I’m typically a fan of Apple, having been a loyal consumer of their iPod for six years, impressed by their Mac Books, and amazed by their marketing skills. But then they came out with this iPad thing. People won’t stop talking about it. It’s all over Twitter. And to be honest, Mashable has flooded their social media blog with iPad posts (talk about off topic).
Frankly, I don’t get it. Sure, it’s pretty. And yeah, it’s a kinda cool device. Kinda. But does it really deserve the hype it’s been getting? If you’re one of those people who thinks retweeting something about the iPad will make you look cool, here are the reasons why, in my opinion, the iPad is useless.
1. General fail
It’s a cross between the iPhone and a laptop, combining the inferior features of each. It doesn’t fit in your pocket, doesn’t have a keyboard, can’t make phone calls, can’t take pictures, and the most affordable model (still $500) only has WiFi. Fail on all accounts.
2. The iPad doesn’t compare to a book
Reading a novel is just not the same without holding a book and turning the pages (though to be fair, this also applies to the Kindle or other eBook readers). And at 1.5 pounds, the iPad makes for quite a heavy book. Or think of it this way: if you spill something on a page in your book, it only affects that page or two. But if you spill something on your iPad, EVERY PAGE is smudged. Think about it.
3. The iPad is expensive
People keep saying that the iPad is very affordable, with options between $500 and $800. With Netbook options in the $300 range and smart phone options in the $200 range, I question these people’s basic math skills.This quote from CNET says it all: “Logically, you know the iPad’s dimensions are no less portable than a book. But when a book costs between $500 and $800 and is made of glass, you treat it differently.”
4. Limited iPad battery life
Touch screens generally run out of battery quickly. So although the iPad promises 10 hours of battery life, your books won’t run out of batteries after a 12 hour flight. Even the Kindle will last for four days without needing a recharge. So there are better options available.
5. iPad doesn’t compare to a laptop
If you’re at home, and you need to look something up really quickly, you go to your laptop. It has a keyboard, which is much quicker than touch screen, and you’re already used to your browser interface. Hence, at home, there is no need for an iPad.
6. iPad doesn’t compare to a phone
If you’re out and about, and you need to look something up really quickly, you take out your phone. Either you have a smartphone with 3G coverage or an internet-ready phone. No WiFi necessary. And usually, we already have an app for that. Hence, away from home, there is no need for an iPad.
7. The iPad doesn’t run flash
REALLY??? Most streaming videos are run in flash. Many websites use flash, although according to Gizmodo, “the internet is starting to look different” to accommodate the iPad. REALLY??? This is what I call ridiculousness. It’s called a Netbook, people. It supports flash, has a keyboard, and it costs around $200 less.
8. The name iPad is too easy to make fun of
When Apple announced the iPad’s release, the top trends on Twitter were #iMaxiPad and #iTampon. Enough said.
9. Paying extra for the internet
There will be two 3G service options for the iPad: $15 a month for 250MB of data, or unlimited data for $29.99 a month. Not to mention that you have to pay extra for a 3G-capable iPad. This is on top of your home internet/cable/DSL bill and your cell phone bill. Is this really necessary?
10. There is no camera
The iPad doesn’t have a camera. There’s no front facing camera for video chatting, there’s no back facing camera like the iPhone; again, you might as well use your phone, making the iPad unnecessary.
11. The iPad is awkward to carry around
It’s not just the fact that it’s an awkward size between an iPhone and a laptop, or the fact that it’s 1.5 pounds and therefore heavier than most books. It doesn’t really fit in your hand too well, and you can’t set it down on your desk so that the screen faces you (like a laptop). And to bring it out with you, you’d have to awkwardly just carry it around or bring a large purse, a backpack, a laptop bag, or a murse (man purse).
12. People are just a little too obsessed
Do you really want to be one of those people who falls for the latest fads because of those “social media experts” on Twitter? Wait a little while. See what your friends who fell for it have to say about it. If we’d waited for our friends to tell us in the 90’s, “The Furby is f’ing freaking, I had to take the batteries out so it would stop harassing me,” we’d all be $25 richer.
Feel free to agree or disagree in the comments below. What else can you add to the list?
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I'm also a loyal Mac/iPod supporter, but have to agree 100% with these comments regarding the iPad.
I'm also a loyal Mac/iPod supporter, but have to agree 100% with these comments regarding the iPad.
Ah, but you left out:
No beverage storage!
Can't hover!
Doesn't allow for personal teleportation!
Doesn't run ANY version of Windows. (Oh wait, that's a positive.)
No phaser mode!
Really, anyone can come up with a list of what is isn't, or doesn't do, or what some other device does differently. Have you even used an iPad yet? Useless is a pretty strong term.
Hehe. Thanks for commenting!
The iPad is pretty much an oversized iPod touch. While it may not be "useless" to some, it's fairly "useless" to those of us who already have a laptop and a phone, an iPod or a phone, a laptop and an iPod, or any combination of the sort. It has the techy coolness factor, but in terms of day-to-day functionality, and with the price tag that goes with it, I still maintain that it's pretty useless.
“No beverage storage”
But if you have an Apple product, then you more than likely already live in Starbucks.
Ah, but you left out:
No beverage storage!
Can't hover!
Doesn't allow for personal teleportation!
Doesn't run ANY version of Windows. (Oh wait, that's a positive.)
No phaser mode!
Really, anyone can come up with a list of what is isn't, or doesn't do, or what some other device does differently. Have you even used an iPad yet? Useless is a pretty strong term.
Hehe. Thanks for commenting!
The iPad is pretty much an oversized iPod touch. While it may not be "useless" to some, it's fairly "useless" to those of us who already have a laptop and a phone, an iPod or a phone, a laptop and an iPod, or any combination of the sort. It has the techy coolness factor, but in terms of day-to-day functionality, and with the price tag that goes with it, I still maintain that it's pretty useless.
While I do agree with some of what you wrote, especially regarding no USB port or camera, I personally wouldn't go so far as stating the iPad is useless.
A Mac computer consultant colleague of mine is making the switch from MacBook to iPad for his day-to-day business. So far it's working pretty well for him.http://www.machinemethods.com/
Me personally? Although I usually don't buy cutting edge products even though I'm the one all of my friends and family come to for advice, I do think the iPad will become a very useful device and only increase in it's usability.
My recent post Dec 4, Small Business Email Marketing
While I do agree with some of what you wrote, especially regarding no USB port or camera, I personally wouldn't go so far as stating the iPad is useless.
A Mac computer consultant colleague of mine is making the switch from MacBook to iPad for his day-to-day business. So far it's working pretty well for him.http://www.machinemethods.com/
Me personally? Although I usually don't buy cutting edge products even though I'm the one all of my friends and family come to for advice, I do think the iPad will become a very useful device and only increase in it's usability.
My recent post Dec 4, Small Business Email Marketing
agreed… net books have much more functionality and cost less.
Yep definitely.
agreed… net books have much more functionality and cost less.
Yep definitely.
no way whatsoever to move files that u already pre-own from and into the ipad.
no way whatsoever to move files that u already pre-own from and into the ipad.
Wait a sec, don't hate on the Kindle. I can hold it with one hand, read in the sun and it can hold a charge for 1x/wk. It's actually easier to read a book in bed with the Kindle than it is with a real book. I can't believe I'm saying this, but after a year with my Kindle, I prefer the reading experience to actual books.
"Steve Jobs told me I had to buy one and we all know that whatever Steve says goes" apple fanboy. BTW have seen the glare on the ipad it's nuts, even in normal office light. While I agree it's a bit much on Mash I'm not going to keep anyone from taking long walks on the beach with there iPad.
Wait a sec, don't hate on the Kindle. I can hold it with one hand, read in the sun and it can hold a charge for 1x/wk. It's actually easier to read a book in bed with the Kindle than it is with a real book. I can't believe I'm saying this, but after a year with my Kindle, I prefer the reading experience to actual books.
"Steve Jobs told me I had to buy one and we all know that whatever Steve says goes" apple fanboy. BTW have seen the glare on the ipad it's nuts, even in normal office light. While I agree it's a bit much on Mash I'm not going to keep anyone from taking long walks on the beach with there iPad.
I'm glad to hear it. I just got a Kindle and love it but feel like I was taken in now that iPad is all the rage. Stephen King wrote a column on this in EW. He said, my ebook reader let's me read a book, do I really need it to sing, dance and give me GPS coordinates? I don't think so. Here, here.
I'm glad to hear it. I just got a Kindle and love it but feel like I was taken in now that iPad is all the rage. Stephen King wrote a column on this in EW. He said, my ebook reader let's me read a book, do I really need it to sing, dance and give me GPS coordinates? I don't think so. Here, here.
I wanna iPad that could compute. I am disappointed that it couldn't run applications such as Photoshops and Excel. Easily gets dirty and scratched and with no cover protection, no I'd opt for the half size mini PC instead. Big screen so what, laptop has the same too…. I'd say drop the iPad and buy a good compact laptop….. Who needs a giant iPod wanna-be to be carried around fer thieves and burglars to target?
I am a loyal Mac user for almost 15 yrs….>>>
I wanna iPad that could compute. I am disappointed that it couldn't run applications such as Photoshops and Excel. Easily gets dirty and scratched and with no cover protection, no I'd opt for the half size mini PC instead. Big screen so what, laptop has the same too…. I'd say drop the iPad and buy a good compact laptop….. Who needs a giant iPod wanna-be to be carried around fer thieves and burglars to target?
I am a loyal Mac user for almost 15 yrs….>>>
Because of reading your blog, I decided to write my own. I had never been interested in keeping a blog until I saw how interesting yours was, then I was inspired!
Because of reading your blog, I decided to write my own. I had never been interested in keeping a blog until I saw how interesting yours was, then I was inspired!
no big deal… if that thing is so useless.. what about ipad killers?… apple ll design an ipad2 and everybody going to love it xD or and ipad3…
no big deal… if that thing is so useless.. what about ipad killers?… apple ll design an ipad2 and everybody going to love it xD or and ipad3…
I have to say, nice try to jump on the iPad hating bandwagon, but I strongly disagree with many of your points. As much as you may feel as though the iPad is useless, around point 3, your argument beings to logically fall apart and it feels like you are merely trying to fill space by the fifth point.
1. General fail
I have to say I agree with this point, but I honestly think it is unfair to expect Apple to come up with a device that encompasses all of these features. Either way, yes, it does not fit in your pocket and I do not think it was meant to (that would be called an iPhone) so you should have acknowledged that and wrote your article upon its intended features.
2. The iPad doesn’t compare to a book
No it does not. A book cannot browse the Internet nor does it play music. I do not see why an iPad is constantly compared to a book in your article. It is not a book, it is better than a book. If you would like to buy a book, please go buy a book because if you have “basic math skills”, you could realize that it makes much more sense to buy a book than a iPad to merely use it as a book.
3. The iPad is expensive
Yes, I think it is a fair price that Apple has set. If you think otherwise please tell me that you can make an iPad for a cheaper price. The iPad is obvious not a netbook nor is it a smart phone. If you would like to purchase those items, please be my guest to do so, just dont complain about a product’s price that you are going to buy. Apple’s analysists obviously used math that you cannot understand to come up with a price that will maximize profits, so please refine your “basic math skills”. On that note, houses are expensive, but I bet that you have purchased or is renting a house because it is priced at what it is worth. Next time, please mention on it being needlessly expensive, not just the fact that it is expensive.
4. Limited iPad battery life
There is nothing wrong with this. Battery life sucks.
5. iPad doesn’t compare to a laptop
As your point 3 states, a laptop is more expensive than a iPad, so yes. Obviously.
6. iPad doesn’t compare to a phone
Yes, the iPad cannot make phone calls. If you would like to do so, please purchase a cell phone or actually get some Skype credits and make some phone calls through Skype. Also, as your point 9 states, would you like to pay extra for your iPad phone bill on top of everything else?
7. The iPad doesn’t run flash
Yes, it does not run flash. It is the worst part of the iPad and Apple’s products in general. It is quite sad.
8. The name iPad is too easy to make fun of
I think you have just run out of ideas here. It would have been a good list at 3 points.
9. Paying extra for the internet
No, it is not necessary. You do not have to buy the 3G version. If that is not for you, please do not criticize the fact that it exists. Some people would like this option. Also, 29.99 for unlimited is a great deal since in here in Canada, it is 59.99 on average for 2GB of 3G.
10. There is no camera
Yes, but if there was one, I think you would complain that it sucks. Everyone can’t be happy.
11. The iPad is awkward to carry around
I agree with this, yay.
12. People are just a little too obsessed
I agree with this as well, but this does not make the iPad useless.
Sorry if I come off mean, but I am just expressing my opinion on these topics. In no way am I an Apple fan, I am rather the opposite, I love Microsoft. However, besides for that point, I hope you can take this on a good note and I hope it opens up your mind to your highly juvenile writing.
I love playing this game: Imagine if the iPad had come before the laptop, and what advertisers would say when releasing the laptop. Another one is if the iPad came before the iPhone. Makes you realize how much more awesome both those products are than the stupid iMaxi.
1. there is a skype app, so you can make phone calls. there is an on-screen keyboard as well as one for purchase on the apple site
2. cheaper to download a bookj than to buy a whole on that you'll read once. think about it.
3. case available for purchase on the apple site for protection. not just one book- thousands of books. also, more than a book
4. 10 hr battery life while doing anything on it, whether it's watching a movie, listening to music or searching the web. comes with outlet/usb charger
5. its not a laptop, so of course it doesn't compare.. they arent the same thing. ipad isnt intended for only home-usage. its for someone on the go
6. an ipad isnt a phone, either so of course it doesn’t compare. also, as I said, there is always skype
7. an ipad doesn’t support flash. for now. there is a youtube app. there ya go
8. ha. ha.
9. the wifi enabled ipad doesn’t require a data plan. you can pay extra for the one with 3g, but if you already have a phone with 3g, theres no extra cost anyway
10. use a normal camera to take a photo. you can purchase a plug in device that allows you to plug your sd card or usb right into the ipad to upload all of your pictures
11. case available for purchase at apple website folds over to allow an angle at which the ipad can sit on the desk where you can see the screen. only weighs 1.5lbs. if that's too heavy, america's too fat.
12. and yes, you can really compare a 20-year-old children's toy to the latest and greatest technology of our world.
Please clarify point No. 5: Do you think Laptop is a only home-usage computer? What about PCs then?
I love how half of your counters to the points require you to go out and buy more things to make the ipad usable
So its a really crappy tablet… that doesnt run useful things like The Adobe Suite, not a very great GPU, no flash… So I_hearts_kingdom_hearts … there are better products out there that can do more than the iPad and more functionality. It was pretty much a rushed out the door product by Steve Jobs in order to see his committed fans scramble to get it… could have gone a lot further with it.
Hehe, thanks for sharing your thoughts!
However, I still find it amusing that people so passionately defend a company that tells its customers who can't get reception on their new iPhones to “avoid holding it that way.”
11. only weighs 1.5lbs. if that's too heavy, america's too fat.
I was under the impression that america IS too fat, considering their high obesity rate. Does that mean you are agreeing it is too heavy?
And as for points 5 and 6, if its not meant to be a phone, a laptop, and it's clearly not a portable internet device because it doesn't support flash, a widespread online media format….. then what is it meant to be? It's next to useless, as the original post says.
And point 12….. latest and greatest technology? It's already beaten in features AND price, by netbooks which have been out for well over a year.
Useless doesn't even breach the surface with this device, or any device/phone for that matter… With The way technology is attracting and making people more dependent on internet, ordering pizza online, talking to friends through a keyboard, or reading books through a plastic screen. in time something as simple as an eye too eye conversation will be a thing of the past. To me this is sad people, technology is ruining our childrens lifes as we know it. making them lazy, un comunicational, and not to metion the social problems they are going to have as an adult when they dont remember how to laugh because they are so used to typing lol or haha…i hate technology it contributes to lazyness, the medias lies and deseption, and the lose of respect for the beautiful planet we live on.
The fact that the Ipad is not a tablet laptop makes me angry, because the only reason for its existence is to fulfill the empty domain of the tablet laptop. It cannot run Adobe, it cannot run Flash, it cannot run development environments, it cannot run MS or Open Office, it cannot run fully functional PC games. Apple also won't let any developers touch the device in any substantial way. It can't even export video to a monitor or TV.
Therefore it's not a computing device and not remotely worth the average user's time..
I think it is important to note that the CURRENT ipad is useless for pretty much everyone. Anyone who would get it already has a laptop and ipod, as a result when would you use it? between running to the office or using flash player at home? there isn't much time.
That is not to say the technology isn't innovative, just the standard issue, steve jobs not taking feedback or adding the things people need such as multitasking (how long did it take for that to go to the iphone, like 5 years?), camera for skype, usb port and such.
It had soo much potential but as it is now, it's basically an overpriced toy which will likely sit on the shelf and only be used when you want to show off how pretty it is.
this is true!
And by the way, no multitask: you can’t listen to while music while reading something or browsing the web for example.
No ports, no connectors: you can’t plug anything, you can’t read from a sd card or usb key.
And the battery is welded: when it’s over, what will you do?
Definitely useless…
(please excuse my english, i am french).
I was never an apple fan (how can someone be a fan of a company?, you can be a fan of a celebrity, but a company?!), but those aren’t reasons why it useless (I came up with a use: it makes a great paper weight), those are reasons why you shouldn’t waste your money on it
Also mention theres no multitasking… until November.
Wow… You absolutely didnot touch the iPad when you wrote this article. It is the hottest device of the year. Other popular companies are trying to compete with it!
I got an iPad for free on my desk and I can’t use it! Even when it’s free… Why? Cause I have an iPhone and a laptop. I’m a public speaker, SEO and social media consultant.
* Can’t use it in presentation cause if you connect it to video projector you can’t connect a clicker, if you connect a clicker you can’t connect to VP ( ridiculous!!!)
* Can’t tweet on it or update your facebook not cause you can’t, because there are easier ways like using smaller creation made by APPLE called IPHONE!
* Sucks in business presentation because of its screen glare
* You can use skype for phone calls but do you have any problem doing that? You can use the other creation called IPHONE to make your phone calls event with skype
In one word if you are serious computer user that want to use your COMPUTER as a COMPUTER don’t waste your time with iPad, if you want to have some fun with a big screen entertaining thing go for it. YOUTUBE looks great on it!
iPad owner and can find noe practical use of it yet . It’s been 4 months now!
Wow. Can I see a list of why this article sucked.
Just got one for Christmas and cannot agree more! I was hopping maybe I could retire my laptop but that won’t be happening. My IPad is now for sale lol.
Only good for porn in bed
Apple’s iPad tablet is a cross between an iPhone and a laptop, combining the inferior features of each. It’s Apple’s most useless creation yet.
i got a netbook from verizon for twenty nine dollars that has a 1.5 megaherts processer three usb ports, media port (extra monitor port) and a two hundred sixty gigabite hard drive.
I use the iPad to show my professional photography and video to clients and potential clients….as a matter of fact I purchased mine because a long time client decided to use an iPad for one on one sales presentations. He loves it! I am currently creating new media for him.
Smart phones and ebooks won’t work for my application.
I suppose any device is useless if you can’t figure out a reason for having it.
Oh by the way it’s also great for reciepies and shopping lists too! Ha,ha
Diana, you almost come across as being defensive about your critic. I think this attitude is axiomatic of the infatuation by obsessed people – The tickle me elmo effect.
You are absolutely and unequivocally correct in your critic. This devise is nothing more than hype. I love your “the worst of a phone and a laptop” critic. I could not have said it better.
I’m amazed how some people try to argue that the iPad is superior to a laptop – Nonsense.
Trying to compare an iPad with a Laptop/Notebook is like comparing apples and oranges. No comparison.
Now, if we combined the advantages of a a laptop and a phone to develop a Pad, then we are talking real innovative technology. Not sure how they will deal with the keyboard issue.
I’m all full of typos today, I should of re-read my posting.
I was skeptical at first as well. It didn’t make any sense to me. However, since I bought a used one for a good price, I love the thing and cant get enough of it. It is only useless to someone it is useless to. I keep finding more uses every day and use it more than any other machine.
Stupid article, when you know about IPad sales is more than 15 million units……..
You Know The Future Of The Human Race Is Lost When The Ipad Sells Over 15 Millions
Agree 99%. It is good for responding to emails on a University campus where I have access to WiFi all over. But if I venture off campus, iPad becomes 100% useless.
100% useless. Typed from my iPad lol.
i never really liked this gadget. and i don’t get why some people are fascinated with this thing. it is useless. however, i think it would be a useful tablet for office assistants and secretaries. but other than that, it is useless.
Other than the lack of tech specs, this list of 12 is opinion or sentiment, and I’m a Microsoft fanboy.
Damn good blog. Very true. My friends who bought it don’t know what to do with it…. all they do is fiddle it aimlessly…
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