iSore
Simply, the iPad is a much larger, more expensive iPhone that cannot make calls, designed and marketed to trendy, hipster imbeciles.
I find it truly amazing that anyone is willing to pay the prices these laughably ridiculous gadgets are going for (roughly $500.00+). The iPad is too large to be practical, too expensive to be just another fun, guilty pleasure type accessory and far too outdated to be considered cutting-edge and worth the extra money. Tablets have existed for years, but failed to appeal and break into the mainstream. The problem was/ is, tablet computers are neither an improvement on desktops or laptops. A desktop makes sense for the home with it’s bulky, but purposeful quick processing and large storage space. A laptop is ideal for college kids and people that travel often. Today laptops aren’t much bigger (heavier, or thicker) than the iPad but far quicker for processing and hold a much bigger HD. Apple even, makes the thinnest, lightest laptop on the market for those really interested in the smallest of details. The iPad hasn’t improved on either of these practical and worthwhile methods of computing. Yet the iPad continues to sell at an alarming rate.
Major Problems With The iPad:
- No Keyboard: I get it, it’s a tablet and touch-screens are “in.” But touch-screens are also annoying and far from practical when typing anything longer than a text message. A keyboard provides a much more natural and efficient way to type. But wait, no problem right- because Apple sells keyboards, which you can hook up to your iPad.
Are you seeing a problem yet? Well if not, you might as well get in line now for the next iPad, because you’re an idiot.
- No Phone: But its got “Facetime” and the Internet. But wait; doesn’t the iPhone (which is much smaller and less expensive) also have “Facetime” and the Internet? Hmmmm…
- It’s Impractical: I know, I’ve mentioned this a lot. But honestly, I cannot find one reasonable, sensible or practical use for the iPad. It’s got “the look” but missing the point. But it has apps… Well, the iPhone has those too and it’s difficult to find any apps that justify the (additional) purchase of an iPad.
This all stems from Apples unexpected success with the iPod. A reasonable improvement on CD players, walkmans and many of the MP3 players it borrowed from. The iPod was not the first MP3 player; it may not have even been the best (opinions were/ are mixed). It was simply well designed, worked properly (most of the time), and again, very pretty. It caught on with kids, adults and hipsters. And then seemingly overnight became the only MP3 player worth mentioning. It became a trend, from its “hip” marketing to its replacement of beepers in school. Apple Computers would never be the same. From outsourcing much of the hardware that goes into its computers to a complete overhaul on it’s design and image. Apple has always had a certain appeal to the “look” of its products, and you could almost always tell whether a computer was a “PC” or a “MAC.” But after the success of the iPod, Apple seemed to focus on the allure and artsy feel of its computers. Unfortunately much of the change at Apple would venture beyond the “look.” Apple also began to sell many more products, rather than just computers, which seemed to go hand in hand with its diminished focus on the quality of its computers. I know Apple has sold products other than computers before the iPod, but its focus had always remained its computers. Now with the iPod Touch and the iPhone, it only makes sense that the company’s focus is divided. I also attribute the decline in Apple’s customer service to its rapid growth and change, all derived from the iPod. There’s nothing wrong with growth, and some change is necessary but the company that prided itself on the quality of its products and customer service is gone. Instead we are left with a major corporation that is willing to shell out products, which hardly make sense and sacrifice quality in order to turn a greater profit.
To be clear, I have no complaint with the iPod. I own and enjoy one myself. However, it’s the decision(s) and direction from Apple’s success with the iPod I have a problem with.
Just like the band that found success with a radio friendly pop song (which is nothing like their signature sound), Apple has “sold out” trying to repeat the financial success of their breakout product (song). The company (band) will greedily sacrifice everything from its staff (members), tradition (sound), and focus (ethics) for money alone. The iPad is just Apple’s latest attempt to appeal to hipsters, and anyone dumb enough to pay extraordinary prices for subpar products.
