[totoro]

I thought I would like the smaller form factor, so I got a kindle fire. I ended up giving it to a friend. If you have large hands, it's kind of fiddly to read without accidentally triggering page turn events, and it's just not enough lighter for the size difference to be worth it. The smaller form factor doesn't work at all for me for pdfs technical papers with a lot of math in them. The kindle definitely isn't better in any absolute sense than the ipad for reading. The only way anyone can tell if they would like it better is to try the two.

Having spent a fair amount of time with both devices, I can't imagine having only a kindle fire. At that point, I'd probably rather just get a very large phone (like a galaxy nexus). I work at a company that does a lot of mobile device development, so I've also tried most of the competitive android tablets, and for the most part they are either a lot worse and a bit cheaper, or only a little worse and a bit more expensive than the ipad.

It is kind of hard to imagine that apple will never experiment with other form factors, though.

[Pez]

As a long time tech watcher and Apple fanatic I am 99% confident that they will never make a tablet smaller than 10"... Ever. There's just no reason for it. And yes I know apple will lose some market share because I know consumers are clamoring for what they think they want, yet anyone who has a 7" tablet can easily see the fundamental problem with a device of this size, its just not big enough to have a truly fleshed out experience that a tablet gives you vs a smartphone. Plus Apple has never worried about ceding ground in market share just to fill a niche that people maybe want, yet Apple knows is flawed. Remember when everyone claimed they should do rental music? They stuck to their guns and didn't give in. They will do the same for iPad.

As a Siri user I will say an device that is built around its use is still a pipe dream. I say this being an apple fanatic; Siri seriously sucks. 

Setting my calendar using Siri to remind me in a year to check this topic again.

[lowtech]

I know consumers are clamoring for what they think they want...

 

[TheChairGuy]

I TOTALLY dig Siri when I had her as an app on my iPhone....and I love the integration of it on my biz partners newest iPhone.

He dictates short replies to emails w/o writing now...and Siri is getting better thru adaptive learning with so many users now that 'she' is making less and less mistakes in spelling and context.  I think it fabulous.

Apple eventually dabbled in a very wide variety of iPods as the stepping stone to iPhones.  IPads may serve the same pathway to fully integrated Apple television sets in the future.

I think. 7-8" iPad is a virtual certainty within the next year for a host of reasons.  One has to remember that in emerging markets, $100 to $200 saved in purchase price is more meaningful than it is in the developed.  There are 3billion folks in the BRICS countries where an Apple iPad for 20-45% less would make them buyers.

[saisunil]

I thought I had a slow internet connection until I got my iPad3.  Pages load almost explosively on my iPad compared to my wired desktop and wireless laptop.  Pages really slog on my desktop and laptop.

Are Apple laptop and desktops just as fast?  What makes an iPad so fast and fun to use? I also like the feature of being able to expand images and print. I am just getting used to my iPad but so far I am 

Sent from my iPad and Zaggfolio

I waited for years until the new iPad came - it was so well worth the wait ...
Internet is so much faster on the new iPad compared to my Dell XPS ...

[JohnR]

All I have to say about the whole consuming/producing thing is this: My live blow by blow RMAF coverage would not have been possible WITHOUT the iPad period. A 13" MBA is too big to carry around and even my 11" MBA would require a 3G dongle or some other irritation that wouldn't have worked right. And a mere smartphone could not do enough to make coverage possible. So in many very real ways iPad is superior to anything else for on the go productivity.

You don't need a dongle, just use your phone as a wifi hotspot...

However, point taken. I'm slightly warmer now. The only other use (to me) so far is to control a remote Mac with iTeleport - have you used that?

[Pez]

John, I have not tried iteleport. I use logmein the free version which is more than adequate. Mostly use it for downloading music remotely, checking up on the house, and sending myself docs I forgot. It's really good for what it is.

Other John,
I betcha a beer at RMAF. They should have a product announcement by then it or it ain't happening. 

[JohnR]

I bet you a beer that Apple hasn't come out with a 12" iPad by RMAF that runs OSX programs.

[MaxCast]

My son bought an ipad2 with lawn mowing money.  He also pays $20 per mo for his iphone with mow money.  He has made fliers, brochures and power point type presentations for school.  I think text books will be a big hit on the pad.  I just use it to surf.
I don't have siri but hope it continues to get better.  I envision wearing a head piece and just talking to siri to make a note or email without ever taking my phone out of my pocket. 

[JohnR]

I envision wearing a head piece and just talking to siri to make a note or email without ever taking my phone out of my pocket.

Yeah, but then who is gonna organize all your random notes?!

(I'm serious )

[lonewolfny42]

As a long time tech watcher and Apple fanatic I am 99% confident that they will never make a tablet smaller than 10"... Ever. There's just no reason for it. And yes I know apple will lose some market share because I know consumers are clamoring for what they think they want, yet anyone who has a 7" tablet can easily see the fundamental problem with a device of this size, its just not big enough to have a truly fleshed out experience that a tablet gives you vs a smartphone. Plus Apple has never worried about ceding ground in market share just to fill a niche that people maybe want, yet Apple knows is flawed. Remember when everyone claimed they should do rental music? They stuck to their guns and didn't give in. They will do the same for iPad.

As a Siri user I will say an device that is built around its use is still a pipe dream. I say this being an apple fanatic; Siri seriously sucks. 

Setting my calendar using Siri to remind me in a year to check this topic again.

Jason....
The rumors are heating up.....Link...

[JohnR]

'Bout time! 

Now if they would just produce a phone with a 6" screen...

[SoCalWJS]

'Bout time! 

Now if they would just produce a phone with a 6" screen...

+1
I keep waiting for the smaller iPad that also has phone capabilities - I just want to carry around 1 device, and current smartphones just don't have enough real estate.
I would like to go to Apple (from my Droid). but I may take a very close look at the Samsung Galaxy III S.

[JohnR]

Meh. Not big enough. The Note is 5.3 (?) inch.

[TheChairGuy]

As I squint to read my 3.5" iPhone screen as I write this...I would be thankful for a 4.5" screen (with Siri) for my next one.

A <8" iPad at <US$299 is simply a smart business decision for Apple.  It simultaneously makes it more affordable for billions more around the world while offering a form factor preferred by many over the 10" (I put myself in that last camp)

Jason - I'll probably make it a nice Syrah or Chianti over that beer offered, ok?

[JohnR]

John/TCG, I tried a Galaxy Note (5.3") and there was still plenty of room in my pocket. I figure 6" will hit the sweet spot. Of course I may be the only person in the world who thinks so... 

[SoCalWJS]

I've got almost another year on my existing contract, so I've got time - hoping something that fills my needs is out by then. Has to be available on Verizon (only service available where I live).