Look, up in the sky! It’s a netbook killer. No it’s an oversized iPod touch! No it’s the iPad!

Apple’s new 9.7 inch touchscreen tablet may or may not be a revolutionary new device that will change the way we interact with computers. But one thing’s for certain. It’s up for pre-order today, and should begin shipping in a few weeks.

Are you planning on pre-ordering one? Or will you wait until you can see one in person before plunking down some cash? Or maybe you’re just not interested in this particular tablet.

Let us know what you think by voting in our poll. And sound off in the comments!


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9 replies on “And… the iPad pre-orders begin”

  1. Good God! 98 mugs have actually ordered these things. I’ve seen it all now.

  2. A clarification for your post: The iPad starts shipping in a few weeks — on April 3 — and not in a few months, as you reported. No biggie. Just helping out here.

    1. Weeks, months. Time flies when you’re… waiting for something you really
      want. 🙂

      I should really pay more attention to the things that my fingers type.
      Sometimes it’s not the same word my brain told them to write.

  3. I really want to see the Apple iPad before I make any decisions. The IPX Screen gets glossed over by almost everyone, but it’s hugely expensive and should provide a better viewing experience than most people are used to getting out of ANY modern laptop. TFN screens just can’t really compare. That said, the screen should be just as useless in direct sunlight as any other laptop screen, from all accounts the A4 processor is nothing at all special, and although I like the OS and the variety of apps it provides, I know I personally would probably get upset living in the walled garden fairly quickly.

    We’ll see, I really need to be able to play with one of these, and the Dell Mini 5, and the Notion iInk Adam, before I can make any sort of decision on what to buy. In all cases I’ll be an early adopter even if I don’t have mine delivered to my house April 1st… I just won’t be THAT early an adopter.

    These devices are going to undergo some massive transformations in their first two years. We’ll have to see how it goes. But right now, I’m sold on the fact that I would LIKE to have a tablet, the only question really is which one.

    1. I’m with you, mlabrow. I intend to acquire a tablet, once some are actually on the market AND available. The Notion Ink Adam is at the top of my list presently, but this is not etched in stone. The limitations of the iPad (no multi-tasking and apps only available through iTunes, among others) are deal killers for me and I am certainly willing to work the learning curve that Open Source software comes with (I am familiar with Linux/BSD). The options available now (mostly Archos) look decent, but not (yet) really compelling. I do not need another device to manipulate Office documents or play games, so the arguments for a Windows based machine does not apply for me. I like the instant on that an ARM based processor gives me and I also do not need dedicated 3G – I can tether to my Droid (yes, it does work, muahahahah)

  4. I woke up early this morning, booted the laptop, got dressed and was on the Apple store at 7:28 am with two minutes to spare until I could place my pre-order. By 7:45 am I was in my car on my way to work! Now I can’t wait until April.

      1. Bolo,
        I’m in academia. I teach at a university and will soon be in a doctorate program. I also travel and conduct leadership retreats. I also volunteer in the community and serve on the board of directors for a local non-profit. I don’t own a smartphone and pretty much use my laptop all the time. All my life I have used a PC and never owned or worked on any Apple product (but have always wanted to). Technology and it’s role in society facinates me. I spend time at local coffee shops meeting with people, creating lectures, grading papers, reading journal articles, etc.
        I have to admit, I’m a sucker for the “magic” of the iPad. It’s a beautiful product. It’s science fiction in my hand. Instantly on, amazing touch screen, large display, sweet visual effects and transitions. I’m gaga over the wow effect. But I’m sure you’re wondering more about my practical uses for the device.

        There are several reasons the iPad makes sense for me. There are many times I don’t need the power of my laptop. Nor do I want to lug it into a coffee shop or restaurant, find an outlet, plug it in, wait for it to book up just to check an email or read a blog or journal article. I plan to use the iPad for
        1) reading academic journal articles in PDF format
        2) presenting lectures with Keynote (w/ VGA output connector)
        3) surfing the web, reading blogs, conducting research
        4) electronic textbooks!
        5) various productivity apps: tracking expenses, movie showtimes, maps and travel directions, and taking notes in class with Evernote

        Additionally, I have been a little behind the technology curve recently. I see a lot of potential with this device for personal use, business use and educational use. I want to be an early adopter in order to discover new uses for the device and help show others its potential for making their life better. I think non-profits can benefit. I think it will serve as an excellent platform for assistive technology to aid people and especially kids with disabilities.
        Like everyone else I’ll listen to music, watch movies and tv shows on it, and read novels when I’m travelling, stuck in traffic or at the gym (my gym has treadmills with built in 30-pin connectors for charging ipods, etc and has a little shelf for a magazine, book or iPad).

        I purchased the $499 16GB wi-fi model. I didn’t want to invest any more in case I didn’t like it or they come out with a much better version 2.0. And to me the 3G wasn’t worth the wait, extra money and costly data plan. If I want 3G later, then I’ll buy a MiFi 3G to Wifi converter.

        So, what do you think? Was it a good decision for me to order one, or should I have waited?

  5. News from Pixel Qi Blog – March 7th
    https://pixelqi.com/blog1/2010/03/07/diy-pixel-qi-kits/

    Quotes –

    “Just a quick note to say the DIY kits from our distributor will be available towards the end of Q2. We will be announcing with them prior to distrbution. Thanks for your patience”.

    “Yet, most people are scared to change their laptop screen. It’s only slightly more difficult than changing a lightbuld: it’s basically 6 screws, pulling off a bezel, unconnecting the old screen and plugging this one in. That’s it. It’s a 5 minute operation”.

    End Quotes

    Read it for more about this… very interesting. Can’t wait till end of Q2.

    The Apple device in direct sunlight? Hmmm. vs this screen?

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