Discussion
James_N said:
I think it must be me! I've just had a quick look on apple's website at some of the apps.
Iplayer app - why? why not just go to bbc.co.uk\iplayer?
Social netowrking apps - they have websites too, why not just load safari and browse to them?
trip advisor - has a website, why do you need to download an app for it?
it seems pointless and expensive.
People say they listen to music on it? but why? surely an ipod is a better device if you want to listen to music? its more portable too.
I need educating!
So educate yourself. Iplayer app - why? why not just go to bbc.co.uk\iplayer?
Social netowrking apps - they have websites too, why not just load safari and browse to them?
trip advisor - has a website, why do you need to download an app for it?
it seems pointless and expensive.
People say they listen to music on it? but why? surely an ipod is a better device if you want to listen to music? its more portable too.
I need educating!
TheHeretic said:
So educate yourself.
I was hoping owners would enlighten me, as there seems to be plenty in this thread. Ive read lots about them, played on them and I still cant see why they are so much better than my laptop, when they can do less, have less storage, no dvd / cd drive, no usb ports, yet cost AT LEAST 400 more!James_N said:
I was hoping owners would enlighten me, as there seems to be plenty in this thread. Ive read lots about them, played on them and I still cant see why they are so much better than my laptop, when they can do less, have less storage, no dvd / cd drive, no usb ports, yet cost AT LEAST 400 more!
Been done before to death on many other threads. You are happy with your laptop, so why even concern yourself? As I said, have a look at the apps available, and you will then see what is possible. James_N said:
I think it must be me! I've just had a quick look on apple's website at some of the apps.
Iplayer app - why? why not just go to bbc.co.uk\iplayer?
Social netowrking apps - they have websites too, why not just load safari and browse to them?
trip advisor - has a website, why do you need to download an app for it?
it seems pointless and expensive.
People say they listen to music on it? but why? surely an ipod is a better device if you want to listen to music? its more portable too.
I need educating!
Well, there's around a half-million applications, so perhaps the three you've selected aren't the best possible fit for what you want to do.Iplayer app - why? why not just go to bbc.co.uk\iplayer?
Social netowrking apps - they have websites too, why not just load safari and browse to them?
trip advisor - has a website, why do you need to download an app for it?
it seems pointless and expensive.
People say they listen to music on it? but why? surely an ipod is a better device if you want to listen to music? its more portable too.
I need educating!
But, as you say, you think it's pointless and expensive, and the tens of millions of people who have bought one are completely wrong and misguided.
Now, I'm not an expert, but I'm willing to bet a pint that they're not all wrong.
I've bought one because I want to read my e-books whilst I'm working away (saves lugging paperbacks around), and go on the internet on my own device rather than a work one, and play a few games, and play with maps, and do it all on a screen a good bit bigger than my phone, and on a device with a massive battery life, without the size and weight of a laptop.
(You can happily pop an iPad on a restaurant table and read whilst eating. A laptop is a good bit less wieldy)
TheHeretic said:
Been done before to death on many other threads. You are happy with your laptop, so why even concern yourself?
Because i'm amazed at the hype when a new apple product is released. Yes i'm happy with my laptop, but as i say, im not being difficult or trolling. I just want to know whats so brilliant about them.CommanderJameson said:
(You can happily pop an iPad on a restaurant table and read whilst eating. A laptop is a good bit less wieldy)
Do you put it on a stand or anything? surely looking down all the time when reading it on a table would be a pain in the neck? literally!James_N said:
Because i'm amazed at the hype when a new apple product is released. Yes i'm happy with my laptop, but as i say, im not being difficult or trolling. I just want to know whats so brilliant about them.
Light, instant on, good size, easy to carry about, good screen, very good battery, no maintainence, s
tloads of apps allowing you do do all sorts of things, etc, and so on, blah blah. 
James_N said:
Because i'm amazed at the hype when a new apple product is released. Yes i'm happy with my laptop, but as i say, im not being difficult or trolling. I just want to know whats so brilliant about them.
They're nice to handle, look at, and use.They're also drop-dead easy to buy. There's 2 or 3 models of any given Apple product, generally differentiated on screen size or capacity, and you choose the colour, size and capacity you want. Compare and contrast with something like Dell. You go to look at Inspiron laptops, and there's 4 to choose from. Haha, fooled you. That's 4 families of Inspirons. So you click on the cheapest one, and all of a sudden there's 6 different products with 3 different processors, 4 different capacity disks, 2 screen sizes, etc etc. All-in-all, there are 22 different Inspirons to choose from, before you start customising. Apple have a grand total of 5 MacBook Pro models; 2 13-inch, 2 15-inch, and a 17. There are two MacBook Airs, the 11 and 13 inch models, each of which comes in two speeds. There are fewer models of Apple laptop altogether than there are in just one of Dell's product lines (they also have XPS, Latitude and AlienWare laptops).
(Also, guess whose website is much easier to figure out?)
Ridiculously simple. You'd think that all the consumer electronics companies would have twigged, but apparently not so. They're obsessed with segmentation. Dell is one example of this. HP is segmentation taken to the extreme. 30 models, and that's excluding "ultrabooks".
My work Dell laptop, for example, is a ghastly bit of shonky designed-down-to-a-price tat compared to the equivalent MacBook, even though it's got a similar processor and storage capacity.
Edited by CommanderJameson on Sunday 18th March 20:21
CommanderJameson said:
Well, there's around a half-million applications, so perhaps the three you've selected aren't the best possible fit for what you want to do.
But, as you say, you think it's pointless and expensive, and the tens of millions of people who have bought one are completely wrong and misguided.
Where did he say "tens of millions of people who have bought one are completely wrong and misguided."But, as you say, you think it's pointless and expensive, and the tens of millions of people who have bought one are completely wrong and misguided.
I had hoped people on here were a bit above the "Apple fan boy" abuse so prevalent elsewhere.
An open mind is a wonderful thing.
I have never been keen on Apple - the closed market thing, the expense etc. HOWEVER, 20 mins with the new Ipad today and I could see the attraction. It beats every Android tablet I've tried completely - the apps are so much more polished (at least the ones I tried) and it just feels more professional. Its less bulky than a laptop and more powerful (I imagine) than a netbook. I would have no intention of taking a laptop away on holiday. An ipad on the other hand...
Dropped the missus off at the bus station, which just so happens to be attached to Union Square, so I went to the Apple shop there to have a wee look. And first glance, other than the screen I couldn't tell much difference from the iPad 2, however I know that games will be better, movies etc will be much nicer, plus as I 'only' have the iPad 1, if I upgrade I'll get the AirPlay mirroring, which looked pretty awesome when I played with it in the shop, however the iPad screen is better than the TV screen (resolution-wise).
The apps described above; yes you could use the web browser to look at them. But Facebook chat won't work on it (flash based, but the app has its own version of chat), and the iPlayer app just seems a lot more straightforward to navigate, much like the ps3 app. Also the AirPlay mirroring works with the app, so if you want to display it on the TV you can do (for some reason my ps3 wouldn't load the F1 on iPlayer, got it up on the iPad just fine).
I have been able to use it at uni without having to drag my laptop along as well. Can use it to take notes (with a stylus), all emails are set up to go to it, has web browser and newspaper/magazine apps for when I'm having my coffee break, and the best bit for me is that with the iRig thing, I can use it as a guitar amp when I'm on the move, it's a pain in the arse carrying the huge amp about, so replacing that with iPad and one little plug is pretty amazing.
I'm still undecided on the new iPad though. For uni work, there's no advantage over my iPad 1, which is perfect for taking notes. The only reasons I want one is the retina display for watching tv shows and films, wouldn't mind the camera either for Skype (when the 2 came out I wasn't too bothered as I didn't use Skype as much, but now I do it could be an advantage, even though I already have it on my laptop and phone). But with the amount of stuff I've got, I'll need a minimum of 32GB, I'm not bothered by 4G as it doesn't work here yet, and if I'm that desperate to use the web with no wifi, I'll just use the phone. So I'm looking at 479, but I guess I could go the whole hog and get a 64GB version which could be used for both uni and general messing about, which I do with the 32GB iPad 1, but I've really had to trim down the music on it.
The apps described above; yes you could use the web browser to look at them. But Facebook chat won't work on it (flash based, but the app has its own version of chat), and the iPlayer app just seems a lot more straightforward to navigate, much like the ps3 app. Also the AirPlay mirroring works with the app, so if you want to display it on the TV you can do (for some reason my ps3 wouldn't load the F1 on iPlayer, got it up on the iPad just fine).
I have been able to use it at uni without having to drag my laptop along as well. Can use it to take notes (with a stylus), all emails are set up to go to it, has web browser and newspaper/magazine apps for when I'm having my coffee break, and the best bit for me is that with the iRig thing, I can use it as a guitar amp when I'm on the move, it's a pain in the arse carrying the huge amp about, so replacing that with iPad and one little plug is pretty amazing.
I'm still undecided on the new iPad though. For uni work, there's no advantage over my iPad 1, which is perfect for taking notes. The only reasons I want one is the retina display for watching tv shows and films, wouldn't mind the camera either for Skype (when the 2 came out I wasn't too bothered as I didn't use Skype as much, but now I do it could be an advantage, even though I already have it on my laptop and phone). But with the amount of stuff I've got, I'll need a minimum of 32GB, I'm not bothered by 4G as it doesn't work here yet, and if I'm that desperate to use the web with no wifi, I'll just use the phone. So I'm looking at 479, but I guess I could go the whole hog and get a 64GB version which could be used for both uni and general messing about, which I do with the 32GB iPad 1, but I've really had to trim down the music on it.
James_N said:
I think it must be me! I've just had a quick look on apple's website at some of the apps.
Iplayer app - why? why not just go to bbc.co.uk\iplayer?
Social netowrking apps - they have websites too, why not just load safari and browse to them?
trip advisor - has a website, why do you need to download an app for it?
it seems pointless and expensive.
People say they listen to music on it? but why? surely an ipod is a better device if you want to listen to music? its more portable too.
I need educating!
Don't buy it, it's crap, it would becwasted on you, apps are all crap, screen is crap, I nevervuse it for listening to music, rubbish.Iplayer app - why? why not just go to bbc.co.uk\iplayer?
Social netowrking apps - they have websites too, why not just load safari and browse to them?
trip advisor - has a website, why do you need to download an app for it?
it seems pointless and expensive.
People say they listen to music on it? but why? surely an ipod is a better device if you want to listen to music? its more portable too.
I need educating!
I wouldn't bother if I were you.
James_N said:
I think it must be me! I've just had a quick look on apple's website at some of the apps.
Iplayer app - why? why not just go to bbc.co.uk\iplayer?
Social netowrking apps - they have websites too, why not just load safari and browse to them?
trip advisor - has a website, why do you need to download an app for it?
it seems pointless and expensive.
People say they listen to music on it? but why? surely an ipod is a better device if you want to listen to music? its more portable too.
I need educating!
Just off the top of my head, there is a lot more uses for an iPad:Iplayer app - why? why not just go to bbc.co.uk\iplayer?
Social netowrking apps - they have websites too, why not just load safari and browse to them?
trip advisor - has a website, why do you need to download an app for it?
it seems pointless and expensive.
People say they listen to music on it? but why? surely an ipod is a better device if you want to listen to music? its more portable too.
I need educating!
Note taking - penultimate, thinkbook and notability etc etc etc - plus I use a stylus that is like a white board pen
World radio - tunein radio, tunemark - loads of apps
Time management - pocket informant etc
Document scanning - loads of apps
Games - loads of them
Alarm clock - loads of apps
Free Magazine content - flipboard, zite, eviri, pulse, editions etc etc etc
Internet browsing - atomic web browser
Video streaming - loads of apps
Tv guide - zeebox - loads of apps
Social networking - im+ etc etc etc
Video editing - loads of apps
Photo editing - loads of apps
Social networking radio - takes your tweets whatever and speaks them while your music is playing
Forum Apps - tapatalk etc etc
Music apps - beat blaster, deezer etc etc
Drawing - sketchbook etc etc etc etc
Family Photos - iphoto etc etc etc etc
Hobbies - astronomy for instance maybe star walk
Education - flashcards - loads of apps
Music making - garageband etc etc etc
Tools - jumbo calculator etc etc etc
Finance - bloomberg, forex trading oanda etc loads of apps
Banking - llloyds, santander etc
Reading - goodreader etc etc etc
Shopping - shopstyle - loads of apps
Free apps - apps that show you the daily apps that have gone free - appsgonefree for instance - loads of apps
Skype, FaceTime etc etc etc
All of the above and much much more in one tablet device, how can people say a pc is better as a pick up and play everyday device.
Edited by RichyBoy on Sunday 18th March 21:26
James_N said:
I was hoping owners would enlighten me, as there seems to be plenty in this thread. Ive read lots about them, played on them and I still cant see why they are so much better than my laptop, when they can do less, have less storage, no dvd / cd drive, no usb ports, yet cost AT LEAST 400 more!
You're not alone mate. I felt EXACTLY as you do a couple of years ago. Apple products ? I just could not see the point of 'em. I'm a die hard PC man. Then one Christmas I purchased myself the latest Archos Tablet. Really lovely device. As a surprise the Mrs gave me a 64Gb iPod Touch. The Archos has hardly been used.From that day it's never left my person. If their was an option I would probably have had it surgically implanted.
Can somebody help me please.
I connected the ipad3 to my pc & it's downloaded tons of music which I don't want in the ipad.
Despite trawling the net, I am unable to figure how to remove all this music.
I've tried thru itunes, "selected all" but the edit/delete is greyed out.
Help please !!
I connected the ipad3 to my pc & it's downloaded tons of music which I don't want in the ipad.
Despite trawling the net, I am unable to figure how to remove all this music.
I've tried thru itunes, "selected all" but the edit/delete is greyed out.
Help please !!
The thing is that all computer technology (of the kind that you or I might buy in the shops) is a compromise. In order to deliver the seamless experience and high level of polish that has come to be expected of Apple products, certain trade-offs have to be made (yes, have to be). Configurability is reduced. The amount of customisation decreases. ISVs are given strict parameters within which they must operate. The reasons for this are that nothing is allowed to compromise the experience. End result? iPad. iPhone. iMac. Products that look and feel great, and not just because you've had a good wallet-hoovering.
Android OEMs are in a different boat. The "experience" is still important, but it's simply not front and centre, because they don't have anyone keeping them on a short lead. All Google is really interested in is ensuring that Google Apps (and therefore Google ads) get to as many of their product (i.e. end-users; their customers are their advertisers) as possible. Obviously if the experience is a horrific load of balls then it's counter-productive, but not being as obsessively rigorous about design and software as Apple provides a lot of latitude for making both very high-end (e.g. Samsung Galaxy S II) and very cheap (e.g. HTC Wildfire S) phones. And there's the compromise; it's harder to choose an Android phone (because there's simply gazillions of them) but you may end up spending a lot less money (or none at all), and you'll be able to fiddle with it a lot more than an iPhone; but that too has a cost and it's an intangible, to wit: the experience simply isn't as slick.
The iPad is a compromise. It's got fewer ports than most of its competitors (OK, it's got a headphone socket and an Apple connector), but by far the most developed software and (in particular) hardware ecosystem of any tablet. It costs roughly on par with a similarly specified (and I have no doubt that Android tablets with 'retina' displays will be along in due course) Android tablet, but there's just no genuinely cheap option. You can't really choose the OS, either, without a sizeable amount of dicking around (and that's just to choose a specific version of iOS). It's got the best screen out there, it's probably the fastest, but you can't expand the memory, or remove the battery. Apple wanted no seams on the back, and that's what they've got.
And for the poster who said that the iPad wasn't as capable as his netbook - well, in some ways, it certainly isn't; no ports, no CD/DVD drive, etc. On the other hand, it's got a screen far in excess (both in size and quality) of any netbook, and it's got 10 hours of battery.
You pays your money, and you makes your choice.
Android OEMs are in a different boat. The "experience" is still important, but it's simply not front and centre, because they don't have anyone keeping them on a short lead. All Google is really interested in is ensuring that Google Apps (and therefore Google ads) get to as many of their product (i.e. end-users; their customers are their advertisers) as possible. Obviously if the experience is a horrific load of balls then it's counter-productive, but not being as obsessively rigorous about design and software as Apple provides a lot of latitude for making both very high-end (e.g. Samsung Galaxy S II) and very cheap (e.g. HTC Wildfire S) phones. And there's the compromise; it's harder to choose an Android phone (because there's simply gazillions of them) but you may end up spending a lot less money (or none at all), and you'll be able to fiddle with it a lot more than an iPhone; but that too has a cost and it's an intangible, to wit: the experience simply isn't as slick.
The iPad is a compromise. It's got fewer ports than most of its competitors (OK, it's got a headphone socket and an Apple connector), but by far the most developed software and (in particular) hardware ecosystem of any tablet. It costs roughly on par with a similarly specified (and I have no doubt that Android tablets with 'retina' displays will be along in due course) Android tablet, but there's just no genuinely cheap option. You can't really choose the OS, either, without a sizeable amount of dicking around (and that's just to choose a specific version of iOS). It's got the best screen out there, it's probably the fastest, but you can't expand the memory, or remove the battery. Apple wanted no seams on the back, and that's what they've got.
And for the poster who said that the iPad wasn't as capable as his netbook - well, in some ways, it certainly isn't; no ports, no CD/DVD drive, etc. On the other hand, it's got a screen far in excess (both in size and quality) of any netbook, and it's got 10 hours of battery.
You pays your money, and you makes your choice.
Gassing Station | Computers, Gadgets & Stuff | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff