Comments on: So is the iPad a computer for mom? Not really

By: Mighty Mo

Mighty Mo — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 07:35:21 +0000

Thanks for the assessment you provided. I recently had the pleasure of playing with someone’s iPad and the experience (almost) converted me to a fan boy too. But still, no USB, no SIM card et al precludes me from converting. Also read this article on security issues around their Safari browser http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703685404575307003415790916.html I also heard from someone that several apps from their store contains malware/spyware and specifically so with a number of mobile payment applications, so beware of the malware as Apple seemingly does not care much for security.

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By: steve

steve — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 13:02:39 +0000

iPad isn’t meant to be a ‘computer’, so comparisons with laptops and desktops are a bit silly. And it isn’t a phone. The nearest comparison is Kindle, and look at all the features that doesn’t have. iPad is for consuming content, not creating it. Sure, it can’t multi-task (yet), but, as our concentration spans shrink maybe that’s not such a bad thing. Imagine reading a book on iPad and being constantly interrupted by Facebook this and Twitter that.

As to having yet another device….why have a tv when you could watch everything on a laptop? In fact, why have a laptop AND a desktop? Why have a mini-bar near the braai when you have a large fridge in the kitchen? People will find their own reasons for buying an iPad.

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By: Minnaar Pieters

Minnaar Pieters — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 06:37:12 +0000

@sandifop - Very true. I can imagine a lot of people never syncing their iPhone (especially since OS 3.0) with things like calendar sync and contact sync. You make a very good point - the only time I actually do sync is when I load up new media onto my phone. All PIM features are handled over the air. Lets hope mom can get this set up easily, right. Would also love if the iPad gets wifi sync, especially now that it has faster wireless-N networking.

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By: Sandifop

Sandifop — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:49:49 +0000

Even tempered and secure in you opinion without being bombastic; thanks for the clarification. I usually cring any time I post a comment since so few tech writers take other observations w/o going agressive.

I understand ur clarification and mostly agree. Still, we have yet to see the device so I find myself wondering if there will be any better device for mom upon release. I do not even know if it will truly require a PC for syncing to be usable. True, the iPhone does; however, in my area, there is a huge body of iPhone users that have never sync’d their phone. I mean huge. They use the phone as their only PC.

Ultimately, it will depend on Apple’s intentions on the mom factor. Will they develop a system less dependent on a tether? Will mom have a better choice?

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By: Minnaar Pieters

Minnaar Pieters — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 06:54:36 +0000

Clearly I am lost without my editor as well…

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By: Minnaar Pieters

Minnaar Pieters — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 06:53:07 +0000

Thanks for the comments guys.

@sandifop: I just wanted to accentuate that this is the iPad will probably not function to well if someone is not very technical. The iPad is reliant on a computer to sync with, and that again requires some know how. Sorry if I mislead you with “mom”.

@Mac: Agree with you completely, and yes a lot of software is created primarily for “moms”. I was referring to the aspect that the iPad is not the easy to use computer that non-techies have been waiting for. Meant no disrespect.

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By: cfk1290

cfk1290 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:02:10 +0000

Thank you for an intelligent article on what this device is, and isn’t. Finally, someone seems to “get it.” The primary value proposition of this device is that “it just works.” For the average non-technical person, that’s an extraordinary proposition, especially for anyone who’s dealt with the never ending list of issues presented by platforms where the operating system and the hardware barely co-exist.

I also could not agree more with your assertion that it’s the apps that will ultimately define the device - i.e., much like the iPhone.

Apple’s business model, by its very nature requires tradeoffs. Consumers have been willing to accept those tradeoffs because, unlike the vast majority of those commenting on the shortfalls of the iPad, they’re more interested in a product’s ease of use as opposed to the list of things that you can’t do with a particular device.

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By: Mac

Mac — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:29:27 +0000

Why did you miss-represent Mom in your tittle. Mothers are one of the largest factors in society because they purchase and read Books, Magizines, News Papers etc. They are always on the go and will love the Speed, Portability, Simplicty and Convience of the iPad. Pages and Numbers alone will be some of their favorite tools for running their homes. Notice how many To Do and other productivity Apps are designed for Moms. In fact some of the most popular apps have shopping list. Futher more why didn’t you write about Mom?

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By: Twitter Trackbacks for Tech Leader » Minnaar Pieters » So is the iPad a computer for mom? Not really [techleader.co.za] on Topsy.com

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:52:41 +0000

[…] Tech Leader » Minnaar Pieters » So is the iPad a computer for mom? Not really www.techleader.co.za/minnaarpieters/2010/02/08/so-is-the-ipad-a-computer-for-mom-not-really – view page – cached So what is my opinion of the iPad? Well first off, I do like it. Despite all its shortcomings, I think it might be a game-changing device. […]

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By: sandifop

sandifop — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:20:22 +0000

…and I did not FIND it.

I am lost w/o my editor.

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