The Ipad Killer

[BigFoot]

OK I may get strung up by my heals for saying this........but I just bought an Asus Transformer Pad TF300T. So far it is impressing the hell out of me. I am still learning all it can do but I am quite impressed with the power of the quad core processor and Ice Cream Sandwich.

I did a bit of work on it today, I was able to sync my work e-mail no problem. It edits Microsoft docs flawlessly with Polaris Office. I am going to work on connecting to the exchange server tomorrow night.

It is 32GB with a micro SD slot on the tablet, and since I bought the docking station as well that has a Macro SD slot. That is a lot of expandable memory. It has a full size USB slot on the docking station as well. It basically makes it a tablet netbook.

The Ipad killer may be a bit of a stretch but for a person like me who is not a big Apple fan, this has the makings of one hell of an Android tablet.

I would like to hear what some of the rest of you guys think.

[RazoRock]

I have the same one... and I agree with you!

[Bluebriz]

I'm not a big apple fan and I'm looking at tablets in order to get one in the next two months. I'll be interested in this thread.

[Nova316]

I have the older Asus tablet and its wonderful esp with the mini HDMI connector
it was $400 with dock and 32GB expandable via Micro and SDHC
Its such a beast with ice cream sandwich as well

[JRobinhood]

Android tablets sometimes have better internal hardware, but Apple definitely has the edge when it comes to software. There are many exclusive apps for the iPad and the apps that both systems share, the iPad version will be more polished. However, if you're in the market for a new tablet I would wait and see how the new Microsoft Surface tablets turn out, they sound pretty incredible.

[oc_in_fw]

How many iPad and iPhone killers have come and gone? Both are still here.

[beginish]

How nany iPad and iPhone killers ave come nd gone? Both are still here.

+1

Posted from my iPad :001_smile

[_JP_]

We'll see how it all plays out.

Posted from my iPad

[maxman]

I love my iPad.
why? It just works.
simple and easy.

However, i have heard from many people that the ASUS tablet is very good.
the only problem is, you have to want android.
i don't.

[chris.hale]

I've pre-ordered the Nexus 7. I've tried several 10 inch tablets at work, iPad included, and have come to the conclusion that I don't like the form factor, I've never found a comfortable way to hold one. I think the Nexus being smaller and lighter will be more comfortable to use, and more easily portable. In fact it's roughly the same size as my Kindle.

FWIW, I don't think that there is any such thing as an iPad killer. People who buy iPads do so because they want an iPad, not because they want a tablet. I'm buying an Android tablet because I don't want an iPad. I think both platforms can co-exist to suit different people's needs.

[NBT]

Just picked up my first tablet....Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7. Things amazing....Android platform...love it.
http://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/galaxytab/7.7/feature.html?type=find

[johnmrson]

I've got the Asus Transformer TF101 and I love it. I am an unashamed Android fan though. I've also got a 7" Samsung Galaxy tab and a HTC Desire phone which both als run Android.

[itsmedave]

I just bought an iPad 3 yesterday so I hope that Apple continues to support it despite it's impending doom :thumbup:

The only tablet that will be serious competition for the iPad IMO is the Google Nexus and thats due to the very flexible price point. I'll be curious to see how long it is before it's available in 32GB and 64GB flavors as well and how those prices compare to the iPad versions. I'll end up getting one just to see how they work. To me, the whole draw of an Android Tablet was to get my Gmail faster than on an iOS device. Once Gmail was able to be setup as an Exchange type email where emails are pushed to a non Android device instantly, Android became largely worthless to me. I've owned 2 Samsung Tablets, an Asus, and 2 Acer Iconias and sold them all within a short time of getting them. They're just not worth what they cost to me

Google has spread themselves far too thin as far as Android goes. You have higher end tablets (such as the Galaxy, etc) and most folks have a great experience with them. The thing that hurts Google is licensing the OS on very low end tablets and phones (Coby, Pandigital, etc). These devices are total junk, but the majority of Americans will buy one of the cheap tablets due to the price point and become disenfranchised and dissatisfied with the Android Experience and completely write Android off. Had Google licensed the Android OS to just high end manufacturers (Samsung, Asus, etc) , then Android Tablets would be even more successful than they are.

I'll be curious to see how the Microsoft Tablets do as well.

[professorchaos]

I love my iPad.
why? It just works.
simple and easy.

However, i have heard from many people that the ASUS tablet is very good.
the only problem is, you have to want android.
i don't.

That's the problem with Apple as well, isn't it? To me buying an Apple product seems like joining a cult. I don't want to join a cult.

I have an Android phone and tablet. They too just work.

[Bruce Wayne]

I have been giving some thought lately to getting a Blackberry Playbook. Thoughts? Comments?

Thanx!!!
Charlie

[Jawaburger]

I have been giving some thought lately to getting a Blackberry Playbook. Thoughts? Comments?

Thanx!!!
Charlie

Um, it is possible you are being facetious, but RIM is going down. So, I would put off any plans to buy BlackBerry. This is coming from someone who likes my BlackBerry Storm phone.

[xXClockwork]

I love my iPad.
why? It just works.
simple and easy.

Original.

[jb4647]

Here's the thing. There are two types of people regarding this type of technology. Those that want to tinker/configure/upgrade etc and those that just want the device to work out of the box and do many things well without messing with it.

The former prefers Android (previously Windows) and the later prefers Apple.

My days of 'tinkering' with a device are done. I moved from a Windows machine to an Mac Pro two years ago and to an ipad & iphone last year. Both "just work" with no need to configure much.

The reason why there are no "ipad killers" is that most of the population doesn't want to tinker and configure, they just want to use the device to achive a certain goal and want the path of least resistance. Doesn't mean they are lazy or "fanboys" it just means that they got alot of other stuff that they need to worry about in their life and the last thing they want to do is fidget with a device.

Now I get that there are certain people that want to tinker and configure for that sake alone. When I was a kid never could get into building model cars....never had the patience.....I just wanted to play with the car. Thus, I skipped the model cars and just bought a already assembled toy car. Done.

[nannahill]

Um, it is possible you are being facetious, but RIM is going down. So, I would put off any plans to buy BlackBerry. This is coming from someone who likes my BlackBerry Storm phone.

Yes, stay away from RIM/BB.


Original.

But true. I thought it was a cult too but after iPhones, iPads, Apple TV's etc I'm a believer. Their stuff works well. The retina display is simply awesome.

[cpeter47]

Here's some love for an HP Touchpad with android. 10", 32 GB tablet for less than $150!

[oc_in_fw]

Here's the thing. There are two types of people regarding this type of technology. Those that want to tinker/configure/upgrade etc and those that just want the device to work out of the box and do many things well without messing with it.

The former prefers Android (previously Windows) and the later prefers Apple.

My days of 'tinkering' with a device are done. I moved from a Windows machine to an Mac Pro two years ago and to an ipad & iphone last year. Both "just work" with no need to configure much.

The reason why there are no "ipad killers" is that most of the population doesn't want to tinker and configure, they just want to use the device to achive a certain goal and want the path of least resistance. Doesn't mean they are lazy or "fanboys" it just means that they got alot of other stuff that they need to worry about in their life and the last thing they want to do is fidget with a device.

Now I get that there are certain people that want to tinker and configure for that sake alone. When I was a kid never could get into building model cars....never had the patience.....I just wanted to play with the car. Thus, I skipped the model cars and just bought a already assembled toy car. Done.
I work on flight simulators. I make a living tinkering. I don't want a bunch of head ache when I get home. Some in this thread think that qualifies me as a member of a cult. So be it.

[Matt555]

I've pre-ordered the Nexus 7. I've tried several 10 inch tablets at work, iPad included, and have come to the conclusion that I don't like the form factor, I've never found a comfortable way to hold one. I think the Nexus being smaller and lighter will be more comfortable to use, and more easily portable. In fact it's roughly the same size as my Kindle.

FWIW, I don't think that there is any such thing as an iPad killer. People who buy iPads do so because they want an iPad, not because they want a tablet. I'm buying an Android tablet because I don't want an iPad. I think both platforms can co-exist to suit different people's needs.

Wired.com reviewed the Nexus 7 as the best Android tablet yet. So you probably made a good choice.

[BigFoot]

How did cults come into play on this? I just want a good tablet thread.

[chris.hale]

The idea that Android devices only work if you're prepared to spend ages poking around its inner workings is nothing more than Apple propoganda. My wife loves her Android phone and has done no more tinkering than installing the odd app and changing the wallpaper. The difference is that with Android, if you want to tinker you can.

[Austin]

How many iPad and iPhone killers have come and gone? Both are still here.

True dat! I have an android tab but my granddaughter's Ipad is much nicer. I think Apple has it's sh** together. They control all software upgrades and changes to their tab.

I am no apple fan and will probably buy the new microsoft tab when it comes out.

[Austin]

I work on flight simulators. I make a living tinkering. I don't want a bunch of head ache when I get home. Some in this thread think that qualifies me as a member of a cult. So be it.

What cult do you belong to? LOL

[Trey76]

Apple does not have memory expansion. Done and done. Who here wants to pay an additional $100 for 8GB of memory when the MicroSD card is $12? I don't.

[Matt555]

True dat! I have an android tab but my granddaughter's Ipad is much nicer. I think Apple has it's sh** together. They control all software upgrades and changes to their tab.

I am no apple fan and will probably buy the new microsoft tab when it comes out.

I am very interested to see the Microsoft tablets as well. However, I have read some articles that have stated that they will probably be a bit higher priced than Androids for the simple reason that Android is a free operating system and Windows is not. So if Samsung or Asus for instance makes a Windows 8 tablet, they are going to have to pay Microsoft to load it with Windows.

iPads are nice, but I like the Android system better. But if someone wants to give me a free iPad, PM me and I will consider it.:lol:

[Matt555]

Apple does not have memory expansion. Done and done. Who here wants to pay an additional $100 for 8GB of memory when the MicroSD card is $12? I don't.

A brilliant business decision that has truly paid off.

[ackvil]

Thanks for posting this thread Scott.

I am tired of lugging around my laptop when I go on trips and am interested in a tablet. I am not into 3,000 apps and currently have an iPhone that has enough apps to satisfy me. All I want is a tablet that allows me to access e-mails and the Internet when I am travelling. I don't care about pictures, cameras, recordings, etc. I just want a very portable laptop substitute that doesn't cost a fortune.

One of my concerns is the ability to connect when there is no wireless connection. Unfortunately, on some of my trips wireless connection is not an option and I need something that offers a decent connection at a decent speed.

So far, I am batting zero. :angry:

[Matt555]

Thanks for posting this thread Scott.

I am tired of lugging around my laptop when I go on trips and am interested in a tablet. I am not into 3,000 apps and currently have an iPhone that has enough apps to satisfy me. All I want is a tablet that allows me to access e-mails and the Internet when I am travelling. I don't care about pictures, cameras, recordings, etc. I just want a very portable laptop substitute that doesn't cost a fortune.

One of my concerns is the ability to connect when there is no wireless connection. Unfortunately, on some of my trips wireless connection is not an option and I need something that offers a decent connection at a decent speed.

So far, I am batting zero. :angry:

You have plenty of options. You simply need a tablet that has a 4g option like your phone. That way you can check your email and get on the internet without a wireless connections. Both Apple and Android offer these options.

[The Kayaker]

Massive apple fan here think the iPad will see off all comers.

Al
Posted from my iPad!

[Jawaburger]

All I want is a tablet that allows me to access e-mails and the Internet when I am travelling. I don't care about pictures, cameras, recordings, etc.

I believe your iPhone will do both of those things and quite well. When I am not at work I so most of my Emails from my phone.

[_JP_]

Thanks for posting this thread Scott.I am tired of lugging around my laptop when I go on trips and am interested in a tablet. I am not into 3,000 apps and currently have an iPhone that has enough apps to satisfy me. All I want is a tablet that allows me to access e-mails and the Internet when I am travelling. I don't care about pictures, cameras, recordings, etc. I just want a very portable laptop substitute that doesn't cost a fortune.One of my concerns is the ability to connect when there is no wireless connection. Unfortunately, on some of my trips wireless connection is not an option and I need something that offers a decent connection at a decent speed.So far, I am batting zero. :angry:My iPad has filled those needs nicely over the past couple of years. I bought one that has both wireless and cell connectivity so that I can be connected wherever I go. I have used it also for business meetings that I traveled for. Packs very well in the luggage, as if it is not even there.My iPhone also does pretty much the same, but the larger iPad is much nicer for some things, like web browsing. Posted from my iPad.

[ackvil]

I believe your iPhone will do both of those things and quite well. When I am not at work I so most of my Emails from my phone.

The problem I have is with the keyboard on the iPhone. It is too small for my hands - which are not that large. Every time I type a message I have to redo it ten times to get it right. Very frustrating.

[brianw]

Thanks for posting this thread Scott.


One of my concerns is the ability to connect when there is no wireless connection. Unfortunately, on some of my trips wireless connection is not an option and I need something that offers a decent connection at a decent speed.

So far, I am batting zero. :angry:

One word... tether http://ipod.about.com/od/iphonesoftwareterms/g/iphone-tethering-definition.htm

[ackvil]

One word... tether http://ipod.about.com/od/iphonesoftwareterms/g/iphone-tethering-definition.htm


Thanks. Brian. Verizon offers hot spot access through the iPhone which would suit me fine. Now to fine the tablet of my dreams.

[buffdaddy]

Well I own both an Ipad (2) and a Lenovo Ideapad and both have their strengths and weakneses. The Ipad by far is easier to use and offers more tablet centric apps vs. Androids fragmented app selection where really there are only a couple dozen truley great apps made for a tablets. Most Android apps are just blown up phone apps and doesn't really utilize the screen real estate.

But saying that I think Android has more bells and whistles as far as widgets, ports, SD card slots etc, and allows the user to customize their device. I think the release of the new Nexus 7" tablet w/Jellybean is really a game changer as far as notifications and ease of use. But we'll see how many manufacturers release Jellybean for their tablets.

[mretzloff]

How did cults come into play on this? I just want a good tablet thread.

I read a study once that said the same part of the brain that is activated when discussing or arguing about religion is activated when talking about Apple products. I guess that makes me a cultist :lol:

[Trey76]

A brilliant business decision that has truly paid off.

You have inadvertently slammed iPad, iPod, and iPhone owners as a whole. I am amused.

[mretzloff]

The problem I have is with the keyboard on the iPhone. It is too small for my hands - which are not that large. Every time I type a message I have to redo it ten times to get it right. Very frustrating.

I agree, the keypad is annoying. I do, however, find that autocorrect makes up for it. After a while, it learns your spelling and corrects mistakes that are a result of the annoying keypad.

[professorchaos]

If Swype is available for the iPhone, try it out. It is a fantastic solution for typing on phones.

[ackvil]

I just found my solution to the keyboard issue with the iPhone. It's an app called Keyboard2. It now allows me to use a larger keyboard and then copy and paste or move to SMS, e-mails, searches, etc. Unfortunately, Apple does not allow you to make it the default keyboard - but it seems to be an acceptable solution.

[letsdisinfect]

I'm surprised that Android doesn't already have an answer to the awesome combo of Apple-T.V. & iPad. I'm a science teacher and I've been salivating at the idea of using an iPad in the classroom and hooking it wirelessly to an LCD projector through apple T.V.

....Granted, as a teacher I don't have the $ to afford an iPad or apple-tv right now, so it's a moot point...

[Austin]

I'm surprised that Android doesn't already have an answer to the awesome combo of Apple-T.V. & iPad. I'm a science teacher and I've been salivating at the idea of using an iPad in the classroom and hooking it wirelessly to an LCD projector through apple T.V.

....Granted, as a teacher I don't have the $ to afford an iPad or apple-tv right now, so it's a moot point...

http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/06/google-nexus-q-review/

[bumbaclart]

The Nexus Q isn't an answer to much of anything.

[Trey76]

Even the modestly priced Iconia from Acer allows easy keyboard access and mouse access with memory expansion and mini-HDMI out. It was released over a year ago and priced between $199 and $250. The Asus and the new Galaxy Tab are better, but price between $250 and $450. The Retina display is a joke, super AMOLED has been out and available for over 3 years. Hey guys, let's replace our out of date screen with super AMOLED and call it something schnazzy like Retina! The fanbois will eat it up!

[Trey76]

I'm surprised that Android doesn't already have an answer to the awesome combo of Apple-T.V. & iPad. I'm a science teacher and I've been salivating at the idea of using an iPad in the classroom and hooking it wirelessly to an LCD projector through apple T.V.

....Granted, as a teacher I don't have the $ to afford an iPad or apple-tv right now, so it's a moot point...

UPnP server capabilities are open source and availble to anyone and have been for years. I can even stream video with my PS3 for goodness sakes and its over 5 years old.

[Kentos]

UPnP server capabilities are open source and availble to anyone and have been for years. I can even stream video with my PS3 for goodness sakes and its over 5 years old.

Agreed, but I think you miss the point. Some of us don't have the ubergeekness gene you have, and the simple plug and play of the iPad and AppleTV is nice. For every person even knows what a UPnP is, there a 100, imo, who have no clue and no desire to know. Besides good luck loading a physics or astronomy app onto your PS3 :)

[GrimmFu]

That's the problem with Apple as well, isn't it? To me buying an Apple product seems like joining a cult. I don't want to join a cult.

I have an Android phone and tablet. They too just work.

Then don't join a cult. Buy a product from the company that best suits your needs. Apple is not bigger than Exxon because the people who buy their products are cultists. It's convenient to dismiss their success as such, but not very realistic, not in 2012. In the end, we should all be lucky enough to find products that meet our wants, needs, and budgets.

It's great to see some manufacturer's finally differentiating their products; it's this type of competition that will benefit consumers and spur innovation forward.

Gf

[GrimmFu]

The Retina display is a joke, super AMOLED has been out and available for over 3 years. Hey guys, let's replace our out of date screen with super AMOLED and call it something schnazzy like Retina! The fanbois will eat it up!

Seriously? I wasn't aware that the Retina display was already so dated. Can you provide a link to a tablet on the market today that has an equivalent or superior display? I'm not aware of one. I'm not a "fanboi" by any stretch, I just honestly thought the display in the new iPad was quite a technical achievement, given it's size, weight, performance and battery life at that resolution, and I didn't think there were any other tablets that were on par. Looking forward to the examples!

Gf

[Go West Young Man]

Then don't join a cult. Buy a product from the company that best suits your needs. Apple is not bigger than Exxon because the people who buy their products are cultists. It's convenient to dismiss their success as such, but not very realistic, not in 2012. In the end, we should all be lucky enough to find products that meet our wants, needs, and budgets.

It's great to see some manufacturer's finally differentiating their products; it's this type of competition that will benefit consumers and spur innovation forward.

Gf


+1. Hating Apple products because you dislike other Apple users is as silly as loving Apple products because all the cool kids have one.

[professorchaos]

Then don't join a cult. Buy a product from the company that best suits your needs. Apple is not bigger than Exxon because the people who buy their products are cultists. It's convenient to dismiss their success as such, but not very realistic, not in 2012. In the end, we should all be lucky enough to find products that meet our wants, needs, and budgets.

It's great to see some manufacturer's finally differentiating their products; it's this type of competition that will benefit consumers and spur innovation forward.

Gf

I don't fault Apple for the cult-ish following - they are a business and it has been very profitable for them. Good for them. The cult is the product of fanboys and seems to be based in roughly equal parts of a. appealing Apple products, b. a loathing of Microsoft and c. it is the cool cult to join (a tribute to Apple's marketing success).

I'll take the hardware and software that suits my needs best, the current mainstream obsession notwithstanding.

[GrimmFu]

I don't fault Apple for the cult-ish following - they are a business and it has been very profitable for them. Good for them. The cult is the product of fanboys and seems to be based in roughly equal parts of a. appealing Apple products, b. a loathing of Microsoft and c. it is the cool cult to join (a tribute to Apple's marketing success).

I'll take the hardware and software that suits my needs best, the current mainstream obsession notwithstanding.

I agree wholeheartedly with your final sentence. Our decisions should be made based on our individual wants and needs, not on current fads, popular perceptions or mis-perceptions, misinformation, or pressure from others to like or not like what they like or don't like. The compulsion to justify choices by tearing down anything that threatens our paradigms has always struck me as the recourse of a weaker will.

I say make your choice and stand by it, and let everyone else scramble.

Gf

[Trey76]

Seriously? I wasn't aware that the Retina display was already so dated. Can you provide a link to a tablet on the market today that has an equivalent or superior display? I'm not aware of one. I'm not a "fanboi" by any stretch, I just honestly thought the display in the new iPad was quite a technical achievement, given it's size, weight, performance and battery life at that resolution, and I didn't think there were any other tablets that were on par. Looking forward to the examples!

Gf

Here's a 3.7" screen on a PMP announced from Korea in 2010. 1080p capable Super AMOLED screen with direct sunlight viewing. I'd imagine a 8" or similiar would not be difficult to do.

http://www.technologytell.com/gadgets/65746/cowon-d3-plenue-android-pmp-announced-37-inch-touch-screen-with-android-2/

[Trey76]

+1. Hating Apple products because you dislike other Apple users is as silly as loving Apple products because all the cool kids have one.

I don't hate or dislike Apple users or all Apple products. Anyone can buy whatever they want. I just try to point out the value/pros/cons of a product and not buy it just because of a billion dollar marketing campaign.

[Austin]

I don't hate or dislike Apple users or all Apple products. .

I do! :a33:

[SmoovD]

Here's a 3.7" screen on a PMP announced from Korea in 2010. 1080p capable Super AMOLED screen with direct sunlight viewing. I'd imagine a 8" or similiar would not be difficult to do.

http://www.technologytell.com/gadgets/65746/cowon-d3-plenue-android-pmp-announced-37-inch-touch-screen-with-android-2/

Two things: 1) Super AMOLED screens are, indeed, awesome and 2) COWON media players are the bee knees.

[Matt555]

I am not even an Apple fan, but most people seem to think the new iPad Retina display is the best as of now (I have not personally seen it). Wired.com says that the new Google Nexus tablet being launched as well as the Asus Transformer TF700 come pretty close, but are still not quite there.

And I don't think the Retina display is old technology. From what I have read, it is actually quite expensive to make and that is why they did not use the same Retina display the iPad sports on the new Macbooks. The cost of the 9.7 inch iPad display is already the most expensive on the market so making a 15 and 17 inch one for the Macbooks would have been very costly. So both are Retina displays, but the iPad one is a higher resolution.

A few reviews I have read said that if you put the iPad 2 and iPad 3 side by side, the screen on the iPad 2 looks downright pixelated in comparison.

[buffdaddy]

The Nexus Q isn't an answer to much of anything.

It's interesting concept but considering the price I don't know how many people will buy this. Although it's supposed to be running ICS has all kinds of ports and is very hackable. One of the issues I don't care for is the fact that you can't even stream your music through your phone/tablet without uploading everything to Google music first.

[Trey76]

I am not even an Apple fan, but most people seem to think the new iPad Retina display is the best as of now (I have not personally seen it). Wired.com says that the new Google Nexus tablet being launched as well as the Asus Transformer TF700 come pretty close, but are still not quite there.

And I don't think the Retina display is old technology. From what I have read, it is actually quite expensive to make and that is why they did not use the same Retina display the iPad sports on the new Macbooks. The cost of the 9.7 inch iPad display is already the most expensive on the market so making a 15 and 17 inch one for the Macbooks would have been very costly. So both are Retina displays, but the iPad one is a higher resolution.

A few reviews I have read said that if you put the iPad 2 and iPad 3 side by side, the screen on the iPad 2 looks downright pixelated in comparison.

Did you even read my previous post? A 2 year old 3.7" screen does the same as Retina. In 1080p. Old technology. In other words, it took Apple over two years to catch with COWON with their iPod touch. Savvy?

[mmack66]

The idea that Android devices only work if you're prepared to spend ages poking around its inner workings is nothing more than Apple propoganda. My wife loves her Android phone and has done no more tinkering than installing the odd app and changing the wallpaper. The difference is that with Android, if you want to tinker you can.

+1

[Matt555]

Did you even read my previous post? A 2 year old 3.7" screen does the same as Retina. In 1080p. Old technology. In other words, it took Apple over two years to catch with COWON with their iPod touch. Savvy?


Lol....yes I read your post. But what are you even talking about? First of all, a 3.7 inch and 9.7 inch screen are not the same. If a company figured out how to transfer high resolution visuals to a larger screen in a cost efficient way, that is a technological breakthrough......is it not?

[GrimmFu]

Lol, whether you appreciate or loathe Apple, you have to admit that there aren't many companies whose very mention gets the dogs barking to quite the extent that Apple does. That's when you know you're doing something right. It's when nobody is talking about you at all that you need to start worrying.

Gf

[Blackbeard's Delight]

Wow, I have to say I love the passion in this forum!

I love Apple products because they are reliable, period. I say that while typing on my Powermac I bought in 2005 that I have never had any problems with. I have mostly left it turned on and have used the crap out of it and it keeps going. I will have to upgrade sometime soon only because the old style PowerPC processors are not supported in new programs... so it's just getting outdated. But it keeps going.

Before this I had 4 PC's over the years that I mastered the re-boot, blue screen, error laden lifestyle. With Mac I could play an online game while watching a movie on DVD in the corner and listen to an MP3 without anything batting an eyelash. I love my Powermac and will be sad to retire it.

That said, Apple products are too fracken expensive!!! Since buying the Powermac, I got married and popped out two boys to support, so I don't have the budget I did in my bachelor days. I wanted to try out a tablet and knew I wouldn't be in the market for an iPad. I got the newly released (at the time) Barnes & Noble Nook Color for $200. It's android based, and has been great. It runs all the apps I have downloaded, I surf the web on it, stream netflix on it. It's nice. I am happy I got it. It's marketed as a book reader, which I use it for a lot. I love the 7 inch size... small and light yet bigger than a smartphone.

I did read up on the ASUS Transformer at the time and it was not what it has become today. I liked how it had the option of docking with a keyboard & mouse, which I hear is now a more common feature. I don't know what the lifespan of the Nook Color will be, but I will probably be looking into an Android tablet of some kind when the time comes to upgrade. Good to know the ASUS is a solid performer!

This is, of course, if all the iPad users of the country don't align in the shape of a Golden Delicious, and the great Lord Jobs downloads to Earth from the netherworld to bring us all eternal happiness. For $800. Then next year he'll bring us even better eternal happiness for another $800. Because you gotta have the newest and best eternal happiness!! :angel:

[oc_in_fw]

.
That said, Apple products are too fracken expensive!!!
You just said you were using a 7 year old laptop that you are just now thinking of replacing. I don't know, sounds pretty cheap. I have a seven year and 2 year old iMac- the only reason I bought the "new" one 2 years ago is because my father wanted the latest and greatest, and he sold it to me for $300. It was an incredible steal, so I had to buy it. Their stuff doesn't appear cheap, but I have always gotten long life out of them.

[Blackbeard's Delight]

You just said you were using a 7 year old laptop that you are just now thinking of replacing. I don't know, sounds pretty cheap. I have a seven year and 2 year old iMac- the only reason I bought the "new" one 2 years ago is because my father wanted the latest and greatest, and he sold it to me for $300. It was an incredible steal, so I had to buy it. Their stuff doesn't appear cheap, but I have always gotten long life out of them.

It's a Powermac desktop, it was just over $2k when I picked it up in 2005. I guess it's all relative, in the 7 years I've had this I probably would have bought 3 PC's for about $700 each... so it's the same cost in the end. But the longevity of this computer is so impressive. I would definitely suggest to anyone looking to get a new computer to get one if it was in their price range.

I can't speak for iPhones or iPads as I haven't had one. That's also why I was a little surprised when people I know were upgrading iPhones for no reason other than to 'get the new one'. I wonder if they would also have a long lifespan. Anyone out there still using a first generation, original model iPhone?

[oc_in_fw]

I can't speak for iPhones or iPads as I haven't had one.
I can't speak to iPhones, but I am posting this on a early first generation iPad. I got it for free, because my father finally got rid of it when he got an iPad3. It works great. You know, ever since I moved to Apple, I have gotten a lot of great stuff for free (or very cheap). For years I was a pc guy, and my father has been using macs since 1984. Now that I am his Apple buddy, I get some great deals.

[Haggises]

Lol, whether you appreciate or loathe Apple, you have to admit that there aren't many companies whose very mention gets the dogs barking to quite the extent that Apple does. That's when you know you're doing something right. It's when nobody is talking about you at all that you need to start worrying.

Gf
Could just as easily substitute Microsoft or Google in place of Apple there....

[GrimmFu]

Could just as easily substitute Microsoft or Google in place of Apple there....

Google maybe, with all the privacy controversy they generate. Although I don't believe Google as a company polarizes people to quite the same extent as Apple.

I don't think Microsoft generates that kind of heat any more though, they're not nearly as hot-button as they may have been at one time. That's the problem with becoming the establishment I guess.

Gf

[Dewaine]

I have stuck to Microsoft and Android mostly due to it being the weapon of choice in my profession (business/accounting). But I watch all the laud and honor given to Apple, and I'm sure it is earned, but sitting next to Apple users on occasion I have been surprised at their frequent software issues, version compatibility problems, and such. I don't care either way, but I don't have the nearly the problems some Apple users I know have with their products. And I don't understand the willingness to pay 40% or so more for equivalent memory, speed, etc.

[Trey76]

Lol....yes I read your post. But what are you even talking about? First of all, a 3.7 inch and 9.7 inch screen are not the same. If a company figured out how to transfer high resolution visuals to a larger screen in a cost efficient way, that is a technological breakthrough......is it not?

Transferring the capablility of high resolution from a small screen to a larger is screen is EASIER. It is harder the other way around...hence my point.

[GrimmFu]

Transferring the capablility of high resolution from a small screen to a larger is screen is EASIER. It is harder the other way around...hence my point.

Sorry, but that is not correct. Plasmas and LCDs started off in smaller sizes and got larger as the technology improved and the manufacturing became more cost effective. Smaller was cheaper and easier. Sony had an 11" OLED tv in like 2009 or 2010 that sold for $2800 (!!!) and were planning on coming out with larger models, but just couldn't pull it off.

Also, as the display size increases your power management needs also increases greatly, another reason it is harder to increase resolution as display size grows. Particularly when you are dealing with a mobile form factor. This is another area that the new iPad broke some serious ground, maintaining run time with hugely increased pixel density, while keeping size and weight within consumer expected parameters.

Gf

[Altair]

Android tablets sometimes have better internal hardware, but Apple definitely has the edge when it comes to software. There are many exclusive apps for the iPad and the apps that both systems share, the iPad version will be more polished. However, if you're in the market for a new tablet I would wait and see how the new Microsoft Surface tablets turn out, they sound pretty incredible.

I think that if Microsoft sticks with it and really gets software developers to make "apps" it will be a winner. I wanna get the RT. then when the pro version comes out I'll hand the RT down to the wife. It just looks sweet. I love one note and It works with Android but I know it will work a lot better in a windows tablet.

I really don't care much for apple products because the company locks everything down. Basically they sell "old" hardware bling it out a bit with a new shiny case and screen and jack up the price. With Microsoft and Android there are so many choices. My brother was showing me his iphone the other day and then I showed him how my old droid x2 hooks up my 47 inch tv via the hdmi port and streams movies.

[Kentos]

I think that if Microsoft sticks with it and really gets software developers to make "apps" it will be a winner. I wanna get the RT. then when the pro version comes out I'll hand the RT down to the wife. It just looks sweet. I love one note and It works with Android but I know it will work a lot better in a windows tablet.

I really don't care much for apple products because the company locks everything down. Basically they sell "old" hardware bling it out a bit with a new shiny case and screen and jack up the price. With Microsoft and Android there are so many choices. My brother was showing me his iphone the other day and then I showed him how my old droid x2 hooks up my 47 inch tv via the hdmi port and streams movies.

Get Apple TV and you don't need no HDMI ;). Cords are so 2010 :lol:

I think the argument over technology is never ending, as someone else will post they don't need no Apple TV to stream to their TV. Then someone will top that, and so on and so forth. Not sure about how a retina display on a laptop is old bling tho.

[Altair]

Get Apple TV and you don't need no HDMI ;). Cords are so 2010 :lol:

I think the argument over technology is never ending, as someone else will post they don't need no Apple TV to stream to their TV. Then someone will top that, and so on and so forth. Not sure about how a retina display on a laptop is old bling tho.

Retina isn't old tech. I never said that. I should of clarified that they tend to put the shiny outer shell and the guts are "old" by PC standards. BTW does apple tv allow 1080p now?. cuz everyone else has for the last 3 years

[Matt555]

Transferring the capablility of high resolution from a small screen to a larger is screen is EASIER. It is harder the other way around...hence my point.

Sorry, but not true. There is a reason why the Retina display on the iPad 3 is a higher resolution than the Retina displays on the new Macbooks (newer than the iPad 3). It was going to cost way too much money to make 15 and 17 inch notebook versions of the 9.7 inch tablet display.

[Trey76]

Sorry, but not true. There is a reason why the Retina display on the iPad 3 is a higher resolution than the Retina displays on the new Macbooks (newer than the iPad 3). It was going to cost way too much money to make 15 and 17 inch notebook versions of the 9.7 inch tablet display.

Bigger stuff = more money, not necessarily more technology or they would have released retina on the iPad Touch first.

[Stone Dude]

At the time I bought my Xoom alost a year and a half ago, I checked out the iPad. It couldnt do what i needed it to do. I still have the Xoom, with Ice Cream Sandwich now. Its fast and works like the day I got it. I am 100% paperless at work, print, create, edit PDF files, sign PDF, scan etc. The new iPads are great, but the hype is so insane everything else flies under the radar.

[Matt555]

Bigger stuff = more money, not necessarily more technology or they would have released retina on the iPad Touch first.

Nobody buys iPod's anymore. And the first retina display was on the iPhone which is the same screen size. I am not going to go back and forth on this anymore because it is becoming silly. And people may think I am defending Apple which would be even worse.

[Kentos]

Retina isn't old tech. I never said that. I should of clarified that they tend to put the shiny outer shell and the guts are "old" by PC standards. BTW does apple tv allow 1080p now?. cuz everyone else has for the last 3 years

Not sure, I never felt the need to stream stuff to my TV.

[Bluebriz]

OK I may get strung up by my heals for saying this........but I just bought an Asus Transformer Pad TF300T. So far it is impressing the hell out of me. I am still learning all it can do but I am quite impressed with the power of the quad core processor and Ice Cream Sandwich.

I did a bit of work on it today, I was able to sync my work e-mail no problem. It edits Microsoft docs flawlessly with Polaris Office. I am going to work on connecting to the exchange server tomorrow night.

It is 32GB with a micro SD slot on the tablet, and since I bought the docking station as well that has a Macro SD slot. That is a lot of expandable memory. It has a full size USB slot on the docking station as well. It basically makes it a tablet netbook.

The Ipad killer may be a bit of a stretch but for a person like me who is not a big Apple fan, this has the makings of one hell of an Android tablet.

I would like to hear what some of the rest of you guys think.

Scott,
are you using it with the keyboard or just as a tablet?

Do you know if there are any good note taking apps, preferably something which would use a stylus so I can just scribble notes as I study?

[BigFoot]

Scott,
are you using it with the keyboard or just as a tablet?

Do you know if there are any good note taking apps, preferably something which would use a stylus so I can just scribble notes as I study?

I have the Keyboard and use it both ways. My favorite App for taking notes is SuperNote, you can type, you can write with your finger, you can write with your stylus. I love it.

[Bluebriz]

I have the Keyboard and use it both ways. My favorite App for taking notes is SuperNote, you can type, you can write with your finger, you can write with your stylus. I love it.

Does it just save what you write as it is, or does it try to recognise what you've written and convert it into what it thinks you've written?

[BigFoot]

It puts on paper exactly what you write. As you are writing when you pause it transfers the words in a line on the notepad. It looks likes actual notes on a pad in your hand writing.

[Bluebriz]

That sounds good. I'm going to order one at the end of August. Have the money saved already!

[brucered]

Posted from my iPad :001_smile

i'll be posting like this shortly :thumbup:

we just pulled the trigger on the new ipad, so we'll see what all the fuss is about

we are not APPLE diehards, but have a couple iphones and youngest has iPod, so makes sense for the apps and music etc.

[Bluebriz]

Finally ordered my Asus tablet, with keyboard.

I'm not interested in whether it's an Ipad killer or not (I think we all know it won't be!) but it looks like it has all I need....fingers crossed!

[oc_in_fw]

Finally ordered my Asus tablet, with keyboard.

I'm not interested in whether it's an Ipad killer or not (I think we all know it won't be!) but it looks like it has all I need....fingers crossed!
I think you will like it. iPad (which I have) or not, it is great to surf the Internet in the living room while the wife is watching the boob tube. I very rarely use the iMac for surfing anymore.

[Bluebriz]

Only been playing with it for half an hour but I really like it so far. Works really well with Touchpad keyboard.