Originally posted Sunday, April 4, 2010 (2 years ago)
I played with one in the Apple store yesterday. In general I think it's very promising. I love how fast and efficient it is. I wish there were a front facing camera on it. Typing was surprisingly easy. As an ereader it's passable but I definitely wouldn't be able to use it for extended periods, the eyestrain from the LCD would be too tough to deal with.
I think it's a good first generation device, and in the future it might be worth buying for me, especially as a companion/satellite to a Mac. The flash thing is a major issue (I saw like 3 people trying in vain to play a hulu video on it), but with things like the ABC player app and the Netflix app I really wonder how long it's going to be until these problems get solved or the way we use video on the web changes to fit the iPad's design paradigm.
I think that the arguments that competing tablets are more functional and better are missing the point of the thing entirely. This is a paradigm shifter, although it's not the earthquake the iPhone was for sure.
I agree with Marcelo. I also played with one yesterday. It's a very elegant machine but not quite worth the price. I was tempted to get one, but decided to wait until it: (1) is $100 cheaper, (2) has 32 MB of RAM as opposed to 16 MB, or (3) has a camera and USB port at its current price. The lack of support for Adobe Flash is still disappointing but now I feel it's less of an issue with Netflix, NY Times, ABC, CNN, and other sites coming up with alternative ways to stream video using HTML 5 or dedicated apps. Hulu is supposedly coming soon, though rumors are they are going to charge for iPad service. Actually, I would love it if Apple came out with a smaller form factor about the size of the regular Kindle (5x8 inches) and weighing closer to 1 lbs.
Originally posted Monday, April 5, 2010 (2 years ago)
Marclo hit the nail on the head re paradigm shifter but for me, an earthquake. I complained about no flash when it was first announced but realize when using it who cares, I don't miss it. I look at the NY times using their reader app, it's so much better then reading the times on the web. I will pay a subscription to read the times that way. GQ magazine is awesome and gorgeous, it's like a magazine. Weather channel app is sweet, goggle maps, sweet. I don't play with many apps on my iphone, but the iPad I can't put down (until my wife rips it from my hands to shoot another rewiew, damn her). Cnn already using html 5.
Netflex app, gorgeous picture. Pulled up episode of Firefly just to check it out, got sucked into and didn't put it down for half an hour. All while sitting in bed. That's the other thing, it's not like lugging a laptop to the couch or bed. It's like a book or magazine, though a little heavier (I'd say as heavy as a very thick hardcover book)
What it will need is a way to sort your apps with tabs or something. Way to many to scroll through. It's as if all your bookmarks and apps on your laptop were only accessible on your desktop as icons and, on multible desktops you have to scroll through to boot.
Originally posted Tuesday, April 6, 2010 (2 years ago)
the blend it guy is awesome.
PDF's I find online open in safari, and scroll up (like scrolling though addresses on iphone). Tells you page number (ie 9 of 81) and has visual scroll position graphic but no way to jump to a specific page number or any anything else (thumbnails etc). Found a 99cent reader, Goodreader for the ipad with great reviews though it also uses vert scroll vs ereader finger flick.
File transfer is either through mail or now possible through itunes though haven't tested it yet.
Originally posted Monday, June 14, 2010 (2 years ago)
Can't remember where I read or heard this, but it's expected that the phenomenon of apps (like the ones that make the iPad so rockin') will turn the internet into a collection of "walled gardens" where online communities will revolve around certain technology, impacting the spirit of a wide-open internet as we have now.
Cell phone owners everywhere have always been fickle and Internet users nearly as much. I'm not worried about walled gardens; those walls have proven remarkably brittle.
That's the lesson companies like Google have learned; It doesn't matter how big of a Monopoly they ever become, if they piss off users they'll jump in a heartbeat. It's a key reason their "Don't be evil" business motto is so critical to their success; Take users for granted and they will end you in short order.
The only tech company that has shown any real immunity to that rule is Apple, but of course they've always operated on the fringes of market share, appealing to a highly select group of fanbois that seem to actually enjoy being taken advantage of. Apple will never hold a majority share of anything because the majority of users simply won't put up with their [bleep!].
Zenin said: "Apple will never hold a majority share of anything because the majority of users simply won't put up with their [bleep!]."
Have you ever heard of this thing called an "iPod?" I've heard it was really popular in the MP3 player market space. I'm not sure if market share in the 70% range is a majority share... haven't been in a math class for quite some time.
Furthermore, the majority of users are oblivious to [bleep!] companies do. Hell, people are still lined up to fill their cars with ARCO gas.
Originally posted Monday, June 14, 2010 (2 years ago)
Oh, and I joined the club this weekend when I was gifted a 64GB wifi model. It's slick and useful as an entertainment device, though I'm not quite feel it can help make my work life any more productive... though I know folks at Disney are starting to use them for work activities. Would love a simple DJing program on this thing so I can take it to dance events instead of lugging around the 'ol MBP.
Originally posted Monday, June 14, 2010 (2 years ago)
There are a lot of good looking blending, etc DJ apps coming out, but if you're not blending or scratching?
Giving up the DB and smart filtering features of Winamp or iTunes, not to mention storage capacity and ability to use high quality USB sound devices, that's a hard sell. What seems to be happening at the pro level are DJs adding iPads to their gear, but not as a replacement for anything.
Absolutely anyone not blending/scratching will be far, far better served by a netbook/laptop for the same or less then an iPad. No question.
Originally posted Tuesday, June 15, 2010 (2 years ago)
I'm a swing DJ... not a real DJ... and i know my library well, so my needs are pretty simple.
After playing around with the iPod function on the iPad for a bit it actually has a lot of what I need. Just setup a playlist, and edit it on the go. Only two major negatives are that I can't see my bpm tags, and I can't use the search function to quickly get to songs while adding songs to the play list (even though said function is right there mocking me.) Being able to preview would be a nice to have as well, but I can sacrifice it for the amazing portability.
I'm now very curious to see if iOS4 is going to include any changes to the iPod application.
He'll, if I can end up DJing from an iPhone that would be even better. I'm tired of going to events only to constantly worry about my equipment when not in use. Done DJing? Gear goes in pocket.
Originally posted Tuesday, June 15, 2010 (2 years ago)
I hear ya. When OS 3 came out I was all excited because they announced the API would let 3rd party Apps read from the Library. I was sure there would be a ton of great 3rd party music player apps to come out. I didn't realize at the time that Apple won't approve any apps that "compete" with their native Apps, which pretty much dooms any chance for an improved music player apps which explains why there's nothing.. :(
I'm sure that's why all the "DJ" applications that have been approved all are blending/scratching feature heavy Apps that basically try to stay as far away from "Music Player" as they can to not rile up Apple's App Store Police.
I think there would be a solid market for an advanced music playing "swing-DJ" App. I could easily see BlueTooth headset preview, freeing up the 1/8" for the main line-out. It'll never happen though, at least not on Apple's App Store. Maybe a for jail broken devices (and really, there's no reason not to jail break your iPthing).
I don't get the "amazing portability" argument however, at least for the iPad. The iPad isn't any more portable then most netbooks?
Originally posted Tuesday, June 15, 2010 (2 years ago)
Yeah, a netbook or light laptop can do the DJ job much better and it is just as portable. It would freak me out a little to leave an iPad unattended.
Now, as for DJ'ing from the iPhone: I did it a couple of months ago. I basically set up a local bluetooth network between my MBP and the iPhone. I then used the Remote app on the iPhone to control my iTunes library on the laptop. That way I could DJ from the dance floor using my iPhone. It worked out beautifully actually, and it was a great conversation piece. It's not really much more portable, after all you still need a laptop and in theory "worry" about your equipment. But you could also simplify it by using one of these instead of a laptop. The main difference would be that you would need to have your whole library in your phone instead of simply using it as a remote control.
Quote It would freak me out a little to leave an iPad unattended.
Speaking of which, iPads appear to be lacking a standard Kensington lock. How exactly do you secure an iPad? I'd imagine someone must make a security case?
Originally posted Tuesday, June 22, 2010 (2 years ago)
Not sure if anyone here is interested, but ars did a review of the iElectribe, which is a digital version of the company's Electribe series of rhythm synthesizer.
Apple's IPad Tablet Announcement?
It should be today. I'm really curious. Here is a leaked video of it. First Apple Tablet Review Get Live Updates Here
Page(s): < Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ... (236 items total)
That would be pretty sweet... if you're a midget.
Reuben Brown - www.JiveJunction.com - Southern California
God I wish this were real. Think Geek does it again.
The physics is theoretical, but the fun is real!
You never know. They did wind up making the Tauntaun Sleeping Bag for real thanks to the high demand for it.
Martinis do not contain vodka. —Rachel Maddow
What's inside the iPad?
Speak only if you can improve the silence. - Quaker saying (via @Rikomatic)
I played with one in the Apple store yesterday. In general I think it's very promising. I love how fast and efficient it is. I wish there were a front facing camera on it. Typing was surprisingly easy. As an ereader it's passable but I definitely wouldn't be able to use it for extended periods, the eyestrain from the LCD would be too tough to deal with.
I think it's a good first generation device, and in the future it might be worth buying for me, especially as a companion/satellite to a Mac. The flash thing is a major issue (I saw like 3 people trying in vain to play a hulu video on it), but with things like the ABC player app and the Netflix app I really wonder how long it's going to be until these problems get solved or the way we use video on the web changes to fit the iPad's design paradigm.
I think that the arguments that competing tablets are more functional and better are missing the point of the thing entirely. This is a paradigm shifter, although it's not the earthquake the iPhone was for sure.
I agree with Marcelo. I also played with one yesterday. It's a very elegant machine but not quite worth the price. I was tempted to get one, but decided to wait until it: (1) is $100 cheaper, (2) has 32 MB of RAM as opposed to 16 MB, or (3) has a camera and USB port at its current price. The lack of support for Adobe Flash is still disappointing but now I feel it's less of an issue with Netflix, NY Times, ABC, CNN, and other sites coming up with alternative ways to stream video using HTML 5 or dedicated apps. Hulu is supposedly coming soon, though rumors are they are going to charge for iPad service. Actually, I would love it if Apple came out with a smaller form factor about the size of the regular Kindle (5x8 inches) and weighing closer to 1 lbs.
Marclo hit the nail on the head re paradigm shifter but for me, an earthquake. I complained about no flash when it was first announced but realize when using it who cares, I don't miss it. I look at the NY times using their reader app, it's so much better then reading the times on the web. I will pay a subscription to read the times that way. GQ magazine is awesome and gorgeous, it's like a magazine. Weather channel app is sweet, goggle maps, sweet. I don't play with many apps on my iphone, but the iPad I can't put down (until my wife rips it from my hands to shoot another rewiew, damn her). Cnn already using html 5.
Netflex app, gorgeous picture. Pulled up episode of Firefly just to check it out, got sucked into and didn't put it down for half an hour. All while sitting in bed. That's the other thing, it's not like lugging a laptop to the couch or bed. It's like a book or magazine, though a little heavier (I'd say as heavy as a very thick hardcover book)
What it will need is a way to sort your apps with tabs or something. Way to many to scroll through. It's as if all your bookmarks and apps on your laptop were only accessible on your desktop as icons and, on multible desktops you have to scroll through to boot.
But will it blend?
Speak only if you can improve the silence. - Quaker saying (via @Rikomatic)
How does it handle PDF files? Specifically, how do you load them on and what's included to view them?
Reuben Brown - www.JiveJunction.com - Southern California
the blend it guy is awesome.
PDF's I find online open in safari, and scroll up (like scrolling though addresses on iphone). Tells you page number (ie 9 of 81) and has visual scroll position graphic but no way to jump to a specific page number or any anything else (thumbnails etc). Found a 99cent reader, Goodreader for the ipad with great reviews though it also uses vert scroll vs ereader finger flick.
File transfer is either through mail or now possible through itunes though haven't tested it yet.
Sorry, I just had to do it.
DJ Spuds in da house.
The physics is theoretical, but the fun is real!
iClothing to suit your iPad
Speak only if you can improve the silence. - Quaker saying (via @Rikomatic)
Eff, this one's for you
USB Typewriter
Speak only if you can improve the silence. - Quaker saying (via @Rikomatic)
Can't remember where I read or heard this, but it's expected that the phenomenon of apps (like the ones that make the iPad so rockin') will turn the internet into a collection of "walled gardens" where online communities will revolve around certain technology, impacting the spirit of a wide-open internet as we have now.
What say you?
Cell phone owners everywhere have always been fickle and Internet users nearly as much. I'm not worried about walled gardens; those walls have proven remarkably brittle.
That's the lesson companies like Google have learned; It doesn't matter how big of a Monopoly they ever become, if they piss off users they'll jump in a heartbeat. It's a key reason their "Don't be evil" business motto is so critical to their success; Take users for granted and they will end you in short order.
The only tech company that has shown any real immunity to that rule is Apple, but of course they've always operated on the fringes of market share, appealing to a highly select group of fanbois that seem to actually enjoy being taken advantage of. Apple will never hold a majority share of anything because the majority of users simply won't put up with their [bleep!].
Zenin said: "Apple will never hold a majority share of anything because the majority of users simply won't put up with their [bleep!]."
Have you ever heard of this thing called an "iPod?" I've heard it was really popular in the MP3 player market space. I'm not sure if market share in the 70% range is a majority share... haven't been in a math class for quite some time.
Furthermore, the majority of users are oblivious to [bleep!] companies do. Hell, people are still lined up to fill their cars with ARCO gas.
Reuben Brown - www.JiveJunction.com - Southern California
Oh, and I joined the club this weekend when I was gifted a 64GB wifi model. It's slick and useful as an entertainment device, though I'm not quite feel it can help make my work life any more productive... though I know folks at Disney are starting to use them for work activities. Would love a simple DJing program on this thing so I can take it to dance events instead of lugging around the 'ol MBP.
Reuben Brown - www.JiveJunction.com - Southern California
Apparently Falty is using it to DJ. You might try checking with him.
There are a lot of good looking blending, etc DJ apps coming out, but if you're not blending or scratching?
Giving up the DB and smart filtering features of Winamp or iTunes, not to mention storage capacity and ability to use high quality USB sound devices, that's a hard sell. What seems to be happening at the pro level are DJs adding iPads to their gear, but not as a replacement for anything.
Absolutely anyone not blending/scratching will be far, far better served by a netbook/laptop for the same or less then an iPad. No question.
I'm a swing DJ... not a real DJ... and i know my library well, so my needs are pretty simple.
After playing around with the iPod function on the iPad for a bit it actually has a lot of what I need. Just setup a playlist, and edit it on the go. Only two major negatives are that I can't see my bpm tags, and I can't use the search function to quickly get to songs while adding songs to the play list (even though said function is right there mocking me.) Being able to preview would be a nice to have as well, but I can sacrifice it for the amazing portability.
I'm now very curious to see if iOS4 is going to include any changes to the iPod application.
He'll, if I can end up DJing from an iPhone that would be even better. I'm tired of going to events only to constantly worry about my equipment when not in use. Done DJing? Gear goes in pocket.
Reuben Brown - www.JiveJunction.com - Southern California
I hear ya. When OS 3 came out I was all excited because they announced the API would let 3rd party Apps read from the Library. I was sure there would be a ton of great 3rd party music player apps to come out. I didn't realize at the time that Apple won't approve any apps that "compete" with their native Apps, which pretty much dooms any chance for an improved music player apps which explains why there's nothing.. :(
I'm sure that's why all the "DJ" applications that have been approved all are blending/scratching feature heavy Apps that basically try to stay as far away from "Music Player" as they can to not rile up Apple's App Store Police.
I think there would be a solid market for an advanced music playing "swing-DJ" App. I could easily see BlueTooth headset preview, freeing up the 1/8" for the main line-out. It'll never happen though, at least not on Apple's App Store. Maybe a for jail broken devices (and really, there's no reason not to jail break your iPthing).
I don't get the "amazing portability" argument however, at least for the iPad. The iPad isn't any more portable then most netbooks?
Yeah, a netbook or light laptop can do the DJ job much better and it is just as portable. It would freak me out a little to leave an iPad unattended.
Now, as for DJ'ing from the iPhone: I did it a couple of months ago. I basically set up a local bluetooth network between my MBP and the iPhone. I then used the Remote app on the iPhone to control my iTunes library on the laptop. That way I could DJ from the dance floor using my iPhone. It worked out beautifully actually, and it was a great conversation piece. It's not really much more portable, after all you still need a laptop and in theory "worry" about your equipment. But you could also simplify it by using one of these instead of a laptop. The main difference would be that you would need to have your whole library in your phone instead of simply using it as a remote control.
Speaking of which, iPads appear to be lacking a standard Kensington lock. How exactly do you secure an iPad? I'd imagine someone must make a security case?
Exactly, hence why I'd love to just DJ from my iPhone, and put it back in my pocket when done.
I've done the remote app thing as well, but I'm actually talking about DJing strictly from the iPhone.
I suppose there really isn't anything preventing me from doing it, especially since I'll have much more capacity with my next one.
Reuben Brown - www.JiveJunction.com - Southern California
Martinis do not contain vodka. —Rachel Maddow
Not sure if anyone here is interested, but ars did a review of the iElectribe, which is a digital version of the company's Electribe series of rhythm synthesizer.
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