“Not all of Huang’s peers share his unbridled enthusiasm for tablets in general, and for Apple’s version in particular,” Copeland reports. “If the iPad, which will retail for as little as $499, is a success, it could indeed change the computing industry, but not necessarily to the liking of some of its biggest players.”
Copeland reports, “Among those anxiously awaiting the March launch of Apple’s tablet: hardware makers such as HP and Dell, which have been betting that consumers would embrace netbooks, those scaled-down laptop computers; e-reader makers such as Amazon and Sony, whose devices compete with the iPad and Apple’s new iBooks, the publishing equivalent of iTunes; and Microsoft and Google, whose operating systems compete with the iPhone OS that powers the iPad. Even Apple ally Intel has reason to worry: The iPad features a microprocessor, the A4, that Apple designed and is having manufactured to its specifications.”
Much more in the full article here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Readers “JES42” and “iWill” for the heads up.]
a product that has no advantage over a laptop changes everything. huh?
@ mike g,
How about instant on, lighter, cheaper, easier to use, more portable, malware immune and able to play cheap Apps, for starters.
Me thinks that a lot of so-called experts are filling their pants with ‘happiness’ at Apple’s movements.
It is very easy to use. That is the key. Even elderly and kids can easily jump into email, Internet, and create work for posting.
It just may be too easy. But, it will change the face of laptops and netbooks in the coming years.
Make it easy and people will flock to it.
How about replacing the tree that is cut down every year for me to read newspapers, paperbacks and magazines?
Maybe iPad gen 2 will have 3d capability.
Apple is killing the competition because they have vision. They know what the public needs before they even know. Apple’s competitors are reactionary and try to drive sales by cost reductions, narrow margins, and more of the same old dribble.
“a product that has no advantage over a laptop changes everything. huh?”
Believe me. Everyone who buys this already has a laptop, and wants something ‘easier’ to consume.
Why buy a laptop comparable device when you already have a laptop?
Oh those poor trees. It’s not like they won’t grow back or anything.
NGC598, that’s exactly right. “Easy” is underrated in the computer world, and is what the majority of Apple-haters just don’t understand.
-HazMatt
@R2
You seem to think that they grow back as fast as we cut them down. Remember you’re on a planet called Earth. Unlike the trees on the planet you’re from, trees here are extremely slow growers and we cut them down faster than they can grow back. Duh.
@mike g
Your take is same as mine. The insistence, led by MDN (I’m surprised they haven’t taken down your post) that this laptop lite machine is going to change the world is puzzling.
This keyboard-less device will be great relief for those straining to navigate iPhone’s tiny screen, to read a book (although Steve says people don’t do that anymore) or, especially to play some stupid game. But, a computer it’s certainly not.
Check back somewhere around Independence Day and we’ll see if things are really that different around the globe.
The iPad will be a huge hit, no doubt. But the closed system bothers me a little because I may not agree with every decision Apple makes for me and how I can use this device. I love iPhone and think the system works great for the platform but with iPad I’m a little worried about what restrictions may be put in place. Time will tell. I think I’m ready to preorder Friday anyhow since I use my iPhone at home more than my mac and iPad will take over a lot of that function.
My only real issue is will the iPod/video apps allow appletv like library streaming over wifi. That’s a big deal to me. I will still enjoy the device without it but it will bug me on principle and convenience.
“a product that has no advantage over a laptop changes everything. huh?”
I just have to laugh at the continued fundamental misunderstandings of the iPad and/or its potential.
iPad news and updates:
http://iPadLot.com
.
@ It Won’t,
I’m troubled by your anonymity. You see, when the iPad turns out to be the catalyst that changes the way mankind uses computers, we won’t be able to point at your sorry ass and say,
I TOLD YOU SO YOU STUPID BASTARD!
The iPad is a DATA device. With a bluetooth barcode scanner in hand it’s a phenomenal inventory, parts, warehouse tool. For UPS, FEDEX, any delivery with tracking needs tool. For medical; instead of a chart with clipboard, an iPad that’s live and the doctor is able to access remotely to check on a patient. For anybody that reads reference manuals, research books, any publication that wants to publish immediately. It dramatically cuts down the cost of publishing if you don’t have to go to print; it will kill the print industry. For students; books will be cheaper because it’s just a download and you won’t have to carry a backpack full of expensive books.
For those who want to check email, news or google something quickly it kills a laptop because you just press a button and in a second you’re doing what you want to do instead of waiting for a laptop or desktop to start up. It’s a premier DATA device and it will take over in business, industry, commerce. It will be fantastic as a point of sale device, for museums, tour guides, convention centers, navigation tool with all the advertisers, vendors, etc.
The moment I saw this I realized what Apple had done; they’ve gone and made the Star Trek Data Pad… they were even showing Star Trek on it at the keynote. And they call it the iPad as if the other clues weren’t enough.
Sales in the retail sector will be good but it will be unbelievable in industry, business, etc. Can’t wait to get my hands on one!
@mike g and It Won’t:
Have you thought about using iPad as a thin client to one or multiple desktop computers? You no longer need to lug around heavy laptop. Just go to a nearest WiFi spot and you can operate your desktop. I don’t think iPad thin client / server setup will be for everyone, but majority of people may find the setup a big improvement. Finally, we may be getting thin client computers that are worthwhile.
@Big Al
Thanks a lot, you basterd, as I just laughed inappropriately loudly at your comment in a very quiet room…
😀
Remember when all the naysayers said the exact same thing about the iPhone and iPod? Remember how very few of them actually waited to try the device itself before passing judgement on it? Remember how we rubbed their noses in it when they were proven wrong?
I remember.
You tell them fanboi’s Mike. We’ll show them. Now let’s call “It Wont”s HTC Android and compare notes.
ummmmm… where DID I leave that information…
MDN word is “mother” as in the ipad launch is going to be the mother of all launches of a computing device.
@big al. yeah that was some funny sh!t i am so goona laugh
Instant-on.
That’s the killer feature.
Meanwhile Shih doesn’t think Apple has a lock on the nascent tablet business. He ticks off the features the iPad lacks and that others (including Asus) can add to attract customers: a camera for videoconferencing, the ability to multitask, and an operating system that runs Adobe’s Flash. “That Apple left those out is a bit strange from my point of view,” Shih says.
If you think it’s strange and don’t understand why, Shih, you won’t be keeping your job very long.
@ It Won’t, @ mike g,
etc. etc.
trolls_raining_on_the_parade
Anyway why deny a smidgen of joy to anyone when the LHC will soon destroy the world, unless the Mayan prophesy does it first. In which case, good riddance to a world crawling with sycophants, poseurs, shills, thieves, and other Microstool offal
Ever try to read a laptop on a crowded bus or train?