How did Apple succeed in Tablets (ie: iPad) when everyone else failed miserably?

[dwell]

Millions of dedicated customers who would buy a box if it had iPoo stamped on the side and cost $500.

AppleTV did not sell well, or MobileME, G4 Cube, iPod Hi-Fi, etc.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

AppleTV did not sell well, or MobileME, G4 Cube, iPod Hi-Fi, etc.

Good point, particularly since the iPad was both more expensive than most of these items and more different from anything else on the market when it emerged. The tech critics were initially unsure what to make of it, but the market embraced it instantly and bought them by the millions. Obviously the Newton also tanked, though that came out at a time that Apple's user base was much smaller.

 

[Nik]

He is quite entertaining, what is most irritating about him is the double posts. Is that just some pathetic attempt at increasing his post count?

Double posts? I don't see any repeat posts. Methinks you're just making shit up now.

No, Not like me. Dik

Didn't you just scold someone for thread derailment, hypocrite?

 

[vi edit]

The best analogy for me in regards to a tablet is that it is to desktops/high end laptops what a microwave is to a dedicated oven/range.

A microwave doesn't replace an oven. But it's a good supplement for one when you need something reheated, melted, defrosted, or cooked quick. It turns on instantly and you have hot food very quickly. It doesn't have the control of an oven or the ability to cook a wide range of foods. But for it's designed purposes it's much more convenient.

That's what a tablet is. It's an instant on, easy to use device that works well for it's intended functions. It's not a replacement for a full desktop/full function laptop but for many people it works very well for the casual needs that they require of it.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Right product, right time, right price + no competition gave them massive marketshare.

 

[purbeast0]

i can picture Nik raging in real life as he posts replies and reads this thread.

 

[Nik]

i can picture Nik raging in real life as he posts replies and reads this thread.

 

[Sureshot324]

The iPhone was already a huge success and people knew it would be just like an iPhone except bigger. The OS and apps were designed from the ground up to use a touchscreen.

Apple UI designers are flat out better than Microsoft UI designers. I'm not an apple fanboy, I use Windows on my comp and Android on my phone, but it's the truth.

 

[Fritzo]

Here's what I want to know. Why do most ipad/iphone users(at least the ones I know/seen) seem to be so adamant about Apple being the best, yet they are horrid users.

What I mean is, they barely use the thing to the full. Or they don't even know how to use most features or even know features exist. I don't own one. I wouldn't mind one. But, I seem to know WAY more about what the things can do and I've only held one once for about 10 minutes.

Example.

My sister has an iphone. She texts, takes pics, blah blah blah. The other day we're with my parents. She's in their car. They can't find where they're trying to go. I'm like, "you have a freakin' GPS in your hand." She uses it, and then....we still get lost and end up circling a parking lot twice only to find out its on the other side of the highway.

Also, I do computer repair as a side job and I get questions about them. I'm able to comment about the things way better than the owners, and I don't have the faboy'ish attitude they have. How can you be so loyal to something you barely know anything about. Is Apple really that big of a status symbol now?

You answered your own question. Apple created a product that is simple enough for the most unsavvy person to use. This is the key to success. There is a huge segment of customers that don't get tech, and a small percentage of smug techies that make fun of them. Apple makes "training wheel" products so everyone can use them, and does a great job of it.

 

[V00DOO]

I have barely touch my Asus I5 laptop since I bought the Ipad 2.

 

[Kev]

I was thinking about getting an iPad 2. I tried my cousin's iPad 1 and got bored with it in about 1 minute. I demoed the iPad 2 in the apple store and got bored with it in 5 minutes (because I played with the garage band app).

I just cannot think of a single thing I would need an ipad for. So while it is not cost prohibitive for me, I still can not justify the price for any purpose. My iphone does everything an ipad can do, whereas I need to buy another stupid data plan if I want 3g on the ipad, which is a joke. My laptop does everything an ipad can't do. I see the ipad as a useless, pointless middle ground.

I'm really curious to find out people's usage habits on ipad. What makes this toy worth $600+? I would think it's like the wii where people buy the gimmick then it collects dust. The 3 people I know either don't use it frequently, or only use it for bullshit email checking.

 

[vi edit]

I just cannot think of a single thing I would need an ipad for though. So while it is not cost prohibitive for me, I still can not justify the purpose. My iphone does everything an ipad can do, whereas I need to buy another stupid data plan if I want 3g on the ipad, which is a joke. My laptop does everything an ipad can't do. I see the ipad as a useless, pointless middle ground.

That's the issue I see. If you already have an iphone and a laptop then an iPad is a bit of an unnecessary overlap. But if you have a dumb phone or a desktop with no portability then an ipad is a much more interesting option. It provides you an instant on media provider (internet, music, video, pictures, ect) and a portable device you can use in any room and on the go. If you have neither of those currently then it's a nice option.

 

[bfdd]

The iPhone was already a huge success and people knew it would be just like an iPhone except bigger. The OS and apps were designed from the ground up to use a touchscreen.

Apple UI designers are flat out better than Microsoft UI designers. I'm not an apple fanboy, I use Windows on my comp and Android on my phone, but it's the truth.

You are flat out wrong about the UI designers at MS being behind Apple. WP7 blows iOS out of the water in terms of UI and usability. iOS seriously looks/feels archaic next to it or a newer build of Android.

 

[Zen0]

I was thinking about getting an iPad 2. I tried my cousin's iPad 1 and got bored with it in about 1 minute. I demoed the iPad 2 in the apple store and got bored with it in 5 minutes (because I played with the garage band app).

I just cannot think of a single thing I would need an ipad for. So while it is not cost prohibitive for me, I still can not justify the price for any purpose. My iphone does everything an ipad can do, whereas I need to buy another stupid data plan if I want 3g on the ipad, which is a joke. My laptop does everything an ipad can't do. I see the ipad as a useless, pointless middle ground.

I'm really curious to find out people's usage habits on ipad. What makes this toy worth $600+? I would think it's like the wii where people buy the gimmick then it collects dust. The 3 people I know either don't use it frequently, or only use it for bullshit email checking.

Reading books and magazines.

If you don't, then the iPad is pretty pointless.

Imagine your entire library of books, all of your Magazine subscriptions and issues to Popular Science, Motortrend, Esquire, PC, etc are all there on one device and backed up instead of taking up 5 walls in your house.

Personally, it would also be useful for:

Sheet music for musicians
Chatting on Skype if you have any family or people worth looking at
A frisbee for your dog

 

[vi edit]

Reading books and magazines.

If you don't, then the iPad is pretty pointless.

Since owning my iphone, when I'm at home probably 80% of my "uses" of the internet are from that rather than my desktop. I differ "uses" from "time spent". So I open google from Iphone or look at this site more often from my phone than I do from my home PC just because it's convenient and I can do it from any room easily.

I'd love to have a bigger screen and more resolution for many sites than what my phone is capable of. So an iPad would be perfect. But I just don't see the need in my case since my phone already does everything. If the iPad2's drop down into the $350 price like the 1st gens did after the next gen release then I'd heavily consider one. It's just something much more casual to browse from a couch or at the counter in the morning eating breakfast.

 

[Zen0]

Since owning my iphone, when I'm at home probably 80% of my "uses" of the internet are from that rather than my desktop. I differ "uses" from "time spent". So I open google from Iphone or look at this site more often from my phone than I do from my home PC just because it's convenient and I can do it from any room easily.

I'd love to have a bigger screen and more resolution for many sites than what my phone is capable of. So an iPad would be perfect. But I just don't see the need in my case since my phone already does everything. If the iPad2's drop down into the $350 price like the 1st gens did after the next gen release then I'd heavily consider one. It's just something much more casual to browse from a couch or at the counter in the morning eating breakfast.

Well if that's your usage for your iPhone, then an iPad may be perfect for you.

My iPhone 4 is not fast enough to be loading forums and stuff. I do it use it on the road to read internet, sometimes post something on other forums. Not at home though.

For me, my time is worth more than $150 so I'd just buy the iPad 2 now. I mean, $150 gets me iPad useage versus um... I don't know ... put into my 401K for when I'm old. I'll use the iPad today... just my philosophy on life. It's just money.

 

[darkewaffle]

Because it has a picture of fruit and round corners.

 

[Zen0]

Because it has a picture of fruit and round corners.

I came.

 

[Kev]

Reading books and magazines.

If you don't, then the iPad is pretty pointless.

Imagine your entire library of books, all of your Magazine subscriptions and issues to Popular Science, Motortrend, Esquire, PC, etc are all there on one device and backed up instead of taking up 5 walls in your house.

Personally, it would also be useful for:

Sheet music for musicians
Chatting on Skype if you have any family or people worth looking at
A frisbee for your dog

I have a nook for books. Dedicated e-readers are superior to ipads for reading for the sole purpose that they can be used outdoors, where I do 80% of my reading. I don't see a point for magazines because most content you can find online now.

 

[Zen0]

I have a nook for books. Dedicated e-readers are superior to ipads for reading for the sole purpose that they can be used outdoors, where I do 80% of my reading. I don't see a point for magazines because most content you can find online now.

I love magazines and pretty pictures.

Content is often secondary.. delivery is the key.

Such is the success of superior interfaces, ranging from Facebook, Google, Amazon to Apple products and even Mp3s. People wonder why MySpace, Yahoo and others fail..

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

That's the issue I see. If you already have an iphone and a laptop then an iPad is a bit of an unnecessary overlap. But if you have a dumb phone or a desktop with no portability then an ipad is a much more interesting option. It provides you an instant on media provider (internet, music, video, pictures, ect) and a portable device you can use in any room and on the go. If you have neither of those currently then it's a nice option.

I don't disagree with a couple of caveats: I have a laptop and smartphone, but neither is as functional while traveling as the iPad, which packs a ton of fun and productivity into a tiny package that is still usable on an airplane tray table if the asshole in front of me has his seat all the way back. Also, it's much more useful as an e-book reader than any laptop or phone could ever hope to be.

I have a wifi-only iPad but I'm thinking of getting data tethering for my phone (my firm pays the bills, so why not?), which would still give me the ability to use 3G with my iPad and laptop.

 

[TanisHalfElven]

Are you a fucking moron?

You can't hold a laptop with one hand? You can't read a book or magazine on a laptop? Who the fuck cares what a doctor uses?

These are all half-assed points that you didn't think about very well. Figures, you're a prime customer for Apple.

woah there. Calm down.
His point are all pretty accurate actually. Try going to a park and reading a book on an ipad, vs a laptop. You'll see how much harder it is,reading on the laptop vs a tablet style form factor.

 

[Zen0]

I don't disagree with a couple of caveats: I have a laptop and smartphone, but neither is as functional while traveling as the iPad, which packs a ton of fun and productivity into a tiny package that is still usable on an airplane tray table if the asshole in front of me has his seat all the way back. Also, it's much more useful as an e-book reader than any laptop or phone could ever hope to be.

I have a wifi-only iPad but I'm thinking of getting data tethering for my phone (my firm pays the bills, so why not?), which would still give me the ability to use 3G with my iPad and laptop.

It's a bit like already having a Car and a Bicycle, and wondering why some people buy a Motorcycle as well right?

It's faster than a Bicycle and more mobile than a car

 

[Zen0]

woah there. Calm down.
His point are all pretty accurate actually. Try going to a park and reading a book on an ipad, vs a laptop. You'll see how much harder it is,reading on the laptop vs a tablet style form factor.

He is right though, I also can not hold a 5-10lb laptop in one hand for very long. I can only bench about 225lbs and curl about 50lbs, I'm not an Olympic strongman, so his point stands and I am very much a moron by his metrics (which oddly enough, is based on upper body and arm strength).

 

[sao123]

E-Readers failed because they are a phoneless cellphone + ultra light not-a-laptop at all...

Oh wait.

Tablets are tablets. You seem to be incapable of understanding that they are used not for talking on the phone nor for real computing.

Do you wear boots to the beach too? Because flip-flops are crippled ultra light boots that provide no protection?

FACT: All non-apple tablets failed in the market, just like palm pilots and PDA's. You are incapable of recognizing there currently there are other devices which do what tablets were meant to do, but do it better, and with a less overall cost of ownership. Whether it be a general purpose device which does a whole lot more for about the same cost, or does only one specific thing for a very small cost...

Tablets would be useful for is IF the DID do real computing:
Any and all forms of data entry and retrieval: Doctors Offices/Hospitals/Emergency Care, Traffic Citation Stops / Arrest Records, Financial/HR records...

Once corporate adoption occurs, costs can drop enough for an en masse home segment.

fortunately, this will never become a reality.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Cf7IL_eZ38