Love it: (read this article)
http://www.9to5mac.com/steve-jobs-are-you-nuts-50934098376
So, I have my own story. I had returned my WiFi only iPad and ordered a 3G 16 GB unit instead. On April 14th, same day as the return was processed by Apple, I called and changed my order to a 3G 32 GB unit. Apparently this triggered something in the Apple order system to think that I had not one, not two, but THREE units on order. At 10:28PM on April 15th I received an e-mail from donotreply@apple.com which read in total:
Thank you for your recent Apple order.
To ensure that all customers are given equal opportunity to acquire this
product we have limited the amount available per customer. Therefore,
this order has been cancelled.
If you have questions, you may reach us at 1-800-676-2775 between
8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. and
4:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
That's it. No questions asked, just "you're outta here", "not yours", "can't have". I think Steve Jobs must have discovered my Evil Empire blog and this is retribution. :-)
I had the order restored the next morning - but it's still entertaining.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Upgrade!
Okay. I like the iPad. I like many, if not most, of the apps that I have downloaded - including some that are iPhone apps which still integrate well with the iPad. (I am working on a separate post on all of the apps that I have downloaded so far)
BUT... I realized that I would not be happy unless I have the 3G version when it is released. SO... I have returned the WiFi only version for a refund and have ordered a 3G version to be delivered ... when it gets here. (Apple still says "Late April")
On March 12th when the iPad first went on Pre-sale I had an order all queued up for a 3G version. I called an talked to an Apple representative and she answered some questions that I had ... incorrectly. Because of those answers I had her change my order to the Wifi version but I later found out that her answers were wrong so I was able to get a full refund.
Now I just have to wait for the new unit to be released...
BUT... I realized that I would not be happy unless I have the 3G version when it is released. SO... I have returned the WiFi only version for a refund and have ordered a 3G version to be delivered ... when it gets here. (Apple still says "Late April")
On March 12th when the iPad first went on Pre-sale I had an order all queued up for a 3G version. I called an talked to an Apple representative and she answered some questions that I had ... incorrectly. Because of those answers I had her change my order to the Wifi version but I later found out that her answers were wrong so I was able to get a full refund.
Now I just have to wait for the new unit to be released...
Sunday, April 4, 2010
I like it!
The UPS driver finally arrived at 5:41 PM. We were expecting another, unrelated, package for my son so I asked the driver "Only one package?" - he replied "JUST YOUR iPad!". I asked him if he had delivered a lot of them and he laughed. The box had no marking at all that said it was an iPad or from Apple - only a large orange "SATURDAY DELIVERY" sticker. In fact the box only had a return address in some unlikely place in Califormia; no company name. But, of course, his handheld computer would have told him who shipped it.
Opening the box, it was very minimalist (a good thing when it comes to packing materials and junk you don't need). Inside the shipping carton were two "egg carton" type end pieces holding the actual product box - which also was minimal. About the size of a large book like an encyclopedia, the box was typical Apple white with a couple of logos and the top of the box was a picture of an iPad. Inside the box were the iPad, dock connector to USB connector, and a power adapter for the USB connector. Documentation? There was one small sheet that explained the minimal external controls and one small sheet with warranty information; that was it.
The real instructions were on-screen. Step one: connect the iPad to your computer with the USB connector*. Step two: sync through iTunes (after signing the 58 pages of terms and conditions)**. Step 3: start using the App Store to customize your experience.
* I learned after the fact: connecting via USB only to your PC does not charge your battery. If you connect to "some late-model" Macs it will charge but otherwise you have to use the power adapter and plug into actual AC power source. But this is not a problem; the device came fully charged and early reviewers have tested the battery life and found that it exceeds Apple's estimate of 10 hours.
** One frustration: before I could change anything, iTunes started trying to sync my ENTIRE music library from my PC (over 48GB) and of course it wouldn't fit. Once I tried to change it to allow me to manually control what gets synched, I was never given the opportunity to select content from iTunes. Instead, iTunes randomly selected an assortment of music that it calculated would fit - but will take up too much space on my 16GB iPad. Note that this is an issue with iTunes; not the iPad - Apple rolled out a new version of iTunes on 4/3 to coincide with the roll-out of iPad - and you have to download that version before you can perform the initial sync. The worst of this was that the check boxes that would be used to control what content was to be synched were grayed out and I could not tailor the selection. I will have to spend more time looking at this but I would expect there may be another iTunes update soon.
Once I got through the initial sync, things went very well. I have not owned or used an iPhone so had to get accustomed to the multi-touch control but it was mostly very intuitive. The on-screen keyboard is tailored to the app that brings it up; the keys were a bit small for my fingers but much better than using my Nokia - and no stylus required. I am wondering how to keep the screen clean though as it is necessarily covered with smudges and finger prints after a short time
For me, the biggest surprise was the degree of integration and quality of the apps that have been developed or updated for iPad. This really changes the user experience in a big way. Even though I don't have the 3g version, the device uses the presence of local WiFi signals to determine an approximate but very close location; and apps that tailor content based on your location will ask to use that information (such as the weather tools). Google Maps pinpointed my location to within one or two houses without me specifying.
So far I have been very pleased with the apps and the user experience. I "purchased" about 25 apps yesterday ***, most of which were free, and only spent about $30 (half of which was paid with an iTunes gift card I got for Christmas and had been hanging on to until now).
*** The app store was VERY busy yesterday evening! :-) There were probably a million people who got their new iPads yesterday and I am sure they were all downloading.
Anyway, I am reasonably impressed so far; I will record more after I have more experience - especially about specific iPad apps. One that I really like already is the Scrabble game - you can play against the computer, against another person sharing the same iPad, against multiple people on iPads, against multiple people on your network or on the internet, and best of all, against any of your Facebook friends who play Scrabble on Facebook. Apps that I haven't found yet: a decent,free, Facebook interface, a decent, free interface to Fark.com - both of which are supposed to be coming.
Some thoughts on where the iPad may go in the future:
(1) Automobiles. In fact, Hyundai has already announced that their new luxury model will come with an iPad - not sure how it will be integrated. This is something that Microsoft has been working for quite a while as "vehicle infomatics".
(2) In the kitchen. The iPad in it's optional dock station looks just the right size to use a kitchen based information appliance - assuming you have clean hands :-) I think we will be surprised as how this develops.
(3) as a gaming device. well duh; you can already run games. but what I am thinking is, when there are remote game controllers that connect to the iPad like a Nintendo Wii. If there iPad were mounted on a wall (say in your den. dorm, or game room) and could be controlled by multiple people with remote controllers... but wait, I think somebody is already developing that.
http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/iPad/Apple+patents+iPhone+and+iPad+game+controller+devices/news.asp?c=19629
Opening the box, it was very minimalist (a good thing when it comes to packing materials and junk you don't need). Inside the shipping carton were two "egg carton" type end pieces holding the actual product box - which also was minimal. About the size of a large book like an encyclopedia, the box was typical Apple white with a couple of logos and the top of the box was a picture of an iPad. Inside the box were the iPad, dock connector to USB connector, and a power adapter for the USB connector. Documentation? There was one small sheet that explained the minimal external controls and one small sheet with warranty information; that was it.
The real instructions were on-screen. Step one: connect the iPad to your computer with the USB connector*. Step two: sync through iTunes (after signing the 58 pages of terms and conditions)**. Step 3: start using the App Store to customize your experience.
* I learned after the fact: connecting via USB only to your PC does not charge your battery. If you connect to "some late-model" Macs it will charge but otherwise you have to use the power adapter and plug into actual AC power source. But this is not a problem; the device came fully charged and early reviewers have tested the battery life and found that it exceeds Apple's estimate of 10 hours.
** One frustration: before I could change anything, iTunes started trying to sync my ENTIRE music library from my PC (over 48GB) and of course it wouldn't fit. Once I tried to change it to allow me to manually control what gets synched, I was never given the opportunity to select content from iTunes. Instead, iTunes randomly selected an assortment of music that it calculated would fit - but will take up too much space on my 16GB iPad. Note that this is an issue with iTunes; not the iPad - Apple rolled out a new version of iTunes on 4/3 to coincide with the roll-out of iPad - and you have to download that version before you can perform the initial sync. The worst of this was that the check boxes that would be used to control what content was to be synched were grayed out and I could not tailor the selection. I will have to spend more time looking at this but I would expect there may be another iTunes update soon.
Once I got through the initial sync, things went very well. I have not owned or used an iPhone so had to get accustomed to the multi-touch control but it was mostly very intuitive. The on-screen keyboard is tailored to the app that brings it up; the keys were a bit small for my fingers but much better than using my Nokia - and no stylus required. I am wondering how to keep the screen clean though as it is necessarily covered with smudges and finger prints after a short time
For me, the biggest surprise was the degree of integration and quality of the apps that have been developed or updated for iPad. This really changes the user experience in a big way. Even though I don't have the 3g version, the device uses the presence of local WiFi signals to determine an approximate but very close location; and apps that tailor content based on your location will ask to use that information (such as the weather tools). Google Maps pinpointed my location to within one or two houses without me specifying.
So far I have been very pleased with the apps and the user experience. I "purchased" about 25 apps yesterday ***, most of which were free, and only spent about $30 (half of which was paid with an iTunes gift card I got for Christmas and had been hanging on to until now).
*** The app store was VERY busy yesterday evening! :-) There were probably a million people who got their new iPads yesterday and I am sure they were all downloading.
Anyway, I am reasonably impressed so far; I will record more after I have more experience - especially about specific iPad apps. One that I really like already is the Scrabble game - you can play against the computer, against another person sharing the same iPad, against multiple people on iPads, against multiple people on your network or on the internet, and best of all, against any of your Facebook friends who play Scrabble on Facebook. Apps that I haven't found yet: a decent,free, Facebook interface, a decent, free interface to Fark.com - both of which are supposed to be coming.
Some thoughts on where the iPad may go in the future:
(1) Automobiles. In fact, Hyundai has already announced that their new luxury model will come with an iPad - not sure how it will be integrated. This is something that Microsoft has been working for quite a while as "vehicle infomatics".
(2) In the kitchen. The iPad in it's optional dock station looks just the right size to use a kitchen based information appliance - assuming you have clean hands :-) I think we will be surprised as how this develops.
(3) as a gaming device. well duh; you can already run games. but what I am thinking is, when there are remote game controllers that connect to the iPad like a Nintendo Wii. If there iPad were mounted on a wall (say in your den. dorm, or game room) and could be controlled by multiple people with remote controllers... but wait, I think somebody is already developing that.
http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/iPad/Apple+patents+iPhone+and+iPad+game+controller+devices/news.asp?c=19629
Saturday, April 3, 2010
why oh why?
(still waiting for the UPS truck to arrive)
so, you might ask, why I did I even order an iPad if I had never seen one and I expect to be frustrated and disappointed? if I had considered Apple the Evil Empire in 2005, why would i consider ordering another new product from them?
First, I am getting older. I am one day older than Steve Jobs. I have been using computers since I was 14 -just like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs except I am not rich. My eyesight isn't what it used to be, nor is my patience. Using the 4.13 inch diagonal dispaly on my Nokia 810, and constantly scrolling back and forth across the page to read the text from websites, is not ideal. One of my daughters and my grand-son each have and iPod Touch and I find the screen too small. These have a 3.5 inch diagonal display.
Second, my Nokia Internet Tablet started to die in January; just about the same time that the iPad was announced. I looked into getting the next generation Nokia Internet Tablet - the N900 - a beautiful device from a technological standpoint (and also a phone) - but it also has a 3.5 inch display.
My wife has a Barnes & Noble Nook e-book reader that I got her for her birthday. It seemed to be just about the perfect size - roughly the size of a book. It has a 7.5 inch diagonal display. In fact, the iPad was announced right after I had ordered Cindy her Nook and I had offered to cancel the order for the Nook and order her an iPad when it was released; but she wanted her Nook to take on vacation in February. So the iPad seemed to be a good investment: about the same cost as the Nokia N900 but with a much larger display that was till relatively portable.
I researched the other products that were either available or almost available for about the same price as the iPad. The JooJoo Tablet looked interesting but was not available and had it's own limitations - including coming from an unknown company and already experiencing delays. Other product based on Google's Android or Windows did not seem viable for what I wanted to use it for.
The open source collaboration behind the Nokia Internet Tablets - MAEMO - had spun off a new venture with backing from Nokia and Intel - but that has not yet produced any marketable product. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maemo
http://thenokiablog.com/2010/03/31/meego-nokia-n900-stay-away/
Perhaps when the do it will be competition for the iPad. This group is called Meego.
Finally. when I read the early reviews of Apple's A4 processor (System on a Chip), even though it was not as sophisticated as the System on a Chip used in the Nokia N900, the one thing that people commented on was the speed. This is no doubt partially due to the control that Apple has placed over what can be put on the iPad. Two constraints in particular that have been much discussed in the press - lack of Flask and lack of multi-tasking - also limit the processing load and keep the response time within an acceptable range. Or so I assume. I should know soon; I plan to try our one of the new iPad specific games as soon as I get it.
So the iPad seemed the best compromise that was available now.
There are some pluses: the iTunes App Store has a rich selection of apps, many of them free. One of my favorite parts of iTunes in iTunes U, which has college courses and lecture podcasts for download free. As of today, there are many new apps or customizations of former iPhone/iTouch apps that are available for iPad - and that will continue to grow rapidly.
http://ax.search.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZSearch.woa/wa/search?entity=k2software&media=all&restrict=true&submit=seeAllLockups&term=ipad
Gotta go; I just heard a truck...
so, you might ask, why I did I even order an iPad if I had never seen one and I expect to be frustrated and disappointed? if I had considered Apple the Evil Empire in 2005, why would i consider ordering another new product from them?
First, I am getting older. I am one day older than Steve Jobs. I have been using computers since I was 14 -just like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs except I am not rich. My eyesight isn't what it used to be, nor is my patience. Using the 4.13 inch diagonal dispaly on my Nokia 810, and constantly scrolling back and forth across the page to read the text from websites, is not ideal. One of my daughters and my grand-son each have and iPod Touch and I find the screen too small. These have a 3.5 inch diagonal display.
Second, my Nokia Internet Tablet started to die in January; just about the same time that the iPad was announced. I looked into getting the next generation Nokia Internet Tablet - the N900 - a beautiful device from a technological standpoint (and also a phone) - but it also has a 3.5 inch display.
My wife has a Barnes & Noble Nook e-book reader that I got her for her birthday. It seemed to be just about the perfect size - roughly the size of a book. It has a 7.5 inch diagonal display. In fact, the iPad was announced right after I had ordered Cindy her Nook and I had offered to cancel the order for the Nook and order her an iPad when it was released; but she wanted her Nook to take on vacation in February. So the iPad seemed to be a good investment: about the same cost as the Nokia N900 but with a much larger display that was till relatively portable.
I researched the other products that were either available or almost available for about the same price as the iPad. The JooJoo Tablet looked interesting but was not available and had it's own limitations - including coming from an unknown company and already experiencing delays. Other product based on Google's Android or Windows did not seem viable for what I wanted to use it for.
The open source collaboration behind the Nokia Internet Tablets - MAEMO - had spun off a new venture with backing from Nokia and Intel - but that has not yet produced any marketable product. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maemo
http://thenokiablog.com/2010/03/31/meego-nokia-n900-stay-away/
Perhaps when the do it will be competition for the iPad. This group is called Meego.
Finally. when I read the early reviews of Apple's A4 processor (System on a Chip), even though it was not as sophisticated as the System on a Chip used in the Nokia N900, the one thing that people commented on was the speed. This is no doubt partially due to the control that Apple has placed over what can be put on the iPad. Two constraints in particular that have been much discussed in the press - lack of Flask and lack of multi-tasking - also limit the processing load and keep the response time within an acceptable range. Or so I assume. I should know soon; I plan to try our one of the new iPad specific games as soon as I get it.
So the iPad seemed the best compromise that was available now.
There are some pluses: the iTunes App Store has a rich selection of apps, many of them free. One of my favorite parts of iTunes in iTunes U, which has college courses and lecture podcasts for download free. As of today, there are many new apps or customizations of former iPhone/iTouch apps that are available for iPad - and that will continue to grow rapidly.
http://ax.search.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZSearch.woa/wa/search?entity=k2software&media=all&restrict=true&submit=seeAllLockups&term=ipad
Gotta go; I just heard a truck...
Kwaad Imperium - Schlechtes Reich - Злейшая империя - Imperio Malvado
I am restarting my Evil Empire blog to capture my frustration and disappointment with Apple. My iPad arrives today; I will be one of the first persons to get one and will, no doubt, get screwed over again by Apple. But at least the iPad is priced much cheaper than the Mac Mini or Power Mac G5 that I purchased in 2005; and not that much more than the last iPod that I purchased.
Why am I convinced that I will be frustrated and disappointed? Well, for starters, I didn't get the 3G version of the device because Apple has not yet announced a firm delivery date; and I know they will likely make "Late April" stretch into May. And, or course, there is the tight control that Apple places on EVERYTHING - control of what software can be installed, control of what content can be loaded, control of what information can be obtained prior to purchase, even control over UPS tracking of the shipment of the device.
Until this morning, the only tracking information on the UPS website showed the device stuck in China or somewhere in between:
Then, magically this morning, the UPS website was updated:
Pretty amazing isn't it?
Articles on the internet suggested two conspiracy theories: (1) [my personal favorite] Apple had manipulated UPS to hide the tracking information and the units were actually already delivered to local distribution centers and were under 24 hour guard by a third-part security firm hired by Apple to ensure nobody got their iPad early or (2) Apple had deliberately withheld required customs information, thereby preventing the devices from entering the U.S. until they allowed it.
My personal computing device has been, for more than two years, a handheld Nokia N810 Internet Tablet - just a little bit larger than an iPod Touch. It is based on a version of the Linux operating system and has a complete open source community behind it - you can load whatever software you want on it. The iPad, by comparison, only runs the iPhone OS that is used on iPhone and iPod Touch; and can only run software downloaded through the Applie iTunes Store (which is no doubt how Apple really profits off of the device).
There is no SD card or direct USB port included; you have to purchase "accessories" to import photos from your camera or SD card. While I should (I hope) still be able to transfer devices over Wifi, I won't be able to simply transfer files. There is no Flash support because Steve Jobs refused to work with Adobe on it. There are no Google apps because Google pissed off Steve Jobs. And of course, the WiFi only model that I ordered does not have GPS; you have to order the 3G version to get that.
It was not even allowable to see, touch, and operate an iPad in an Apple Store prior to launch. People who wanted to do that were lined up at their local Apple stores overnight, camping in line. The local store in Seattle at University Village already had a line of die-hard fans at 2:30 AM according to the morning news. Store employees had installed black curtains over the windows so nobody could see inside. The store opened 10 minutes ago.
But, no doubt, the iPad will be a "Magical and Revolutionary device at an Unbelievable Price" as announced by Steve Jobs. I will get mine today and find out.
But next week, Apple will undoubtedly announce some "improvement" that wasn't included in the original device and which the early adopters will have to pay extra for. Then next month they will reduce the price substantially. It feels like old times already.
Gotta go now; I need to go watch for the UPS truck!
Why am I convinced that I will be frustrated and disappointed? Well, for starters, I didn't get the 3G version of the device because Apple has not yet announced a firm delivery date; and I know they will likely make "Late April" stretch into May. And, or course, there is the tight control that Apple places on EVERYTHING - control of what software can be installed, control of what content can be loaded, control of what information can be obtained prior to purchase, even control over UPS tracking of the shipment of the device.
Until this morning, the only tracking information on the UPS website showed the device stuck in China or somewhere in between:
| GUANGZHOU, CN | 04/02/2010 | 4:10 A.M. | DEPARTURE SCAN |
| SHENZHEN, CN | 03/29/2010 | 6:43 P.M. | ORIGIN SCAN |
| CN | 04/02/2010 | 10:01 P.M. | BILLING INFORMATION RECEIVED |
Then, magically this morning, the UPS website was updated:
| SEATTLE, WA, US | 04/03/2010 | 6:11 A.M. | DESTINATION SCAN |
| | 04/03/2010 | 6:08 A.M. | ARRIVAL SCAN |
| LOUISVILLE, KY, US | 04/03/2010 | 4:32 A.M. | DEPARTURE SCAN |
| | 04/03/2010 | 12:42 A.M. | IMPORT SCAN |
Pretty amazing isn't it?
Articles on the internet suggested two conspiracy theories: (1) [my personal favorite] Apple had manipulated UPS to hide the tracking information and the units were actually already delivered to local distribution centers and were under 24 hour guard by a third-part security firm hired by Apple to ensure nobody got their iPad early or (2) Apple had deliberately withheld required customs information, thereby preventing the devices from entering the U.S. until they allowed it.
My personal computing device has been, for more than two years, a handheld Nokia N810 Internet Tablet - just a little bit larger than an iPod Touch. It is based on a version of the Linux operating system and has a complete open source community behind it - you can load whatever software you want on it. The iPad, by comparison, only runs the iPhone OS that is used on iPhone and iPod Touch; and can only run software downloaded through the Applie iTunes Store (which is no doubt how Apple really profits off of the device).
There is no SD card or direct USB port included; you have to purchase "accessories" to import photos from your camera or SD card. While I should (I hope) still be able to transfer devices over Wifi, I won't be able to simply transfer files. There is no Flash support because Steve Jobs refused to work with Adobe on it. There are no Google apps because Google pissed off Steve Jobs. And of course, the WiFi only model that I ordered does not have GPS; you have to order the 3G version to get that.
It was not even allowable to see, touch, and operate an iPad in an Apple Store prior to launch. People who wanted to do that were lined up at their local Apple stores overnight, camping in line. The local store in Seattle at University Village already had a line of die-hard fans at 2:30 AM according to the morning news. Store employees had installed black curtains over the windows so nobody could see inside. The store opened 10 minutes ago.
But, no doubt, the iPad will be a "Magical and Revolutionary device at an Unbelievable Price" as announced by Steve Jobs. I will get mine today and find out.
But next week, Apple will undoubtedly announce some "improvement" that wasn't included in the original device and which the early adopters will have to pay extra for. Then next month they will reduce the price substantially. It feels like old times already.
Gotta go now; I need to go watch for the UPS truck!
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