Answers for the 'rents about the iPad

So if the iPad isn't really a computer but more like a "a mobile device you bring along but not a primary system," then how is the iPad not the same as the thankfully never released Palm Foleo?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_Foleo

Granted that the iPad doesn't need a phone hooked up to it, and that the tablet format is different (i.e. much better) than the ill-fated Foleo. But do consumers really want an oversized iPod that looks like a full-blown computer but isn't? Or would they rather have a handy easy-to-use computer which is not crippled and which they can install and do! anything they want with it?

Seems like a nice dad, but I thought the interview was gonna be more like the Twitter user @shitmydadsays ....bummed

The most disturbing part of this article is the fact that anyone still refers to their parents as "rents." How 90's!

First, I think we said "its like an iPod" meaning that you have to fill it up with content from your computer and then take it on-the-go. Obviously the iPad is not actually "like an iPod".

Second, For all those saying "the iPad will be his/her/my only computer... I'm pretty sure you will need an actual computer to sync with it. You know, to set up your iTunes account, create your Email account, store your media, etc. etc.

Do people use an iPod touch without a computer? or an iPhone without a computer? I don't think you CAN.

"But what about Microsoft Works? Can I load that on?"

You can run that and more in a virtual desktop on the iPad. 99.9% of the world just doesn't get it! If you can run an app elsewhere on another machine you can run in virtualized on the iPad which is the perfect size for this.

Look at all the VDI apps already for the iPhone. Citrix just announced they are upgrading their iPhone receiver so you can run Win 7 and multitask using the iPad. The iPhone was too small for this to be practical but the iPad is the sweet spot.

BING VDI iPhone or remote desktop iPhone to see what I mean.

What is "Microsoft Works?"

I can see myself using this several days a week for when my iPhone isn't enough.

At school it can replace the heavy textbooks I am forced to carry to class. I already have several e-books, that when paired with some of the PDF reading apps will work great. And it will not be as loud and obstructive as a laptop. I abandoned using my phone when all I could do was look at a single paragraph at a time, and the load times when zooming and page surfing certainly didn't help.

At work the iWork suite will work great when doing inventory. The building itself is pretty darn large so I often have to go from the office to any of the 8 active bars, the kitchen, or any of the three walk in refrigerators. And a laptop is always annoying, the iPad will act like the clipboard I used to carry, only cutting out the paper trail and heading straight to our computer records.

Plus, there's times when I can be doing work and my iPhone is just to small and a laptop to inconvenient to be writing a paper. I'll have to wait for the 3G version.

C'mon Ghoti, you know that's not the minimum payment. I hate it when people happily spread misleading information just to make something *they* don't like less appealing to people who really could find it useful.

The iPad is the only "computing" device my Mum would have been able to deal with - anything with a keyboard completely phased her. She'd have probably used email, and looked at photos or videos of her grandkids on it, although tbh email might have been a step too far for her, God rest her soul! There are millions of people like her out there, computerless, but curious. And they aren't the only market either...

Don't forget to tell the 'rents about the $30 a month you'll need to spend if you want to use that lovely 3G connection...

Erica,

My mum is all set to go on buying an iPad. She is as fuzzy as your dad about it but I'm sure they will both love the thing.

I have always found your articles very good and even bought your iPhone book.

Here's a picture of my mum and dad looking young and cute like your parents.

http://www.detayls.com/photos/WeddingJohnRitaTaylor/John_Rita600.jpg

David