If you're not into Ipad2 try this $399

[RandallNeighbour]

iOS5 is going to be a game changer for iPad2. If I was in the market for a tablet right now, I'd wait until it comes out in a month or to and then compare products again.

[Perfectlap]

I read they're having issues with building the Ipad3's, too many parts to go in such a small case. No doubt they are annoyed that Samsung have the claim to thinnest and lightest and will want to end that as soon as possible. Seems crazy though because this Samsung is ridiculously thin as it is. Doesn't even feel "real". But without 4G I don't see where else Apple could drastically improve on Ipad2. Maybe a few extra ports for SD cards a better camera. Doesn't sound to exciting. Although the could definitely improve the screen, it's noticeably behind the Iphone4's. I'm not sure if LG (who supply the displays) is working on an outdoor useable display like Samsung's cooking up with the PenTile screen.

Also, I just got the offical book cover case from Samsung for the 10.1
Best cover/case I've seen on any tablet yet. Hard plastic without adding any extra weight. I'm going to stick some carbon fiber adhesive on the back to jazz it up.


By the way I'm tethering on my DroidX right out of the box, no hacking or third party apps. Works flawlessly as long as the 3G connection is stable. That just saved me a bundle each year. I certainly would not pay for tethering or data limited hotspotting. I'd sooner get one of those portable wifi units like the 4G clear device so a long as its unlimited. These guys are getting ridiculous with all these montly internet charges.

[tonycarreon]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

iOS5 is going to be a game changer for iPad2.

yes. it's coming along nicely, though tabbed browsing sucks a$$ - the blackberry playbook kills on this front. you "pull down" the toolbar to see the page previews. apple did away with the page previews in favor of the tabs. much less intuitive.



"over the air" updates are a great addition - no more plugging in to a computer for anything.

[DenverSteve]

I don't think Apple is upset with anyone. They can't keep up with demand for their products. Apple created, others copy. The iPad is currently responsible for 70% of all new "laptop computer" sales even though it is not a computer. It is great for what it is and will never be a "computer" replacement. It's like a Porsche - don't buy it if you can't afford it and, if you buy it, appreciate it for what it is and not what it's not.

[Perfectlap]

^ not so sure about that. Apple just pulled all non-Apple book sales from their app store and they will only honor existing Google, Amazon,etc. book clients on Itunes.

I think they know a war is coming.

Apple were astoundingly ahead of the pack on the rejection of laptops in favor of tablets for casual tech consumers (overkill for them to buy a laptop with limited battery life to boot) but this is a trend that would have occurred sooner or later. Apple just made it feasible now because the Iphone shared so many of the same features as the type of tablet device that would get people to reject their laptops.
WHen you really look at an Ipad or Samsung or Xoom closely none of it is really ground breaking: touch screens, extended life batteries, wifi, 2G/3G, gps, gyros, accels,powerful chip sets...all existing tech just waiting for one clever group to put it all together. PC vs laptop was just too narrow a choice for too long. Good on Apple for figuring out a third way to get everyone to spend less but since none of it is really proprietary they won't be able to hold onto anything near their current market share forever--ditto for those 50% production margins. Android wouldn't be activating as many smart phones every day as they are if 70% of the market were THAT brand/image loyal. I give it less than two years before tablets are as ubiquitous as a GPS for your car. You'll be able to buy any size tablet for less than price of a used Xbox. everyone will have one at home and each kid in the house will have one in his/her book bag.

[DenverSteve]

True. This technology was developed years ago with the HP, Palm and other PDA's. Apple simply took all of that leaps ahead with the iPod which became the iPad. The iPad is simply an iPod on steroids. I have them all and each has a niche. None is a solve-all tool. I do believe that the iPod should be the invention of the century. Simply amazing.

[Perfectlap]

Also very very lucky timing for Apple. They developed the Ipod in a window where Microsoft were masterminding the opposition. That's like having the rent-a-cops run airport security all over again. The Google boys were still eating pringles in their dorm conjuring up a way to take down Yahoo. Had they been on the scene sooner I'm sure they wouldn't have allowed Apple to go so long with Ipod as the default solution. There would have been a challenge much sooner. Particularly considering how being in the internet business they knew of what was to come in mobile tech. For example look at how long how without any history of building gadgets they were able to take the first T-Mobil Android phone to what it is now. Barely 2 years. Apple did very well only having to worry about Microsoft. But that's not the case anymore.

[DenverSteve]

True. But no one can do anything but admire what Mr. Jobs did with Apple. His company struggled for decades even needing IBM's bailout. Then coming out with industry changing ideas like the iPod and Apple Store at a time (timing is everything) that catapulted Apple into the industry leader it is today. Just watch the fervor that occurs every time Apple announces a new release. Then there's a backorder for the new product almost up until the next release. I don' t think they're worried in the least. Apple Care and the customer service they provide, I believe, is what helps people like me get beyond the prices and go with Apple over the competition. Total package that goes beyond the simple tablet, phone or notebook.