Ronin

Quick follow up. If I gave one of these to my 70 year old Father, who is quite savvy on his Mac Mini, the first call I would get would be: Q) Son? A) Yeah Dad? Q) Why can't I pull up the menu from "Jimmy Bob's Steak House" on this new thing. A) Well Dad, "Jimmy Bob's Steak House's" web developer is a moron, who only programed the web site using Flash technology. Q) So I want to show my Lady Friend the menu, what should I do? A) Walk over to your Mac Mini in the other room, and pull it up [in Firefox (his default browser)] Q) Thanks Son, ohh, does this explains why I couldn't play www.flashchess3.com or that Tower Defense game. A) Yup... You might want to look for suitable replacements in the iTunes App Store. Sigh....

Nice article Pug, I largely agree, and some of those reasons are why I switched my family to Mac's. (Again, I am a huge Apple fan) I have been been a big fan of "Applianceizing" computers. That is the reason I have a Mac Mini as a HTPC, and another Mac dedicated to video editing, etc. However FTA: That is just it, I am not convinced it will. After switching my family to Mac's and iPhone's two things happend. 1.) The calls about their "PC's" slowing down, and Malware/Virus stopped! . 2.) Calls began about things like: I can't access my work's "extranet" application (that relied too heavily on Microsoft crap). My wife recently encountered an .edu site she needed access to for some important homework stuff. Again, a piss poor developer relied on too many Microsoft specific calls. On a related iPhone and thus iPad issue, I would get frustration from friends and family about not being able to access "their favorite restaurant, Realtor, yoga studio" web site because-- the site was done in FLASH. So I guess the frustration simply lies in the fact that Apple gets you 90% of the way. That last 10% leads to the second guessing, and frustration. I know people who have "switched back" to PC who would rather take their chances with MalWare/Virus, so that they can regain 100% Web and Work functionality. Looking at pictures of your kids on your whiz bang device only gets you so far. If the niche for this is as a living room, airplane, train, device that is fine. But without 100% web compatibility, and multi-tasking (what good is running iWork apps on this, if for example you can not cut-n-paste from Safari, or an email into your Presentation) it is simply a Jumbo iPod. Imagine if instead of Flash, this did not support Java... Technically, Java is the #2 web technology behind Flash. Apple had a chance to invent something NEW here, they did not. They had a chance to bury the PC based tablet, and Netbook, they did not. They took an existing product, enlarged it, added a few features. It might sound like a conspiracy theory, but things like Flash, and Blu-Ray support (on Mac's), and keeping you "locked" into their stores all have financial underpinnings here. At the end of the day it is all about Share Holder value. I dunno, time will tell. Another "Fail" is when they announced this. The device has not received FCC approval yet (it will, no doubt), the first ones are 30 days out. I think with all the bad press, and hype cooling off, their early announcement may do more harm than good.

Wow. That is awesome. Speechless.

OMFG, The "Classic Meme" redone.... LOL (If you speak German, like I do, you might need to mute so as not to understand the cross-talk)

I am with you Lani. I am a stickler for being on time. In fact, when I was studying Japanese as a second language, I like the fact that in Japan-- If you are supposed to meet someone at the fountain in the courtyard at say 5:00, both parties might arrive early, BUT, both parties approach and meet at the fountain/meeting place at the exact time.

Black Ti Blue Ti Orange Ti Black SS White SS Ninja LE Orange LE So, 7 me thinks...

If no PP then Pre-Paid credit cards. Commonly available at your local super market. Load it up with how much you need.

Again, I have been an Apple fan, but I think this "lack luster" (iPod Jumbo) device is a good thing for the industry as a whole. The door is wide open for Android based platforms, and innovation from the likes of Asus and MSI, HP, etc. Also, I have to admit "Windows 7" ain't all that bad. A great opportunity for Google here. Apple could salvage this if they were to offer a "Pro" version that actually runs OS-X. (or enable multi-tasking, and a more compatible web browsing experience)

Another good approach if you have an absent minded moment, and need an out, is to fake taking a phone call. Act like your cell phone is vibrating, say you need to take this, and step away/out. Or if your rep is "super" enough, just act the part...

repeat

Wow, great minds think a like. I also have an S-Series Maratac in the wings.

Wager based on this: Wall Street expects Apple's 'risky' iPad to sell 1M-5M in first year I say they don't break 2.5M yr one. $20.00

Actually Flash Video IS based on a Quicktime standard already. The issue Safari and Apple have is with "packaged" flash presentation. Your 3 bullets actually confirm my statements. In short, Apple is a closed Eco System. Like it or leave it. Why is it every other operating system is fine with it. All my Linux netbooks can handle Flash. All my Microsoft crap can handle it. Chrome, Firefox, Opera... I have no issues with Flash on my regular Mac's running OS-X at all. One POSITIVE for Apple here, is that this "control" helps with things like MalWare and Viruses. Sure, Apple was ahead of the curve when it eliminated the Floppy, then the Dial-Up Modem, but something as ubiquitous as flash? Flash content reaches 99% of Internet viewers Adobe Flash Player is the world's most pervasive software platform, used by over 2 million professionals and reaching 99% of Internet-enabled desktops in mature markets as well as a wide range of devices. Don't get me wrong, I am an Apple user, and overall big fan of their computers & products. If you want a large format iPod Touch then it is the product for you. Instead of iPad they should have called it what it is the "iPod Jumbo". Back to that wager. What kind of metric do you want to associate with it? I am willing to bet against this for sure.

Nice job.

This just in. Good read: Who will buy the iPad? http://news.cnet.com...443890-260.html POLL - Will you buy an iPad? The numbers don't look good for the iPad.

Ditto on the Ninja! I search Daily for this.

@Pugwash, I would consider a wager on this NOT being a smashing success in the current form. Had the thing featured a full OS-X experience that could multi-task, allow you to install Firefox, codecs, Skype, VoIP, etc, it would probably be a hit. At that point you could truly leave the laptop at home, and pose a threat to netbooks. I mean come on, as much as I hate Micro$haft, you can not run Office on it. Think about it. A tablet, that you can not run one of the most utilized applications. Sure iWork will kinda work. I am an Apple fan, a huge one, but this is not about a good product for a consumer. This is a good product to keep you locked into THEIR STORES: App Store, Music/Movie store, and now Ebook store. Good luck trying to watch your WMV videos or MKV torrented TV shows. Final comment on "Flash". Think about why flash is really disabled. On the iPhone they did not want to "overstress" AT&T network, but with WiFi, why not? It comes back to their store model. Without Flash you can NOT watch HULU, and other streaming video sites. Although HTML5 is around the corner, the amount of Flash out there is staggering. (Funny, I rarely experience crashes with Flash & Firefox). On a similar note, no "Silverlight" = No Netflix. Ohh, and "Flash" based Games, cuts into their game $ales. How cool would this thing have been if we could watch Hulu & Netflix, or play any of the numerous FREE flash based games. It is an odd man out product. It doesn't replace: a laptop, a netbook, a "real" tablet PC, a phone. What it does: Glorified Movie Player, Glorified Digital Picture frame, and sure you can have a crippled internet experience and check email. A HORRIBLE, eye straining way to read eBooks. Guess what, the iPod/iPhone already does this. I fail to see the value, and given the economic situation, do you need a "supplemental" device that replaces nothing? If this can not replace a laptop, then it is nothing more than an over sized iPhone/iPod Touch that still requires Syncing! (by replace, I mean grab this and go on the road for a week+ without a laptop while having FULL functionality for 'common' applications - i.e. I can take my Asus eeePC on the road and loose no real fuctionality)

Huge let down, and I am predicting a big FAIL for Apple on this. It might enjoy the same success level as the Apple TV. This is exactly what I was thinking as I watched live on the net. http://i.gizmodo.com/5458382/8-things-that-suck-about-the-ipad For me the lack of multitasking, lack of Flash, no full OS-X, and a "Glossy" backlit display will SUCK for eBook reading.... 8 Things That Suck About the iPad Big, Ugly Bezel Have you seen the bezel on this thing?! It's huge! I know you don't want to accidentally input a command when your thumb is holding it, but come on. No Multitasking This is a backbreaker. If this is supposed to be a replacement for netbooks, how can it possibly not have multitasking? Are you saying I can't listen to Pandora while writing a document? I can't have my Twitter app open at the same time as my browser? I can't have AIM open at the same time as my email? Are you kidding me? This alone guarantees that I will not buy this product. No Cameras No front facing camera is one thing. But no back facing camera either? Why the hell not? I can't imagine what the downside was for including at least one camera. Could this thing not handle video iChat? Touch Keyboard So much for Apple revolutionizing tablet inputs; this is the same big, ugly touchscreen keyboard we've seen on other tablets, and unless you're lying on the couch with your knees propping it up, it'll be awkward to use. No HDMI Out Want to watch those nice HD videos you downloaded from iTunes on your TV? Too damned bad! If you were truly loyal, you'd just buy an AppleTV already. The Name iPad Get ready for Maxi pad jokes, and lots of 'em! No Flash No Flash is annoying but not a dealbreaker on the iPhone and iPod Touch. On something that's supposed to be closer to a netbook or laptop? It will leave huge, gaping holes in websites. I hope you don't care about streaming video! God knows not many casual internet users do. Oh wait, nevermind, they all do. Adapters, Adapters, Adapters So much for those smooth lines. If you want to plug anything into this, such as a digital camera, you need all sorts of ugly adapters. You need an adapter for USB for god's sake. Update: Why stop at 8? Here are more things we are discovering that suck about the iPad. It's Not Widescreen Widescreen movies look lousy on this thing thanks to its 4:3 screen, according to Blam, who checked out some of Star Trek on one. It's like owning a 4:3 TV all over again! Doesn't Support T-Mobile 3G Sure, it's "unlocked." But it won't work on T-Mobile, and it uses microSIMs that literally no one else uses. (or Verizon) A Closed App Ecosystem The iPad only runs apps from the App Store. The same App Store that is notorious for banning apps for no real reason, such as Google Voice. Sure, netbooks might not have touchscreens, but you can install whatever software you'd like on them. Want to run a different browser on your iPad? Too bad!

@Red, if tire of the White, I want first dibs. This is becoming the Seiko Diver Thread. Here is Blue Ti on Ti Bracelet: Orange on Zulu: Bullet Dial: My First 7002 - 14yrs Strong:

I feel like have been playing follow the leader, but honestly, another Sammi! @Red, if you get bored, I want first dibs.

Prayers going out to her... Speedy Recovery.

Wicked Cool!

I think this would only be a minor speed bump. As mentioned if they went RFID based, that is easy. Or, even the appearance of the tech since NONE of us would go to an AD w/rep or try and Scam someone-- where the tech would actually be read. . Having or not having the tech/chip in a rep will be like not having fake papers and a box. Do we really care if the dial/case/etc. is perfect? I do agree with you on the open case back. That would be interesting. Not sure about the AD's mentioned here, but my Rolex AD has full time watchsmiths, and even offers "Authentication Services" for $35.