Apple has introduced its iPad, a “tablet” computer that includes various iPod and iPhone applications with a high-resolution screen for surfing the internet and watching video. Are you keen on knowing about, even acquiring, this kind of technology/gadgetry? Or does all the Apple stuff leave you a bit cold?
I have to say I like the Apple products and find them fairly easy and intuitive to use. It’s also interesting how the latest Microsoft software has many of the same formats that Apple use. The Tablet is ideal for my usage as I only use my Mac Mini for surfing the internet and watching videos. There’s only a few other things I do on my home computer for and again the Tablet fulfils these needs. Apple products command high prices so I won’t be buying this new gadget until my Mac Mini stops working!
Caroline Breen, Saltney, Chester
The ipod and iphone changed the way we live and it now seems a matter of time before we’re driving icars, living in ihouses and marrying iwives! No-one needs the ipad but without this innovation we would be still be struggling away on ugly desktops the size of your living room.
Calum Hardie, Glasgow
The iPad - is it another high tech toy for the well off? Probably, initially.
However, 3G, the integrated compass, 10 hour battery life and accelerometer might see it creep into the cheaper end of motor racing for logging perhaps?
It might make an alternative to OR maps for geekish hill walkers.
Perhaps we'll have to wait and see what the 'apps writers' do with it to understand its potential beyond being a gee-whiz toy.
Bill Jones, Hockley, Essex
Whilst I've no plans to get an iPad (I'm happy with my combination of a mobile phone and laptop, neither of which from Apple), I'm always pleased with a new Apple product launch. Apple's technology in its products is rarely cutting edge, but its user interface and aesthetics are generally class leading. This means that other manufacturers will have to improve their own user interfaces and usability to try and keep up. Which means that when I next want to buy a new product (phone, laptop, etc), I will have a better choice.
Andy Mitchell, Westbury on Trym, Bristol
The success of Apple is a true business turnaround if ever there was one. Their product range is one to behold; they are clearly market leaders; everybody must have an iPod or want one; any other device is a poor imitation! The Apple products are items of beauty as well as function; the iPods get neater and more hi-tech with every launch. The MacBook Air and iPhone followed as ‘must-have’ gadgets; now the iPad, I WANT ONE; surely you do too…?!
Dr Caroline J. Simcock, Redditch, Worchestershire
Knowing about Apple stuff, yes. Acquiring it, no. Impressive technology, but it's a lot to pay for slightly increased functionality and a slick user interface. The iPad is a 'lifestyle gadget', and has got to be surplus to requirements if you have even the most basic laptop.
Ben Murray, Loughborough, Leicestershire
The Apple technology looks great and gets a great deal of people very excited. I like to see this development, but they need to develop the whole product at the same rate. The iPhone battery lasts around 12 hours before needing to be charged again – not exactly wireless technology! Once the whole product is fully developed, then I’m very interested.
Ben Zabell, Abingdon, Oxon
It looks like the new iPad is a cross between the iPhone and a laptop. It would appear to be competing with ‘palmtops’ which lack the full functionality of a laptop but do have a ‘niche’ market. It does not appeal to me, but I am sure style may prevail over substance with many customers.
Daniel Brooks, Flixton, Manchester
The iPhone integrates the functionality of a phone, a camera, a personal music player, internet accessibility and some Laptop functionality into a mobile device that is small enough to be carried everywhere by the majority of the population. The iPad is neither as powerful or flexible as a Laptop, or as mobile as an iPhone. This surely is a device that no-one really needs and is destined only for a handful of gadget geeks and ultimately failure.
Simon Cotton, Sleaford, Lincolnshire
I’m always interested in new developments in technology as a matter of professional curiosity but find the standard laptop more than adequate for internet and standard applications for design and from Microsoft. Is it, perhaps, for the ‘techi’s amongst as?
Barry Kempster, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire
Frankly, my dear...
Andy W Borucki, Field End, Ruislip
Apple are masters at luring us in with their beautiful design and functionality, but stand back and look at the iPad and it appears to be nothing more than an enlarged iPod touch at a correspondingly enlarged price. However, if I had the disposable cash there's a good chance it'd lure me enough to buy one!
Chris Jefferson, Higher Bebington, Wirral
I'm suffering an electric gizmo saturation with carrying a laptop, MP3 player and phone. Whilst I appreciate the products style appeal, Apples latest offering appears to be a solution to a problem that didn't exist.
Craig Robinson, Sheffield
Let the "Apple" of time turn into cider.
Colin Sanderson, Stonehaven
iPad and other silicon development leave me full of wonder...and I leave them on the shelves or in the pages of magazines..... I have never used any software or gadget to its full potential before it has been replaced by the next development and as for instant communications on the move I thought half the point of travel was to get away from communications!....so brilliant or not I don’t think it’s for me.
Tom Heath, Fortrose, Aberdeen
I have an iPhone and wouldn't be without it and I would expect the iPad to emulate its success because Apple make great, high quality products which are really useful. I may even buy one - after I've acquired a Mac laptop that is.
Dr Bernard P Rochard, Wellingborough, Northants
Apple have always been very clever. I would argue they don't pioneer technologies - they pioneer the need for the technology. They take existing technology and make them work perfectly with the user. Whilst I personally don't see a need for the IPad I am sure in a few years times I will change my mind as with the IPod a few years ago.
Ashley Kingston, Barkisland, Halifax
I do like Apple products, having owned two macs and three iPods, but I struggle to see the point of this. I like stuff like this when it's useful, but this seems to be too big to be particularly mobile and too low powered to be a PC.
Benedict Kay, Mosborough, Sheffield
Apple has delivered, where many others have tried and failed. It uses the theory that some engineers forget, to keep it simple for the end user. So, although I do not own a single Apple product, it fills me with interest.
Ash Dhir, Beverley, East Riding
I don't think I'd ever buy this and even the Apple mad, iTunes generation of my household were unimpressed by this announcement. 'I'd rather have a laptop' was one comment.
Time will tell if Apple have struck gold or whether this is a classic case of a product looking for a market.
Barry Le' Febour, Worthing, West Sussex
I love Apple and have an iPhone and a Macbook, The biggest problems are the screen on the iPhone gets covered in fingerprints and the Macbook doesn’t fit in my pocket. The iPad combines both problems with no extra benefits.
Andy Normand, Billericay, Essex
The same applies for the iPhone and iPad..... What's it for! What can it do for ordinary folk that can't be achieved with a £50 Nokia or a £350 Dell laptop. These products have no real use for anyone but the twittering classes who have too much time and money on their hands...
Clay Brooke, Peverell, Plymouth
Whilst the technology is no doubt impressive the increasing capability of wireless gadgets means too many people focus on the electronic world carried with them and rather than the real world around and about. I may be old fashioned but if I’m on the move the apple I carry will be of the organic variety.
Ben Pearce, North Yorkshire
If I had the money for an iPad and the time to surf the internet and watch videos all day, I think I'd have better things on which to spend my time and money. I'm more interested in how many man-hours were used and how many focus-groups took place in order to come up with the name. Have Apple foreseen the need to recruit iPad Sanitizers, I wonder?
Craig Murdie, Oakwood, Derby
We have had computers that double as phones, and phones that double as computers. Now Apple have come up with something that doubles as everything! Bit now, when my computer breaks, at least I can still make calls using the phone, and when my phone breaks, at least I can use my computer. If my I-pad broke, I'd be able to do absolutely nothing! No thanks!
Andy Luddite-Brown, Barnwood, Gloucester
'I was going to comment but in the time it took me to compose this e-mail the I-pad thingy is now obsolete! Anyway I think that any device that allows me to communicate with the person sat next to me without having to talk to them or make eye contact is to be applauded and embraced.' B.G. - Seattle
Crawford Murray, Horsham, West Sussex
In terms of technology, yes… fairly interesting but not that unique. Apple software though is leagues ahead in my view - I'm a 'mac convert'. 2.5 yrs without a single system crash and counting...
Barry Griffiths, Billericay, Essex
Apple has done something right! Recently got the Ipod touch and I can't put it down. Even thinking of upgrading to an Iphone! Boundless possibilities with the variety of apps available! I'll definitely get the Ipad! Can't wait to see what extra apps and gadgets comes with the Ipad!
Werner van Niekerk, Edinburgh
Apple stuff is all well and good, but I just don’t have a need for a new way to read the newspaper. Besides, what would I use to light the fire if I didn’t buy a newspaper?
Anthony Boyle, Edenthorpe, Doncaster