this post was submitted on 07 Feb 2010
34 points (65% like it)
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comments

pointy 13 points14 points 1 month ago[-]

It's going to be fun in a couple years to review articles like this one.

derekaw 3 points4 points 1 month ago[-]

The story is really about the iPad in business

I think we may be being a bit hard on the iPad. I still don't think it will become a big enterprise computing tool, even if it does "run" Windows 7 (as a virtualized desktop). I also don't think traditional mobile line-of-business applications--think your UPS driver--will start carrying iPads.

It has not been launched as a business tool, it is a device for around the house or maybe out of the house in a cafe. I think some people will use it in business and it may take off in business like the iPhone has especially if Apple and developers release business centric software.

GunnerMcGrath 3 points4 points 1 month ago[-]

This is the first I've heard of Windows 7 running on it. Then I realized it's just a citrix client and I lost all interest again.

othermatt 1 point2 points 1 month ago[-]

Just out of curiosity (I have no experience or knowledge of citrix) what is wrong with a citrix client?

GunnerMcGrath 1 point2 points 1 month ago[-]

Citrix is great for its intended purpose, which is to have either a computer or a thin client connect up to a desktop on another machine. This can work great for both signing into your work computer from another location or saving on hardware costs in an office by providing a means for many clients to log into a central server (there are actually a few benefits to this method but that's not the point).

The point is that the iPad isn't able to run Windows itself, just connect to another computer that is running windows. While this could be undoubtably cool for using your iPad as a remote control for your media PC, for example, it's far from useful if you actually want to take it anywhere and run windows programs on it.

othermatt 0 points1 point 1 month ago[-]

Thanks for the info. So I have this dream of using an iPad as a wireless multitouch input device/extra monitor for my computer. Would a Citrix app work for me in this scenario? (assuming I'm using it for a windows computer)

GunnerMcGrath 1 point2 points 1 month ago[-]

I believe it would, as long as you're obviously willing to accept the minor lag (it shouldn't be bad).

For the record though, I believe you can already do this same thing with the iPod and Android phones, if you're just looking for a "remote".

othermatt 1 point2 points 1 month ago[-]

I'm more looking for something along the lines of a wacom tablet where I can see what I'm drawing while listening to music and sitting in my bed.

However, I'm beginning to wonder if virtualization is over kill and and a native app that syncs wirelessly (like with a photoshop import plugin type situation.) with my computer would be better.

If the touch event registration can be set to a higher level of precision for shape and size, then you could use a pencil shaped stylus made out of a conductive material for drawing and angle the stylus to get different line sizes just like you would with a real pencil. Then you could use your finger to smudge the lines for various shading effects.

I'd also like a better text input solution. I'm thinking something a long the lines of a t9 style keypad that has been optimized for multitouch (e.g. rest one finger on the screen and type with another for additional characters). Or an abstracted handwriting system like they used to have on PDAs back in the day. (again optimized for multitouch)

I don't know. Maybe this will finally be the thing that finally motivates me enough to learn Objective C so I can just make it myself.

GunnerMcGrath 1 point2 points 1 month ago[-]

Ah, yeah I wouldn't recommend it for what you're talking about, though I do believe it might work, at least on some basic level, but not very well.

Looks like you've got a winning idea on your hands. Time to make it happen instead of waiting for someone else to do it. =)

simucal 0 points1 point 1 month ago[-]

One thing I do on my iPhone now is run Jaddu RDP or Jaddu VNC when I need to remote into my home machine.

I envision the iPad being a much better experience for this. When I need a full computer to do some task, I simply remote into home and shoot myself that attachment or whatever.

Slick424 2 points3 points 1 month ago[-]

The IPod was just another mp3 player when he came out. Like always marketing will truly decide over success or failure.

sometimesitrip 2 points3 points 1 month ago[-]

Well, if I remember correctly (and not to brag but I was using MP3 players when everyone was still using portable CD players) they were among the thinnest MP3 players to use hard disk storage.

sakabako 1 point2 points 1 month ago[-]

Not only was the competition gigantic, but nearly impossible to use too.

CC440 0 points1 point 1 month ago[-]

The iPod was a joke for at least 2 generations. Even then it was only ever a success because of the iTunes software.

There is no amazing software suite that will propel the iPad forwards. The App Store may be great, but it's available on two much better realized devices.

hans1193 -2 points-1 points 1 month ago[-]

It was not just another Mp3 player, it was the biggest, best and cheapest.... Not to mention the revolution of iTunes, you have to keep in mind that syncing and libraries didn't really exist at this point. What is the iPad the biggest, best, or cheapest of anything?

nrg13 -2 points-1 points 1 month ago[-]

Where you even there? No wireless, less space than a nomad?? I was an early adopter for the original iPod (bought an iMac to go with it as it was mac only) and even I admit is wasn't the biggest, cheapest or best.

doctorsax 0 points1 point 1 month ago[-]

For me, this is possibly the first Apple product that has no intended target market other than the fanboys... Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, though.

plbogen 9 points10 points 1 month ago[-]

AppleTV?

daigoba66 3 points4 points 1 month ago[-]

And we all know what a hit that was.

doctorsax -1 points0 points 1 month ago[-]

Yeah I guess, although the AppleTV's primary purpose was clearer to me than the 9 inch slab of pointlessness they've just released...

cynope 1 point2 points 1 month ago[-]

This is an Apple product that is obviously targeted beyond the fanboys. It's for those who don't use their computer for anything else, than the iPad will give them, namely e-mail, social interactions, web browsing and toying around. It's for kids, for teens, for the elderly and for those who can afford yet another gadget for their couch.

The very limited complexity and highly user friendly interface makes me think of the iPad as a past vision of the computer of the future.

omega2079 1 point2 points 1 month ago[-]

Seems like they're ignoring a large market with it's limitations. Maybe they're saving features for the next few revisions.

hans1193 -1 points0 points 1 month ago[-]

The iPad2: Now with copy and paste. The iPad3 Gold: Now with multi-tasking!

iNNeRKaoS 0 points1 point 1 month ago[-]

With all the limitations, this is starting to become the Modern Warfare 2 of tablet PCs.

sometimesitrip 0 points1 point 1 month ago[-]

To be fair, the animosity towards both MW2 and the iPad can be thoroughly rationalized.

jotaroh -1 points0 points 1 month ago[-]

damn I want one

offat9 -5 points-4 points 1 month ago[-]

The iPad does not belong in a classroom.