What have you decided about iPad 2? Buy or pass? What's your reasoning?
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http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/hiner/apple-ipad-2-who-should-buy-and-who-should-pass/7896
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I support open standards. My iPod crashed and decided that the Droid phone could handle my music as well so I saved the cost of a music device. After using the DroidX phone I decided the open standards would be great on a tablet so I researched and just picked up the Motorola Xoom. It's suppose to have Flash this week which will give me something I need and couldn't get from Apple.
While I don't argue that you feel the Droid phone can serve your media handling, you're comparing a pork loin to a filet minon. The iPad doesn't relate to either part of your argument.
Yes, I know you decided the Xoom better meets your needs; that's fine. This discussion has nothing to do with the Xoom.
Yes, I know you decided the Xoom better meets your needs; that's fine. This discussion has nothing to do with the Xoom.
and therefore the XOOM is part of the discussion
Check out Who Should Pass? / Open Standards / "If you???re a supporter of open standards and use a lot of different platforms (e.g. Windows, Linux, Android, Xbox 360, etc.), then ..."
- just sayin'
Check out Who Should Pass? / Open Standards / "If you???re a supporter of open standards and use a lot of different platforms (e.g. Windows, Linux, Android, Xbox 360, etc.), then ..."
- just sayin'
The Xoom is not a phone, it's a tablet. It's a very expensive tablet, and won Best in Show at CES 2011, in the tablet category. So whether you like it or not, it IS a valid alternative to the iPad 2.
However, the Xoom does have it's ups and downs in relation to the new iPad2:
Screen (if iPad2 stays 1024x768), has the edge at 1,280 x 800. Some people say the screen is not as bright as iPad's, however.
Memory: 1GB versus possible 512MB on iPad2. (Hopefully more like a gig, but who cares if things are smooth with multitasking running?)
OS: CNET says Honeycomb is a vast improvement over 2.2 on the Galaxy Tab, which Google warned was not ready for Tablets. Will be nice having multiple windows with that much screen real-estate. Not sure if either will deliver that, though. Honeycomb looks pretty sweet, though: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAXm0-HA8O8
Input/Output: Apple, of course has all the apple stuff, like iTunes, Apple TV, etc, that play well together. If you have all that stuff, the iPad is the obvious choice. If not, that's a lot of money to dump for most of us. The Xoom uses hdmi out so can be plugged into most new TVs/projectors with no extra hardware, no extra power sockets, etc. With Android devices, you also get more freedom with your data as well. You don't have iTunes in the way when you just want to copy a few files from your work machine to your device without getting a visit from IT asking why you want to install iTunes on company property, or being limited to how many computers you can copy files from (that may change as time goes on). iTunes also shrinks your photos to a size that iOS can handle smoothly. That's okay for general use, but if you need the original resolution of those building plans, to see the fine print, iTunes can be a major cramp in your style.
Those are just some of the things to consider. Whatever you buy, you will probably be happy. Don't let people bring you down. You'll like it for your reasons, others wont, but why do you care?
However, the Xoom does have it's ups and downs in relation to the new iPad2:
Screen (if iPad2 stays 1024x768), has the edge at 1,280 x 800. Some people say the screen is not as bright as iPad's, however.
Memory: 1GB versus possible 512MB on iPad2. (Hopefully more like a gig, but who cares if things are smooth with multitasking running?)
OS: CNET says Honeycomb is a vast improvement over 2.2 on the Galaxy Tab, which Google warned was not ready for Tablets. Will be nice having multiple windows with that much screen real-estate. Not sure if either will deliver that, though. Honeycomb looks pretty sweet, though: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAXm0-HA8O8
Input/Output: Apple, of course has all the apple stuff, like iTunes, Apple TV, etc, that play well together. If you have all that stuff, the iPad is the obvious choice. If not, that's a lot of money to dump for most of us. The Xoom uses hdmi out so can be plugged into most new TVs/projectors with no extra hardware, no extra power sockets, etc. With Android devices, you also get more freedom with your data as well. You don't have iTunes in the way when you just want to copy a few files from your work machine to your device without getting a visit from IT asking why you want to install iTunes on company property, or being limited to how many computers you can copy files from (that may change as time goes on). iTunes also shrinks your photos to a size that iOS can handle smoothly. That's okay for general use, but if you need the original resolution of those building plans, to see the fine print, iTunes can be a major cramp in your style.
Those are just some of the things to consider. Whatever you buy, you will probably be happy. Don't let people bring you down. You'll like it for your reasons, others wont, but why do you care?
... the article itself is first and foremost about who should, or shouldn't, buy an iPad 2. The Xoom and other Android/WebOS/WP7 devices were mentioned only in passing for those who prefer a more open platform. However...
Android into the 2.x series is finally stabilizing and becoming a very viable alternative to Apple's iOS; rare is the review now that complains about stability and reliability. On the other hand, I have yet to read a published review of 3.0 Honeycomb that doesn't declare it and the Xoom an "unfinished product." As such, the only way it competes is that it's a similar form factor that, once you figure out how to use it, is roughly similar in overall capability. Without giving more than credit to a review in "The Daily" today, the author of said review said that 99.9% of the people he handed a Xoom to in order to garner their opinions couldn't even figure out how to turn it on. He added to this that while the Xoom is clearly designed to be used in landscape orientation, almost all current Android apps available require portrait orientation which makes the device feel unbalanced and uncomfortable to hold. He went on to say that the corner-positioned 'soft buttons' became very confusing and unintuitive--causing him to occasionally forget what task he was trying to accomplish.
My point here is that the currently-available Android devices are incomplete products in many ways, despite their supposedly higher specs. There is no sense of 'fit and finish' in either the hardware or the software for the current tablets even after having almost a year to build on Apple's lead. In short, only techies who are actually concerned with the Open Standards will be the ones who readily adopt the current iterations of Android tablets.
Apple's I/O for the iPad may be convoluted for people used to the Windows way, and I won't deny that some things Apple has done seem puzzling, but then, I'm a techie too. The average consumer doesn't have those concerns. The average consumer wants it simple to the point of having the device do most of the work for them. Moving pictures around? Simply plug in the SD card adaptor or the USB adaptor to the single 30-pin port and transfer the images--and yes, even video--from your camera to the iPad, where you can review, tweak color and clarity and even edit those videos for immediate sharing on Facebook or wherever. In fact, the iPad has absolutely no problem with viewing and manipulating RAW files from even the newest dSLR cameras. iOS doesn't have a problem with them.
But to repeat myself, the article is about who should, or shouldn't buy the iPad, and farther down I argue why some of these conclusions are flawed.
Android into the 2.x series is finally stabilizing and becoming a very viable alternative to Apple's iOS; rare is the review now that complains about stability and reliability. On the other hand, I have yet to read a published review of 3.0 Honeycomb that doesn't declare it and the Xoom an "unfinished product." As such, the only way it competes is that it's a similar form factor that, once you figure out how to use it, is roughly similar in overall capability. Without giving more than credit to a review in "The Daily" today, the author of said review said that 99.9% of the people he handed a Xoom to in order to garner their opinions couldn't even figure out how to turn it on. He added to this that while the Xoom is clearly designed to be used in landscape orientation, almost all current Android apps available require portrait orientation which makes the device feel unbalanced and uncomfortable to hold. He went on to say that the corner-positioned 'soft buttons' became very confusing and unintuitive--causing him to occasionally forget what task he was trying to accomplish.
My point here is that the currently-available Android devices are incomplete products in many ways, despite their supposedly higher specs. There is no sense of 'fit and finish' in either the hardware or the software for the current tablets even after having almost a year to build on Apple's lead. In short, only techies who are actually concerned with the Open Standards will be the ones who readily adopt the current iterations of Android tablets.
Apple's I/O for the iPad may be convoluted for people used to the Windows way, and I won't deny that some things Apple has done seem puzzling, but then, I'm a techie too. The average consumer doesn't have those concerns. The average consumer wants it simple to the point of having the device do most of the work for them. Moving pictures around? Simply plug in the SD card adaptor or the USB adaptor to the single 30-pin port and transfer the images--and yes, even video--from your camera to the iPad, where you can review, tweak color and clarity and even edit those videos for immediate sharing on Facebook or wherever. In fact, the iPad has absolutely no problem with viewing and manipulating RAW files from even the newest dSLR cameras. iOS doesn't have a problem with them.
But to repeat myself, the article is about who should, or shouldn't buy the iPad, and farther down I argue why some of these conclusions are flawed.
As Jason asks: "Was this helpful?" He should have included your synopsis in his article. Your thoughts have made it clear which tablet to buy, if I am in the market. It does still puzzle me why Apple does not embrace Flash Player, or a flash for the camera, or even a better resolution camera. It's like they (Apple) take pleasure in offering their loyal customers the bare minimum, just because they know they can get away with it. I have been sucked into Apple products, and love their stylish nature, but like many I am always left wanting more.
This is quite interesting. I on the other hand see the Ipad as an unfinished product. Nothing of what you said actually merits status to be 'Finished' even with the iPad. Clearly Apple is making improvements to its tablet OS in all the same sense that Android is. Therefore the iOS is just as "unfinished product". Finished product would indicated no further improvements are necessary. This is obviously not the case for either device.
"99.9% of the people he handed a Xoom to in order to garner their opinions couldn't even figure out how to turn it on."
The same thing is said with the iPad for people that aren't Apple drones and don't use Apple products. Apple sets their power button at the top from a cold start in all their products. Xoom is at the rear. In either case... both devices turn on from a cold start by means of a button. As if this was a crucial point to mention.
"almost all current Android apps available require portrait orientation which makes the device feel unbalanced and uncomfortable to hold."
This is subjective based on ones personal preference to say that it's "unbalanced and uncomfortable to hold". This is not something you use to make an unbiased determining factor on which device is better for the end user. They should decide for themselves on this.
"He went on to say that the corner-positioned 'soft buttons' became very confusing and unintuitive--causing him to occasionally forget what task he was trying to accomplish."
At this point i would stop reading this journalist's review on 'The Daily'. Clearly the guy is either being biased towards the iPad or he is just a person with very small common sense. I'd really question if this guy uses a computer at all if he is actually saying that the "soft buttons" in the software are unintuitive. Clearly the process of having to think must take alot of effort for this guy.
"My point here is that the currently-available Android devices are incomplete products in many ways, despite their supposedly higher specs.'
This is a biased misrepresentation of ones opinion of 1 device over the other. Fact #1, This statement doesn't make mention that the iPad itself along with its iOS are incomplete as well. Facts remain that the Android OS simply offer more software features than iOS which would put iOS in a more "incomplete" state. Fact #2, the iPad hardware is also less feature wise which again would put the iPad in a more "incomplete" state. These are facts... not biased opinions. Fact #3, Xoom can be disassembled by means of unscrewing Torx screws without risk of cracking the LCD screen unlike the iPad which requires prying it off to open. Therefore the end user can change their own battery without having to pay $150 at Apple after their warranty has expired.
"99.9% of the people he handed a Xoom to in order to garner their opinions couldn't even figure out how to turn it on."
The same thing is said with the iPad for people that aren't Apple drones and don't use Apple products. Apple sets their power button at the top from a cold start in all their products. Xoom is at the rear. In either case... both devices turn on from a cold start by means of a button. As if this was a crucial point to mention.
"almost all current Android apps available require portrait orientation which makes the device feel unbalanced and uncomfortable to hold."
This is subjective based on ones personal preference to say that it's "unbalanced and uncomfortable to hold". This is not something you use to make an unbiased determining factor on which device is better for the end user. They should decide for themselves on this.
"He went on to say that the corner-positioned 'soft buttons' became very confusing and unintuitive--causing him to occasionally forget what task he was trying to accomplish."
At this point i would stop reading this journalist's review on 'The Daily'. Clearly the guy is either being biased towards the iPad or he is just a person with very small common sense. I'd really question if this guy uses a computer at all if he is actually saying that the "soft buttons" in the software are unintuitive. Clearly the process of having to think must take alot of effort for this guy.
"My point here is that the currently-available Android devices are incomplete products in many ways, despite their supposedly higher specs.'
This is a biased misrepresentation of ones opinion of 1 device over the other. Fact #1, This statement doesn't make mention that the iPad itself along with its iOS are incomplete as well. Facts remain that the Android OS simply offer more software features than iOS which would put iOS in a more "incomplete" state. Fact #2, the iPad hardware is also less feature wise which again would put the iPad in a more "incomplete" state. These are facts... not biased opinions. Fact #3, Xoom can be disassembled by means of unscrewing Torx screws without risk of cracking the LCD screen unlike the iPad which requires prying it off to open. Therefore the end user can change their own battery without having to pay $150 at Apple after their warranty has expired.
... this reviewer essentially repeated the same arguments as every other paid reviewer of the Xoom, though he went farther to actually put it into consumers' hands to get their feel on the device as well. If anything, it would appear to be an unbiased report of how ordinary people, not techies, respond to the device. Yes, every single paid review I've read so far has said the product simply 'feels' unfinished, unlike the iPad.
And that brings us back to your first point about finished vs unfinished. Tell me: If you went to an auto dealership and bought one of their models, only to be told, "Well, the speedometer doesn't work right now--we'll have that working in a couple weeks and, oh! The engine you wanted won't be available for about two months; we've installed a smaller one so you can use it but you'll have to bring it back for the one you paid for to be installed," would you really consider that car a 'finished product'? On the other side of your argument, you say no product is finished if it has to be updated and yet, how many cars are sold every year as finished products when their customers KNOW there will be an upgraded model out the following year? The same holds true for any item you buy from a store, it's supposed to be a finished product containing everything needed to make it work as advertised and if parts or functions are missing, the manufacturer definitely takes the hit in reputation and lost sales. Yes, Apple took a bit of a hit from all the bad publicity about the iPhone 4's antenna, but when everyday users realized it had no noticeable effect on their everyday use, the issue just went away; the Xoom's lack of advertised Flash, memory card and 3G/4G capability requiring software updates and physical return for parts installation is by no means indicative of a finished product.
So the bias in your argument is all yours.
And that brings us back to your first point about finished vs unfinished. Tell me: If you went to an auto dealership and bought one of their models, only to be told, "Well, the speedometer doesn't work right now--we'll have that working in a couple weeks and, oh! The engine you wanted won't be available for about two months; we've installed a smaller one so you can use it but you'll have to bring it back for the one you paid for to be installed," would you really consider that car a 'finished product'? On the other side of your argument, you say no product is finished if it has to be updated and yet, how many cars are sold every year as finished products when their customers KNOW there will be an upgraded model out the following year? The same holds true for any item you buy from a store, it's supposed to be a finished product containing everything needed to make it work as advertised and if parts or functions are missing, the manufacturer definitely takes the hit in reputation and lost sales. Yes, Apple took a bit of a hit from all the bad publicity about the iPhone 4's antenna, but when everyday users realized it had no noticeable effect on their everyday use, the issue just went away; the Xoom's lack of advertised Flash, memory card and 3G/4G capability requiring software updates and physical return for parts installation is by no means indicative of a finished product.
So the bias in your argument is all yours.
>>Apple's I/O for the iPad may be convoluted for people used to the Windows way,
Isn't it all supposed to be simpler in the Apple world, not more complex?
Isn't it all supposed to be simpler in the Apple world, not more complex?
I'm glad you qualified your statement with "may", but you might want to note that Android is no more Windows-like than iOS. I'd really like you to explain how a desktop OS could be simple compared to iOS or Android.
Like the first model, this device doesn't provide any functions I need, or any I want relative to the up-front and contract costs.
What contract costs? I'll admit I don't know exactly how Verizon is handling their data plans for the iPad, but on AT&T, I only pay for the months that I actually choose to use 3G; I have no contract.
Let's go with 'connectivity costs' instead.
I'm a guy who didn't have a cell phone until three months ago, it's on a pay-as-you go voice-only plan, and I only power it up before an extended road trip. Unless the device and connectivity are at comparable rates ($50 hardware, $25 for three months access), I don't have enough needs or wants to feel like the cost is worth the benefits.
I'm a guy who didn't have a cell phone until three months ago, it's on a pay-as-you go voice-only plan, and I only power it up before an extended road trip. Unless the device and connectivity are at comparable rates ($50 hardware, $25 for three months access), I don't have enough needs or wants to feel like the cost is worth the benefits.
Useful article. Made me glad I ordered iPad2 3G early for my wife who needs to connect from many locations in her job. I will wait to upgrade from iPad1 wifi which meets all my needs. Love the iPad! Primarily a PC person but have owned and used iPhone for years. I feel like brand loyalty, based on user friendliness, is very much like staying with a car brand. It feels familiar; and, in some cases, familiarity breeds content(ment).
Jason-
You should REALLY consider letting someone proof read your write ups prior to releasing them. This one was painful to read. I got stuck on so many grammatical errors, that I lost interest in the article and took time out harping on the errors. So much so, that I am writing this response....
You should REALLY consider letting someone proof read your write ups prior to releasing them. This one was painful to read. I got stuck on so many grammatical errors, that I lost interest in the article and took time out harping on the errors. So much so, that I am writing this response....
Jason, either you have corrected the proofing errors mentioned above or I'm not seeing them. BTW, "write ups" should be hyphenated, to be grammatically correct.
"calling home during on business trips" " For those that who want test the iPad" " If youre not going do much video calling " " which lots of upgraders are currently" "the thing to keep to keep in mind". Who am I to criticize though, I can't write for crap! LMAO!
If it's not worth doing, it's not worth doing well. Just get the feeling that this was written to fill some kind of cyber hole.
The product first came out and a lot of IT and business professionals are considering whether they should buy it (or upgrade). This is our first take at giving them some assistance in making a good decision. After we use the iPad 2 extensively, we'll have our full review published. But, we don't rush out a review right at launch when we've barely looked at the product. That's not our style.
I kind of like that I can get a quick snap-shot first impression before I do, or don't, rush out and buy one.
It could save people impulse buying something they don't really need, for the wrong reasons.
It could save people impulse buying something they don't really need, for the wrong reasons.
Good to have some kind/any kind of quick answer for people when they ask. I hadn't imagined why one would NOT upgrade other than the money.
Your "Supporters of open standards" paragraph sums up my opinion of Apple in a nutshell. The iPads are impressive devices, but Apple's control over them (and any Apple device for that matter) is my reasoning for not purchasing an Apple product. As the paragraph suggests, I'm "waiting for a really good Android tablet to emerge."
"calling home during on business trips" " For those that who want test the iPad" " If you???re not going do much video calling " " which lots of upgraders are currently" "the thing to keep to keep in mind". Who am I to criticize though, I can't write for crap! LMAO!
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