyone wants it to be, but I think iPad v1 is only a step in the direction.

    • ryankamauff

      Matt,Thanks for the reply. Content delivery/management is certainly Apple's forte. I agree that as a computer for a 9 year old she'd probably love her iPad – and it would fulfill all her needs. Also, I think you're right, if you already rely on iTunes/Apple for content delivery, the iPad will be perfect for you. There is the space issue, but I foresee an iPad docking station w/ HDMI, hard disk space, and Ethernet that will allow you to fit the iPad into your home entertainment system (perhaps use it for Netflix OnDemand video viewing?). But what if you don't rely on Apple's infrastructure for content delivery? Apple often doesn't let others in through their content delivery system, marrying you to their system and their infrastructure. Also, the lack of external connection slots seems absolutely ridiculous. For HD geeks like myself, HDMI is the greatest thing possible. I need only 1 cable where previously I needed 4 (YPbPr component + Digital Audio). If it is truly supposed to be a multimedia consumption device, what if I want to consume on my HDTV, with 5.1 (or 7.1) surround sound? Do I need a dock or a dongle? What is so wrong with just having a port. Furthermore, almost all video content created today is displayed in 16:9 contrast ratio. It may not sound like a big deal, but a lack of widescreen means that watching HD video on the iPad's 9.7" inch screen would be the same size as watching those videos on a smaller screen.Looking at the specs, you have to use imagination to see what they enable/disable. In my mind, the iPad's spec's disable more than they enable (no Skype videochat?). I firmly believe the iPad can become what everyone wants it to be, but I think iPad v1 is only a step in the direction.

  • cbandler

    If considering a device for a 9 year old, why not a netbook? What does the iPad bring to the table beyond the "slick" factor and UI?

  • ryankamauff

    Matt, don't most think AppleTV is not a successful product? I haven't found very many users of it, and of those I've found they did not exactly have glowing reviews. You can't replace lots of hard disk space (like the Apple TV has) with a little flash memory unless given dedicated broadband and powerful subscription service.Since the XBOX 360 and PS3 have become streaming content powerhouses (particularly with Windows 7 + Netflix) the AppleTV has become less and less desirable. In addition, if I have a powerful media consumption device, why must it only be useful on the go? If Apple is going to cripple their products, just to make sure you buy more of them I think that they will lose a lot of customers. A wireless dock would be possible as well, allowing me to use the tablet from the seat to control the HDTV etc.In response to the machine being a display/consumption device, the display is so crippled by resolution ratio/aspect/size that I can't imagine using it other than on the road. If it is such, aren't there many PMPs that provide similar services for less money?

  • http://www.devost.net MGD

    I think you’re demonstrating a failure of imagination by judging the device on specs alone. What Apple had obviously designed is an experience device that will change the way people interact with, produce, and consume content. I’ve played with dozens of tablet PCs that have better technical specs than the iPad, but none have provided a nice content experience.

    Honestly, if I were buying my nine year old a computer today, I’d probably get her an iPad instead of a PC (Mac or not) as I think the iPad is giving us insight into how we’ll interact with our machines in the next decade.

    • Anonymous

      Matt,

      Thanks for the reply. Content delivery/management is certainly Apple’s forte. I agree that as a computer for a 9 year old she’d probably love her iPad – and it would fulfill all her needs. Also, I think you’re right, if you already rely on iTunes/Apple for content delivery, the iPad will be perfect for you. There is the space issue, but I foresee an iPad docking station w/ HDMI, hard disk space, and Ethernet that will allow you to fit the iPad into your home entertainment system (perhaps use it for Netflix OnDemand video viewing?). But what if you don’t rely on Apple’s infrastructure for content delivery? Apple often doesn’t let others in through their content delivery system, marrying you to their system and their infrastructure. Also, the lack of external connection slots seems absolutely ridiculous.

      For HD geeks like myself, HDMI is the greatest thing possible. I need only 1 cable where previously I needed 4 (YPbPr component + Digital Audio). If it is truly supposed to be a multimedia consumption device, what if I want to consume on my HDTV, with 5.1 (or 7.1) surround sound? Do I need a dock or a dongle? What is so wrong with just having a port. Furthermore, almost all video content created today is displayed in 16:9 contrast ratio. It may not sound like a big deal, but a lack of widescreen means that watching HD video on the iPad’s 9.7″ inch screen would be the same size as watching those videos on a smaller screen.

      Looking at the specs, you have to use imagination to see what they enable/disable. In my mind, the iPad’s spec’s disable more than they enable (no Skype videochat?). I firmly believe the iPad can become what everyone wants it to be, but I think iPad v1 is only a step in the direction.

    • Anonymous

      If considering a device for a 9 year old, why not a netbook? What does the iPad bring to the table beyond the “slick” factor and UI?

  • http://www.devost.net MGD

    Cbandler, I’d rather her learn to interface with the machine via the tablet as I feel that is how we’ll mostly interface with devices in the future (secondary to verbal interaction). Five years ago, I did all of my computing via a touch interface. I had no tactile keys, no mouse, just a slick pad under my fingers and it really gave me a feel for the future of interface design. With the iPad, I think Apple and other manufacturers will start moving towards this type of interface design on future devices, just like so many devices have started moving to touch for smart phones.

    Ryan, I think the vision is that this device is the display/consumption machine. It would be like saying you want HDMI out on your web enabled HDTV. I think eventually you’ll see a blending of AppleTV and iPad capabilities, but for now they are two distinct consumption platforms. The AppleTV gets your content on the big screen and the iPad is where you consume that content on the go. If the iPad had HDMI, you wouldn’t need an AppleTV and I don’t see Apple unifying those platforms this soon, but eventually it is inevitable.

    • Anonymous

      Matt, don’t most think AppleTV is not a successful product? I haven’t found very many users of it, and of those I’ve found they did not exactly have glowing reviews. You can’t replace lots of hard disk space (like the Apple TV has) with a little flash memory unless given dedicated broadband and powerful subscription service.

      Since the XBOX 360 and PS3 have become streaming content powerhouses (particularly with Windows 7 + Netflix) the AppleTV has become less and less desirable. In addition, if I have a powerful media consumption device, why must it only be useful on the go? If Apple is going to cripple their products, just to make sure you buy more of them I think that they will lose a lot of customers. A wireless dock would be possible as well, allowing me to use the tablet from the seat to control the HDTV etc.

      In response to the machine being a display/consumption device, the display is so crippled by resolution ratio/aspect/size that I can’t imagine using it other than on the road. If it is such, aren’t there many PMPs that provide similar services for less money?

  • http://www.devost.net MGD

    Cbandler, I'd rather her learn to interface with the machine via the tablet as I feel that is how we'll mostly interface with devices in the future (secondary to verbal interaction). Five years ago, I did all of my computing via a touch interface. I had no tactile keys, no mouse, just a slick pad under my fingers and it really gave me a feel for the future of interface design. With the iPad, I think Apple and other manufacturers will start moving towards this type of interface design on future devices, just like so many devices have started moving to touch for smart phones.Ryan, I think the vision is that this device is the display/consumption machine. It would be like saying you want HDMI out on your web enabled HDTV. I think eventually you'll see a blending of AppleTV and iPad capabilities, but for now they are two distinct consumption platforms. The AppleTV gets your content on the big screen and the iPad is where you consume that content on the go. If the iPad had HDMI, you wouldn't need an AppleTV and I don't see Apple unifying those platforms this soon, but eventually it is inevitable.

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  • http://ctovision.com ctovision

    Ian, Just for the record, Ryan wrote that post, not me, but I have to back him up on this. I don't think either Ryan or I want to be too harsh, but Apple is so very capable a player, and, like you, seeing that video was left out of the first edition is a bit of a let down. Maybe I watch too much sci-fi, but I was hoping for a much more capable device. Imagine if there was a camera on the front and on the back. Then you could do VTC but could also do amazing augmented reality sessions with something big enough to give you a window full of data in your AR views. Anyway, just because this version is a let down to many doesn't mean there is not hope for the next one.

  • http://www.asterdata.com/ Ian Andrews

    Bob,

    I’m surprised to see you call this a disappointment. I’ll agree that the omission of a camera seems odd (I was hoping for video chat capability) and the video out requiring a dongle is less than optimal, but on the whole I think this is a major step forward in mobile computing. I’ve had an iPhone3G for about a year now and I’ve gotten to the point where most days I can be out of the office with that device is my only means of connectivity. The exception being when I need to deliver a presentation or do heavy word processing spreadsheet editing. The iPad delivers this last capability with iWork specially designed for the touch screen environment.

    Obviously I haven’t gotten hands on with the device to see how usable the near full screen keyboard is for true touch typing, but if it is half as good as Steve Jobs claims I think I’m sold on this device.

    • http://ctovision.com Bob Gourley

      Ian,

      Just for the record, Ryan wrote that post, not me, but I have to back him up on this. I don’t think either Ryan or I want to be too harsh, but Apple is so very capable a player, and, like you, seeing that video was left out of the first edition is a bit of a let down.

      Maybe I watch too much sci-fi, but I was hoping for a much more capable device. Imagine if there was a camera on the front and on the back. Then you could do VTC but could also do amazing augmented reality sessions with something big enough to give you a window full of data in your AR views.

      Anyway, just because this version is a let down to many doesn’t mean there is not hope for the next one.

  • http://www.perituspower.com/ Lee Harrison

    Completely agree. Most new Apple products are reviewed by Apple before release to make sure they still hit the mark they were conception-ally designed to hit. I wonder what went wrong here. Lack of a camera is a big miss, virtually all mobile devices today have a camera, Steve Jobs also added it is compatible with most apps, what apps wont work is what I would want to know before parting with the cash. Some in the UK see it as way into the e-book, The UK VAT rate on books delivered to the UK is 0%, but under EU VAT legislation certain Books items (such as audio books and e-Books) are not eligible for 0% VAT and in those cases the standard VAT rate of 17.5% will apply. This could also mean a big miss for Apple.

  • http://www.perituspower.com/ Lee Harrison

    Completely agree. Most new Apple products are reviewed by Apple before release to make sure they still hit the mark they were conception-ally designed to hit. I wonder what went wrong here. Lack of a camera is a big miss, virtually all mobile devices today have a camera, Steve Jobs also added it is compatible with most apps, what apps wont work is what I would want to know before parting with the cash. Some in the UK see it as way into the e-book, The UK VAT rate on books delivered to the UK is 0%, but under EU VAT legislation certain Books items (such as audio books and e-Books) are not eligible for 0% VAT and in those cases the standard VAT rate of 17.5% will apply. This could also mean a big miss for Apple.

  • http://www.asterdata.com/ Ian Andrews

    Bob,I'm surprised to see you call this a disappointment. I'll agree that the omission of a camera seems odd (I was hoping for video chat capability) and the video out requiring a dongle is less than optimal, but on the whole I think this is a major step forward in mobile computing. I've had an iPhone3G for about a year now and I've gotten to the point where most days I can be out of the office with that device is my only means of connectivity. The exception being when I need to deliver a presentation or do heavy word processing spreadsheet editing. The iPad delivers this last capability with iWork specially designed for the touch screen environment. Obviously I haven't gotten hands on with the device to see how usable the near full screen keyboard is for true touch typing, but if it is half as good as Steve Jobs claims I think I'm sold on this device.

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