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iPad Launches, FCC Teardown Leaked
Apple's much-awaited iPad officially launched today, and iFixit has gotten their hands on photos from the FCC teardown. They've done an analysis of the internals and provided directions on doing it yourself, if you're so inclined. Predictably, it's a hot topic in the media. Cory Doctorow wrote about why he won't be getting an iPad, complaining about the closed, hacker-unfriendly design and what he calls the "Wal-martization of the software channel." Daring Fireball's John Gruber disagrees, pointing out that enthusiasts — even kids exercising their curiosity — are still quite capable of playing around with the iPad through app creation, and with much more of a chance to compete with big companies than in the Apple ][ days. Similarly, others are referring to it as the "bedtime computer" — technology that has a reasonable shot at expanding into completely new areas of use, like bedtime reading for kids. Such a device was predicted in 1972 by Alan Kay, the PARC scientist credited with the epigram "The best way to predict the future is to invent it." His hypothetical DynaBook bears striking similarity to what Apple finally came up with. So, those of you who have picked up or received an iPad already: how do you like it?
People, snap out of it. Its just a tablet computer. They have been around for over 10 years and they have never been all that special. Apple has you in some sort of hypnosis that is causing you to go gaga over closed up commercial productions that you think you need to own.
However, the iPad is SO easy to use there's really nothing to learn. I have shown him how to use my iPhone to take pictures, browse pictures and read the news, and it's just so intuitive and easy.
And he DOES have 3g coverage. So he can get one device with no cables or router that does everything he needs and is easy to learn.
I think Slashdotters are for the most part woefully ignorant of how the rest of humanity actually uses computers, and would do well to understand these types of use cases. They will sell millions.
Welding the hood shut annoys hackers, but we're such a tiny part of the market that we don't matter. The trend over the past decades is clear: less and less consumer control over their devices, and more and more corporate control.
That might even be OK if you consider Apple a "benevolent dictator", as many people do.
I won't be buying one either due to the locked down closed nature. But this really doesn't matter *at all* to most people.
will be out in force in this thread.
There are faults with any device. It's not perfect, and it won't be for everyone. What irks me is the "I don't like/want it therefore it's crap" attitude; the inability to look beyond what *you* find wrong with it, and see that this might just be golden for someone else. My parents, for example [grin].
But what bugs me above all is the anti-apple crowd these days. Apparently if you express even the slightest appreciation for something well-conceived and well-designed, you're a "fanboi" who's taken in by "the shiny" (whatever *that* is!). Sure there are fanboys (and girls, presumably), but not everyone (not even vaguely close - not in the same universe, let alone ballpark) who likes Apple kit should be labelled such.
I swear the anti-Apple crowd are far and away worse than the real fanboys. Even in the worst-possible scenario, with everyone who likes Apple kit being a fan (ahem, including both genders, here) , at least the fans have something they like, appreciate, and enjoy using. The haters just hate. And that's pitiably sad.
Simon
Physicists get Hadrons!
As hackers, we should recognize that there is a right tool for the job. Ipad is just another tool. It does less than a laptop because it's meant to be a simpler tool than a laptop.
Eventually the market will decide if a tablet is a niche or mainstream product. But for me at least, I couldn't be happier.
In Soviet Russia, articles before post read *you*!
The national news media has gone utterly insane over this tablet. I know it's a flashy, "cool" product that will sell well, but it's just not worth the crazy amount of attention it's getting.
I think the best example of the lunacy was illustrated on the Colbert Report. The iPad was given a full front-cover picture (free advertisement), while Amazon paid for a full back-cover advertisement of their Kindle on the same magazine.
Everyone is clamoring over the iPad calling it a Kindle-Killer but the device is more than an eReader. It's not a replacement of the notebook either. I think it is Apples Netbook, an expensive one in comparison, but a netbook just the same. It has limited functionality but allows the user to access their documents via iWork (Apple is expanding iWork to the cloud, currently in beta) as well as create their own. It gives a user access to their email and then all those iPhone/iPod Touch apps. But what it really does is kind of free the user from the computer, from sitting at a desk and working at their computer, it is easier for her to go to coffee shop and just read the web. She'll then decide to go grocery shopping or do other things neatly tucking the iPad a way. If she has some ideas during the day she can take out her iPad and write up the ideas. As thin and mobile notebook computers are they still are chore to lug around everywhere. I'm not saying carrying a 1.5 pound is easier, but it sure beats having to grab the power cords, put everything in a bag. With the iPad, you just have to unplug it and go. I can't wait to get mine.
Save Pangaea!! Stop Continental Drift!!
The thing I find so interesting is just how much negativity is out there over the iPad. While I respect Doctorow's well-written analysis, most of it (not just on Slashdot) is far less intelligent and coherent. David Pogue's initial review (which was pretty thoughtful and balanced) got slammed with comments on everything from "I already have a laptop and now I'm supposed to buy an iPad?" to "how am I supposed to do anything without USB" to "how many kids could you help in Haiti instead of buying your stupid toy".
Honestly, you'd think people are being forced to buy an iPad. The only thing I can think of is that a certain segment of the population just rebels against anything that's mainstream.
The funniest comments (to me) are where Apple is compared to being the "new Microsoft". Yeah, because a company that got and maintained its riches only because of its half-baked operating system and word processor is so much like a company that goes out on a limb (over and over again) to invent a new category of consumer device. And then the commentators are somehow surprised when that pays off.
I think the Kindle is going to have to make some serious changes. For 2x the price you get 5x the features with the iPad. Kindle's been out awhile and prices have already worked their way down as features and size have crept up. The iPad is just hitting the market and is already a better value for the money. When the early adopters are done paying their tax and prices on the iPad drop, Kindle has a very serious problem on their hands. I wonder what they intend to do?
Same thing has already happened with the palm pilot, but against a flurry of devices. (ipods and smartphones) Who in their right mind would buy a palm pilot today? Kindle is headed down the same road. I bought a PP 4 yrs ago not because I liked it, but because it was the only product anywhere near the price for what it did. People bought the Kindle for the same reason. And they're both going to find their way to the garage sale.
I work for the Department of Redundancy Department.
a Newton Emulator.
Lacking in the early iPad reviews has been any screen shots or actual information on how a two-column small text PDF appears, typical in my scientific arena's journal articles. My use for an iPad would be to provide a convenient means to carry around and read at home (not parked in front of my computer!) my current list of journal articles. As an older person with ever increasily bad eyesight, I can really use the larger screen. So have any slashdot user + iPad adopters had a chance to use it in this context? Another contender is the Skiff reader, but it is stil vaporware and their latest press release seems to suggest they are moving to provide an OS and marketing scheme and moving away from the hardware reader. Pity, as it is just the right size for my needs. I know that one can "Kindle-ize" PDF's, but a) I am lazy and b) I bet they don't come out quite right, so that is not a solution I would want to use. Also, I see that Papers has been released for iPad just today, so maybe it is worth a trip to the Apple Store to have a look myself.
I agree with Cory. It reminds me of CD-ROMs also.
That nifty Elements App (from Wolfram) is exactly like that. It just seems weird not to be able to hyperlink to content outside the CD-ROM -er- I mean iPad App. (Of course, you can launch a browser, but but App would do that because its job to to get you to view the content you just bought.)
The UI of CD-ROM (and maybe iPad Apps) was terrible also. Everyone CD-ROM title decided they needed a different GUI. Getting he back/next buttons, address bar in the browser was a such a big step forward.
the issue is not how many sites use flash, but haw many can't work without it, or suffer significantly. Using statistics can make you look intelligent and informed, misusing statistics reveals you as an idiot.
The Cloud - because you don't care if your apps and data are up in the air.
I don't get the pissing and moaning from my fellow techies on this one.
Sure It has limitations and software is controlled by Apple (unless you jailbreak).
But this is more like an appliance than a full fledged computer and it isn't really meant to replace your laptop or desktop, but co-exist with them.
From the hands on videos, it is clear the engineering on this one is very tight. HW/SW integration produces an extremely responsive package in a small lightweight package that can go all day.
As an appliance platform, it appears to be impeccable.
Not every device has to be totally open. I don't need or even want to spend hours similar to what I spend tweaking my PC also tweaking a tablet appliance.
I don't own anything Apple and I am not sure I will buy an iPad, but it doesn't look like it delivers a fine coffee table appliance and I would certainly like to try it.
I really can't get anyone who considers themselves a tech enthusiast being too close minded to try one for themselves.
You know there's something that's out there already called the "droid". It works great and does everything and more than the Ipad and actually fits in your pocket.
It's trivial to filter out Apple stories.
Don't thank God, thank a doctor!
For the "consumer" (defined in this case as the 99% of the population who are not competent programmers),
an information/entertainment appliance that:
1. "just works",
2. has a single, simple way to obtain good apps or good content (e.g. movies), and has
3. Has well-designed, human-factors-centric user interface, ergonomics and design affordances
will trump a gadget/network with openness of programming architecture any time.
If the open world wants to compete in this space, it needs to somehow achieve 1.,2., and 3. above
while also being open in some meaningful sense.
I put this out there as a challenge. Can the Android world, for example, improve to that level?
Remember, Freedom's just another word for this thing doesn't work!
Where are we going and why are we in a handbasket?
Most of the people here are missing the point. The iPad is all about paying for content. And the content isn't cheap. The Wall Street Journal costs more on the iPad than on paper. $5 a month seems to be a typical price for online magazines. The iPad creates a direct connection between content providers and your wallet.
And there's no ad-blocking. You will will watch the ads. The "app" concept means that the program, not the user, has control. If the program wants you to look at the ad for 10 seconds, you will look at the ad for 10 seconds.
I've been 'tinkering' with computers since 1974 when I built an A-to-D & an D-to-A interface card for an IMP-16p Microprocessor.
I still tinker with several FOSS Projects as well as writing Unix Server software for a living, but since I've moved from PC to a MAC, I don't have to tinker with it anymore. It does what I want it to without having to fight the frigging O/S all the time. Anti-virus software does not get in the way like it did before. I know I could tinker with the MacBook that this is being written on but there is no need. no need to install ATI or Nvidia graphics drivers, constantly update the AV Software etc etc. No Windows Genuine Advantage crapware. Phew, I can get on with using the thing rather than having to manage it. All I do is connect up my external hdd once a week and run a time machine backup. Easy. Simple and OOTB!
I won't be buying an iPad but I know quite a few people who would find it just what they want. Many of them have PC's running Windows 98 or XP and are looking for a new device to surf the web and send some emails. I think that an iPad might very well be an ideal replacement device for them. They are not tinkerers by any means.
The Computer market is maturing. Apple have recognised this and IMHO, are right on the nail with the iPad.
I'd rather be riding my '63 Triumph T120.
Why in the world would I want that?
It's quite possible that you don't want it. Here's a thought: don't buy one! What's the big deal?
Dave Winer's 1-Tweet review: 'As much as it pains me to say it -- this fcuker is pretty fcuking cool.'
Not everyone wants cheap content. For those that do there are many different venues. The people that the WSJ is aimed at does not live in a world of cheap content. In fact, like doctors, they want over priced everything so they can justify their overblown salaries.
As far as ads, one thing with the iPad are ad free publication that may be cheaper than even a subscription. This is value. Another thing with ads is that they do pay for the content, and are in fact useful to many people. An individual may say that they ads are useless to them, and if that is true then the publisher does not really care if you read the journal or not. In most journals I read, the ads are educational. The local newspaper is still relevant because it connects consumers and products. So while ads on the computer are getting a bit out of line, they are not horrible. Even on netflix, where they want to spend five minutes talking to me about birth control, I just turn down the volume in that window and read something.
We really don't know what the ad and price model for the iPad is going to be. I can tell you that I would rather have the iPhone than anything with flash as it does block the ads. Since I like to get paid for I do, I don't have a moral bias against others getting paid for what they do, and therefore do not have a moral bias against ads. I know many people would not help to lift a finger to help others unless there was payment involved, but whose wallets close when anything expenditure is expected from them.
In any case, it looks like content may be expensive on the iPad, but as is said, that does not mean that one can't browse the web as normal. One might even think of become a creative agent rather than just someone who complains all the time. It is not hard to set up an ad free website that delivers original self funded content.
"She's a scientist and a lesbian. She's not going to let it slide." Orphan Black
It seems as though you are not so upset at the size of the iPad, but the size of your pockets.
Will the iPad fit in a lab coat pocket? Or more generally in the pocket of clinical clothing for doctors and nurses? I think those pockets would be far more interesting than those in jeans.
Do the clipboards and manilla folders that doctors and nurses use now fit in their pockets? I don't really think those are professions that use pockets to do their jobs. Doctors will probably be more interested in whether or not they can scribble notes into documents.
What I found interesting was not the size, but the weight. About 1.5 lbs IIRC. I was even more interested to find that the Kindle DX is over 2 lbs, about a kilogram. These devices both boast superior form factor over options like laptops and cellphones when it comes to reading, especially the Kindle. I never read ebooks on my laptop, because I want to lie in different positions, often holding the book above me. I've found this to be really quite nice with my Android phone, but a kilogram isn't light, and when I think about it, neither is 1.5 lbs. What good is a tablet if you have to, over a long length of use, rest it on your lap or a table anyway?
Maybe the weight isn't an issue, I've never tried a Kindle DX, much less an iPad. At the same time, if I'm using something I have to hold (laptops may be heavier, but I'm not expected to carry it to use it), I don't want it to be heavier than whatever it's replacing. Books are really light, so are television remotes, keyboards and mouses (as one reclines with feet up next to desktop monitor), and even laptops resting on laps aren't so bad. If the iPad is supposed to mobilise content into your hands, it'd better not be the single heaviest thing in my bag.
These devices both boast superior form factor over options like laptops and cellphones when it comes to reading, especially the Kindle.
I could have made use of a *good* e-reader if any decent options had become available even last year, while I was still engaged with studies in molecular biology and biochemistry. It would have been great to be able to carry around the content of my huge (and seriously fucking expensive) textbooks for those fields on a convenient device, but the display needs to be in colour and have to have good resolution to be useful. None of the devices I've seen come close.
From my point of view, the case is closed. I'm not planning on going back to formal studies again any time soon, so my (mostly recreational) reading material can remain on paper, which has a much more congenial feel and smell.
1st impressions of iPad:
*looks an awful lot like the top of a 13" MacBook Pro
*weighs a bit more than it looks like it would
*probably should have popped for the case b/c it seems like one would want to carry it around like a book
*typing on-screen is easier to get used to than I thought it would be (can't say about long term though)
*"optimized" gmail works pretty well
*software-wise I already miss the feeling that open source is available ("I was wrong to break up with you, baby; please, can't we get back together? . . . well then, how about one for the road?")
*screen-orientation gyro ("accelerometer"?) is a bit testy out of the box
*not a computer, that's for sure
*also not quite Bill Atkinson's "magic slate", but almost there
I would say I probably paid about $200 too much and bought maybe 2 gen.s too early.
Nature of the beast, eh.
seems to have a problem with the iPad not being open enough for him. Unfortunately, he seems to have missed out on a lot of recent history.
Today anything that can accept unrestricted program code from the world at large has the possibility of getting taken over by malevalent forces. It isn't that Windows is insecure, it is that it is a computer without an administrator. Phones have been "taken over" and I assure you, they aren't running Windows somewhere deep within a Blackberry or iPhone.
Cory wants openness and the freedom to introduce new software. Fine, but without controls the iPad becomes just another platform for stealing things from people. Just like PCs are today. The difference right now is that Apple's iPhone and iPad are rather restrictive appliances. You can't take over and trojan an appliance, use it to steal credit card and bank information or send spam with it.
What maybe 10% of the world needs is general-purpose open programmable computing. The other 90% needs an appliance that can't have its functionality taken over or its utility subverted. How long will it be before there is a trojan/phishing application for Android? Not long, I would guess. The rewards for doing this will be considerable, even if it is discovered the first week it exists. If Apple can block 90% of the attempts at this - and I suspect they have blocked 100% of them so far - they will keep the appliance world safe.
Cory seems to want everyone to live in some virus-laden spam-infested world and to have the kind of freedom to program that Richard Stallman values. OK, how many people can really take advantage of this? Well, I guess in that world if you have no programming skills you are a second-class citizen, unfit to do anything except delete the spam that fills your inbox.
... because noone makes a decent alternative to it so they will also end up buying one anyway.The JooJoo? A $500 web browser which runs Flash for a short while. The 50 rumored Android tablets? Only a fraction will reach market, and they will divide their fraction so much none of them will make money. Microsoft Courier? The name has previously been assigned to two other canceled projects in Redmond, not a good sign.
People who have actually used the iPad are claiming the increased surface area means more gestures are possible, and the increased size means more complex apps are possible (like the ported iWork apps). The "garden" is exactly what Microsoft is proposing for Windows Mobile 7 and what phone companies with Android are trying to enforce unless you root your phone.
(What you are doing is sort of like complaining that a 1080p HD TV is just an enlarged "normal" TV, and that the jokes in "Two and a Half Men" are not going to be funnier on the bigger screen...)
... after watching the videos I'd like to have one, but Apple price policy really pisses me off: $139 more for the models with a 3G chip (plus monthly plan) when a 3G chip costs between $5 and $9 (the most expensive one).
I think their pricing policy is brilliant. You save $139 by buying an iPad without 3G chip, when a 3G chip costs between $5 and $9. What a bargain.
The trouble is, the iPad (for all its slick design) is pretty much an enlarged (even embiggened) iPod Touch ...
Perhaps I wasn't clear but a bigger iPod touch is exactly what many have asked for.
... It will appeal to those who are content to live in Apple's little garden of approved applications (so long as we use them one at a time),
Actually its a rather large garden that offers nearly anything most people go looking for. As for one app at a time that is a pretty normal usage pattern, people tend to run an app for a couple of minutes and are done with it. Its not like a computer where one sits there working with something for hours. The one thing that needs to multitask and preempt, the phone, does. Also push notifications make many traditional background tasks unnecessary. While some complaints are valid, some are somewhat bogus attempts to apply old desktop methodologies rather than adopt newer methodologies that may be better suited for mobile devices. Like some users who stick to MS Office because that is all they know, some programmers like to stick to daemons and other background tasks because that is all they know. As someone who has ported applications and utilities between various desktop and server platforms I am sympathetic towards wanting to reuse legacy code but there is also a time to try something new.
... but those of us who really want a functional and versatile mobile computer with a small form-factor will remain frustrated.
Perhaps, but that wasn't what it was designed to be. However I'd wait a while before passing judgement. A year from now it will be far clearer as to how well the iPad suits people's needs. Today, where no one has any experience with it and there is a bias towards wanting the familiar (more of the same) opinions are premature.
--
Perpenso Calc for iPhone and iPod touch, scientific and bill/tip calculator, fractions, complex numbers, RPN
Apple is having a hugely harmful effect on competition and the open web.
...by pushing Acid/Acid2/Acid3 and other standards compliance, open-sourcing WebKit, open-sourcing GrandCentralDispatch, supporting HTML5, and... huh?
Village idiot in some extremely smart villages.
It was a gift. She says i can look at it tomorrow, maybe...