Specs are specs, and every time a new device is announced we expect the numbers to ratchet a little higher. This is the stuff that makes people (especially tech pundits) so cynical of upgrade cycles: the typical incremental updates don't tend to have a meaningful effect on the overall experience of a product.
Occasionally something does fundamentally change, though. It doesn't happen very often. The first time I plugged an early, clunky 3G card into my laptop and was suddenly able to work from anywhere, I saw portability in a completely different light. The first time I saw HDTV contrasted with standard-def television, it was clear that the game had changed. There are spec bumps, and then there are redefinitions, and last week's iPad event was definitely not about bumping some specs.
The core experience of the iPad, and every tablet for that matter, is the screen. It's so fundamental that it's almost completely forgettable. Post-PC devices have absolutely nothing to hide behind. Specs, form-factors, all that stuff melts away in favor of something else that's much more intangible. When the software provides the metaphor for the device, every tablet lives and dies by the display and what's on that display.
This makes for a pure and egalitarian experience in a way most products can't. Tablets strip away the abstractions or externalities, it's just you and an app with absolutely nothing in-between. This is part of the reason why great, thoughtfully designed, humane software seems even more amazing on a tablet, while bad, poorly conceived software seems even more offensive. (I'm sure all that also had something to do with why Apple created full-screen mode in Lion.)
So when a device comes along like the iPad that doesn't just display the application, but actually becomes the application, radically improving its screen radically improves the experience. And when a device's screen is as radically improved as the display in the new iPad, the device itself is fundamentally changed.
One of the things I found most interesting playing with the new iPad is that, as it turns out, the difference a Retina Display makes is even more exaggerated on a 10-inch tablet than it is on a 3.5-inch phone -- and that's in addition to everything else. It's not just a linear improvement, it's actually greater than the sum of its pixels. This screen has changed what a tablet should be, and trust me, you won't want to go back.
You can also see my first impressions of the new iPad here: gdgt.com/discuss/ipad-3rd-gen-first-impressions-16...
Discussion about
Why the new iPad's Retina Display matters
I'd really like to commend you for this post. It is very well written. I think that it really hits the nail on the head on why Post-PC devices are so fascinating. They are about experience and emotional, no longer hard cold pieces of metal. They represent computing devices evolving beyond the parts and becoming something greater, and you do a great job of attempting to say WHY and HOW this is so. Bravo.
This.
I am frustrated by tech press and their self-inflicted blinders that only let them see the "feeds and speeds". I am sick to death about hearing about the latest, greatest Android or Nokia phones and its octo-core Z-boost 3.6 GHz processor with wireless-P draft spec, 2 USB ports, HDMI, PS/2 and Centronics parallel port and how this one... THIS ONE... will be the one that outsells all others. 6 months later, nobody can remember the name of that device and it didn't even put a scratch in the market.
Please, write more posts about the actual experience of a device. Yeah, the tech specs are interesting and informative, but they are a small part of the whole device and (generally) don't have much bearing on how well a device will do in the marketplace.
I am frustrated by tech press and their self-inflicted blinders that only let them see the "feeds and speeds". I am sick to death about hearing about the latest, greatest Android or Nokia phones and its octo-core Z-boost 3.6 GHz processor with wireless-P draft spec, 2 USB ports, HDMI, PS/2 and Centronics parallel port and how this one... THIS ONE... will be the one that outsells all others. 6 months later, nobody can remember the name of that device and it didn't even put a scratch in the market.
Please, write more posts about the actual experience of a device. Yeah, the tech specs are interesting and informative, but they are a small part of the whole device and (generally) don't have much bearing on how well a device will do in the marketplace.
Although I think specs are important, I agree we should also read more about the experience of using a device in daily use. I would like to read more about the limitations of iOS as well as its good points, ditto for Android, and WP7. Many tech sites drool over the latest iOS devices with nary a mention of iOS's limitations users may, or may not, encounter depending on their use patterns. The same sites reviewing Android sometimes focus on the negative with nary a word of the positives.
The lack of Flash support in iOS is barely mentioned, or if mentioned, dismissed by many tech reviewers. However, many users see the Flash Needed message too often. I recently did a user group presentation, and showed examples of the Flash Needed message with iPad screen-shots. Contrary to the FUD, they were not porn, or game sites. One was an aircraft manufacturer, another a well know tech site reviewing ironically the then new iPhone 4S, and the third (of many available) was a major shopping mall. Although more sites have alternate web formats available, or a third party app, not all relevant sites do. My experience with the 3rd party general apps to deliver Flash has been less than stellar.
If you wish to share a file other than a video or photo with Dropbox on (non-jailbroken) iOS, out of luck as well. We constantly hear about the post-PC era, sharing files other than photos / videos using cloud service of choice should be included with devices advertised, or at least hinted to replace the PC.
Being a gadget addict, I have iOS, Android, WP7 devices, and managed to get a pre-order for the new iPad for delivery on March 16. The iPhone 4's screen is certainly nice, but I prefer (realize this is a personal preference) the Super AMOLED Samsung screens even though their PPI are high 200's vs 300's. If over 300 (now 264 for tablets) is retina quality, Toshiba had that on their 313ppi Toshiba Portege G900 WM phone in 2007.
The improved display on the new iPad is certainly a major improvement, and should be a favorable focus of reviews. It will be interesting to see how the same sites review the new HD Android tablets, and the first tablet that exceeds 264ppi.
The lack of Flash support in iOS is barely mentioned, or if mentioned, dismissed by many tech reviewers. However, many users see the Flash Needed message too often. I recently did a user group presentation, and showed examples of the Flash Needed message with iPad screen-shots. Contrary to the FUD, they were not porn, or game sites. One was an aircraft manufacturer, another a well know tech site reviewing ironically the then new iPhone 4S, and the third (of many available) was a major shopping mall. Although more sites have alternate web formats available, or a third party app, not all relevant sites do. My experience with the 3rd party general apps to deliver Flash has been less than stellar.
If you wish to share a file other than a video or photo with Dropbox on (non-jailbroken) iOS, out of luck as well. We constantly hear about the post-PC era, sharing files other than photos / videos using cloud service of choice should be included with devices advertised, or at least hinted to replace the PC.
Being a gadget addict, I have iOS, Android, WP7 devices, and managed to get a pre-order for the new iPad for delivery on March 16. The iPhone 4's screen is certainly nice, but I prefer (realize this is a personal preference) the Super AMOLED Samsung screens even though their PPI are high 200's vs 300's. If over 300 (now 264 for tablets) is retina quality, Toshiba had that on their 313ppi Toshiba Portege G900 WM phone in 2007.
The improved display on the new iPad is certainly a major improvement, and should be a favorable focus of reviews. It will be interesting to see how the same sites review the new HD Android tablets, and the first tablet that exceeds 264ppi.
This is a good point -- and I think most reviewers who serve a tech savvy audience omit mentioning these details because they rightly assume their readers already known them. For the record, I would never take ONLY my iPad on a trip of more than two nights, because of its:
1. Dumbed-down-to-near-nonexistent file support. Reviewers are doing everyone a disservice by NOT complaining loudly about this. I fear for the future if we don't. Lion took a big step in the wrong direction by making it nearly impossible to get to your Library. If Apple is serious about making the iPad a creation device, they have to let us save files in armor-clad, bullet-proof, secure, LOCAL places, and I'm sorry but neither iCloud nor Dropbox qualifies.
2. Lousy PDF support. iOS can be nightmarish when you want to do something as simple as saving a PDF of an order acknowledgement. Yes there are apps for this, but they require you to use less-than-ideal in-app browsers, and you'll never use those browsers for the kind of surfing that leads to a purchase.
3. Terrible printing support. I have an efficient, networked, black-and-white HP laser printer that works beautifully, and have no desire to buy a new one just for my iPad. It's ridiculous that we STILL don't have printing solutions for iPad and iPhone, and the lack of this alone can make the iPad infuriating to the business user -- just when you need it most.
4. No flash support. This battle was lost long ago, and Adobe has tossed in the towel even for Android devices, so this is one shortcoming that isn't worth complaining about.
All that being said, I still think the new iPad sounds near-miraculous to this user -- and you'd better believe I'm getting one FOR BUSINESS USE. My iPad 2 really does make me more productive and I should add that it's also a pleasure to use, which is a serious benefit even for business users. The new iPad should be even more fun, and even more valuable for my businesses.
1. Dumbed-down-to-near-nonexistent file support. Reviewers are doing everyone a disservice by NOT complaining loudly about this. I fear for the future if we don't. Lion took a big step in the wrong direction by making it nearly impossible to get to your Library. If Apple is serious about making the iPad a creation device, they have to let us save files in armor-clad, bullet-proof, secure, LOCAL places, and I'm sorry but neither iCloud nor Dropbox qualifies.
2. Lousy PDF support. iOS can be nightmarish when you want to do something as simple as saving a PDF of an order acknowledgement. Yes there are apps for this, but they require you to use less-than-ideal in-app browsers, and you'll never use those browsers for the kind of surfing that leads to a purchase.
3. Terrible printing support. I have an efficient, networked, black-and-white HP laser printer that works beautifully, and have no desire to buy a new one just for my iPad. It's ridiculous that we STILL don't have printing solutions for iPad and iPhone, and the lack of this alone can make the iPad infuriating to the business user -- just when you need it most.
4. No flash support. This battle was lost long ago, and Adobe has tossed in the towel even for Android devices, so this is one shortcoming that isn't worth complaining about.
All that being said, I still think the new iPad sounds near-miraculous to this user -- and you'd better believe I'm getting one FOR BUSINESS USE. My iPad 2 really does make me more productive and I should add that it's also a pleasure to use, which is a serious benefit even for business users. The new iPad should be even more fun, and even more valuable for my businesses.
Lion made it “nearly impossible” to get to your Library? You just have to press Option in the Go menu, or type in the path. What they did was make it nearly impossible to accidentally stumble into your Library.
1. My iPad has been a total laptop replacement since day 1. I sold my laptop when I fired it up just for fun one day and saw the logs said it had been two months since I had last used it. The old method of file storage is just an emotional comfort for you, but not really necessary for any reason.
2. I manage PDFs all the time and have no problem using Goodreader and the built-in PDF functionality. It's easy to move a PDF from e-mail to Goodreader, for example. There are also signing apps and the like.
3. You're probably right. I've never tried to print, can't see why I would, but some people might need to.
4. This is an advantage, since my Android devices have issues with Flash regularly.
2. I manage PDFs all the time and have no problem using Goodreader and the built-in PDF functionality. It's easy to move a PDF from e-mail to Goodreader, for example. There are also signing apps and the like.
3. You're probably right. I've never tried to print, can't see why I would, but some people might need to.
4. This is an advantage, since my Android devices have issues with Flash regularly.
I think what he's asking for when he says 'PDF support' is printing to PDF (i.e. from a Web page after ordering something in his example). I can't say it's a major issue for me, but if the iPad had print-to-PDF support I'd probably use it now and then.
I was excited to see Dolphin HD browser just added this functionality recently. It's actually the best one I've tried, Unfortunately it adds a logo to the bottom of it. I didn't check to see a way to get rid of that.
@danhallock, Correct -- I should have been more clear. Print-to-PDF is a killer feature for record-keeping or Web research, especially when you're writing about matters that you'll be challenged to verify later on.. You can't rely on links alone, and saving to other formats is comparatively clumsy. PDFs are also easily indexed and searched on both PCs and Macs.
In addition, I print to PDF several times a day for financial bookkeeping alone. Invaluable for filing and tracking receipts.
All I'm asking is that Apple give iPad users access to the same printing and print-to-PDF support that they provide for OS X.
OTOH, Programs like Goodreader have made the iPad a terrific productivity tool -- enabling me to mark up everything from one-page articles to 500-page books, and conveniently export my notes and highlighted passages to a separate file. It's the last feature that separates the great apps from the also-rans. iAnnotate had it and inexplicably dropped it in their latest release, leaving me stuck in the middle of a job. Happily Goodreader has added it, and can handle PDFs exported from iAnnotate.
In addition, I print to PDF several times a day for financial bookkeeping alone. Invaluable for filing and tracking receipts.
All I'm asking is that Apple give iPad users access to the same printing and print-to-PDF support that they provide for OS X.
OTOH, Programs like Goodreader have made the iPad a terrific productivity tool -- enabling me to mark up everything from one-page articles to 500-page books, and conveniently export my notes and highlighted passages to a separate file. It's the last feature that separates the great apps from the also-rans. iAnnotate had it and inexplicably dropped it in their latest release, leaving me stuck in the middle of a job. Happily Goodreader has added it, and can handle PDFs exported from iAnnotate.
But it is precisely the technical features of a device that define the experience one will have. You make choices about nearly everything you buy based on the "meaningless" technical specs. Toaster - 2 slice or 4, Car - sedan, coupe, SUV, light truck, 4 cyl, v6 etc. It's also the fundamental way of describing the difference between things, and thus why we experience them in newer or better of different ways. Sure, you can just go pick out a tablet or computer and base your purchase on how you actually "experience" the device, and you don't need to know a thing about the specs to be able to do this. In most cases you would be fine, but many times - especially with technology and/or entertainment devices, the specs are important - i.e.; can I play Game X on this, does this tablet support wireless printing, can I use it with both WiFi and my phones service, etc. Just blindly ignoring specs doesn't make much sense to me.
I did not suggest that the tech specs should be ignored, only that they are given far more attention than they should.
I would also argue that the technical specs are NOT what define the experience of a device or even the device itself. The tech specs list the underlying capabilities of the device, but it's the software, and the user interface that the software provides, that defines the device much more than the spec sheet.
There are devices out there that have amazing technical specs, but are unusable because the software that drives them was an afterthought in the design process. Who cares if a device has amazing feature X, if it takes digging through five levels of an arcane menu tree to be able to use it? Why isn't this ever written about? Why is it acceptable to simply have the capacity to do something, but it doesn't matter if it can do it well?
I would also argue that the technical specs are NOT what define the experience of a device or even the device itself. The tech specs list the underlying capabilities of the device, but it's the software, and the user interface that the software provides, that defines the device much more than the spec sheet.
There are devices out there that have amazing technical specs, but are unusable because the software that drives them was an afterthought in the design process. Who cares if a device has amazing feature X, if it takes digging through five levels of an arcane menu tree to be able to use it? Why isn't this ever written about? Why is it acceptable to simply have the capacity to do something, but it doesn't matter if it can do it well?
I agree with you on how its all about tech specs and little to nothing else on most devices.
Android tables for example quad core this and how they are different and offer more ports and thinner than the iPad. for the exception of samsung and the note for example where they are selling it as a tabled device with a pen an Evernote integration and specific applications for the SPen you don't see a lot of others touting software.
But with Apple and the iPad i think that is different. you see commercials showing off all the different applications and practical (at least they think) uses of the device beyond just the hardware. i think apple does an amazing job at marketing not just the hardware of the device but the full experience of the device (both hardware and software).
Back to the android devices its mostly hardware companies selling the devices not software companies. they sell the machine what else do you expect them to market since thats what they sell. i would expect google or specific software companies to push the software side of the OS similar to how Microsoft markets Windows and not usually a specific device running windows.
Android tables for example quad core this and how they are different and offer more ports and thinner than the iPad. for the exception of samsung and the note for example where they are selling it as a tabled device with a pen an Evernote integration and specific applications for the SPen you don't see a lot of others touting software.
But with Apple and the iPad i think that is different. you see commercials showing off all the different applications and practical (at least they think) uses of the device beyond just the hardware. i think apple does an amazing job at marketing not just the hardware of the device but the full experience of the device (both hardware and software).
Back to the android devices its mostly hardware companies selling the devices not software companies. they sell the machine what else do you expect them to market since thats what they sell. i would expect google or specific software companies to push the software side of the OS similar to how Microsoft markets Windows and not usually a specific device running windows.
"Just blindly ignoring specs doesn't make much sense to me." works for Apple. they never publish specs. they didn't even say how much RAM it has when asked directly by the press in the hands on area after the keynote. everyone knows that ifixit or isuppli is going to figure out exactly what the specs are in a week.. it's not a secret.
think about the luddites out there - those who don't know the difference between a mega watt and mega hertz. they'll get confused when presented with 15 different tablets/phones withe varying specs. all the other manufacturers are building literally HUNDREDS of phones.... not one can even come close to the 4S in sales... and we all know who currently owns the tablet market. color, amount or memory and cellular or not are the only decisions you CAN make.
I'm not saying Apple knows what's best for customers, but they know what's not - a long spec sheet with lots of fine print.
"can I play Game X on this, does this tablet support wireless printing, can I use it with both WiFi and my phones service, etc" you never have to ask such questions re: i devices. but you can't say the same for Android. Can you GAURANTEE that phone X on carrier Y will be able to upgrade to the latest OS in a year? judging by the uptake of ICS... no.
if you disagree.. look at the number 2 tablet out there.. exactly ONE model. Kindle Fire. Easy decision.
think about the luddites out there - those who don't know the difference between a mega watt and mega hertz. they'll get confused when presented with 15 different tablets/phones withe varying specs. all the other manufacturers are building literally HUNDREDS of phones.... not one can even come close to the 4S in sales... and we all know who currently owns the tablet market. color, amount or memory and cellular or not are the only decisions you CAN make.
I'm not saying Apple knows what's best for customers, but they know what's not - a long spec sheet with lots of fine print.
"can I play Game X on this, does this tablet support wireless printing, can I use it with both WiFi and my phones service, etc" you never have to ask such questions re: i devices. but you can't say the same for Android. Can you GAURANTEE that phone X on carrier Y will be able to upgrade to the latest OS in a year? judging by the uptake of ICS... no.
if you disagree.. look at the number 2 tablet out there.. exactly ONE model. Kindle Fire. Easy decision.
Marketing strategies changed when companies started to produce not one "tomato sauce" but several, catering to the many tastes of the individual. One catered to people who liked a little mushroom, another to garlic and a third to olives. In this way they captured a larger segment of the overall tomato sauce market.
This same strategy was applied to computing. When home computers were not very powerful and the software was more bespoke, customers had to be very careful when selecting the hardware they were going to use, to make sure it had the require features.
Computers have now evolved to such a point that hardware just works. The question might be for specific feature requirements like communication or a specific input device, but by making sure these are all covered in your single product you make the customers decisions simpler.
You can then concentrate on making sure the true reason to have a computer in the first place, the software, provides the best experience possible by providing multiple versions of the same thing that will capture the larger share of the market.
This same strategy was applied to computing. When home computers were not very powerful and the software was more bespoke, customers had to be very careful when selecting the hardware they were going to use, to make sure it had the require features.
Computers have now evolved to such a point that hardware just works. The question might be for specific feature requirements like communication or a specific input device, but by making sure these are all covered in your single product you make the customers decisions simpler.
You can then concentrate on making sure the true reason to have a computer in the first place, the software, provides the best experience possible by providing multiple versions of the same thing that will capture the larger share of the market.
This isn't really true. I bought my truck not based on its cylinders, but its ability to tow heavy loads with comfort and safety. Some of the tech details feed that (torque), but some are hard to quantify. Other trucks with similar numbers just don't tow as well.
Similarly we spend too much time talking about megahertz and gigabytes when what really matters is the usability and user experience.
Similarly we spend too much time talking about megahertz and gigabytes when what really matters is the usability and user experience.
You should be very careful of stereotypes. There are a lot of very happy Android users out there. They are Android users because they enjoy the number of options that Apple chooses not to make available. As a long time Apple user, I appreciate their design viewpoint, but not everyone does.
To me, this is much the same as Canon versus Nikon. For some strange reason, I cannot stand Nikon cameras. I owned a CoolPix 200, but since then I have been unable to get my head around their design. This came back to me again this weekend when I was playing with the P7100. It is a powerful camera, but the user interface just did not work for me. Canon and Panasonic, however, have interfaces that make perfect sense to me.
I have never played with a pure Android phone and I have not really played with an iPhone either because I use a Tracfone. However, as an iPad user, I think I know how what an iPhone will work. So the question is whether using a Kindle Touch or Kindle Fire will allow me to know what an Android phone will work like? I'd say, only if Amazon released a Kindle Phone. So, here lies the crux of Apples philosophy of making devices that are familiar enough that users can move from one to another without much of a learning curve. You can even see that in what they just did to the Apple TV. I am not a fan of some things Apple is doing with Lion because I came from a PC background, but people who are coming from an iPhone or iPad background are loving the similarities.
In the end, it is about what works for the users. It is important that Apple and Android continue to innovate and improve their products because that is what is best for the consumer.
To me, this is much the same as Canon versus Nikon. For some strange reason, I cannot stand Nikon cameras. I owned a CoolPix 200, but since then I have been unable to get my head around their design. This came back to me again this weekend when I was playing with the P7100. It is a powerful camera, but the user interface just did not work for me. Canon and Panasonic, however, have interfaces that make perfect sense to me.
I have never played with a pure Android phone and I have not really played with an iPhone either because I use a Tracfone. However, as an iPad user, I think I know how what an iPhone will work. So the question is whether using a Kindle Touch or Kindle Fire will allow me to know what an Android phone will work like? I'd say, only if Amazon released a Kindle Phone. So, here lies the crux of Apples philosophy of making devices that are familiar enough that users can move from one to another without much of a learning curve. You can even see that in what they just did to the Apple TV. I am not a fan of some things Apple is doing with Lion because I came from a PC background, but people who are coming from an iPhone or iPad background are loving the similarities.
In the end, it is about what works for the users. It is important that Apple and Android continue to innovate and improve their products because that is what is best for the consumer.
Ignorant.
In this day and age how does someone have confidence in that opinion and try and make it sound like everyone thinks that way?
I have owned 3 iphones and still don't have the experience that I want from it. Android gives me the experience that I am looking for. Iphones are a dime a dozen so I gave them a chance, along with the other 7 to 8 handsets I own.
Experience is what you make of it.
No fancy screen will ever replace the ease of sharing content to multiple services on my android device, other then just twitter and Facebook.
Not even a mac provides the experience I want, I need tons of third party non apple software to get the experience I want.
Guess what my iphones and mac products do have that I like?
Specs.
In this day and age how does someone have confidence in that opinion and try and make it sound like everyone thinks that way?
I have owned 3 iphones and still don't have the experience that I want from it. Android gives me the experience that I am looking for. Iphones are a dime a dozen so I gave them a chance, along with the other 7 to 8 handsets I own.
Experience is what you make of it.
No fancy screen will ever replace the ease of sharing content to multiple services on my android device, other then just twitter and Facebook.
Not even a mac provides the experience I want, I need tons of third party non apple software to get the experience I want.
Guess what my iphones and mac products do have that I like?
Specs.
I stopped using an iPhone precisely because of the iTunes part of the equation. One of the reasons I prefer Android is specifically because I can drag and drop files to any folder on my device and the apps will notice the new files, no syncing required.
freedom for who?
blogs.computerworld.com/19880/samsung_ice_cream_sa...
Here's the thing: In baking its proprietary TouchWiz skin into the software, Samsung has watered down the Ice Cream Sandwich experience and delivered a UI that's barely different from what you have now.
...
But perhaps the most sweeping change in Ice Cream Sandwich is its look -- the fresh "holographic" design that brings a sleek and polished new shell to the platform. And Samsung has evidently decided it doesn't want that on its devices.
what is Samsung's rationale for this? Galaxy II S owners.. are you happy with this?
at least with Apple, you understand all the limitations up front and those limitations are mostly from the customer looking in perspective... Android may be open in the sense that you can install what you want from any marketplace you want, but what is not obvious is the fact that they leave some decisions up to the carrier/OEM for the OS itself - so Android is open.. but when they leave decisions up to the carriers/OEM's I start to get worried.
developer.android.com/guide/topics/data/backup.htm...
"The backup transport is the client-side component of Android's backup framework, which is customizable by the device manufacturer and service provider."
"Data backup is not guaranteed to be available on all Android-powered devices"
"Caution: Because the cloud storage and transport service can differ from device to device, Android makes no guarantees about the security of your data while using backup. You should always be cautious about using backup to store sensitive data, such as usernames and passwords."
Why the hell does Google give control for the most fundamental aspect of data integrity to someone else? Because it's OPEN, so you have the FREEDOM to deliver an inconsistent user experience.
IMO Google should set some ground rules. OEM wants Android. Fine.. but you will at least do these things: No bloatware, No custom UI (implemented by the carrier/OEM - users can re-skin at will), and provide the infrastructure to support critical APIs and mandate a consistent implementation across all carriers/OEMs.
blogs.computerworld.com/19880/samsung_ice_cream_sa...
Here's the thing: In baking its proprietary TouchWiz skin into the software, Samsung has watered down the Ice Cream Sandwich experience and delivered a UI that's barely different from what you have now.
...
But perhaps the most sweeping change in Ice Cream Sandwich is its look -- the fresh "holographic" design that brings a sleek and polished new shell to the platform. And Samsung has evidently decided it doesn't want that on its devices.
what is Samsung's rationale for this? Galaxy II S owners.. are you happy with this?
at least with Apple, you understand all the limitations up front and those limitations are mostly from the customer looking in perspective... Android may be open in the sense that you can install what you want from any marketplace you want, but what is not obvious is the fact that they leave some decisions up to the carrier/OEM for the OS itself - so Android is open.. but when they leave decisions up to the carriers/OEM's I start to get worried.
developer.android.com/guide/topics/data/backup.htm...
"The backup transport is the client-side component of Android's backup framework, which is customizable by the device manufacturer and service provider."
"Data backup is not guaranteed to be available on all Android-powered devices"
"Caution: Because the cloud storage and transport service can differ from device to device, Android makes no guarantees about the security of your data while using backup. You should always be cautious about using backup to store sensitive data, such as usernames and passwords."
Why the hell does Google give control for the most fundamental aspect of data integrity to someone else? Because it's OPEN, so you have the FREEDOM to deliver an inconsistent user experience.
IMO Google should set some ground rules. OEM wants Android. Fine.. but you will at least do these things: No bloatware, No custom UI (implemented by the carrier/OEM - users can re-skin at will), and provide the infrastructure to support critical APIs and mandate a consistent implementation across all carriers/OEMs.
Like others I prefer the freedom of using whatever folder I want. I don't even have to open any programs to do it, just my file explorer.
I started with an iphone and it was OK. I switched to Android and couldn't be happier. got an Asndroid based tablet and love that too. My contract is up soon so I'm looking at some other Android phones, right now I'm most interested in the Galaxy Note and the Droid Razr Maxx. More than double the battery of an iphone (or anything else out there).
I agree. If I had purchased one of the new iPads there would be enough of a difference that I wouldn't look back. However, I have an iPad 2 3G and, like cdpinker, can't justify the expense of upgrading just for the display or better bandwidth. There's nothing wrong with the display on the iPad 2 (which I use mainly for reading and assorted apps, never movies) and most of my online activity is done on my home WiFi network.
It seems to me that it's getting a little harder for Apple to make us let go of our money. Many have gone to a 2 year refresh cycle on mobile devices such as the iPhone. Looks like that's the plan for me, at least: I won't buy this iPad but probably will get the next.
What about you, Ryan? Did you have an iPad 2 and will you be getting the new iPad ? Does the display warrant the expense for you?
It seems to me that it's getting a little harder for Apple to make us let go of our money. Many have gone to a 2 year refresh cycle on mobile devices such as the iPhone. Looks like that's the plan for me, at least: I won't buy this iPad but probably will get the next.
What about you, Ryan? Did you have an iPad 2 and will you be getting the new iPad ? Does the display warrant the expense for you?
There does seem to be an expectation that Apple should be making new products that are sufficiently improved over the previous model to warrant annual upgrades. To me this is madness. I can't think of a single other device that people intend to upgrade annually just for the sake it.
Surely the primary reason for buying something is because it serves a purpose, and you upgrade it when it stops serving that purpose or a newer model does more stuff you value. Of course there is the enthusiast angle of having the latest gadget and that's fine, but it's the surprise that people demonstrate when they don't feel like the new model is worth them upgrading from their current model that really bugs me.
Surely the primary reason for buying something is because it serves a purpose, and you upgrade it when it stops serving that purpose or a newer model does more stuff you value. Of course there is the enthusiast angle of having the latest gadget and that's fine, but it's the surprise that people demonstrate when they don't feel like the new model is worth them upgrading from their current model that really bugs me.
Yeah, I totally agree. And here's the other thing thing: just because a company releases a new iteration of a device each year doesn't mean you're "expected" to buy it. You can buy whatever gear you like on your own schedule, the only expectations are our own. What's more, has anyone ever seen any company radically reinvent their product lines every single year? I'm not sure why the laws of physics don't apply to peoples' expectations of Apple. Aside, at least when you buy an iPad or an iPhone around launch you know there's not going to be a refreshed 2-3 months later.
Why does it even have to be an annual upgrade? I'm not made of money but even if I could afford to upgrade every year I'd feel like I was wasting it if I did that.
I was an annual upgrader for the first three iterations of the iPhone then skipped a year because the storage space hadn't increased. You're right - there should be a compelling reason to upgrade and for me, the storage was key. I don't know what Apple could do to entice me to the next iPad but the display or bandwidth won't do it. Maybe a storage increase or new form factor that helps with typing (or even Siri) might make it worth the money. We'll see.
In the back of my mind is the worry that, without the manic driving force of Jobs at the helm, we may have seen the best that Apple will ever bring.
In the back of my mind is the worry that, without the manic driving force of Jobs at the helm, we may have seen the best that Apple will ever bring.
"...Jobs at the helm, we may have seen the best that Apple will ever bring."stock when he died was ~400.. it closed at 568 today... he died in October. This is March. show me another stock with gains like that in 6 months from a company where the CEO died.. hell.. show me one where the CEO is still alive.
apple closed at $378 on the day he died. on 10/11 it was at $400.
say what you want about Apple's ecosystem, but people only spend money on shit for so long.. a $500 turd is still a turd.. people will stop spending money eventually if the products don't deliver... seems more and more people are going to Apple all the time. it's definitely not right for all, but Wall Street says it's definitely right for some.
apple closed at $378 on the day he died. on 10/11 it was at $400.
say what you want about Apple's ecosystem, but people only spend money on shit for so long.. a $500 turd is still a turd.. people will stop spending money eventually if the products don't deliver... seems more and more people are going to Apple all the time. it's definitely not right for all, but Wall Street says it's definitely right for some.
Absolutely. And in my roundabout way - that's sort of where I was going with it. My personal experience notwithstanding - he has big shoes to fill. No doubt Jobs taught him well. I'm waiting to hear those horror stories from his staff indicating that he's just as obsessive about the user experience and demand for excellence as Jobs was. Then we can rest easy. :)
I don't even like apple and I expected them to make a bigger update than what they did.
"There's nothing wrong with the display on the iPad 2 (which I use mainly for reading and assorted apps, never movies) and most of my online activity is done on my home WiFi network."
since movies are limited by the resolution of the file, retina display won't help.. it WILL help tremendously for reading and web browsing though.. the things you use your ipad 2 for the most. Apps will also benefit because there's more screen realestate to play with.
I would look into selling your ipad if I were you.. I JUST sold my first gen 32GB, ATT for four hundred bucks.. that's half of the cost of the new one I got.. 64GB/LTE with Apple Care +.. the way I see it I paid about 2 dollars a day to use an ipad. less than a fancy coffee drink.
since movies are limited by the resolution of the file, retina display won't help.. it WILL help tremendously for reading and web browsing though.. the things you use your ipad 2 for the most. Apps will also benefit because there's more screen realestate to play with.
I would look into selling your ipad if I were you.. I JUST sold my first gen 32GB, ATT for four hundred bucks.. that's half of the cost of the new one I got.. 64GB/LTE with Apple Care +.. the way I see it I paid about 2 dollars a day to use an ipad. less than a fancy coffee drink.
I am sure that the new screen is incredible and hard to revert away from once you've seen it, but to me the value I derive from a tablet is a combination not just of the quality of the experience (which the screen has a direct impact on) but also the actual functionality. There is little additional functionality in the new iPad - you get voice dictation, faster wireless (admittedly a big feature for some, but irrelevant to anyone in the market for a wifi model) but everything else is 'the same but better' - better screen, faster graphics, faster CPU etc.
While I don't doubt these improvement will enhance the experience, I can still do all the same stuff on an iPad 2, and found it impossible to justify the extra cost of the 3rd gen.
Its just what has worked for me and my sensibilities, I'm not suggesting others shold do the same, but having weighed up the cost against the value, the iPad 2 remains the appropriate choice for me (which is why I've just gone and bought one second hand).
While I don't doubt these improvement will enhance the experience, I can still do all the same stuff on an iPad 2, and found it impossible to justify the extra cost of the 3rd gen.
Its just what has worked for me and my sensibilities, I'm not suggesting others shold do the same, but having weighed up the cost against the value, the iPad 2 remains the appropriate choice for me (which is why I've just gone and bought one second hand).
The point I was really trying to make here is that the vast majority of the "functionality" of a tablet is in its software. In fact, just about everything IN an iPad is ultimately in service of that core experience, expressed through the display. So if you can significantly improve the display and thus significantly improve the software experience, that represents a huge step forward for the device.
Ryan, I think you are making a point against yourself. I agree, the functionality of a tablet is defined by its software. So, what software (functionality ) does the Retina display enable that cannot be done on an iPad2?
I think you missed his point. The retina display will enhance the experience of the software's functionality, not fundamentally change the functionality. It's the same way, as he said, that HDTV changed the experience of television, but not, ultimately, the functionality. That improves the overall experience.
I don't dispute that the display enhances existing functionality, but isn't that the very definition of evolutionary improvements, they are enhancements to existing functionality. In the end the new iPad is a spec upgrade, and spec upgrades will only take Apple so far. Hopefully Apple will really do something with iOS 6.
I am not sure there is an analogy between HDTV and the Retina display. There is really one one use for a TV set, users watch what is displayed, so improving that one functionality is significant. The iPad is used for much more than watching content.
I am not sure there is an analogy between HDTV and the Retina display. There is really one one use for a TV set, users watch what is displayed, so improving that one functionality is significant. The iPad is used for much more than watching content.
So, what software (functionality ) does the Retina display enable that cannot be done on an iPad2?
None.
but you could use the same argument for a monitor. are you still using 17" @1024X768 native? why not? - your desktop is the same. you still watching SD TV? shows are the same.
in those cases, increased resolution does not fundamentally change the experience.. but it does make it better.
None.
but you could use the same argument for a monitor. are you still using 17" @1024X768 native? why not? - your desktop is the same. you still watching SD TV? shows are the same.
in those cases, increased resolution does not fundamentally change the experience.. but it does make it better.
My experience is different. I had the first iPad. For 6 weeks. And then I sold it.
I didn't like the display quality: it was fine for video, but I mostly used it for reading, browsing and email, and I didn't like the quality of text at the original and iPad 2 display resolution. For me the new display changes the value proposition completely. I expect it to positively effect every interaction, every single use of the iPad.
I didn't like the display quality: it was fine for video, but I mostly used it for reading, browsing and email, and I didn't like the quality of text at the original and iPad 2 display resolution. For me the new display changes the value proposition completely. I expect it to positively effect every interaction, every single use of the iPad.
So to use one of Ryan's metaphors, would you buy a SDTV instead of an HDTV Becuase they both have the same functionality?
That seems to be the argument you're making and honestly I don't understand thinking this way. Every single thing you do on an iPad will benefit from the better screen.
That seems to be the argument you're making and honestly I don't understand thinking this way. Every single thing you do on an iPad will benefit from the better screen.
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