Ready for the iSlate?

[ginny]

I don't know why, but I am totally negative on apple products in general. They seems so elitist! In academia, you aren't one of the 'cool kids' unless you have an apple. I'm tired of all the propaganda and I just don't know why I'm so bitter on the topic. Am I the only one? I used to just llluuurrrrvvveee the apple products...

[VeloVT]

ginny, I felt that way a little bit until I bought an Apple laptop, used it for a few years, then spent a couple days helping my parents with their computer issues (they have PCs). I am a convert. Don't hate until you have used for a while.

______________________________________________________________

I am also hearing rumors of a Verizon iPhone. I am not getting my hopes up too much, but that would be very cool. Of course, I had already started getting my hopes up for the Google Nexus One release on Verizon, so if they get the iPhone too I will have a big decision to make.

[sundial]

I think the iSlate will fill a niche for those who want more than an iPhone but are intimidated by a MacBook. I can see this product being very useful in introducing PC followers to the Mac ways. The compooter challenged would make excellent candidates as they can slowly learn to navigate the system by downloading books and music.

[KnottedYet]

Hee hee, I love Apple stuff... and not cuz I'm a "cool kid."

I'm an OLD FART and 25 years ago Apple was IT. My first computer encounter was with Apple and it was the foundation of all my computing life. Dealing with PC is/was a constant struggle for me. My brain just got wired for Apple back in my teens and 20's.

(and I'm certainly a big fan of open-source, and the virus protection offered by a machine that speaks a different language than the vast majority of the viruses that are trying to sweet-talk it into taking a walk down the primrose path!)

The slate is more than I want in a portable, and sounds like it will be well beyond my $$. I'm wildly happy with my iPod Touch, so I'll just get me a bag o' popcorn and watch the Slate Show.

Show us your age and nerdiness: anyone remember NeXt?

[MartianDestiny]

I'm far too happy with Apple products and their customer support to dislike them based on what other users or an add campaign project.

I assure you I'm not a cool kid, and I use the heck out of my computers. Far beyond what any average user does. Macs just work; I scare Windows machines. When I do manage to freak a Mac out (and I have once) Apple hands me a new one.

[MartianDestiny]

sounds like a FAIL!

a) They are calling it the iPad (who in their naming/advertising dept. is asleep at the wheel?)

b) It sounds like it's an overgrown ipod touch; no Mac OS, no CD/DVD drive, no compatibility with office software.

O well guess I don't need a new computer afterall; thanks Apple

[sfa]

Yeah, why'd they go with the stupid name?

The pricing seems good though (starts at $499) and I like it that the data plans are all pre-paid, so you don't have to lock yourself into a contract. I'm not a fan of iWork, so that bit isn't appealing. Could be very competitive with the Kindle, given that it's a similar size and price as the Kindle DX but can do so much more. I know I'd buy it before a Kindle, but I haven't ever wanted a Kindle so that doesn't count for much.

DH wants one. He's been hanging out, waiting for this day for two years. But then, he used to own (and LOVE) the Newton, so his judgement is clearly impaired!

Sarah

[VeloVT]

no verizon iphone. bummed.

I think it's a little harsh and premature to call it a fail, but I don't see this device being indispensible to me, personally. maybe I will eat my words though.

[kjay]

A real bummer about the name! My hubby has macular degeneration, and so I'm interested in learning if it could help him to read more easily. I hope so. I love Apple, but the Apple computer is what I started out on, so I'm used to it. Never any viruses, either. Knock on wood.

[KnottedYet]

I don't actually mind the name: it's reminiscent of the P.A.D.D. from ST:TNG, DS9, and Voyager... which was the inspiration for the iPhone/touch/pad.

(secret confession time, I named my iPod Touch "PADD". Yes, I'm a trek geek)

Someday my needs might be best met by an iPad, but for now I'm very happy with my iPod and its size and functions. Matched up with my iBook, I'm covered.

[zoom-zoom]

sounds like a FAIL!

a) They are calling it the iPad (who in their naming/advertising dept. is asleep at the wheel?)

Was NO ONE at Apple aware of this sketch?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFNQE_TzQNI

The naming of this device has me thinking that TPTB @ Apple are a bit clueless and did not consult with ANY women before choosing this moniker.

[OakLeaf]

They said the same thing about the Ford Probe. And yet, CW was that it was only a "chick car" without the turbo.

MacWorld's (male) livebloggers were certainly aware of the connotations, but opined that they would "drift away." "Pad" means so many other things, of course, to women as well as men, and is well established in the computing world in the form of touchpads, etc.

[tulip]

iSlate is such a great name because it connotes old slate tablets. iPad--just brings back horrid memories of kotex and those belts! Yes, young'uns, before they were sticky on the back, you had to wear a garter belt to keep them on

I started out with Apple computer way back in 1984, and used them until I went to grad school 10 years later. Then in one grad program there were only Apples, and in my other grad school program there were only PCs. It was supposed to be a joint degree program, but obviously there were many issues to overcome.

When I got to the working world, it was a PC world--AutoCAD and ArcGIS. So I've stuck with PCs, and have been quite happy with them. But Apple products are so pretty! And I use my iPhone for just about everything.

No iPad for me, though. I have enough things to plug in.

[ny biker]

iTampon is a trending topic on twitter right now. Just sayin'.

[shootingstar]

No idea if I really need something like iSlate at this time.

But I like the name --I've always liked catchy names that marry the old/historic with the new/innovative concepts. And yes, the young generation can learn how very old concepts can be transformed into new but still perform the same function: a device to communicate and get info.