Ready for the iSlate?

[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.

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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.

[SadieKate]

Are they really talking about a phone phone, or just a wireless data plan from a phone company? I can't imagine talking into a tablet computer.

Why not? You can use Skype on a Touch.
https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA1...8F672EDC9B3382

[OakLeaf]

Yeah, okay, with a headset, but then it's still two devices you've got to carry. Unless you're one of those people who've had their Bluetooth headsets surgically implanted into their ears, which I decidedly am not.

I have to say it looks more appealing than I thought it would... although I haven't seen a picture of the keyboards yet (either the virtual one, which I'm most curious about, or the physical keyboard dock). If I hadn't just got an e-reader for Christmas I'd be all over it!

[SadieKate]

I'm certainly not feeling the need. It's good to be unplugged at times.

[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.

[Blueberry]

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

My DH has nicknamed it the iKotex. :

Not marketing genius.

[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.