Ask HN: Am I the only one who doesn't give a crap about the iPad? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Am I the only one who doesn't give a crap about the iPad?

65 pointspapachito49 comments

Kind of getting sick of all the articles "iPad being used as X" on HN and everywhere else. Not saying it's a bad device but I mean, come on...

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I'm glad someone started this thread, as I've been looking for somewhere to vent/rant a little.

I know this thread is more about being bummed out by the hype, but the hype seems like Apple Gush instead of honest reviews. I saw clip on Hulu for Good Morning America where a lady said that you can't run Flash, but don't worry, people are making apps, so it should be here soon. Huh? People don't have a CLUE what they are even buying. It's just Apple and shiny so they are jumping on it.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/139237/abc-good-morning-america-fi...

The reasons I would not buy an iPad:

1) I don't want to have to hold my computer like it's a clipboard for everything I have to do. And I don't want to buy a tacky "stand" of some kind so I can sit back and watch or use the thing.

2) If I want to use 2 hands to type, or play a game, do I lay it down on some surface and lean over it like a piece of paper? Sounds like a back breaker.

You CANNOT tell me that typing on the iPad will be better. Typing on my iPhone is already the worst typing experience imaginable. I used to email all the time from my blackberry, now I don't even bother.

4) It's a handheld iTunes store, and I can't even download and try apps that aren't approved by Apple. I'd be more interested in an Android iPad honestly.

5) Is that a glass screen? If so, anyone with kids should back off now. I don't even let my kids carry glass plates to the table for dinner. Or maybe you'll be able to buy a giant Otter Box protective case for it, lol.

Thanks again for the rant outlet.

3) I purchased an EEE PC thinking it would be great, I could use it everywhere, and for anything. Turns out, it's sitting in a drawer because I have no use for a limited PC that's too small and hard to type on to do anything of value. You CANNOT tell me that typing on the iPad will be better. Typing on my iPhone is already the worst typing experience imaginable. I used to email all the time from my blackberry, now I don't even bother.

This is where we differ---the whole reason to get excited about the iPad is because it promises to make typing (and mouse wiggling, one of the most unnatural things to do ever!) a whole lot less relevant. That's something to be excited about, IMO.

I've actually been strongly considering buying one, even though a week ago I was pretty unimpressed. Some things you're right about, some things you are misinformed:

1. This bugs me too. If I do get one, I'll get a book stand or something for $5 at Target. I don't really see myself watching much stuff on it, since you can't plug it into a TV, and I hardly ever travel. My use case is centered around a couch. (Edit: you can plug it into a TV, I was misinformed as well.)

2. I just learned today that you can connect a keyboard to it with Bluetooth. This is huge for me, and turns it from "useless toy" to "something I might actually use". Whether I'd use it instead of my Macbook is what I'm debating.

3. I also have an unused Eee, but for me the problem was screen size and battery life and the fact that it won't sleep/resume quickly. The iPad supposedly fixes all these.

4. Yeah, pretty much. I dunno if I'd want an Android one, since I've heard bad things about Android performance/usability, but I'd love a way to load stuff on there without using the app store.

5. The glass screen on the iPhone is far more durable than the plastic screens on everything else. I'd imagine it's the same stuff.

I don't really see myself watching much stuff on it, since you can't plug it into a TV

For what it's worth, you can. Apple sells composite and component video adaptors for the iPad.

http://store.apple.com/ca/product/MB128LL/B

Hmm, that's another thing in its favor, I guess. I could take it to my girlfriend's house, plug it into her TV, and watch things streamed from Netflix.

1) How can you be so sure without ever having tried it? It's not just a PC without a keyboard - it's a whole new carefully tuned experience. The closest parallel right now is an iPhone, of course, but this is much, much larger. I've been developing for it since the SDK became available and believe me, the size alone has extremely significant ramifications on design once you unlearn the "old ways" of thinking about application usability.

2) The iPad comes at this from the other angle: Why should I have to sit down at a desk or carefully balance a 5lb. machine on my lap just to check the weather and update my friends on Twitter?

3) It remains to be seen if the iPad will suffer the same fate. I personally doubt it will, but we can't know that yet. As for typing, most reviews I've read agree that portrait mode kind of sucks but they were all pleasantly surprised by landscape typing. I don't think Apple has ever claimed that touchscreen typing would be as fast or as nice as a real keyboard (indeed they even sell a physical keyboard iPad dock). This relates to #2 in that the iPad asks the question: How much typing should you really need to do for common computing tasks?

4) The controlled experience is what makes this all work, IMO. Without it, you'd have a mess. (See: all other software markets.) Apple still approves a lot of crap apps on the App Store that don't seem to "get it," but at least they can't kill all the rest of my apps or ruin the overall experience. A lot of people seem to feel there's some kind of tyrannical evil purpose behind the App Store wall, but I think it's why the App Store has been such a success in the first place. (As annoying as it can be at times...)

5) Keep it away from kids?! Are you crazy? This form factor is, in all likelihood, the future. My 16mo son may grow up never owning a clunky desktop or laptop. My shiny MacBook Pro will feel like a dinosaur to him someday, I'm sure. Could it get broken? Sure. Could a laptop? You bet! What's the difference? Kids will be kids - buy insurance. :)

The controlled experience is what makes this all work, IMO. Without it, you'd have a mess.

The option to install non-market apps has yet to turn Android devices into cesspools of malware. Having the app store be the default source is fine. Forcibly prohibiting other sources is purely to make sure Apple gets a cut of everything and can prevent any threats to their business model from materializing. Good for them, bad for everyone else. As I've said before, if Microsoft had that kind of power 20 years ago the web wouldn't exist today.

if Microsoft had that kind of power 20 years ago the web wouldn't exist today

I'd love to say "prove it," but of course that is impossible. :)

It is wise to be skeptical of Apple (or any company), but don't let that blind you to the innovation that's happening right under your nose.

Wasn't Microsoft's official strategy at some point (1993?) to replace the Internet with MSN/Blackbird? (This sounds silly now, but AOL and Prodigy were trying the same thing at the time.) If MS could have blocked Netscape from running on Windows they might have never developed IE (or let it wither as a second-class citizen).

Agreed. Not to say there aren't a lot of crap apps in the Android Market, but the same situation seems to exist in the Apple App store as well (iFart anyone?).

True, but the fragmentation and lack of a vetting authority has turned it into a morass of poorly-tested, ill-supported apps that rely on assumptions made by their authors based on what few handsets they had available to test (if more than one).

I don't like the way Apple's treated the app store in some cases, but the fact is that the apps that do make it through the gauntlet are better tested and more robust because of it.

I'm not sure if there's one for the iphone but Swype is pretty excellent for typing on a small touch screen interface. Using it now actually. So good I can even type out emails to clients on the go without taking too much time or typing like a 12 yo.

You're welcome, and I agree with all your points :) That being said, the iPad will probably be a hit. Given how it's being pushed by the old media that hope to be saved by the iPad. Look at how the NYT is hyping the device.

If you're a startup founder, I don't think it matters if you give a crap ... I think it's more important to find out if your customers or potential customers give a crap and if it makes sense to pay attention.

We've had several dozens inquiries from customers this week. Granted, we're in a niche industry and YMMV but, frankly, I think it's foolish to simple ignore a technology simply because you personally don't care.

Indeed. All we care about is the money.

What's the point of spitting into the wind? Huge waves of hype create opportunity. Reframe and benefit.

If you don't like it, so why open another thread about it?

There are always people who like and people who hate. You don't like? Okay, don't up vote iPad Stories, don't read them, don't comment. HN users like? So they up vote, comment...

This is a community and everyone has a taste, choice, opinion... Everyone is free to discuss anything, if another one like it, he joins, another one joins, another one... made popular!

And now I want to say "I'm really sick of such posts, where a user want the whole HN community to behave in the same way he does"

-- BEGIN RANT -- I'm with you on this one. It's receiving far too much hype. It's a glorified iphone with a big screen and no phone capabilities. I really can't fathom how there are so many apple fanboys out there. You can get a laptop for $500 with a hell of a lot more functionality and hardware than the iPad. Hell, the laptop doesn't even need you to purchase a boatload of extra accessories just to get basic functionality that comes standard on every laptop. If I told you I would sell you a flat monitor for $500 and you could purchase a separate keyboard, docking station, charger, and USB connector you would call me crazy. Apple just has a knack for hyping people up. This has less to do with the iPad and more to do with people believing the hype. Apple sells hype at a highly inflated rate.

On to the pros: Apple's product designs are highly aesthetic. I can't deny the fact they have some of the sexiest of devices.

A $500 laptop has more functionality in the sense of features (maybe), but not in the sense of how you physically interact with it.

The is like the "no multi-tasking" argument. I have been working to get my laptop to be more single-task. I don't want continuous partial attention, I want partial continuous attention.

So, maybe I am a "fanboy" but I do have hopes that the iPad may change how I interact with my computer. I hope it provides such a compelling browsing experience that when I am sitting at my desk with my laptop I no longer have a desire to browse the web (instead of working).

You are making a typical startup mistake. More features doesn't mean it's better.

Every MP3 player until the iPod showed up kept adding more features, more buttons, more stuff... rather than do one thing and do it exceedingly well.

For one of many detailed articles on the topic: http://gigaom.com/2006/04/17/make-that-device-simple/

The thing I'm finding interesting about this: There are a whole world of devices that could have had essentially the same effect if they could have attracted this much attention. Somehow though, it seems like Apple's brand manages to get everyone on board, both consumer and developer.

I'm not being dismissive. Apple's brand seems like a great tool for moving the industry forward. Changing the way people use computers requires both consumers and developers to agree that this is a platform worth investing in, and Apple consistently pulls that off.

What other company could have convinced the entire industry that they needed to port some version of their product to a new proprietary platform?

They've had a few products that were the first to not completely suck UI wise. As a result, they raise the benchmark for all the players. No one wants to use a tablet if the UI requires mouse level accuracy and the ability to right click.

online there seems to be a bit of buzz. At work, where there a quite a few iphone/ipod users, there doesn't seem to be much interest.

I'm personally more interested in getting an e-ink device but none of them has really caught my eye yet, they all seem to be pretty industrial looking. And keeping an eye on the qualcomm mirasol technology.

It's a little overdone for sure to an extent where its almost overhyped. It's going to be interesting to see if Apple can live up to the hype they are indirectly responsible for themselves.

What is interesting about "iPad being used as X" is that those types of users (doctors, real-estate-agents, politicians and children) won't need an iPad but simply just a tablet.

The iPad is a consumer product because it can be used for many different things and for that it makes great sense.

But I would rather have a much cheaper (and perhaps more durable) version for real-estate agents, doctors, children (someone really should make a tablet for children) etc.

So the hype IMHO really is about tablets in general, it's just that most people only know the word iPad, just as many thinks that the browser is google.

I could be completely wrong, but even if you hate the iPad down to its core, you have to at least recognize it as one of the next "development" frontiers. I think people are interested, at least initially, at the different way people are developing for the iPad.

I didn't say I hate it to its core, I actually think it's a good devise, but I think it's getting overblown just because people are afraid to miss that one like they missed the iPhone.

Count me as well. I'm fed up with so much hype.

I dislike the devices limited features but understand the reasoning for it. I also dislike the iphone for the same limitations. I'm personally waiting for the Notion ink Adam which I understand has been delayed today as well. A more powerful tablet with a longer battery life and a daylight readable screen for about the same price (estimated $350-$800US). Then again I'm one of the 'geeks' that want a feature set and not a carefully controlled user experience. And yes I own a jail broken itouch and the experience is not compelling enough to buy into the larger unit.

It is a first generation Apple device - you're essentially testing the product - no guarantees that it is the polished product you would expect. Knowing the amount of users I will have to support that will purchase the device scares me - we ran into the same issues with the hinge fiasco on the Macbook airs. Yes they eventually warranty covered those repairs, but for at least 6 months we were dealing with "accidentally damaged" $1700-$2700 bricks.

The hype is scary and some universities are already jumping the gun, see seton hall: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10471690-17.html The problem is they're showing off their school site on the device as a mockup, however their site has flash. This could be corrected before they are deployed - but what other issues with that approach will there be?

You simply can't ignore the force with which the iPad will reshape the tech industry for decades to come.

Would you have said the same thing about the Mac in 1984?

Well this is that big of a deal. It's going to reshape the way we interface computers for the foreseeable future so we all better get used to it..

I for one am really excited.. It's nice to have some real leadership in this industry. Where would the tech world be without Apple: HPs, JooJoos and netbooks? Yikes.. that's a world I don't want to live in...

I would be really happy if all the articles stopped. They say the same exact stuff and its REALLY annoying.

To be honest, as much as I love the iPad (well, as much love as is possible without ever actually having used one), it is even getting a little overdone for me. :) Still, it's not going to go away for awhile so you better just accept it (or spend the next 6 months annoyed).

That said, I do believe it's a revolution in computing - but, perhaps ironically, it might be one that hardcore geeks/power-users will not participate as much in.

The industry is changing.

> perhaps ironically, it might be one that hardcore geeks/power-users will not participate as much in.

I'm also getting tired of that strawman, most geek articles I've read said they actually loved the iPad. And yet, everytime I read an article from mainstream media, they say geeks hate the iPad. What's with that? iPad definitly sucks for hacking (it simply can't be done), but you don't need to be a genius to see that it's a good format for couch computing. Can you find me articles from geeks that actually deny that? I'm starting to think the iPad is advertized as something the elite hate but real people love, this is simply not true from all the articles (from geeks) that I've read here on HN and elsewhere.

Geeks aren't just the hacker demographic. In fact, most techie blogs I've seen are at the very least cautiously optimistic about the iPad. If you only look at bloggers and hackers, yeah, we don't have a gigantic hate-on for the iPad.

But take a look at the comments section on Digg, Reddit, Engadget, Gizmodo, etc. The iPad hate there is at a fever pitch right now - these are the "geeks" the mainstream media is talking about.

When you put it like that it's even more of a marketing coup for Apple. Being known to be hated by the "elite" is a huge draw for consumer product, whether it actually is or not.

Even though I agree the device is overhyped, I'm very excited about it because real, live end users are excited about it. That includes a lot of people like my parents who aren't tech savvy at all.

As someone striving to develop on the platform, I find it thrilling. People hate their computers. They love their iPhones. I'm hoping this device can deliver something close to the same experience for casual computing.

I don't have anything against the iPad. However, many of the related articles that made it to the front page don't actually provide much content. That bothers me more, but we can only blame ourselves for that.

Regarding the device itself, I think it will be a huge success, but in general I try to avoid having a love/hate relationship with any of my devices.

btw, kudos to Apple for their PR work!

I did't really care much before but with Netflix, Hulu, ABC, and CBS offering streaming videos, part of me now wants to get an IPad.

Unfortunately Hulu don't have The Daily Show or the Colbert Report anymore :(

Like it or not it's a big story. It's easy enough to just not read the articles if you're not interested. I ignore a lot of stuff I don't care about on a daily basis. I don't feel like I deserve a merit badge for it.

Possibly. But then if you are a maker, you might see opportunities. If you are a consumer, maybe not so much, unless you are a particular kind of consumer.

I'll be honest, I wish it didn't exist. I'm happy with one less platform to support. It can't be ignored though now that it's here.

I'm less excited about this launch than about any other Apple product (hate the closed platform and lack of ports), but I'll end up buying one because it's got a ton of buzz. Everyone's going to want their site/app customized for the iPad just because they keep hearing about it. Easy sales, it will pay for itself in the first meeting.

I'm not sick of it. I really, really want one.

I think it's definitely only you. For example, the guy below spent most of his press coverage talking about the iPad.

Saudi to behead Lebanese convicted of witchcraft: lawyer http://www.france24.com/en/20100331-saudi-behead-lebanese-co...

No, you are not! But it is a great lesson about PR and marketing.

Not only do I not give a crap about you not giving a crap, I also don't give a crap that you don't give a crap that I don't give a crap. Are we done?

Yes.

No, there's also some guy over on Reddit who doesn't care, apparently.

Dude, make yourself like it, cause it'll change everything.

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