You’ve probably noticed I’ve got an iPad in the house. And, along with the loaner, comes some mixed feelings. It still doesn’t really solve a problem I have, falling as it does between my smartphone collection and MacBook Air. In fact, the first few weeks I possessed the iPad, I only pulled it out when my iPhone was on empty. On the other hand, the software (apps), features, and new use cases are beginning to catch up to the promise of the form factor.
With that in mind, I’ve said all along I’ll probably pick up an iPad 2 whenever Apple chooses to grace us with one. I expect the next iteration will be a bit more practical, hopefully lighter weight and with a SD card reader as rumored. Paired with a Bluetooth keyboard case of some sort, I could see possibly retiring my laptop (and picking up an iMac or Wind0ws 7 equivalent).
Yet we’re not there. And who knows when we will be. But Apple isn’t the only game in town…
I wasn’t initially super impressed with Samsung’s competing Android-powered Galaxy Tab, given it’s size and app ecosystem in relation to price. Until I saw Kevin Tofel at the helm while we were in Vegas for CES. He has mastered this device… and has since unloaded his iPad. Additionally, his Tab sports a pretty fine case (something I’ve yet to find for the iPad) and Galaxy prices have dropped.
Each of the major wireless carriers hawks a Tab variant, yet the hardware and service fees are all over the map. Given excellent Sprint coverage in the office, I was curious to learn what they’re charging at the moment. And, as it turns out, those who conduct their research from an iPad may never know (as you can see above). I joked on Twitter that Sprint isn’t actively seeking iPad refugees. But Feech1 and Nitecourt got the last laugh in suggesting it’s a Jobsian no-Flash plot to keep me in the fold.
Dave – Give this a shot on your iPad. It should let you drive on that research!
http://www.skyfire.com/product/ipad
Second SkyFire for the occasional foray into Flash territory. Works most of the time for me. Obviously given how its servers render the Flash it won’t work on some private servers at your company or whatever, but for typical public web it works pretty well. I don’t use it as my default browser, but its easy to copy a link and then launch SkyFire. By default it will ask you if you want to open the link from the clipboard when you do this. Makes it relatively easy to do the handoff.
As far as cases, the only one I’ve liked is Apple’s which has the folding parts that let you prop it up at various angles for typing, portfolio or landscape use, etc. Also the best case for use on planes where the cover can be propped against the tray table or just the magazines in the seatpocket in front of you. Not a big fan of the material, but there aren’t many others who have risked copying the design, so I’m pretty stuck.
Wrt the Tab yes it sounds like its a decent competitor, and I agree the iPad is too heavy, though I’m not sure I’d drop to 7″ to get the weight down. Will be interesting to see if others do some intermediate sizes and how those go over with people.
My main concern with the Tab is simply that I don’t want another monthly contract for something I only use part time. I’m fine with Apple/AT&T’s approach where I can turn on the 3G for some months when I happen to be traveling and otherwise leave it off. But I’d really prefer just to tether the thing from my phone, Mifi or something.
The obvious date for the iPad 2 is 1 year from the previous one, e.g. April 2011. Apple likes one year cycles. Its possible the CDMA variant introductions will change that but I’d doubt it. I assume it will be thinner (same screen binding tech as the iPhone 4), have dual cameras, and HOPEFULLY be lighter though I’m not sure how they’re going to do that if they aren’t willing to shrink the display as they’re apparently not.
Will check out Skyfire, thanks…
Glenn, who knows how accurate the rumors are but it sounds like the iPad 2 was on an accelerated schedule. Then again, as you say, the CDMA integration could change things up if both variants were to launch simultaneously.
The “official” Apple iPad case is decent, but it doesn’t wear very well. I’ve seen some pretty torn up rubber which is why I steered clear.
I don’t mind the monthly data charge, if it’s reasonable, and as a means of dropping an aircard or Boingo WiFi. Looks like T-Mo’s 5Gb @ $40 is the better value of the Tabs.
I’m most interested by your comment on how Kevin Tofel mastered the device. I’d like to see a video of how someone who really gets the ins-and-outs of a tablet walks through a few realistic use cases.
I think his primary motivating factor to make it work for him was the Tab’s size, versus the iPad. He wrote up some thoughts on his transition yesterday and mobility/weight trumped iOS polish. But I wonder if he had a larger smartphone, like the Droid X or EVO, if it would have played out this way.
Given one of my goals of a tablet is to have it also serve as a kitchen television. And the iPad’s form factor is more suitable. I also believe we’ll have more video streaming apps, sooner on iOS.
I’m tempted by the Galaxy Tab, but I’m waiting for Honeycomb tablets like the Xoom. I’m thinking I’ll pick up an Android tablet sometime this year once I have some options to decide between running Honeycomb. I’m VERY happy with my Droid and if anything I’m less interested in iOS today than I was a year ago.