iPad Launches, FCC Teardown Leaked 617
Apple's much-awaited iPad officially launched today, and iFixit has gotten their hands on photos from the FCC teardown. They've done an analysis of the internals and provided directions on doing it yourself, if you're so inclined. Predictably, it's a hot topic in the media. Cory Doctorow wrote about why he won't be getting an iPad, complaining about the closed, hacker-unfriendly design and what he calls the "Wal-martization of the software channel." Daring Fireball's John Gruber disagrees, pointing out that enthusiasts — even kids exercising their curiosity — are still quite capable of playing around with the iPad through app creation, and with much more of a chance to compete with big companies than in the Apple ][ days. Similarly, others are referring to it as the "bedtime computer" — technology that has a reasonable shot at expanding into completely new areas of use, like bedtime reading for kids. Such a device was predicted in 1972 by Alan Kay, the PARC scientist credited with the epigram "The best way to predict the future is to invent it." His hypothetical DynaBook bears striking similarity to what Apple finally came up with. So, those of you who have picked up or received an iPad already: how do you like it?
Re:ipad is for humans! (Score:4, Funny)
I have a 95 yr old neighbor who uses an old Windows machine and AOL dialup.
So what you're saying is that the iPad is a way to put him out of his misery without resorting to euthanasia?
Re:3...2...1... Wake up! (Score:5, Funny)
People, snap out of it. Its just a tablet computer.
Yeah, but this one is hand-made by Steve Jobs, assembled on the thighs of Taiwanese virgins. If you sniff it real hard you can still smell the reality distortion field permeating the electronics.
It will also double as a paperweight and shiny object to distract other people.
Disclaimer: Taiwanese virgins may or may not be female. Applicability as paperweight is not guaranteed by the usermanual.
Re:Let the hating begin (on /. anyway) (Score:5, Funny)
You forgot the assclowns posting lists of predictions.
Re:3...2...1... Wake up! (Score:0, Funny)
Re:with the hood welded shut (Score:3, Funny)
Nope, still don't get it. Do you have a car analogy?
The killer app (Score:4, Funny)
Re:ipad is for humans! (Score:4, Funny)
I have a 95 yr old neighbor who uses an old Windows machine and AOL dialup.
So what you're saying is that the iPad is a way to put him out of his misery without resorting to euthanasia?
I wager that the iPad is a form of euthanasia. The Personal Computer Revolution is fading into oblivion ... and no-one can even feel the loss.
Re:3...2...1... Wake up! (Score:3, Funny)
People, snap out of it. Its just a tablet computer. They have been around for over 10 years and they have never been all that special. Apple has you in some sort of hypnosis that is causing you to go gaga over closed up commercial productions that you think you need to own.
Yes, but according to the linked article, The WiFi iPad is officially Apple model A1219, while the 3G iPad is A1337.
... how can you not want one?
So the 3G version is 1337
Re:3...2...1... Wake up! (Score:5, Funny)
Re:3...2...1... Wake up! (Score:2, Funny)
Yeah, it baffles me that they'd try to follow in Palm's footsteps instead of learning from the makers of the Newton.
Re:I'll admit... (Score:3, Funny)
... after watching the videos I'd like to have one, but Apple price policy really pisses me off: $139 more for the models with a 3G chip (plus monthly plan) when a 3G chip costs between $5 and $9 (the most expensive one).
I think their pricing policy is brilliant. You save $139 by buying an iPad without 3G chip, when a 3G chip costs between $5 and $9. What a bargain.
Re:3...2...1... Wake up! (Score:3, Funny)
Indeed, although I'd go so far as to say that it's only on Slashdot that people love the thing. The love of Apple here is far greater than the mainstream, where Apple are a niche.