iPhone 4: Who Needs the iPad Now?

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So I made my first ever Apple purchase in the iPad 32 GB Wi-Fi only! I hate apple as a company as much as the next PC lover (or moral human being) but I purchased it to entertain me for an overseas trip which it accomplished wonderfully!
I Converted my own movies to MP4 and downloaded a slew of Video Podcasts which was more than enough to get me from Minnesota to Rome and without requiring a re-charge at our layover point in Atlanta, granted that I didn’t have it on the entire time but I did watch 2 movies, played quite a bit of bejeweled and watched 2.5 hours worth of podcasts racking up at least 8½ hours w/Screen on and 16% battery remaining upon arrival a destination (I am plagued with the inability to fall asleep on a damn airplane!)
But did Apple Shoot themselves in the foot with the new iPhone making the iPad obsolete? I would put my vote in at absolutely NOT because regardless of what features the iPhone has, it does not have a 10” screen and I would be willing to bet that the vast majority (if not ALL) of early iPad adopters made the purchase because of screen size and not for its raw horsepower or intuitive OS Design (Catch the sarcasm?) I never expected the “lack” of iPad features to be fulfilled by Apple or its iPhone in the first place leaving an iPhone refresh pointless and irrelevant in my eyes at least in relation to the iPad.
So why are all of the bells and whistles of the iPhone irrelevant to me? Well because for many years now, I’ve had Sprint with Wi-Fi Hot Spot enabled software (initially had the HTC Touch Pro with Custom ROM (MightyRom) and then I grabbed the Evo on June 4th) meaning I could utilize the data included in the service I pay for without an extra tethering fee which unfortunately many people are suckered into believing they need to pay for!
I’ve read many reviews and see that the Wi-Fi Only version of the iPad grabs about 2 hours more battery life over the 3G enabled Pad which is worth its weight in gold to me. Starting from a full charge, my Touch Pro could broadcast its Wi-Fi on battery power just under 5 hours and I have yet to see what kind of battery performance I get from the Evo but both phones can completely charge up MANY TIMES quicker than the iPad does, so on ANY and EVERY day of the week, I would take the 1-2+ hours of extra battery life on the iPad at the expense of Phone Battery Life. Yes, now I have to have 2 devices with me to be on the go, but I would have my phone with me regardless
I grabbed the 32GB Wi-Fi iPad for $30 less than the 16GB 3G iPad so I have twice the storage and I can surf the web on the go just as fast as if not much faster than those paying AT&T for the soon to be limited unlimited service and I am as happy as could be and honestly the ONLY thing I found myself wishing that I had on the iPad was the GPS tracking functionality, Amazingly enough when I choose to use “my current location” the iPad has been able to track my location VERY accurately by using my current Wi-Fi connection which pleases me.
 
I Converted my own movies to MP4
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That is the rub, I now have over 3000 hours of .AVI video for various TV shows and movies. If I want to watch I have to convert it all.
Not a f**king chance.
Why not support other video formats? It doesn't matter how good the hardware is, I want to be able to access my content without spending nearly 6 weeks converting the files.
 
[citation][nom]applerocks[/nom]Why do the iPad haters troll this web site posting the same junk over and over. They have sold 2 MILLION of the things, obviously your WRONG if you think there is no place for the iPad. 2M x min $500 ea = at least $1 BILLION in revenue not to mention money from Apps, and other things related to iPad. To argue with the obvious success of a device after only 2 months on the market is just ignorant.[/citation]
I agree, this site is loaded with Apple haters, MS trolls.
Apple makes some nice stuff, period, maybe they are jealous their mom's won't buy them one.
 
[citation][nom]back_by_demand[/nom]That is the rub, I now have over 3000 hours of .AVI video for various TV shows and movies. If I want to watch I have to convert it all.Not a f**king chance.Why not support other video formats? It doesn't matter how good the hardware is, I want to be able to access my content without spending nearly 6 weeks converting the files.[/citation]

I'm not arguing that the iPad/iPhone are fully functional units but in relation to the iPhone making the Pad obsolete. From what i can tell they both support the exact same formats, leaving things to be desired across the board. But as far as "converting it all" do you really need to have 3000 hours of anything on the mobile device at any given time? and are you actually going to watch every video you've collected over time? To me the only realistic thing to do is put videos that you actually plan on viewing in the near future, regardless if your format of choice requires conversion or not. I "backup" movies and store the entire VIDEO_TS/.VOB's on a handful of 1-2tb drives to which i can use for instant playback/viewing on my Home Theater box or use to burn a quick copy as needed. I used the ripped VIDEO_TS folder as a source and then converted the movies to mp4 (all compressed between 800-1024mb using CloneDVDmobile) and i was only able to watch half of them on the entire vacation so now i simply remove the ones i've seen to make space for more. Yes its annoying having to "rip/convert" movies as you want them, especially in your situation when they're already in a universally accepted format but because i chose to keep the full DVD quality ripped data, i have to spend the time converting the movies i want to view or buck up and pay for apples DRM infected versions or even more for the "High Def" version of the same movie.. rofl..its just humorous how people buy into such a scam!
The main point of this is that with a little patience and work, you can use the iPad to its potential without paying Apple Royalties. And to me, the iPad lived up to my expectations set fourth by the media, and the people who actually read these forums are the ones who probably use mobile hot spots already and hopefully this helps anyone buying an iPad make the decision as to which version to choose
 
[citation][nom]tipoo[/nom]I won't lie, looks like an incredible phone...But it really makes me wonder what they were thinking with the iPad. The latter looks like a joke in front of the former. the iPhone 4 has nearly as many pixels on a much smaller display for higher DPI (326!), it has the same processor (though clock speed unspecified) and most likely the same RAM, the iPad does not have a single camera while the iPhone has two, AT&T just eliminated unlimited data for the iPad, and of course the iPad is unsubsidized....Honestly, if they had the iPhone 4 coming down the pipeline, they should have beefed up the iPad more. In any case, EVO 4G FTW![/citation]
Actually they did it right, the iPad was comparable to the 3GS iPhone and they knew it would sell well, but they also knew people would buy the iPhone 4 when it came out too. What they plan on doing now is making an iPad 2 that has comparable hardware to the iPhone 4 and they know people will buy it, even the ones who just bought the original iPad. It's actually a pretty good plan, and will make them a lot of money.
 
Doesnt the EVO have everything the ipad has. Front facing camera, 720p video, flash (which my blackberry had 4 years ago.). It doesnt have that high a resolution screen, but according to apple you cant see 66pixels per square inch anyway. So basically they do have the same resolution. What the EVO does have is 4g. I do find it funny that two of the best smartphones are on crappy carriers.
 
[citation][nom]San Pedro[/nom]Don't need a smartphone.[/citation]

Completely agree. They do make many things more convenient though.

In addition, I'm not sure the iPad was ever all that useful. Many of my technophile friends have bought them, and I've spent a considerable amount of time on them, I just don't really see them as being worth the price or that useful even at a lowered price. I should probably disclose that I presently own 8 Apple products, and have owned many others in the past. The same is true of non-Apple PCs too though. I like some Apple stuff, but I feel like the iPad is a huge piece of junk. I presently own an iPhone, but I'm looking at other options because of Apple's snobbery. I don't care how nice your devices are, they are still devices and Apple seems to let their devices affect how the treat PEOPLE.
 
I want an iPad for media consumption and for technical document reference. I do not like the iPhone, I will never own one.
I own an iTouch, I am thinking I will get a VoIP app and replace my cell with this.
 
No matter what you think of Apple or yourself, Apple is raking in money excessively.
Just admit Apple knows what to do and go home and sleep happily.
 
Good article and valid points. Although I wont be much concerned about the future of the iPad.
People tend to compare it to the iPhone, iTouch, but has nothing to to with them. As the writer of the article said you will spend > $2,000 on a iPhone in two years, while iPad will cost you only $500 or a bit more if you pick the 3G version.
The point here is that the iPad beside having a larger screen it's much more comfortable and easy on the eyes for surfing the web, reading e-books, playing games and watching movies.
iPad is even more attractive for students. With the new iOS 4 they'll be able to take notes, highlight text, place bookmarks and also the biggest advantage save money on textbooks by buying them in e-book format.Their iPad will come free after savings on textbooks in just year and a half to two years of school.
My friend got the iPad and he loves it. Whenever he travels now, he has five - six magazines with him, couple of books and movies to keep him entertained and all on one device.
The convenience of having your book/magazine collection on one 1.5 pound device with 10 hours battery life is priceless.
 
[citation][nom]edilee[/nom]Apple is getting this "parting fools from their money" thing down to a science...lol...it is so fun to watch. Thank you for the entertainment Mr. Jobs.[/citation]
^ +1
 
Even if you are not a nerd, and even if you don’t like Apple products for whatever pointless reason, you have to admit that the new iPhone 4 is the phone most of us would want, as long as we can afford it and a current 2 year contract is nearing its end. The iPhone’s spec list is as amazing as Apple’s marketing is able to wrap picturesque phrases around them.
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No bias there... just out of curiosity, have you ever heard about the HTC Desire, Incredible or EVO 4G? Or maybe the Samsung Galaxy S? I'm sure you've at least heard of the Nexus One... how exactly is the new iPhone's design, specs or functionality superior to them?
 
I disagree strongly. I don't like phones, I won't be a hostage of the carriers and I won't pay a premium rate because my phone can do more than just being a phone. It's ridiculous.

I have an iPod touch and an iPad from Apple. My phone is a 3 year old Samsung that does absolutely nothing apart from being a phone. Maybe sms, but that's it. It was less than USD 30. I'm still a hostage of the carrier, but the rate is 3 or 4 times cheaper and if for whatever reason I want to ditch either the phone or the carrier, I can do it without affecting my iPod/iPad.

If some day these phones are sold unlocked at reasonable prices, ie less than USD 500 with 64gb or more storage, then maybe I could consider switching my iPod touch for an iPhone, but I would see it as adding one more feature to the iPod touch, not the other way around.
 
LOL everyone who hates on apple knows how inferior and restrictive/limited there products are for there customers. here in canada we can use the iphone on any carrier we want but i know i would get raped by the price of a plan for it.

scifi9000 you sound an oversensitive rich kid freeloading off your parents. If i knew you were a woman I'd say its that time of the month for you
 
I'm still quite amazed that so many seem to think that they "need" an i-anything (iPhone, iPad, iPod, etc).

Did the world not exist before Apple introduced it's shiny toys?

For that matter, how did most of you survive before cell phone, mobile devices, smartphones, etc?

It is truly amazing how we all feel we "need" things simply because some marketing departments tell us so...perhaps I'm just turning into my father. =)
 
and are you actually going to watch every video you've collected over time?
Click to expand...
I just might, but instead of simply dragging it from the iTunes to the device, I have to convert it
Even at 3 x conversion speed I have to wait half an hour for a movie or 15 minutes for a TV show, not a lot to think about it but because of the size of my collection it is an unfeasible waste of time.
Supporting other formats would have been so much easier for users, instead of expecting us to move mountains for the device.
 
the iphone's screen is just too small to be a fullfilling browsing experience etc. If i had one, it would be for daily "on the go" internet purposes only.

The ipad (i did buy one) is for browsing on the couch, the recliner, in and out of bed, on the deck or patio, weekend or overnight stay somewhere. In the future, may get one of those clamshell keyboard cases if i find i need to do a lot of typing or work on it.

Desktop at home for work, movies (ipad screen is too small for enjoyable movie watching imo), extended typing, proper games, file server for the ipad, etc.

Don't really need a laptop anymore, but i may get a cheap netbook for my next vacation, depending on what the vacation was. An iphone 4 could be a perfect vacation device too, but only if you didn't have to do any work.
 
I love how everyone tries to find a weakness in apple, something they did wrong, something they didn't think about... but they must be doing something right, their phone is their phone to beat for the last 3 years, and right now their iOS is on top of every mobile software.. so if you ask me, I'm not an early adopter of the iPad because i now it has more potential, and they are going to upgrade the hardware to something that can beat the iPhone.. wait and see
 
I think you can't underrate the value of the larger screen. To be able to read, surf, watch videos, and use apps formatted for that larger screen IS a big deal if you have used an iPhone and an iPad. Both still appeal to me, and for many people, one or the other will appeal to them.

I don't see how the iPhone4 changes things much more than the existence of the 3GS did. The only thing that infringes more on that territory is the eBook reader - everything else already that could eat into iPad market already existed on the 3GS. It's just done better now on iPhone4. And a sharper display is not the same as a bigger display.


It's still true that everything MOST people do on a netbook the iPad does better. Also, $15/200mb *is* realistic, primarily because WiFi is ubiquitous. It would only be in special cases that you'd really start to drain the data use of the iPad over 3G. If you use it well, you should be on WiFi much of the time - I see 3G on the iPad as data that helps bridge the gap in data as you get from hotspot to hotspot to do any big task.

Of course, if you are using it for camping or a long road trip than you'd want to add $25/2gb plan for the month. Hopefully that would be sufficient, otherwise, screw you ATT.
 
"Even if you are not a nerd, and even if you don’t like Apple products for whatever pointless reason, you have to admit that the new iPhone 4 is the phone most of us would want, as long as we can afford it and a current 2 year contract is nearing its end."

I don't appreciate having my reasons for disliking Apple's products trivialized. The iPhone 3GS was an inferior device in many ways. Poor call quality due to poor hardware, a sketchy network, inferior OS response, inferior screen resolution. A good friend of mine, who's a mother, had to jailbreak her iPhone just to put a picture of her son on her phone's desktop, due to how ridiculously restrictive Apple's software is. Oh, add getting forced to use Apple's restricted BS store to my list.

I happen to know plenty of people who hate Apple who are not "nerds" btw. The friend I mentioned is a makeup artist, who can give a shit less about tech.

"superb 5 megapixel camera that should outshine other common cellphone cameras especially in low light conditions."

Are you retarded? No seriously. How is the camera in the iPhone 4 superior to that in similar android devices. LED Flash? No. A better sensor? No. Better low light shooting? Don't fool yourself, that tiny lense is going to produce poor low light photos like any other phone. At least wait for comparisons vs. cameras in other devices before you get your Apple stiffy. Jeez.

Oh, and if you think Facetime is anything more than a gimmock, I pity you.

"Apple has done a nice job with that by creating a closed ecosystem that can result in, conceivably, a never ending chain of must have products, as long as the DOJ does not step in or Apple does not screw up itself."

OMG. You believe this? What's wrong with you?!!!!


If you wanted to piss off most of your readership, you've done an excellent job.





 
[citation][nom]fulle[/nom]superb 5 megapixel camera that should outshine other common cellphone cameras especially in low light conditions."Are you retarded? No seriously. How is the camera in the iPhone 4 superior to that in similar android devices. LED Flash? No. A better sensor? No. Better low light shooting? Don't fool yourself, that tiny lense is going to produce poor low light photos like any other phone. At least wait for comparisons vs. cameras in other devices before you get your Apple stiffy. Jeez.Oh, and if you think Facetime is anything more than a gimmock, I pity you."Apple has done a nice job with that by creating a closed ecosystem that can result in, conceivably, a never ending chain of must have products, as long as the DOJ does not step in or Apple does not screw up itself."OMG. You believe this? What's wrong with you?!!!!If you wanted to piss off most of your readership, you've done an excellent job.[/citation]

You are saying to "wait for comparisons vs. cameras in other devices before you get your Apple stiffy" but yet you are trashing the article and the iPhone 4 and yet you havent even seen it nor touched it.

You are saying that Facetime is just a gimmick but yet many people were complaining how come the iPad did not have a camera for video chating. I personaly think it's a great option that you can use when you are on WiFi. You can lay on your bed or sitt down and have a beer as you chat with your buddy or your girlfriend.

If you are not a fanboy, I dont know who is....
 
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