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Hands On With Apple IPad 2

adeelarshad82 writes "Yesterday's announcement of the second-generation iPad showed exactly why there was so much excitment around the device. As the video hands on shows, iPad 2 makes up for all the things lacking in the original iPad. The 1GHz dual-core A5 chip does justice to apps like Photo Booth and over all user experience. Moreover, while the screen carries the same resolution, Apple was able to pack it in a noticably thinner iPad 2. Infact its dimensions, 13.4 mm to 8.8mm thick, make it 33% thinner than iPhone 4. Also while the cameras aren't HD, the inclusion itself provides an opportuntiy for Facetime, which is actually more interactive than what we've seen so far on other Apple devices."

68 of 432 comments (clear)

  1. makes up for all the things lacking in original... by Locke2005 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Well, except for Flash support and user expandable memory...

    Does the Bluetooth support an external mouse and keyboard?

    --
    I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.
  2. Two corrections... by moosehooey · · Score: 4, Informative

    1. It is 33% thinner than the first iPad. It is also thinner than the iPhone 4, but only slightly.

    2. The rear camera is, in fact, HD.

    1. Re:Two corrections... by killmenow · · Score: 3, Funny

      ...It is also thinner than the iPhone 4...

      Yeah, but does it have an app that will build you an island and fucking transform it into a jet and fly you there?

    2. Re:Two corrections... by jbarr · · Score: 2

      "2. The rear camera is, in fact, HD."

      True, but don't let the "HD" label fool you. Yes, it is 720p resolution for video, and comparable video on the iPod Touch 4G is quite respectable and decent. But resolution will also be 720p for stills as well--similar to the camera specs of the iPod Touch 4G--something like .7 mega pixel. (Yes, that's "point seven".) The resolution will be a far cry from the iPhone's 5 mega-pixel resolution.

      As a long-time iPod Touch owner, and current iPod Touch 4G owner, I can say that ANY camera on an iPod Touch has proven to be useful, and I speculate the same will be for iPad users.

      --
      My mom always said, "Jim, you're 1 in a million." Given the current population, there are 7000 of me. God help us all!
    3. Re:Two corrections... by itsdapead · · Score: 5, Funny

      True, but don't let the "HD" label fool you. Yes, it is 720p resolution for video, and comparable video on the iPod Touch 4G is quite respectable and decent. But resolution will also be 720p for stills as well

      Which is fine for video calling, barcodes and getting an image when you don't have anything else. Plus, lower resolution often translates to better low light performance and lower noise. For taking proper photos, use a proper camera with a lens bigger than a baby's thumbnail. Even a phone is better ergonomically than a 10" fondleslab.

      --
      In a survey of 100 programmers, 111111 thought that duck-typing was a good idea.
    4. Re:Two corrections... by gstoddart · · Score: 2

      Even a phone is better ergonomically than a 10" fondleslab.

      Fondleslab? Oh, god, that's brilliant. It almost sounds like faux-German. Bravo, sir.

      However, I own a 1st gen iPad, and I also own a good quality DSLR plus a small digital point-and-shoot -- for me, I can't imagine why anybody would *want* a camera in that device, but someone must because it's one of the things I see people bitching about the most. Then again, my cell phone is used only for, well, phone calls ... and even then, not very often.

      The device may not be what you want, but for the stuff I use it for, I actually find it to fit my needs quite well.

      I'm interested in seeing the gen-2, but except for the dual processors there's very little in there I find overly compelling. And, even the dual processor isn't something which I particularly care about.

      --
      Lost at C:>. Found at C.
    5. Re:Two corrections... by Altus · · Score: 2

      I could see augmented reality being fairly valuable and I kind of like the idea of taking quick videos and being able to edit them right on the iPad (I would like that on the iPhone), never mind the front facing camera allowing for Facetime.

      --

      "In America, first you get the sugar, then you get the power, then you get the women..." -H. Simpson

    6. Re:Two corrections... by bill_mcgonigle · · Score: 2

      It is 33% thinner

      So is Steve Jobs.

      --
      My God, it's Full of Source!
      OUTSIDE_IP=$(dig +short my.ip @outsideip.net)
  3. And not to mention... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...it inspires impartial and unbiased Slashdot articles!

  4. Makes up for all the things lacking in iPad1? by chispito · · Score: 4, Interesting

    What about an SD card slot or USB port?

    --
    The Daddy casts sleep on the Baby. The Baby resists!
    1. Re:Makes up for all the things lacking in iPad1? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Informative

      these are available through the main apple i/o connector with the camera connection kit. it includes adapter for standard usb 2.0 and adapter for SD card. USB comes with complete support for larger variety of of photo and video camera's including iPhone. It is also works with a variety of keyboards and headphones.

    2. Re:Makes up for all the things lacking in iPad1? by killmenow · · Score: 3, Interesting

      You beat me to it. Those two things right there contribute to making the iPad a no go in our corporate environment even though some of our senior management loves the shiny things. USB Host port plz. And not via a fscking apple port adapter. Put a native USB port and native SD slot (with HC and preferably XC support) and a native HDMI out on the sucker. Then maybe we'll get the SDK, port some bespoke apps and start equipping our sales reps with these things.

      Until then, hey, they're cool for checking the weather forecast from my couch.

    3. Re:Makes up for all the things lacking in iPad1? by alen · · Score: 3, Insightful

      so where are these tablets with the same or better specs than the iPad but cheaper price?

    4. Re:Makes up for all the things lacking in iPad1? by kevinmenzel · · Score: 2

      It's not like device manufacturers didn't literally have YEARS to get their drivers in order for Vista. YEARS.

    5. Re:Makes up for all the things lacking in iPad1? by Overzeetop · · Score: 3, Insightful

      WTF are you letting your people put removable storage into your devices? I thought that was phased out a decade ago to keep virii from jumping on the corporate network. And what are you going to use it for - it all comes with wireless N, email and a web browser that can be pointed to your internal server. You're not going to get any faster transfer with a marketing USB dongle (that is usually dog slow) or a class 6 (or even class 10) SD card. I suppose I can buy the HDMI thing, but you're going to have to carry a dongle for that VGA connection anyway, and presuming you even allow Macs on your network they already have to carry an adapter to go from DP to, well, anything useful.

      Now, if you want to complain about having to install iTunes on your corporate machines - THAT is, imho, a real issue.

      --
      Is it just my observation, or are there way too many stupid people in the world?
    6. Re:Makes up for all the things lacking in iPad1? by fermion · · Score: 2
      To many people having hundred ports, 30 access ports, and a 20" screen is what makes a computer. For those people Apple is not the choice. I don't often need all these ports that everyone else does. I usually only hook up my computer to zero or one monitors, and if I do use a monitor I usually leave the dongle attached to the monitor. I don't need more than two USB ports, and the only thing I miss on the some macs is the FireWire port so that I can connect high speed devices.

      The real problem with the iPad is the lack of a file system that can be used to transfer documents between computers and the tablet. This is going to be a big problem. Basically, as on a Mac, the iPad should be able to synch with an WebDav server. For those us who use this, the USB and the like are much less critical.

      --
      "She's a scientist and a lesbian. She's not going to let it slide." Orphan Black
    7. Re:Makes up for all the things lacking in iPad1? by MMC+Monster · · Score: 2

      Errr... Apple sells a video out cable for the iPad. I bought it. Kinda useless unless you're going on a trip and want to watch TV on the hotel screen, but it does exist.

      --
      Help! I'm a slashdot refugee.
    8. Re:Makes up for all the things lacking in iPad1? by Drakino · · Score: 2

      Actually, no, the Xoom doesn't do SD cards out of the box. It has a slot, but the OS ignores it.

      And sure, it has a USB port that lets you add content to the device. Out of the box the iPad also comes with a cable with USB on one end that does the same, and also charges the device. The Xoom's USB doesn't charge. So whats the benefit of it over the iPad?

      People keep demanding USB, but they never quantify why.

    9. Re:Makes up for all the things lacking in iPad1? by killmenow · · Score: 3, Interesting

      The business case for the iPad (in our company anyway) would include (a) running bespoke apps to hook into our transaction processing system so reps in the field could enter orders from customer premises directly and/or query order/inventory status for customers while on site, and (b) giving presentations while on site at customers. Most projectors accept hdmi in. As is, via the adapter they could show presentations with projectors but it's yet one more type of specialized cable they have to keep track of instead of a relatively cheap standard short HDMI cable. And it's a PITA and stupid and one more way Apple tries to nickle and dime you, imho.

      The removable storage is less for putting things ON the damn thing and more for getting things OFF of it. Like after you've given your presentation and the customer says that was great can you copy it to my USB thumb drive here so I can show it to the CEO later. Yes, you can just say "I'll email it to you" but many e-mail systems limit the size of attachments to 10MB or under and some large presentations and PDFs with lots of embedded images go over that but still well under the limits of even the smallest USB thumb drives. Also, SD card for holding/loading said bespoke apps in standardized/manageable ways, etc.

      I can't imagine we'd put iPads directly on our corporate network. But most of our salespeople do have laptops and VPN connections. Replacing those with something smaller, lighter, still able to get e-mail on and run necessary apps and give presentations and do the things they do now...that is also less easy for them to get "YOU HAVE A VIRUS! CLICK HERE TO GIVE US YOUR CREDIT CARD INFO!!!!" phishing trojan crap on is desirable. But iPads don't really fit the bill as of right now.

      Plus, considering our corporate web site is now flash heavy (don't blame me, I tried but it's out of my control), it'd be kind of stupid to give our salespeople devices that couldn't even pull up our own company's web site. (Oh...and you're 100% right about iTunes.)

    10. Re:Makes up for all the things lacking in iPad1? by Ereth · · Score: 3, Informative

      Except, of course, that they aren't.

      The FAA recently certified iPads for pilots to use for charts. There's never been a netbook that even attempted that task.

      A tablet is not a netbook any more than a shrimp is a clam.

    11. Re:Makes up for all the things lacking in iPad1? by Em+Adespoton · · Score: 2

      To expand on your point: file management on the iPad is App-centric. I use an app called SuperFiles that can connect to mobileMe, Drobpox, FTP, SFTP, Google Docs, Picasa, iCloud, SwissDisk, myDisk, myDrive, generic webDAV, Flickr, gMail, generic HTTP and Bluetooth FTP.

      This app also has access to all my photos, my media library and a local App-specific filestore.

      It can also send documents to any other App that has registered that filetype with the OS.

      With all these options for file storage available wirelessly, USB-based file access isn't really necessary.

      That said, since Apple is planning to release GarageBand and iTunes for the iPad, this might come up against a storage access performance wall pretty quickly. I'll be interested to see what they do about this.

    12. Re:Makes up for all the things lacking in iPad1? by MorpheousMarty · · Score: 3, Insightful

      so like all apple things, for $20-40 extra you can do what most normal tablets would be expected to do...

      Normal Tablets, I heard of them, usually followed by the term "market failure". Sure it would be great to have these features, but lets face it, Apple made a tablet people actually want, and a part of that was taking away features. It definitely isn't for the Slashdot crowd, but I don't recall us being that keen on tablets with these features either.

    13. Re:Makes up for all the things lacking in iPad1? by Overzeetop · · Score: 2

      Well, if your internal sites are flash, you are, indeed, hosed. Since the A4/A5 processors aren't x86 compatible, and you'd have to write your internal apps from scratch anyway, why not move to a secure web interface instead? Then - if you weren't too reliant on a particular browser - you would be cross platform for whomever needed to access the system. Of course, if flash is what the devs are using...well, that sucks on many levels.

      As for sending large files, you may as well use a cloud service or your own internal ftp server - upload the file and send the link. You can probably fashion a custom app for that right in you web portal, or just get each person a mobileme/dropbox/spideroak/carbonite/mozy/livedrive account if you don't mind outside branding. That way their presentation is already backed up, cached locally, and available via a custom link.

      I don't mean to necessarily defend the iPad for a particular application. I'm pretty disappointed in what was added this year, but given the alternatives, I'm going to get one. One of the oddities I've learned about my iPhone over the past 10 months is that it generally does things well, or it doesn't do them at all. There are very few things it does poorly or inconsistently. As frustrating as it is to have the "not at all" category, it's actually less frustrating than things which function poorly or intermittently. If it doesn't work at all, you find an alternate way of doing things. I've found that I a much more adaptable to working around iOS than I am at trying to force Windows to bow to my will. Both work, but the latter, I find, takes more of my time and effort. I curse Jobs regularly for the little inefficiencies he has put in his devices, but I have come to realize that by skipping all of the technical hard things (wireless sync, removable storage, flash) he has made the device more reliable. In a production environment, there's value in that.

      --
      Is it just my observation, or are there way too many stupid people in the world?
    14. Re:Makes up for all the things lacking in iPad1? by sznupi · · Score: 2

      Hm, this "a part of that was taking away features" starts to look unsettling if, for the moment, we would consider Kindle to be a tablet...

      --
      One that hath name thou can not otter
    15. Re:Makes up for all the things lacking in iPad1? by Drakino · · Score: 2

      Problem is, no mobile device (phone/tablet) is adding a real HDMI port. They are too big and bulky, and single use. The Xoom has mini HDMI, so you still need something other then a standard cheap HDMI to HDMI cable around. And of course that also assumes you have a projector with HDMI. Many are still VGA, so why not also add a bulky VGA port to the device? Because now your are adding more ports to a ultra portable device that can't afford the space to a feature very few customers will rely on all the time.

      At some point you just have to deal with adaptors and converter cables to allow mobile devices to get smaller. This isn't a unique to Apple issue, it's industry wide. There isn't a way to meet 100% of peoples demands, so Apple went a route where they could meet most with dongles, and a single port with many purposes. For those that need to do something slightly out of mainstream, adaptors and dongles can be bought, and carried in a bag. Not the most ideal solution, but it still allows for a smaller travel pack when compared to a full laptop with all the right ports built in.

      Using SD cards to load apps sounds like a pain in the enterprise. I haven't seen IT people running around with binders of CDs to load onto each individual desktop in ages, so I don't expect they would want to go back to that with handfuls of SD cards either. It's all about using the network now, and the iOS devices do support over the air App installs for enterprise markets.

      Sadly bluetooth file transfer seems to be dead, and wifi file transfer is a PITA. Hopefully in time these will become easier to reduce the need to copy to a flash drive. The other alternative now that works well is not e-mailing the content, but e-mailing a link to a file hosted on DropBox or something similar.

      I do appreciate you replying, as it does provide me a bit more insight. I haven't worked in a large enterprise in a while, so I haven't been able to see the changes in recent years with more and more consumer tech going into the enterprise. For ages, it's been the other way around, but now people are seeing work related benefits in their new consumer toys.

    16. Re:Makes up for all the things lacking in iPad1? by jedidiah · · Score: 2

      "or USB port?"

      The first thing I think about when dealing with a new highly portable device is how many wires I can plug into it. The portability is directly proportional to the number of wires hanging out of it. Or was that indirectly proportional?

      Sometimes it's useful when portable devices talk to each other and USB is one of the current existing standards.

      Without USB, iPad users are stuck with hacks and workarounds that would seem absurd to Apple fanboys if it was anyone else perpetrating them.

      Everything that an iPad does comes with arbitrary unecessary limits. This is why no Apple tablet will displace proper portable computers.

      Sometimes it's useful to allow a portable device to talk with another device without the platform tyrant getting in the way.

      --
      A Pirate and a Puritan look the same on a balance sheet.
    17. Re:Makes up for all the things lacking in iPad1? by jo_ham · · Score: 2

      Well, price wasn't really an issue before - people using Apple stuff paid the premium price, and just had to deal with a ton of neckbeards yelling "zomg its overpriced!!".

      Now the tables are turned for the moment and no one seems to be able to make a decent tablet for less than or equal to the iPad's price (and now the iPad 2), despite the 6 to 7 months of crowing from the /. crowd that "cheaper, better Android tablets" would soon come along and topple the iPad's dominance.

      Instead, we had a virtually unchallenged revision 1 product at a price point that was initially much lower than the estimates on the run up to the release that has just not been caught yet. The best shot so far has been the Xoom, which looks excellent, but is $799. As good as the iPad 2, but more expensive than the comparable model (by $70) and *a lot* more expensive than the non-3G ones (one of the few times Apple has lower-spec options and competitors don't if you really don't want the 3G).

      They sold 15 million of them, uncontested, in 9 months, more than every other tablet ever made combined, and are now on revision 2 - matching many of the the Xoom's advantages (faster cpu, graphics, gyro, cameras) and still coming in at less than it costs.

      Yet *still* neckbeards are saying it is too expensive. Perhaps for them - it doesn't seem to be affecting the sales.

    18. Re:Makes up for all the things lacking in iPad1? by jo_ham · · Score: 2

      If by "never" you mean "right now, supported on the iPad 1 via the video out adapter", then you are correct.

      Do Apple bashers even look up the nonsense they spout?

      What next? "You'll never get audio out of an iPad!" ?

    19. Re:Makes up for all the things lacking in iPad1? by Antisyzygy · · Score: 3, Insightful

      The problem with fanboi's is they consider ANYTHING to be a troll. Apple isn't perfect and if I were to point out one of its many flaws all the sudden my inbox would get bombarded by / , updates from Apple-heads.

      --
      That brings me to an interesting point, / . is just "the ramblings of socially-inept, technology-literate news-mongers".
    20. Re:Makes up for all the things lacking in iPad1? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

      Actually that isn't true at all. I purchased my Xoom off contract from Best Buy and didn't pay a dime for 3g service. Originally, rumors claimed you'd have to purchase at least one month of 3g service from Verizon in order to activate wifi, but that was only FUD. Just like your post.

  5. Re:makes up for all the things lacking in original by VolciMaster · · Score: 2

    I used an Apple bluetooth keyboard with a friend's iPad last summer

  6. Re:meh by itsenrique · · Score: 4, Informative

    Much like the sound of the wind, I predict that joke went right over your head.

  7. Re:Dup by maxume · · Score: 2

    There's a link to yesterday's article right there in the summary, so there may have been some awareness and intention behind this posting.

    --
    Nerd rage is the funniest rage.
  8. RE: Not enough by recoiledsnake · · Score: 2, Informative

    iPad 3.5 will probably come with Palladium 3.5, where even sites like Youtube will be charged for streaming to iDevice users.

    Already, Netflix, Kindle, etc. are on the chopping block on the App Store unless they pay up 30% of the user's fees to Apple. Want to read your Kindle books or Netflix movies on the iPad? Be forced to pay up to cover Apple's tax. The best thing is that according to Apple's rules, the price has to be same for other devices too, so even if you don't use the iDevices, expect your prices to go up because of Apple's policies.

    Readability was kicked off the App Store for failing to pay up http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/02/21/apples_rejection_of_readability_ios_app_stirs_subscription_controversy.html

    Before you mod me overrated/flamebait/troll etc. maybe reply to tell me why you're doing so?

    --
    This space for rent.
  9. Your needs/desires aren't everyone's needs/desires by DavidinAla · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I've been using a bluetooth keyboard with my iPad since last spring, when the iPad took the place of my laptop. I wouldn't know about a mouse, because there's no need for a mouse with it. The Flash issue has been covered to death. You either understand why its exclusion is a good thing or you don't, so there's nothing to add there. As for user-expandable memory, I can't figure out why people bring this up. It's a trade-off. There are certain advantages to having sealed, fixed memory, and it's a tradeoff to get them. If you don't want those advantages, buy a product that requires the user to manipulate a file system, but you're NOT going to see those in iOS products. Period.

  10. Re:Not enough by Shikaku · · Score: 4, Funny

    I think iPad 3.11 for workgroups will be good enough for me.

  11. Re: Not enough by dwightk · · Score: 3, Informative

    Readability was kicked off the App Store for failing to pay up

    heh, Readability (the company that charges 30% of revenue to publishers of content) was quoted about Apple's (the company that charges 30% of revenue to publishers of content) policy: it "smacks of greed"

    --
    Like anyone can even know that
  12. But has it appeased Hitler? by Lead+Butthead · · Score: 5, Funny

    Truely, if it is perfect, we should not expect another Hitler Rant video...

    --
    ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI!?
    1. Re:But has it appeased Hitler? by H0p313ss · · Score: 2

      The appropriate Hitler rant here would be the CEO's of the competitors who have not even managed to compete with the iPad1, and here's Apple shipping version 2 before half the competitors have their tablets shipping.

      --
      XML is a known as a key material required to create SMD: Software of Mass Destruction
    2. Re:But has it appeased Hitler? by Kosi · · Score: 2

      What are you talking about? Did somebody make up a video of Hitler ranting about some gadget?

      LOL, there is a German comedian (Gerhard Polt) who took video footage of a speech Hitler held, and overspoke the audio with a rant about being conned in a leasing contract. Search Youtube for "Hitler Leasingvertrag" if you understand German, I still have to laugh after having it seen approx. 50 times.

    3. Re:But has it appeased Hitler? by grouchomarxist · · Score: 2

      Probably referring to this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcU3a-rO7KY

      A while back there was an internet meme going around where people were taking that scene from the movie Untergang and putting on their own subtitles to have Hitler rant about various subjects, then the films producer started asking for them to be removed and many disappeared from youtube and elsewhere.
      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Untergang#Parodies

  13. Re: Not enough by kevinNCSU · · Score: 2

    he best thing is that according to Apple's rules, the price has to be same for other devices too, so even if you don't use the iDevices, expect your prices to go up because of Apple's policies.

    I'm not a fan of Apple but I think that's a misinterpretation. The rule is that the Apple device user has to be charged the same price if they buy the service outside the app store. So really all companies would have to do would be to add an extra fee on their site to enable streaming to i-devices, right?

  14. Re: Not enough by beelsebob · · Score: 2

    Readability doesn't charge publishers. How ignorant or desperate are you?

    Want a bet?

  15. Re: Not enough by iluvcapra · · Score: 2

    They've been on the chopping block for several weeks now and nothing has happened. For example, the latest version of the Kindle app was published on the App Store on the 14th and has been downloadable to this day. Apple's made no statements about how they're going to apply these rules to Netfilx and Kindle, and all we can do is extrapolate.

    All we have is one data point from a frustrated vanity publisher who's upset, really, because it's not him getting that 30% instead of Apple. He wants to pretend he's the "content provider" when the independent writer's he's fleecing are doing all the writing and Apple is doing all legwork with the distribution, making the mobile devices and making electronic reading an actual going proposition. All he is is a middleman trying to get his cut for doing nothing more than running a website and doing "classy" branding.

    --
    Don't blame me, I voted for Baltar.
  16. The razor wire by ThatsNotPudding · · Score: 3, Insightful

    topping the walled garden is now 33% sharper too.

  17. Re:Your needs/desires aren't everyone's needs/desi by Ihmhi · · Score: 5, Funny

    There are certain advantages to having sealed, fixed memory, and it's a tradeoff to get them.

    I absolutely agree! I'll list some for the detractors:

    • Nobody can open your iPad and steal your RAM, leaving the iPad a useless husk.
    • There's no chance of accidentally putting in the wrong RAM and causing a short.
    • You can avoid the classic "My kids thought the VCR was a toaster" situation. No young'uns will try to make Ritz Cracker toast on your RAM slot!
    • The chances of cutting yourself on the sharp edges of RAM are vastly reduced.
    • Everything comes in one convenient package. There's no costs to upgrade the iPad, ever! (Because you can't.)
  18. Re: Not enough by iluvcapra · · Score: 5, Informative

    Readability doesn't charge publishers. How ignorant or desperate are you?

    No, but they collect membership fees and revert 70% of these to the writers. 30% agency fees, for doing exactly squat besides rebranding and reformatting the content, would be considered exorbitant and unconscionable in just about any other business.

    I work with a lot of independent filmmakers and the "Readability" model has been with them for the last 10 years or so -- small fly-by-night "distributors" who take a huge cut of revenue and fees in exchange for making your movie available on their shitty burn-on-demand DVD website and offering it, with zero promotion and for bargain-basement prices on iTunes and Movielink and iFilm and all the other crap distribution channels that have come and gone the last decade. They're slimeballs and all they care about is putting themselves in-between artists and eyeballs, and doing as little as possible for their fees.

    --
    Don't blame me, I voted for Baltar.
  19. Re: Not enough by dwightk · · Score: 2

    In the same way Apple doesn't charge, they pay.

    I fail to see the difference, perhaps I'm ignorant.

    --
    Like anyone can even know that
  20. Re:Your needs/desires aren't everyone's needs/desi by vux984 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    You either understand why its exclusion is a good thing or you don't, so there's nothing to add there.

    Wow. That's some arrogance. Did you really mean to say: "Either you agree with apple, or you are wrong."

    There are certain advantages to having sealed, fixed memory

    Can you actually name any that are relevant?

    Not having to manipulate a file system isn't one by the way. My car stereo handles CDs, mp3 disks, flash memory, and ipods, and all the complicated file system stuff is completely invisible... I just push the source button. I guess that would be too overwhelming for an iDevice user?

    Another example is the Nintendo Wii file system management which a 4 year old has no trouble with.

    Meanwhile the multiple advantages of removable storage however are blindingly obvious.

    Arguing about the trade-offs of expandable/removable storage its about as idiotic as as arguing about the trade offs of wearing a motorcycle helmet. (In that yes, there are circumstances where not having a helmet on would be advantageous... but the disadvantages thoroughly outweigh any advantages.)

    but you're NOT going to see those in iOS products

    This same arguments about how you didn't need were made about native application development and multi-tasking...

    The main reason there is no expandable memory is that:
    a) Steve Job's obsessively hates slots and buttons, and is more than willing to sacrifice function to get form.

    b) If you can slide in your own 8GB SD card for $50, why would you pay hundreds of dollars extra for one with extra memory?

  21. Re:Say what you will but the iPad kept its value.. by FatAlb3rt · · Score: 2

    P.T. Barnum is still smiling.

  22. Re:Apple missed the mark again by iluvcapra · · Score: 2

    Why not provide a stylus and an app that would make the iPad behave like electronic paper.

    You know the real revolution of the Sholes and Glidden was that you could type on it faster than you could write. If something has a keyboard, and you can take for granted that the user population has keyboarding skills, handwriting recognition is useless baggage.

    --
    Don't blame me, I voted for Baltar.
  23. Re:Apple missed the mark again by Overzeetop · · Score: 2

    The iPad is a large form factor, personal media consumption device with social networking. It's not for taking notes, or writing term papers, or shooting a Filipino horror movie in NYC. I don't think capacitive screens will do what you want to do with any sort of accuracy. Its the trade off of a smooth, finger based interface - accuracy sucks.

    Personally, I'd like the idea of that feature, too. I'd also like a higher resolution camera and a "digital copier" function that would let me capture pages to PDF with all the lighting fixed automagically. It's a "known limitation". I haven't found another device that meets all my specs yet either, though.

    --
    Is it just my observation, or are there way too many stupid people in the world?
  24. Re:Apple missed the mark again by rsborg · · Score: 2

    Why not provide a stylus and an app that would make the iPad behave like electronic paper. You could take notes in class, in meetings, draw tech diagrams, etc? Have it do OCR on whatever you write and have it produce a typed document (PDF) and keep the original handwritten work as well.

    You do realize this was the entire premise of the Microsoft Tablet PC platform, right? You know, the one that's been selling for nearly a decade?

    If Microsoft hasn't dominated the tablet market in that time, from their position of utmost strength, then perhaps the pen/tablet strategy isn't the solution (and Apple realized this).

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    Make sure everyone's vote counts: Verified Voting
  25. Re: Not enough by Reapman · · Score: 4, Informative

    My understanding is Apple wants a 30% cut. However they don't want providers to charge extra on Apple devices - so basically publishers have two choices:

    1) Keep the price the same, and if the provider was making 30% or less already per sale, potentially lose money per sale.
    2) Raise the price for all and have non iOS users essentially pay a 30% tax for Apple.
    3) Don't release on iOS and lose that customer base.

    This is MY understanding. If I'm wrong please let me know.

  26. Re:Your needs/desires aren't everyone's needs/desi by Locke2005 · · Score: 2

    We were obviously referring to flash memory (e.g. SD or microSD cards), not RAM. And there are tradeoffs; if it is removable, the OS must check to see if it is there, know when it has been inserted or removed, and handle the situation where what it expected to be stored isn't what is there. It also creates a vector for the introduction of malware or even (gasp!) software not sold through the app store onto the device.

    --
    I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.
  27. Re: Not enough by Americano · · Score: 3, Informative

    I believe that the rules are structured to prevent that. Something along the lines of, "if a subscription offer is made outside the app, the same or better offer is made inside the app as well, using the in-app subscription functionality that Apple has built." I can't say this is certainly disallowed, but it seems like a fairly obvious loophole that runs counter to the strategy they seem to be pursuing.

  28. Re:Your needs/desires aren't everyone's needs/desi by uniquename72 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Rifles can easily be broken down and parts replaced by a knowledgeable user, and there are tons of 3rd party add ons for them that work well across all brands without needing any special connectors, etc.

    Try again.

  29. Re: Not enough by bonch · · Score: 2

    Dirty Percent by Gruber.

  30. Re: Not enough by Concerned+Onlooker · · Score: 2

    " and the fanboyism so prevalent among its customers"

    Oh, please. Knee jek regurgitations of false memes are getting old. File that one in the same drawer as BSOD.

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    http://www.rootstrikers.org/
  31. Re:Your needs/desires aren't everyone's needs/desi by binary+paladin · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The main reason there is no expandable memory is that:
    a) Steve Job's obsessively hates slots and buttons, and is more than willing to sacrifice function to get form.

    b) If you can slide in your own 8GB SD card for $50, why would you pay hundreds of dollars extra for one with extra memory?

    Yep. Those are the two most likely reasons. Charging $40 for a video dongle is ridiculous and $40 for their magic cover is equally ridiculous.

    But so what? I don't get the weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth caused by Apple releases. If those prices are too high or you don't like their marketing practices or the devices don't do what you need them to do then DO NOT BUY THEM. If someone else is perfectly happy to pay said prices for said items and they do not care about expandable memory and don't have any idea about Steve Jobs' personal taste then who the fuck cares?

    No one needs to own an Apple device. No one is forced to own an Apple device. No one is entitled to own an Apple device.

  32. Re:Your needs/desires aren't everyone's needs/desi by GooberToo · · Score: 2

    The problem is, Apple presumes all users are stupid. If you have stupid users plus multitasking, you will recharge your device more often. I completely agree with that. On the other hand, you can have smart users plus multitasking and not recharge more often; rather, just a more productive user. The difference is, Apple completely removes that option. By definition, Apple is excluding smart users from their target audience.

  33. Re:Your needs/desires aren't everyone's needs/desi by steveha · · Score: 4, Informative

    I have a Motorola Xoom on my desk right now as I type this.

    Your long list of silliness about the "Zoom" includes: silly things that imply complexity, "25 pounds", USB port, "three 9-volt batteries".

    In order:

    The UI is a bit more busy than an iPad, with more little options, but I haven't found it at all hard to use.

    According to specs, it is 730 grams, which is exactly the same as an iPad with 3G. Note that the second generation iPad 2 is listed as 600 grams; presumably that is not including the 3G option but it is still a win for Apple. On the other hand, an M16 rifle weighs about 8 pounds, so your innuendo is that the Xoom probably weighs three times as much as the Apple product; clearly false.

    Yes, the Xoom has a USB port. That is a good feature and I like it. The iPad has a USB port, but only if you put a special dongle on the special Apple connector. But I guess your point was that it would be silly for a rifle to have a USB port. In that case, please list the actual features of the Xoom that are silly. You might, for example, mock the Xoom for having a barometer; but it adds no significant weight or cost, and it will be very useful for certain applications, and I don't see how you could claim it makes the Xoom harder to use, so perhaps it's not that silly after all.

    As for batteries, the Xoom has built-in sealed battery pack, just like the iPad. The iPad claimed battery life is 9 hours for the 3G model; the Xoom claimed battery life is 8 hours, with a faster processor. The iPad 2 claims to have 9 or 10 hour battery life.

    I think the actual specs show that the Xoom is not quite as slick as an iPad but it is in the ballpark, and I personally do not want to shackle myself to Apple's ecosystem. If you want a device that gives you the most freedom, then the Xoom is a worthy option. If you want the slickest device currently made, then get an iPad 2.

    steveha

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    lf(1): it's like ls(1) but sorts filenames by extension, tersely
  34. CNN's note on iPad2 truth distortion by cygonik · · Score: 2
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    I am not an atomic playboy.
  35. Re:Your needs/desires aren't everyone's needs/desi by vux984 · · Score: 2

    If those prices are too high or you don't like their marketing practices or the devices don't do what you need them to do then DO NOT BUY THEM

    Any particular reason I shouldn't remark about why I didn't buy them?

    I don't get the weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth caused by Apple releases

    I don't get the fanboi fawning caused by them either. I think the two balance each other out, and its likely that the anti-reaction is in direct proportion to the fanboi-fawning reaction

  36. Re: Not enough by dwightk · · Score: 2

    Apple doesn't do anything for subscriptions except payment processing

    And shielding the subscriber from giving up their personal information to the publisher.

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    Like anyone can even know that
  37. Re: Not enough by iluvcapra · · Score: 2

    They're providing a needed service and enabling micropayments from people who don't want to see ads but don't want content producers to die due to lack of revenue.

    70% of the micropayments, that is. In order to put your content on a device which already allows you to sell your content for the same split, let alone other storefronts and platforms which offer different more-or-less favorable terms -- you can sell on the Kindle store, for example, which gives you a better share and more audience but doesn't let you set the price. And that for just a cut of a flat subscription fee and not per-article or author. These people are just chiselers who are selling a bill of goods to writers who don't know all of the options available to them.

    It is Apple that doesn't do anything for subscriptions except payment processing for which 30% is just BS.

    If they aren't "doing anything" then why don't you do it? Oh yeah, that's right, you didn't invent, market and distribute a mobile device platform and ecosystem, thus creating the market of customers for electronic written works.

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    Don't blame me, I voted for Baltar.
  38. Re: Not enough by BasilBrush · · Score: 2

    Readability charges users a fee. Readability pays writers and publishers 70% of that fee.

    In the same way that Apple charges users a fee. Apple pays writers and publishers 70% of that fee.

    Again, like the other poster said, where's the difference? Are you confused?

  39. Re: Not enough by TrancePhreak · · Score: 2

    Sorry, I should clarify. The rules for apps currently in the store don't get enforced until June. Sony's reader was also rejected already.

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    -]Phreak Out[-