Apple Event - Live Blogging/Streaming Coverage

[kjk]

Originally Posted by JBNY

I also find it interesting that the apple site lists no ebook formats other than RTF and PDF. So it looks like as an ebook reader, the iPad will not be participating with the rest of us.

Jobs mentioned ePub as the eBook format they were supporting.
And since it runs all existing iPhone apps, it will run Stanza (hopefully full screen )

[phenomshel]

Originally Posted by nekokami

Let's not forget eReader/Barnes & Noble and Stanza, also available for the iPhone/iPod Touch, and so presumably available on this device as well. That makes at least 3 DRM schemes supported if you don't feel like stripping files and converting. Four if you want to count both Mobipocket and Topaz. That puts this device ahead of everything except a Windows PC-- the Mac can't read Topaz files yet.

If the Kindle app runs on it, it will read Topaz files. And Kindle for Mac is coming.

[Krystian Galaj]

Originally Posted by kjk

Jobs mentioned ePub as the eBook format they were supporting.
And since it runs all existing iPhone apps, it will run Stanza (hopefully full screen )

Unless Apple decides that this particular application is unsuitable for iPad. Don't they always remove applications competing with their own product from App store?

[phenomshel]

Originally Posted by Moejoe

No ePub then?

Didn't Jobs himself say ePub?

[lifevicarious]

Originally Posted by MovieBird

But you type on a virtual keyboard that you have to pull up? That sounds slow, and error-prone due to hunt-and-pecking. Not to mention a horrid way to type out emails.

I guess I just don't get the appeal of a virtual keyboard for navigation on the web, which is why I was originally referring to the couch-surfing comment.

While I agree it's not the easiest or best way to type (you do get used to it), it beats the internet capabilities on any other portable device I can also read books on doesn't it?

[ColdSun]

Originally Posted by lifevicarious

While I agree it's not the easiest or best way to type (you do get used to it), it beats the internet capabilities on any other portable device I can also read books on doesn't it?

As someone who reviews these things and has played with many devices, I would have to say for its size, price, and available features, it definately beats the competition. You will see a legion of iPhone programmers who may have wanted to add certain features to their apps flock to the iPad because of the real estate that will be available to them. The whole idea that the device supports the many thousands of applications on the iPhone also opens doors that most other portable devices, of this size, don't have.

Finally, it will encourage other big name electronics companies to make devices like this and we will get better prices on this device and more options on other devices. To me, this is a very exciting day and I'm not even an Apple fan.

[Moejoe]

Originally Posted by phenomshel

Didn't Jobs himself say ePub?

I hope so. ePub is the deal breaker in any device for me, whether it's LCD or e-ink.

[scottjl]

Originally Posted by MovieBird

But you type on a virtual keyboard that you have to pull up? That sounds slow, and error-prone due to hunt-and-pecking. Not to mention a horrid way to type out emails.

I guess I just don't get the appeal of a virtual keyboard for navigation on the web, which is why I was originally referring to the couch-surfing comment.

well reports (engadget) is that virtual keyboard response was fast and responsive. if you've tried an iphone/touch with the auto-correct capabilities you'll find it's actually not very error-prone either, even given the small size of the keyboard.

i don't expect this virtual keyboard to be difficult, slow, or error-prone at all.

[SCION]

Originally Posted by charleski

The one really big surprise for me is the lack of a web cam. I think that's a real mistake on Apple's part.

This surprised me as well. My eyes naturally drifted toward the top of the device looking for it.

[DD1509]

I own a Kindle DX and a Kindle II, btw.

Looks like a great device in general. They will sell millions. No doubt it will operate in a very slick manner. I think it is a new device positioned between the netbook and a laptop but it will also grab a lot of market from the current eReaders. Good news is it won't kill the e-ink eReader. It was not designed to be a Kindke killer or any eReader killer. But again, it will grab market share from eReaders, no doubt.

And Apple will help expand the eBook world in ways in which everyone will benefit. Plus it will likely get cheaper in about 12-18 months.

I think the price range is reasonable for what it is offering. I think reading an eBook on it will be a pleasant experience. The video I saw offered a slick rendition of turning a "furled" page with a swipe. Plus the landscape view shows two pages. Not sure it is big enough in that view to read but a very slick offering. The book shelf is in color and all which is also very slick.

I spend the entire day in front of a computer and don't really see any significant eye strain issues so e-ink while a great design does not really offer that much, IMO.

Having backlight and color outweighs the e-ink by a long shot. Of course I will wait and see if the reading experience is any different when I have the opportunity to try it for an extended period.

Plus other media offerings adds a lot to the party. And web browsing. I am very dependent on the web in just about everything I do on a daily basis. Having a big screen browser in a thin form is a very attractive plus.

It will be a winner and will do a lot for the eBook offering.

DD

[Ea]

Originally Posted by TallMomof2

iPad reminds me of something only a woman would need.

*LOL*

TallMomof2; your new avatar matches mine oddly but nicely

[DD1509]

Originally Posted by phenomshel

Didn't Jobs himself say ePub?

Yes, someone said ePub as the eBook standard.

DD

[Krystian Galaj]

Originally Posted by charleski

The one really big surprise for me is the lack of a web cam. I think that's a real mistake on Apple's part.

It's a perfect thing to add to a second edition of iPad.

[kjk]

Originally Posted by JBNY

I also find it interesting that the apple site lists no ebook formats other than RTF and PDF. So it looks like as an ebook reader, the iPad will not be participating with the rest of us.

Sorry, I don't see ANY eBook formats listed for the iPad yet on their site...where are you looking? I see various mail attachment formats supported, but no mention of just RTF/PDF support.

Or are you just going by their absence?

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by joblack

What a scam is this device - 960 × 640 points resolution ... laughable.

1024x768 is the resolution.