MobileRead Forums - View Single Post

Sinthor · 07-10-2010, 01:19 AM

Well, this is how I see it:

1. I think the iPad WILL replace e-readers in general, but only for a specific user set- those who WANT multi-function. The iPad is a great e-reader, BUT, the battery life is not that of my Kindle. For some, that may be a deal breaker. The crowd the iPad will NOT take the place of the Kindle or other devices are those people who JUST want an e-reader and the simplicity that implies. I've talked to several older relatives in that category. Technology is very intimidating to a certain crowd and while they can get over the Kindle because it basically does one thing, simply and very well, the multi-capacity devices scare these people off. The battery life will keep a smaller group of people away. For myself, the iPad screen is good and bright enough for all my reading environments. I wouldn't use the Kindle by the pool in the sun either due to the fear of water damage so that's no big deal.

2. iPad can replace laptops for people who mostly want to email and web surf while running some smaller games and apps. For heavier duty tasks though, you still need a computer. Still, this has kept me from wanting to get a net book or smaller tablet like PC.

3. MP3 player- iPad will replace this only for people who don't want their music really portable. For sitting and reading on a trip or at home, it will do great as a music player. iPod still rules for working out, etc.

4. iPad may well replace those portable DVD players on trips. Only thing really stopping it here is the price point. Of course, in a few years that will no doubt change as well.

For me the iPad is pretty much the perfect device. The only thing I think it REALLY needs is (as I'm sure has been beaten to death) a forward facing camera so I can VIDEO chat with folks over IM. You could even use the forward facing camera to take a quick picture if you needed. This is the one glaring omission on Apple's part that I don't understand unless they were somehow afraid it could make the iPad compete with the iPhone? Still don't get that- but Apple's usually very good with the small details so this HAD to have been left out for a very good reason (as far as Apple was concerned anyway). Any info been released on WHY they didn't include a camera?

07-10-2010, 01:19 AM	#11
Sinthor Member Posts: 14 Karma: 10 Join Date: Feb 2009 Device: Kindle 2	Replacement Well, this is how I see it: 1. I think the iPad WILL replace e-readers in general, but only for a specific user set- those who WANT multi-function. The iPad is a great e-reader, BUT, the battery life is not that of my Kindle. For some, that may be a deal breaker. The crowd the iPad will NOT take the place of the Kindle or other devices are those people who JUST want an e-reader and the simplicity that implies. I've talked to several older relatives in that category. Technology is very intimidating to a certain crowd and while they can get over the Kindle because it basically does one thing, simply and very well, the multi-capacity devices scare these people off. The battery life will keep a smaller group of people away. For myself, the iPad screen is good and bright enough for all my reading environments. I wouldn't use the Kindle by the pool in the sun either due to the fear of water damage so that's no big deal. 2. iPad can replace laptops for people who mostly want to email and web surf while running some smaller games and apps. For heavier duty tasks though, you still need a computer. Still, this has kept me from wanting to get a net book or smaller tablet like PC. 3. MP3 player- iPad will replace this only for people who don't want their music really portable. For sitting and reading on a trip or at home, it will do great as a music player. iPod still rules for working out, etc. 4. iPad may well replace those portable DVD players on trips. Only thing really stopping it here is the price point. Of course, in a few years that will no doubt change as well. For me the iPad is pretty much the perfect device. The only thing I think it REALLY needs is (as I'm sure has been beaten to death) a forward facing camera so I can VIDEO chat with folks over IM. You could even use the forward facing camera to take a quick picture if you needed. This is the one glaring omission on Apple's part that I don't understand unless they were somehow afraid it could make the iPad compete with the iPhone? Still don't get that- but Apple's usually very good with the small details so this HAD to have been left out for a very good reason (as far as Apple was concerned anyway). Any info been released on WHY they didn't include a camera?