iPad sales predicted at 20 - 25k per hour...

[Wayne]

Looks like the iPad may have touched a fever pitch. I know I can't wait for mine...

Using order numbers matched up to the time of order, estimates range from about 20,000 to 25,000 iPads sold per hour in the hours after Apple raised the curtain.

ArsTechnica Article

 

[Glaucus]

I think the iPad will do well amongst the Apple fanboys for a while. I still have serious doubts that it'll be a mainstream hit. Most people I know have told me they aren't interested in it at all.

 

[Wayne]

I think the iPad will do well amongst the Apple fanboys for a while. I still have serious doubts that it'll be a mainstream hit. Most people I know have told me they aren't interested in it at all.

No doubt. I said the exact same thing when the iPhone came out. Now I find that while I technically "could" survive without it, I would not at all be a happy camper.

It remains to be seen whether or not the iPad will have the same type of impact, or whether there will be millions for sale on e-bay a couple of weeks after the initial sale. Maybe, Maybe not.

Historically speaking, I look at the iPod versus the rest of the market. Sure, there are dozens of other mp3 players, but no one has been able to match the iPod or Touch since they came out.

Likewise with phones, while you could argue for the droid and others, no one has been able to match the undeniable success (and nifty usability) of the iPhone, even though there are plenty of wannabes around.

As such, my guess is that given Apple's past track record with only one real "miss" (AppleTV) in the last 10 years, I think it's safe to say it will gather a good niche market that PC makers will all scramble (somewhat unsuccessfully) to dilute.

Wayne

 

[Wayne]

Ok.. so wait a minute...

I have never really looked at a Kindle or other book reader because it didn't really interest me to own a device that was "just" a book reader.

Was on Amazon.com just now looking for a book on CSS, when I ran across their ad for the Kindle and Kindle DX.

Now I'm even more confused by people's resistance to the iPad.

Kindle = $259 for a 6 inch grayscale screened book reader.
Kindle DX = $489 for a 9.7" grayscale screened book reader. That's all it does..

The only advantages I can see to the Kindle would be the "built in 3G service" which doesn't require a contract or anything. BUT... you can only use that 3G service to download books that you -- with some exceptions -- have to purchase from Amazon??

Color me confused.

 

[Glaucus]

The kindle is not likely to see mainstream success either. But I also don't think Amazon expects it to, which may explain the high price. Apple is clearly pricing the iPad for the mainstream. Apple may even be using a game console strategy here where they sell the hardware at a loss and expect to make back the cash via software sales. But all that suggests Apple is banking on mainstream success, and if it doesn't get it the iPad may get the axe as it would be hard to up the price after the initial launch.

 

[JoBBo]

The only advantages I can see to the Kindle would be the "built in 3G service" which doesn't require a contract or anything. BUT... you can only use that 3G service to download books that you -- with some exceptions -- have to purchase from Amazon??

Actually, there are other advantages as well. First of all, battery time is much, much better (multiple days vs. hours) because the eInk display requires no backlight which reduces the power consumption drastically. Second, because of the lack of a backlight, eInk displays are also supposed to be less straining on the eyes, which is something that a lot of people complain about after reading long texts on a computer screen.

Of course, some will argue that the battery time of the iPad is 'good enough' and that they don't mind reading on backlit LCD displays at all. It all depends on your personal preferences.

 

[Glaucus]

that may be why so many thought apple was going with an OLED display. In fact, I too am surprised they didn't, but perhaps that would have driven up the cost too much?

 

[Wayne]

The only advantages I can see to the Kindle would be the "built in 3G service" which doesn't require a contract or anything. BUT... you can only use that 3G service to download books that you -- with some exceptions -- have to purchase from Amazon??

Actually, there are other advantages as well. First of all, battery time is much, much better (multiple days vs. hours) because the eInk display requires no backlight which reduces the power consumption drastically. Second, because of the lack of a backlight, eInk displays are also supposed to be less straining on the eyes, which is something that a lot of people complain about after reading long texts on a computer screen.

Of course, some will argue that the battery time of the iPad is 'good enough' and that they don't mind reading on backlit LCD displays at all. It all depends on your personal preferences.

I can see both arguments, especially regarding the screen and eye strain, but since I don't yet have either device, I can't say one way or another. I have however already gotten myself a "PDF to ePub converter" so that I can transfer all the PDF's I have to my incoming iPad.

It'll be nice to be able to clear my bookshelf at home of all those books I pick up once in a blue moon.

In regards to battery life, I'm sure if I were to read a book for more than 5 hours, I'd pretty much be homicidal at that point, so charging it in between isn't an issue for me.

Plus you have to get back to the fact that we should be able to use it for other things such as games, which the Kindle can't.

 

[Glaucus]

Wayne, I hope for your sake Apple uses the best batteries money can buy: Say Goodbye to Your iPad When the Battery Fails

Apple posted an FAQ for the iPad's Battery Replacement Service (via Engadget). Apple's solution to a dead battery is to send you a new iPad, with none of your data.

This service fee is later detailed as $99, plus $6.95 shipping. The total cost being $105.95 per unit.

Sounds like a scam to me. Shouldn't I be able to buy a battery from anywhere I want? I hope the rest of the tech industry doesn't follow this lead, or this will be just another evil trend started by Apple.

 

[FluffyMcDeath]

Kindle = $259 for a 6 inch grayscale screened book reader.
Kindle DX = $489 for a 9.7" grayscale screened book reader. That's all it does..

[...] BUT... you can only use that 3G service to download books that you -- with some exceptions -- have to purchase from Amazon??

Color me confused.

The Kindle is madness. I don't get it at all. Perhaps for travel for a book nut it might have a purpose - but it locks you into Amazon (which Amazon likes) and makes books only slightly cheaper and they're trying to jack the price (imagine, no paper, no storage, no transport, no savings - yeah!), you cannot resell the book if you no longer want/need it, nor can you give it away (also a feature desired by Amazon and the book industry but a big loss for the book buyer, AND -- (yes, it's already happened) Amazon can delete the book right off your Kindle after you have bought it (also good for copyright owners and publishers but bad for users).

This whole e-book/iTunes thing stinks stinks stinks. With digital distros the cost model should be way less but consumers are being gouged. A $30 book is a $12 at the printer and a 6$ book at the publisher. A $15 CD is a $8 at the press and $4 at EMI. iTunes should be 40 cents at most. e-books should top out around $5 or $6. I refuse top play.

 

[Glaucus]

Can't disagree with that. Sony did something similar when they introduced the PSP Go, which was the same as a regular PSP except without the UMD reader. this of course forces you to buy all your games electronically (and if you had a massive library of UMD games you're SOL). At least you can sell your UMD games, but that would be the last time you could do that. The good news however is that the PSP Go is considered to be a failure and that the regular PSP is still the one leading the pack.

But we're seeing more similarly sneaky things from publishers. DICE's latest release, Battlefield Bad Company 2, comes with a one time unlock code. Those who buy the game have an unlock code that gives them access to a variety of extra maps - important for a mostly online shooter game. However, if you buy that game used, that code is useless as it is tied to the original owner. Yep, that stinks.

Seems to me the entire tech business isn't satisfied with the record sales they're making, they feel the need to find new ways to lock their customers in. I so hate that but it's getting harder to avoid.

 

[JoBBo]

that may be why so many thought apple was going with an OLED display. In fact, I too am surprised they didn't, but perhaps that would have driven up the cost too much?

That is one aspect, at least. OLED displays are especially expensive in sizes larger than 5 inch.

Also, OLED displays do not consume much less power in real-world scenarios. And because it is a light-emitting display technology, you have the same issues with eye-straining that are commonly experienced with LCD displays.

So, even if the iPad had an OLED display, it would not make it more attractive compared to devices using e-ink displays.

PixelQi offer display technology that essentially mixes an e-ink type display with a traditional LCD one and allows to switch between "reading" and "computer" modes at any time. It is certainly interesting but there are probably good reasons why no end consumer devices use it so far.

 

[Wayne]

Wayne, I hope for your sake Apple uses the best batteries money can buy: Say Goodbye to Your iPad When the Battery Fails

Apple posted an FAQ for the iPad's Battery Replacement Service (via Engadget). Apple's solution to a dead battery is to send you a new iPad, with none of your data.

[quote:23q9vryj]This service fee is later detailed as $99, plus $6.95 shipping. The total cost being $105.95 per unit.

Sounds like a scam to me. Shouldn't I be able to buy a battery from anywhere I want? I hope the rest of the tech industry doesn't follow this lead, or this will be just another evil trend started by Apple.[/quote:23q9vryj]
Well first.. If you're running around with a mobile device, be it a PDA, a laptop, a cell phone, or an iPad and you DON'T have it backed up, then that's all on you. Absolutely no different than if you drop your laptop and have to send it in for repair.

Secondly, it is entirely possible that the procedure for opening an iPad is much more involved than an iPhone, and is therefore not possible by the local "geniuses". I can imagine for example that the larger bezel around the screen may actually be far more flexible, hence able to be damaged than the iPhone.

I'm actually ok by the thought of getting a replacement machine, because I'm fairly certain that any replacement sent out will probably be a later model than the day one machine I bought.

I know you hate Apple. That's cool for you, but you're stretching a bit for reasons to hate them.

Wayne

 

[Wayne]

Sounds like a scam to me. Shouldn't I be able to buy a battery from anywhere I want? I hope the rest of the tech industry doesn't follow this lead, or this will be just another evil trend started by Apple.

Besides, can you open an iPhone? Can you buy an iPhone battery "anywhere you want?". There are also sealed PC laptops which require factory service. The Dell Adamo or a couple of high-end Sonys come to mind. (I may be mistaken, but thought the Adamo had a sealed battery to reduce the size of the laptop).

Wayne

 

[Glaucus]

Ok Wayne, we all know you must have at least one by now. Quit drooling all over it and tell us about how mind blowingly awesome it is and how the second coming of Christ couldn't be this exciting.

:mrgreen:

 

[Glaucus]

Nevermind, I thought it was released today. Just did a double check and it's released on the 3rd. My bad. Sorry if my post was a tease. :mrgreen:

 

[Wayne]

Ok Wayne, we all know you must have at least one by now. Quit drooling all over it and tell us about how mind blowingly awesome it is and how the second coming of Christ couldn't be this exciting.

:mrgreen:

Unless I run out and buy a standard wifi model on Saturday morning to get me through until "late april" (and believe me, it's entirely possible -- if not probable -- that I will), I have to wait on my 64gb 3G model to arrive.

I may purchase a 16gb wifi model, then use that one as payment for web design work, or I may simply take it back to best buy when the new model arrives. I'm making the huge presumption that the local Best Buy will even HAVE ONE Saturday morning, but hey, if not, no biggie.

Until then, the reviews have already started coming in, and they appear to be HUGELY positive and "go buy one now". Even Stephen Fry (UK Comedian / Actor) has one and he's truly jubilant over it.;

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/04/ ... d-reviews/

 

[FluffyMcDeath]

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/04/ ... d-reviews/

I'm with David Pogue, The New York Times:

And the techies are right about another thing: the iPad is not a laptop. It’s not nearly as good for creating stuff. On the other hand, it’s infinitely more convenient for consuming it

And that's exactly why I don't need one. I don't just consume - and I don't want 2 devices so I can consume or create. I want one for both - and in that price range you can get them.

 

[Glaucus]

And that's exactly why I don't need one. I don't just consume - and I don't want 2 devices so I can consume or create. I want one for both - and in that price range you can get them.

Or even if you did want to consume, an iPhone or iTouch or any of the other smart phone/media player would probably do you just fine. The iPad is a cross between a general purpose netbook and a specialized iPhone/iTouch. To me it's the tech equivalent of an all-season tire, which is really just all-compromise. The iPad doesn't have the productive capabilities of a laptop/netbook nor the convenience of a mobile phone or media player. It's a product that no one asked for and if it didn't have an Apple logo on it no one would care about it either.

Having said that, one thing I do find interesting about the iPad is the multitouch interface on the OS level. Still not convinced it beats a mouse for all tasks but it's probably better then a touchpad.

 

[Wayne]

Even if you did want to consume, an iPhone or iTouch or any of the other smart phone/media player would probably do you just fine.

You bring up the good point which helps to illustrate why I may buy one this Saturday.

If I love it, I've got a 3G model coming and a way out of the investment in the wifi model. If I don't care for it, I've got a 30-day out to cancel my order for the 3G and to return the Wifi model.

Win-win, save for the initial investment.

Wayne