Features - QOTW: Will you be buying the new iPad?

[watercooled]

Really? Can't say that I've ever dropped my phone.. or any electronic device from a 3rd floor walkway and I am not about to try, but after 4 years of use, and having dropped my 2G iPhone from various places, the screen is damage free. I can honestly say that none of the people I know with newer iPhones have complained about broken screens either. It doesn't come across as the most obvious issue to me.[/url]

He was leaning over the edge playing a game/texting while waiting for someone, then they walked up behind him, it spooked him and he dropped it. Granted it was onto an indoor floor and not concrete but, besides the back + battery flying off it was fine. Another friend forgot to close the zip on his college bag with his iPhone in, it fell about 3ft onto a similar surface and the screen was history. Yet another friend went for at least a year in college with an iPhone (or possibly an iPod touch, can't remember exactly) with a cracked screen with a few pieces of glass missing, although the remaining bit still worked fine. He said he dropped it but I'm not sure how far or on to what sort of surface. They're just quite expensive to repair apparently.

No, it's not a huge sample size, but I've heard a few people complaining about the screen breaking quite easily for something which is inevitably going to get dropped a few times.

Bare assertions? My assertions were supported by three sources. Which, unless I'm mistaken, is three more than you have provided in support of yours.

They're still opinions put across as fact, regardless of who wrote them.

[aidanjt]

They're still opinions put across as fact, regardless of who wrote them.

And not even comparisons to any Android devices, let alone WebOS, or even Windows tablets, just traditional PC form factors like no other tablets exist.

[mikerr]

Really? Can't say that I've ever dropped my phone.. or any electronic device from a 3rd floor walkway and I am not about to try, but after 4 years of use, and having dropped my 2G iPhone from various places, the screen is damage free.

2G was the most robust of them, but all up to 3GS were on a par with other phones,
I've owned iphones from 2g/3G/3GS to the 4 I now own. None had any problems, but my 4 had its screen smashed within 3 months...

The 4 is fragile though - mine smashed its screen from a < 12 inch drop onto a table - less impact han my 3GS survived over the years. The glass is the first to hit - the other models will impact on plastic edge on, and my older iphones did have numerous small scratches and chips on the plastic back/surrround.

[Gordy]

Interesting discussion. Nice for it to not descend into name calling and other nonsense Thumbs up

[3dcandy]

He was leaning over the edge playing a game/texting while waiting for someone, then they walked up behind him, it spooked him and he dropped it. Granted it was onto an indoor floor and not concrete but, besides the back + battery flying off it was fine. Another friend forgot to close the zip on his college bag with his iPhone in, it fell about 3ft onto a similar surface and the screen was history. Yet another friend went for at least a year in college with an iPhone (or possibly an iPod touch, can't remember exactly) with a cracked screen with a few pieces of glass missing, although the remaining bit still worked fine. He said he dropped it but I'm not sure how far or on to what sort of surface. They're just quite expensive to repair apparently.

No, it's not a huge sample size, but I've heard a few people complaining about the screen breaking quite easily for something which is inevitably going to get dropped a few times.


They're still opinions put across as fact, regardless of who wrote them.

I've seen a report somewhere discussing the shock resistance if an iPhone 4 v Samsung Galaxy S II. Galaxy S passed all the tests (remained working, in fact remained in one complete piece) whilst the iphone 4 only really passed the first test which was a drop from I think 6 inches. After that the iphone screen/back panel broke every time, and after the 5 feet test the iphone failed to work. I think the last test was 30 feet drop, the galaxy s screen was chipped but worked fine. I also know someone who dropped their iphone 4s whilst opening the packaging and it was curtains...

Now, I'm not saying that it's a great scientific test, but some people who feel the iphone is a very well designed and strong phone may reconsider their thoughts if they saw how easily they can be killed

[Mattus]

They're still opinions put across as fact, regardless of who wrote them.

So when I (or anybody else) write anything which isn't a provable fact, I have to preface it with 'in my opinion' or 'I think' for the avoidance of all doubt? I'm not sure I see the problem with expressing oneself in 'assertive language'. I'd like to think that people are intelligent enough to work out that a statement such as 'the UI is more aesthetically appealing' is plainly my opinion and cannot possibly be factually 'correct' or 'incorrect'! The same for any other subjective judgments on the usability of a device.

For me, and i think this is a critical point - many tech literate people (i.e. us here) dont care too much about the beauty of how something is presented and far prefer to have features and functionality; we are too quick to dismiss this attitute in others as trivial or 'dumbing down' in some way - i would 100% disagree with this perspective, and would confidently argue that it is these sorts of attention-to-detail points that have results in Apple's rapid expansion in to the mindset of the general public (and concurrent profitability).
Android is a more flexible, capable and seemingly powerful system than iOS is, but if you look only at the things that iOS does offer, then it offers then in a better way than Android does.

I dont believe that the general public want choice and 'real' functionality - they want a straightforward, beautiful and high quality interface that does the things that have been prepared / indoctrinated (take your pick) to think about.

I completely agree with this. Many of the arguments I read in support of Android over iOS trivialise aspects of the iPad like the physical appeal of the device, the user-friendliness of the UI, the way the iPad focuses on doing the simple things right, and the effectiveness of Apple's marketing in creating a particular image.

The reality is that whilst people who post on tech forums might only be concerned with the technical characteristics of the device, 'soft' factors like the above are just as much a part of the product as the underlying technology is. What is wrong with something being popular because it looks nice? What is wrong with something being popular because it's very easy to use? Hell, what is wrong with something being popular because it has a fashionable image and people want to be seen with it?

Why are these drivers of popularity somehow inferior to how many pixels a chip can push, or whether a device has a USB port, or whether you can root it and customise the OS? Posting on a tech forum doesn't mean that you have to look at things from a purely tech perspective. It's necessary to appreciate that the factors which motivate you to buy something might not be those which motivate the majority. A device which is better for an enthusiast isn't necessarily better all round.

One of the things I like most about my iPhone and MacBook is that they are exquisitely crafted as objects. I know full well that the MacBook has the same hardware in it as any other laptop, but I appreciate its design, appearance and construction. That is every bit as important to me as what is inside. If I were buying a tablet, those factors would be a big tick in the iPad column.

If all of this sounds like weak guff to you, then fair enough. But people are not machines. They have emotive responses to technology in addition to purely rational ones. Making products which appeal to the former is no less legitimate than making products which appeal to the latter. And - perhaps more to the point - it's certainly no less successful or profitable.

[Pete301]

The reality is that whilst people who post on tech forums might only be concerned with the technical characteristics of the device, 'soft' factors like the above are just as much a part of the product as the underlying technology is. What is wrong with something being popular because it looks nice? What is wrong with something being popular because it's very easy to use? Hell, what is wrong with something being popular because it has a fashionable image and people want to be seen with it?

Why are these drivers of popularity somehow inferior to how many pixels a chip can push, or whether a device has a USB port, or whether you can root it and customise the OS? Posting on a tech forum doesn't mean that you have to look at things from a purely tech perspective. It's necessary to appreciate that the factors which motivate you to buy something might not be those which motivate the majority. A device which is better for an enthusiast isn't necessarily better all round.

One of the things I like most about my iPhone and MacBook is that they are exquisitely crafted as objects. I know full well that the MacBook has the same hardware in it as any other laptop, but I appreciate its design, appearance and construction. That is every bit as important to me as what is inside. If I were buying a tablet, those factors would be a big tick in the iPad column.

If all of this sounds like weak guff to you, then fair enough. But people are not machines. They have emotive responses to technology in addition to purely rational ones. Making products which appeal to the former is no less legitimate than making products which appeal to the latter. And - perhaps more to the point - it's certainly no less successful or profitable.

I would still like to disagree with some of this and offer up my opinion . I think that the vast majority of the sales that Apple receive from all their products is from their insane amount of marketing that they have done over the years stating that their technology is incredibly innovative and brand new (everybody wants innovative and new products). Now that they have a large foothold in the market they can just bring out new devices and a large proportion of people buying them won't even consider buying a different product because they haven't been presented with enough marketing. Some people I have met bought the iPad, a month or two before the iPad 2 and then bought that as well, not even considering that there could be another product in the market. I have also seen the same happen with people buying the iPhone 4 then swiftly upgrading to the iPhone 4S purely because it's the newest phone from Apple.

The style of their products isn't too bad in my opinion, they all look good and they all match - therefore people would look more fashionable to have out their iPad, Macbook pro, and iPhone, opposed to a mash up of different coloured and differently styled devices.

However I certainly don't think that they are the BEST looking and built devices. There are definitely better looking laptops than the Macbook pro, better looking tablets than the iPad and better looking phones than the iPhone. I can only speak for the phones in terms of build quality, but the 3G and the 3GS were definitely not built very well, I don't know anyone who didn't have the back of the phone split on those models. My friend has the whole range of iPhones and iPod touches, every one of them has had a problem with it's build quality, whether it be the split at the back of the phone or the screen being cracked from a small drop. I have old sony ericsson phones that I used for years that have less wear than the iPhone that I had.

I do think that Apple are slowing down though now, since the loss of Steve Jobs and other companies beginning to market their products a lot more. Such as Asus. Anyway that's what I think.

EDIT: Sorry if I any of these points have been made previously.

[crossy]

I completely agree with this. Many of the arguments I read in support of Android over iOS trivialise aspects of the iPad like the physical appeal of the device, the user-friendliness of the UI, the way the iPad focuses on doing the simple things right, and the effectiveness of Apple's marketing in creating a particular image.

I'm not being combatative, but I'm going to pick you up on a couple of things about this:

• Is an iPad any more appealing than, say, a Galaxy Tab? Apple's actions would seem to indicate that they're peers - otherwise why try and sue over form factor?
• Again, I'd argue that the ICS UI is just as good as iOS, or just as bad if you'd prefer;
• Ah - my key point - what's to say that the Apple way is "right"? I'd argue that as long as that simple thing is activated in an obvious and common-sense manner then - to quote Perl idiom - there's more than one (right) way to do it. It really sticks in my craw that some Apple-fans insist that their way is the only way - no insult intended to your good self of course.
• Apple marketing - yes, it's very, very good. No argument from me on that, and presumably much jealousy in the offices of Samsung, Asus, RIM, etc.

The reality is that whilst people who post on tech forums might only be concerned with the technical characteristics of the device, 'soft' factors like the above are just as much a part of the product as the underlying technology is. What is wrong with something being popular because it looks nice? What is wrong with something being popular because it's very easy to use? Hell, what is wrong with something being popular because it has a fashionable image and people want to be seen with it? Why are these drivers of popularity somehow inferior to how many pixels a chip can push, or whether a device has a USB port, or whether you can root it and customise the OS?

Agree 100% with what you're saying. But, in pedant mode, having a USB port isn't necessarily a technical aspect - if you want/need to use an external keyboard/mouse or flash drive then a USB port becomes a usage "must have". There are probably other examples too.
I remember reading that the back side of the Transformers case has an embossed design not only to make it easier to hold, but also because it was felt that doing so added to the visual appeal of the product - backing up what you're saying.

[snipped] but I appreciate its design, appearance and construction. That is every bit as important to me as what is inside. If all of this sounds like weak guff to you, then fair enough. But people are not machines. They have emotive responses to technology in addition to purely rational ones. Making products which appeal to the former is no less legitimate than making products which appeal to the latter. And - perhaps more to the point - it's certainly no less successful or profitable.

Doesn't sound like "weak guff" to me - quite the contrary. I'll admit to having an admiration for my wife's TouchPad over my Transformer, despite the latter being unarguably more capable. The TP is heavier, but it also feels more "solid", the rounded edges and sleek black case also says to me that this is a product that was designed to "soothe the soul by pleasing the eye".

Take the current fad for quad-core phones - I think I'd prefer the longer battery life of dual-core devices over the nebulous speed advantages of those two extra cores. As a software geek, I'd say that if the OS and apps are done "properly" then you shouldn't need that extra power - except perhaps for gaming. So it was amusing to me to read a thread on a forum where iPad2 v's Transformer Prime was being discussed - there I found myself siding with the Apple camp because I can't really see the appeal of the extra processing capacity of the Prime (although there's other reasons why I'd buy it rather than iPad2/3). Although if you want to game play or doing image manipulations then I'll concede the extra grunt is useful. So - he says finally getting to the point - there is an example where a technologically "poorer" device is actually a "better" one to use - because the reduced power consumption means longer to use it.

[TooNice]

I think that the vast majority of the sales that Apple receive from all their products is from their insane amount of marketing that they have done over the years stating that their technology is incredibly innovative and brand new (everybody wants innovative and new products). Now that they have a large foothold in the market they can just bring out new devices and a large proportion of people buying them won't even consider buying a different product because they haven't been presented with enough marketing.
Some people I have met bought the iPad, a month or two before the iPad 2 and then bought that as well, not even considering that there could be another product in the market. I have also seen the same happen with people buying the iPhone 4 then swiftly upgrading to the iPhone 4S purely because it's the newest phone from Apple.

Sounds like Intel then. But I can certainly think of various reasons why people may want to stick with one platform:

1. Compatibility. It's a pain moving to switch platform because you may not be able to automatically transfer all the data, have to look up for alternative apps to the one you are using and essentially "lose" the paid apps you've invested on. That's true for all platforms.

2. Time. Whether it is worth the cost of time involved in switching platform is entirely subjective and for a lot of people, it's not. If you are content with the way the device works, but just want it a bit faster faster or whatnot, you are less likely to feel the need to invest time in looking at every alternative, just so that you have to spend even more time learning how to use it, replace the apps etc. For what it's worth, I sometime think that I spend *too much time* deciding when/what to upgrade, and sometime I should just go ahead with it.

3. Most people I know, especially those on 2 years contracts, skip a phone. But just as there are people willing to upgrade their iPhone rapidly, others are upgrading their Galaxy (etc.) as they are released. The cost involved in the upgrade may not be that bad either, as well kept phones / tablets maintain their value relatively well.

[Skywalker]

A friend of mine has a Dell tab and I kind of like it, although not enough to go and buy one as i think my current smartphone does about everything I can possibly need and was like 1/3th of an ipad price but hey, I'm just regular folk

As of i-stuff, that would be the very last brand of choice for my next gadget...

[Mattus]

However I certainly don't think that they are the BEST looking and built devices. There are definitely better looking laptops than the Macbook pro, better looking tablets than the iPad and better looking phones than the iPhone.

Out of interest, which alternatives do you think are better-looking than the iPad and MBP?

[Barrichello]

Yep, day one purchase for sure. Only a few hours to go.

[Pete301]

Out of interest, which alternatives do you think are better-looking than the iPad and MBP?

I really like the look of the transformer prime by Asus, and if I were interested in tablets then that would probably be what I would get. As for the Macbook Pro, I think I have just got bored of the design because nearly everyone at my uni has one. Sitting in a lecture theatre makes it feel like an Apple convention :S. It does look nice, but again I'd probably go for something by Asus or Acer. But I haven't really had a look into buying laptops/tablets as I don't have a need for either.

[mikerr]

As for the Macbook Pro, I think I have just got bored of the design because nearly everyone at my uni has one. Sitting in a lecture theatre makes it feel like an Apple convention :S.

Heh, now Macs are more popular with students, "think different" means don't get a Mac

[TooNice]

It was presentation day today at the language school I go to, and it was kinda interesting to notice that the five laptops in the room were all of different brand: Apple, Dell, MSI, Samsung and Sony. Lined up alphabetically too.

[Gordy]

Well mine has arrived. Just setting it all up now. So far initial impressions are good. Screen looks silky, cannot see any pixels at all! Need to get some apps and photo's on it for better idea of how good it is.