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Could the iPad be gadget king Steve Jobs' first rotten Apple?
Mark Prigg, Science and Technology Editor28 Jan 2010
Apple were today awaiting consumer response to their latest gadget, the iPad, after it failed to impress experts.
Despite being unveiled by Apple boss Steve Jobs to great fanfare, the tablet left some wondering whether there was room in the technology market for a cross between a laptop and a smartphone.
The iPad resembles a giant iPhone and has a 9.7in touch-screen. It is expected to become one of the fastest-selling consumer electronics items ever when it goes on sale in 60 days.
Costing from £400-£700, Mr Jobs described it as a “truly magical and revolutionary product” at its launch in San Francisco last night.
The iPad, which weighs 680g and is 1.3cm thick, has a 10-hour battery life and can surf the internet over Wi-Fi.
Apple hopes the device will allow it to take on Amazon, which sells electronic books and an e-book reader called the Kindle.
But experts were less convinced. “The iPad is limited,” said Tom Dunmore, consulting editor of gadget magazine Stuff.
He said people might choose it over netbooks but added: “Overall, though, nothing more than expected — a bit disappointing.”
Rhi Morgan at T3 magazine said: “I can't see anybody who needs a laptop buying an iPad, and I can't see people using it as a smartphone either.”
Others disagreed. Actor Stephen Fry, who was at the launch, said: “It is a transformative device. You only really get it when you get your hands on it.”
Apple hopes the device will allow it to sell books, newspapers and magazines.
Review
Apple iPad
From £400
4/5
On paper, and even after seeing it demonstrated by Steve Jobs, the iPad is initially a little underwhelming — it's just a big iPhone, after all. But, after a few seconds play you realise the incredible potential it has.
The device is amazingly fast, and the 9.7-inch screen incredibly vivid and bright. We watched a selection of films and all looked superb, particularly in high definition. Books were also clear and sharp, although the success of the iBook store will depend on pricing for books, which Apple has not revealed.
One of the most impressive uses of the gadget is games, which look superb on the big screen.
The only problems come with typing. The onscreen keyboard is effective, but the lack of a real keyboard does limit the iPad's usefulness for many tasks. However, sending all but the longest of emails is no problem.
Overall, the iPad deserves the plaudits it has received, and is a great all round home and leisure device. For businesspeople, it won't replace the laptop, but for the average consumer who wants entertainment, it could be the ultimate gadget to use while sitting on the sofa, or on the Tube to work.
The iPad's key features
The slim black device resembles a larger version of Apple's iPhone.
It features a 9.7in (24.6cm) display with a touchscreen Qwerty keyboard which appears on screen for typing emails.
Powered by a 1GHz Apple A4 chip, the iPad weighs just 1.5lb (680g).
It includes a speaker, microphone, accelerometer, compass, Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity and promises a 10-hour battery life.
iPad can run any of the iPhone's apps (applications), downloaded from the iTunes store - allowing users to synchronise their existing apps.
It can also be used as an electronic reader (eReader) and Apple has signed up with a host of large publishers, including Penguin, Macmillan and HarperCollins.
Prices for the iPad will start from 499 US dollars (£309) for the 16GB, WiFi only model.
Models featuring 3G mobile connectivity will cost an extra 130 dollars (£80), with the highest-spec 64GB version at 829 dollars (£513).
The WiFi version of the iPad will be available in two months and the 3G model in about three months' time.
Reader views (39)
Indeed, having an iPhone I can now pretend to be a giant with an iPad.
- Clarkorama, Manchester, 13/03/2010 15:43
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Well, the iPod didn't start out as the biggest thing, either. For all we know, in two years, every one is going to have one.
- Annie, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, 30/01/2010 00:20
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Can someone ask Steve Jobs to fix up those crap earphones now that he has finish making his toys?
- Sammantha Sam, London, 29/01/2010 21:25
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George, London, so wrong, do your research mate, don't rely on Apple's propaganda. Apple have Xerox to thank for most of that. Xerox had the 1st GUI with mouse on a computer way before Apple. The basic mouse conception was designed in the mid sixties by Douglas Engelbart. As for the 1st laptop; Both Grid Systems (desinged by William Moggridge in 1979) & Gavilan Computer had laptops out before Apple.
Another sucker for the Apple propaganda gravy train.
- Banana, London, 29/01/2010 10:18
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The same people were rubbishing the iPhone after it was unveiled a couple of years ago. Yet it is without question the finest electronic device I have ever owned.
Maybe people should wait until they have had a go before passing judgement, eh?
- Jp, UK, 29/01/2010 07:53
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"Windows 3.1 and all its derivatives were developed after Apple showed Microsoft how people SHOULD interact with a computer. "
...Wrong, actually it was Rank Xerox that invented the GUI. Apple stole it from them, and a lot of other stuff too, along the way, such as Dashboard. And as for showing the rest of us how to do computing, remember the Apple Cube? No, didn't think so. Apple makes mistakes like every other company.
- Kate, London, 28/01/2010 18:30
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This will be a huge hit. It doesn't matter that a lot of people don't like Apple or don't like gizmos, or think you should just read a book. There are enough Apple fans with enough money to ensure Apple will sell millions of these. ..... and the buyers will enjoy them.
- Andy, East Molesey , UK, 28/01/2010 18:08
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So it's a giant iPod touch, with a book reader built in? It can't really be described as a computer in the commonly-understood sense, given that use of the device will presumably be limited by the scope of Apple's carefully controlled apps. Yes, netbooks are underpowered and underwhelming. But if any tablet computer is going to do away with them, it's going to be one which allows much greater freedom of use.
P.S. will it support flash? My bloody iPhone doesn't.
- Roberto, London, 28/01/2010 17:44
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ICon from Apple
Another useless piece of storage type technology trash. There are only so many ways to manipulate data and you can't wrap your chips in one of these let alone cycle with one on the handlebars.
Any use, not its not revolutionary just another touch screen computer, but without the screen protection. Who really wants to watch tv on the move and I have a phone so its another book reader, with so many failed products on teh market this one will fail as well - unless - all reading material including UK books papers and magazines are completly free to download. Of course that will not happen because that is where the money really is, why pay more for a book that you can buy and share from a charity shop for a pound or read a newspaper that you get free already. I understand that the currency name for the IPad already is ICon
No, I relly cannot see this one taking off; IPad no, IPants, yes. What we need is something that will get millions of people back to work so they have sare money to spend on this stuff, lets call it IDole.
- Jack, London, 28/01/2010 16:53
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"It will also be slimmer to carry when going on a plane"
Except electronic devices will soon be banned on flights for 'security reasons'. 30p paperbacks from a charity shop are the technology of the future for the world-wide traveller.
- Mish, London, 28/01/2010 15:42
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Apple also invented gravity and oxygen.
I know this because I'm an Apple user.
- Laura, Ealing, 28/01/2010 15:39
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Mobile reception underground? No thanks - can you just imagine the horror of mobiles going off on a packed tube train? Wimmin would spend the whole journey rummaging around in their giant handbags looking for their phones!
- Neil, People'S Republic Of Europe (Formerly England), London UK, 28/01/2010 15:38
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It always amuses me why people hate Apple stuff so much. Without Apple, you wouldn't have the Mouse, the laptop, Windows 3.1 and all its derivatives were developed after Apple showed Microsoft how people SHOULD interact with a computer.
Its only after Apple develop something that the rest of the industry copies it. Do PC users still use Sony Cassette Walkmans?
- George, London
Spot on George,
Sitting down in your armchair or sofa with a laptop is a pain, with this it will be a joy to read the news, magazines, etc online.
It will also be slimmer to carry when going on a plane or train journey to watch video content, to while away the journey.
Will be buying 2 for our household to save arguments.
- P Staker, London, 28/01/2010 15:22
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You folks are not seeing the true potential of this device, mainly because the true potential of this device can not be achieved in this country....yet!
We need mobile reception underground, then you'll be able to read newspapers & magazines from all around the world. Just think of it, a much cleaner transport system because there will be less copies of a certain London free newspaper discarded everywhere.
Unfortunately, if you take the Central line, you'll never be able to escape Essex Chavvettes conversing about "yu neva gissed ow much i drunk last nite"
- Decency, London, UK, 28/01/2010 15:16
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"Its only after Apple develop something that the rest of the industry copies it."
I think you will find that Xerox Corporation invented and launched the first commercial products including GUIs, mice and the like well before Apple (their Star workstation appeared at the very start of the 1980's).
George, seems like you are someone who accepts Apple's propaganda hook, line and sinker.
- Pete K, London, 28/01/2010 15:04
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It's true it's something between a touchscreen netbook and a big iPhone. In fact I wonder if it'll cut into iPhone sales - customers who do want one of these won't need a fancy phone any more.
- David, London, 28/01/2010 14:47
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It always amuses me why people hate Apple stuff so much. Without Apple, you wouldn't have the Mouse, the laptop, Windows 3.1 and all its derivatives were developed after Apple showed Microsoft how people SHOULD interact with a computer.
Its only after Apple develop something that the rest of the industry copies it. Do PC users still use Sony Cassette Walkmans?
- George, London
All very true George. Microsoft basically filched most of their early ideas from Apple.
Saying that, I cannot buy into this APPLE snobbery, which so many tech heads ascribe to.
Just because Apple bring out a new product it ain't necessarily so, that the product will be a good un.
This product has already had a lot of negative reviews which I cannot recall either the Ipod or the Iphone receiving.
Thru a massive PR and marketing campaign, It will undoubtedly enjoy huge sales...And within a year I guess it will become as ubiquitous as the filofax was, over a quarter century ago. Soon thereafter, I expect the Ipad to follow the same path as the filofax and fade away into relative obscurity....the subject of much mirth and laughter in years to come.
Nah! I wouldn't touch this product with a bargepole. Not cos it's made by Apple. But because I don't think it's a good product.
- Whocares?, London, 28/01/2010 14:32
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What a load of boring, whinging Luddites (look it up) you are. Anybody held one yet? Anybody used one yet? NO, I thought not...
- Hippus, London, london, UK, 28/01/2010 14:26
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It always amuses me why people hate Apple stuff so much. Without Apple, you wouldn't have the Mouse, the laptop, Windows 3.1 and all its derivatives were developed after Apple showed Microsoft how people SHOULD interact with a computer.
Its only after Apple develop something that the rest of the industry copies it. Do PC users still use Sony Cassette Walkmans?
- George, London, 28/01/2010 13:29
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".... it could make employees far more productive ", i.e. get people working on their commute. No thanks!
- Paul, London, 28/01/2010 13:20
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As far as your review goes don't forget that ALL devices the press are allowed to play with at launch are in ideal settings for internet connections etc. Hence their performance is "amazingly fast". When your reviewer is out and about using the same device with poor connectivity and slow bandwidth it will have the same sluggish browsing performance which frustrates iPhone users currently.
- Mike, London, UK, 28/01/2010 13:16
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Why?Because everything else is not Apple.
- Amoreno, Luxembourg, 28/01/2010 13:14
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Pointless waste - no one will want this product. Only a few thousand will be sold, and most of those won't be used much. Apple are smugly used to success, but they're going to be humiliated by this one - I'd be surprised if it doesn't bring the company to it's knees.
- Andy P, Kent, UK, 28/01/2010 13:13
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What is the advantage of this over a netbook-sized laptop? Not size or convenience, not power. And this would be far easier to damage I would expect, given you can't fold it up. It's basically an iPod touch 4 times the size.
The future will be increasingly powerful handheld computers the size of the iPhone. One of those, plus a computer at home covers all the bases for almost everyone.
- Kevin T, Beckenham, Kent, 28/01/2010 13:11
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Q) Could the iPad be gadget king Steve Jobs' first rotten Apple?
A) No, he has already had his first rotten Apple. Have your forgoten the Apple Newton?
- Andrew, London, 28/01/2010 13:08
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Something for the anoraks to go with their long leather coats, goaties and Japanese girlfriends. For the rest of us this is hugely underwhelming.
- Alan P, London, 28/01/2010 12:46
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Why not read a paperback book instead?
- Anthony, Esher, Surrey, 28/01/2010 12:44
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Its a Flop!!! Not gonna work, sorry!! try typing a document on it and you'll see why!!
- Olly, London, 28/01/2010 12:35
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ipod, ipad, ipid, iped, ipud. what a load of hype! a poor imitation of a decent netbook, at hundreds of pounds more. Jobs is fortunate that his marketing is so superb (i.e. non-existant)that there are millions of braindead people who think the sun shines out of his a***. Maybe version 4 will be decent!!
- Tony, london, 28/01/2010 12:30
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As someone who spends their life looking at how new technology can help businesses and a tablet PC user for over six year, I cannot wait to get my hands on an iPad. Increasing numbers of business people are leaving their laptops behind and travelling just with their iPhones. This will accelerate the trend away from laptops and netbooks to more functional devices. Corporate IT departments are going have a real challenge with this device as it could make employees far more productive but few organisations have the skills to deploy Apple products at an Enterprise level.
Also remember this is the version 1 device, both the iPod and iPhone were limited in their initial iterations. This device will change the way we think about mobile computing.
- Ian Mckenna, London, 28/01/2010 12:29
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Hansel - I tried that this morning & the people on the tube thought I was weird!....
Seriously, I think people are being overly cynical about this. it looks like a fantastic device & I seriously want one.
- James, London, 28/01/2010 12:29
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No offence, but Mr Fry has just proven that Apple could manufacture a turd, but if they put an 'i' in front of it, the whole world will think it was amazing.
- Chris, London, 28/01/2010 12:10
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If I want an iPod I'll buy an iPod. If I want a laptop or notebook I'll buy one. Why would I want an iPad?
- Sandy, Ealing, London, 28/01/2010 11:50
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Like what Hansel has said, it looks just like a massive version of the ipod touch.
- M, UK, 28/01/2010 11:37
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Jobs described netbooks as "cheap laptops". I'd rather have a multi-tasking, open PC than an oversized iPod.
Then again, put two things together that no-one has thought of, and some dumb schmuck will buy it. In this case, an "i" and a not very powerful computer.
- Nobby Clark, Perth, the Scottish one, 28/01/2010 11:33
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What gap between the laptop and the smartphone? It's like carrying a small TV around with you. All it's going to do is annoy more commuters who prefer to travel in peace.
- Paul, London, 28/01/2010 10:24
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What's the battery life if you're watching video or playing a game though? That's often the problem with these things.
- Kevin T, Beckenham, Kent, 28/01/2010 10:18
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Too big to be easily carried about... what's the point of it? A half or three quarter size version would be good.
- John, London, UK, 28/01/2010 09:49
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You can get an Ipad for free. Just hold your I-Phone closer to your face. £400 saved!
- Hansel, London, 28/01/2010 09:15
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