3. It’s mostly play, and not much work
The way Apple locks out mouse control has an impact on using the iPad as a work tool. Indeed, the iPad is very much positioned as a recreational device – something for you to relax with. You’ve probably heard people saying that the iPad is a content ‘consumption’ device, not a content ‘creation’ device, and it’s hard to argue with that.
Apple’s ads showing musicians creating tracks with GarageBand and people editing home movies they shot with the iPad’s very modest 0.7MP, 720p rear camera are just that – marketing spin. People who use the iPad to create content are likely just doing it to be ironic… aren’t they?
Anyway, what’s most frustrating is that it would take only a few tweaks to turn the iPad into a very capable work device. A more content ‘creation’ focused interface, including better file control and more inputs and outputs would make it the ultimate in ultraportable computing power.
2. You still need a PC… or a bunch of fiddly accessories
While Apple has cut the thin white USB-powered umbilical to the PC with iOS 5, the iPad is still at its heart quite reliant on your PC-powered core.
It’s much easier to manage various aspects of the iPad with a PC – especially its file management (ie adding and removing apps, music, movies and photos if you don’t have an internet connection handy).
If you really want to live without a PC but still have an iPad, then you need to buy a bunch of fiddly accessories. USB connectors, keyboards, outputs and inputs of various kinds, card readers, the list goes on and the amount of white plastic hanging out the bottom of your super-slim device can get ridiculous.
We get that Apple wants the iPad to be simple, foolproof even, but the company should provide us with a few more options.
1. The iPad 3 is coming… someday
What’s the worst thing about buying an Apple product? Getting an email from Apple two weeks later announcing the new version of the same product – cheaper, more powerful, prettier and cooler.
No matter when you buy an iPad, you know there’s a new version on the way. What will they add? Massive storage capacity? Super-high-resolution display? Proper USB ports? 8MP camera?
Worse than that, your version of the iPad will probably have its price cut.
Of course, we can’t blame Apple for not telling us when new products are due out. Sales of existing stock would just plummet. But it sure is annoying!
This isn’t unique to Apple of course. Continual and rapid upgrades, coupled with price cuts, are a feature of the gadget and CE market, let alone many others. You buy when you can afford to buy – otherwise you’d go crazy trying to pick the optimal moment.
But with Apple, somehow it’s just more aggravating.
I love reason number 1 because it’s soooooooo true!!
 Once you have one you don’t think like that any more. Google iPad + David Hockney for starters.
Portability is the only thing for an ipad, that and the fact a laptop slows over time, while an iPad doesn’t (as much)
Why you should buy a shovel instead of an iPad.
1. You can’t dig in the garden with an iPad.
2. You can’t chop the heads off snakes with an iPad.
3. You can’t move gravel with an iPad.
4. A shovel never runs out of batteries.
5. The shovel is water proof.
6. Shovels are much less costly than iPads. You could buy about twenty really good shovels instead of an iPad.
7. You can use a shovel to bury your old computers.
The only advantage of the iPad is people don’t say, “Hey, I like your new spade” and you don’t have to say, “Damn you, it’s a shovel!”
I dunno, I reckon you could chop the head off a snake with an ipad. Would be really messy though!
I have both an iPad and a Notebook and they both have different applications, I bought them both for different reasons and still reckon it was one of my best decisions
Thanks Captain Obvious. Â What a hodge-podge of conflicting bull disguised as analysis.
This wasn’t an analysis piece, it’s opinion! Go read a white-paper if you want ‘analysis’.
Explain to me then, who told sales reps that ipads were computers that fit in with a network ?
Really helpful. As you say there is a lot of pressure to get one and as it’s uses seem to be mostly recreational I don’t need one. Thank you
What a crock.
I have not used my Macbook once since buying an iPad.
The portability, speed and battery life of the tablet versus a laptop make it perfect for doing almost everything online without the hassle.
I don’t think that’ll be true for everyone. I have an iPad and I jump between my Windows PC and my iPad, using them for different purposes.
For me, my iPad is a content consumption and creation device. I’ve even written a book on it.
But it’s not a be-all, end-all. It can’t replace my computer due to a file system that can’t be easily accessed by websites or a CMS. It’s not easy to edit photos quickly on, and a lack of upgradeable memory can become a pain fairly quickly.
But it’s great for playing games, watching TV shows, and checking the news as I get out of bed.
The most important reason for me not to buy one is that I don’t need one, simple as that.
I probably wouldn’ty go for an ipad anyway.