HP Touchpad Sale

[PAH]

I'm sure it's a conspiracy to mug gadget freaks into owning all the tat between the initial product and the one that is actually fit for purpose.

No point releasing the ideal device when they can get people to rebuy into each iteration. Look at all the iPhone mugs who trade up when the next super-duper version is released.

I would probably have an iPod Touch instead of my iPod Classic 120gb, but I recognised they were going to do the same stunt by slowly increasing the memory up to a realistic amount.

I mean 8gb or 16gb for a video device? FOAD Apple, my Classic is nearly full of just MP3s, never mind all the video I'd put on it if the screen was bigger.

[PAH]

So an iPad with enhanced battery life?

No. The iPad screen is glossy. Not ideal for long stints of reading.


Sometimes Apple products aren't the best for a given task. If you believe otherwise you've been brainwashed by the herd mentality.

[NickFitz]

Sometimes Apple products aren't the best for a given task. If you believe otherwise you've been brainwashed by the herd mentality.

Yet sometimes, as with the iPad, all the alternatives are crap: maybe OK for geeks to dick around with, but completely unsuitable for the target market (hint: if you know what an operating system is, you are not the target market).

[doodab]

Sometimes Apple products aren't the best for a given task. If you believe otherwise you've been brainwashed by the herd mentality.

Yet sometimes, as with the iPad, all the alternatives are crap: maybe OK for geeks to dick around with, but completely unsuitable for the target market (hint: if you know what an operating system is, you are not the target market).

That's missing the point. For reading the kindle is a better device, but except for that specific task a kindle isn't an alternative to the iPad and isn't marketed as one.

[PAH]

with the iPad, all the alternatives are crap

Depends on what primary uses the owner is wanting the device for.

The iPad is akin to an all-in-one system. Great for the masses who can live with the shortcomings, or don't even realise what those shortcomings are until they try to do something Apple thinks is extreme.

True aficionados get seperate systems, each excelling at their specific tasks. Always been the best way, from music to home entertainment, to portable devices.

Choice is paramount to driving innovation. If all the iPad wannabes throw in the towel HP style, Apple can sit back releasing the same kit year after year with barely significant improvement, like they've been doing with the iPhone and other long standing iRange.

[eek]

Depends on what primary uses the owner is wanting the device for.

The iPad is akin to an all-in-one system. Great for the masses who can live with the shortcomings, or don't even realise what those shortcomings are until they try to do something Apple thinks is extreme.

Nick's comment is that all other all-in-one / tablet systems are currently totally and utterly tulip.

Having played with most of them compared to the ipad even honeycomb ain't that good (feedly is better on a Xoom but for anything else the ipad version of the software is better than the best android equivalent).

[PAH]

There's always room in the market for cheaper less brilliant alternatives while Apple continue to charge a premium for their devices.

It's only badge snobbery or delusional Apple fanaticism that stops people settling for what they may see as second best.

All alternatives to the iPad are not utter tulipe. They may currently be poor in certain areas compared to the iPad, but as proven by the massive demand for the 99 quid HP Touchpad, there's a price where anything will sell.

[Durbs]

while Apple continue to charge a premium for their devices.

But the tablets released recently that are anywhere near the iPad for functionality cannot match it on price. they cost more and do less so apple aren't really charging a premium on it.

Same with the iMac, its current power means its actually decent bang/buck for the entry level one when you look at what hardware you get.

[PAH]

But the tablets released recently that are anywhere near the iPad for functionality cannot match it on price. they cost more and do less so apple aren't really charging a premium on it.

Yes they are, it's just that other companies have tried to jump on the bandwagon and are getting burnt by also charging a premium for lesser devices.

Not everyone can or wants to afford an iPad or similar device costing north of 400 notes. Those wanting one to surf and not twiddle with cr-apps may prefer to pay 100-200 notes and live without all the Appley stuff that are luxuries.

[Sysman]

There's always room in the market for cheaper less brilliant alternatives while Apple continue to charge a premium for their devices.

And the TouchPad sales figures over the last few days prove that.

Bonus for HP. They managed to sell them without offering any support whatsoever.