Filed under: Apple
Answers for the 'rents about the iPad
So my folks were here this weekend, and as you'd expect my Dad is really curious about the upcoming iPad, or as he likes to put it "his new 3G iPad". I convinced him that he should wait for April so he could get the new postpaid-data-ready iPad, which he could use anywhere, not just with WiFi hotspots. As we were talking, I began to realize that he didn't really have a clear idea of exactly what this gadget is -- and lots of you probably have parents in similar situations. So I put together this Q&A using actual questions my Dad asked throughout the course of the weekend.
"So I can use it instead of my normal computer, right?"
The iPad isn't going to replace your home computer. In fact, it's supposed to be like an iPod -- a mobile device you bring along but not a primary system. You manage your music and movies and everything over on your main machine (a Windows unit in my Dad's case) and then synchronize that data to your iPad using iTunes.
"But what about Microsoft Works? Can I load that on?"
Afraid not. The iPad is more like a mobile phone than it is like a computer. You won't be able to run Windows on it, or even the Macintosh operating system OS X. It has its own private system and can only run apps that you buy at the App Store. (Trust me, my Dad does not want to know from jailbreaking or Cydia.)
"So how do I get apps on it?"
You can buy applications from iTunes, either on your home computer or on the device itself. There are a gadzillion of really great games and utilities available and they usually cost just a few bucks. It's a way, way better deal than buying applications for your PC or for most mobile phones.
"Where do I put in the DVDs?"
Unfortunately, you don't. You can rent or buy movies from iTunes, again either at your computer or on the device, but you can't get a DVD from the library and watch it on your system unless you want me to tell you more than you really need to know about something called "ripping". Rentals cost just a few dollars. You have a month in which to start watching the movie and once you start watching it, you have to finish watching within 24 hours. If you buy a movie, it's yours to watch forever. Just be aware that movies are big space hogs, so don't put too many movies on your iPad at once. You can store them on your home computer and just choose which movies you want to sync at any time.
"So what's the point of it?"
The iPad is going to let you check your mail, surf the web, and enjoy your music and videos when you're out waiting for Mom to finish up at the store. Or the dentist. Or the doctor's. Or the DMV. Or wherever she's dragged you. You can pull this out and play a few games or get on the Internet or just watch some TV.
"Right. So when can I buy it?"
April. That's when you can get the 3G version -- and you want that because Mom's errands rarely offer free WiFi connectivity. 3G lets you connect to the Internet wherever AT&T has a decent signal in your area.
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Tulse said 2:12PM on 2-09-2010
Depending on one's parent's needs, it could indeed replace their desktop computer. My father-in-law, for example, does basic email and web surfing, and he is constantly having problems with his POS Windows box. An appliance dedicated to email and web would suit him just fine, and all the other apps would just be a bonus.
Reply
KevRev said 4:24PM on 2-09-2010
Functionally I could see it being the only device for certain users except for one little thing ... what if, god forbid, your iPad craps out and your 'rents lose all of the movies, books, apps, and music they bought on iTunes? Without a Mac or PC to backup that data to they will be running a big risk using it as their only computer.
Hopefully Apple will acknowledge this class of iPad consumer and make an accessory dock/hard drive that allows some sort of TimeMachine-esq backup while charging. Sound totally do-able to me but it would have to come from Apple, right? I can't image the SDK gives 3rd party app/accessory makers access to backup iTunes data and other 3rd party apps.
There have been rumors that Apple plans to build network share point access (along with network printing functionality) into the iPad. That's another backup possibility but backing up few movies via WiFi will take some serious time so a hardwired solution still makes the most sense to me.
DrWho said 5:41PM on 2-09-2010
Something like DropBox built in to the OS would fix that. Oh hey yeah, maybe they'll do OTA backups to MobileMe.
iGO said 2:15PM on 2-09-2010
"So I can use it instead of my normal computer, right?"
Well maybe not for your Dad, BUT, it can be a stand-alone product for many.
I had the same conversation with my Uncle, and while clearly explaining all of his options, this will be his one and only computer.
In fact, that is it's true Genius. It does address the needs of MANY, who are computer illiterate or Not computer-savvy.
In this way, Apple is addressing a NEW MARKET.
Those masses out there for whom a computer is way too much, with an easy, intuitive "touch" user-interface.
This thing is going to sell like crazy, especially when you start to see powerful, sophisticated, very-easy-to-use iPad Apps.
Reply
iGO said 2:29PM on 2-09-2010
One more point because SO many pundits really don't get it. ....really!
". In fact, it's supposed to be like an iPod -- "
Wrong, wrong, and ...wrong.
Steve is no dummy.
He would never have invested years of resources, time and his/Apples reputation to make a "like an iPod" ....Never!!
The iPad is unlike anything in the world today.
It goes after a NEW MARKET. One that is Not being addressed by anything today.
The Secret:
It's 100% the Operating System and the User Interface.
Complete computer illiterate's will be able to pick one up and just use it.
The iPhone and iPod installed base is just a small piece of the market.
And when the Apps, specific to this platform take off, millions will be sold.
Wait till you see the New Apple iPad commercials, showing off iPad-specific Apps.
Fast forward to Jan 2012:
If Windows and Linux do not begin a complete re-write, from the ground-up, of what a "native touch operating system" IS (ex. iPhone OS), Apple will have a five year head-start on All other operating systems (as it pertains to "a true, intuitive, mature, simple, yet Powerful touch UI).
Android looks like it might be the only remaining competitor to Apple, OS-wise, but which company is even setup to deliver the the complete product?
Knight42 said 2:35PM on 2-09-2010
Your completely right! That is the trick so many dont seem to get. Most operating systems (Im including osx) are too complicated and jargon filled for 90% of the population (including my parents, who im getting an ipad for) It is only when computers can be picked up and used safely-in terms of security and not ending up deleting something vital without realizing- will the computer revolution happen.
Personally I foresee in a few years two parallel computing worlds, one for people (like us) that like the tech and one for normal people (I didnt mean that as horrible as it sounded!)
Justin said 3:08PM on 2-09-2010
Yeah but eventually the old people who "don't get" computers will die. Leaving the rest. Who do get computers. At which point the two parallel computing worlds have no reason to exist. In my opinion. :)
Miguelitosd said 5:10PM on 2-09-2010
@Justin..
You clearly do not deal with enough younger kids today. My sister's kids all grew up with computers and they're nowhere near as tech savy as I am. I see the same with almost all their friends. Sure, computers aren't just for geeks anymore, but aside from things like facebook/myspace, txting on phones and using ipods.. they don't know computers at all. Some of it is just laziness.. you should see how often they won't even google something and expect me to do things for them (I long ago stopped and force them to at least try on their own and show what they did before I'll help).
They want appliances that just work as much as the (grand)parent jokes a lot of us make.
Hell, at home, even I just want appliance computers that I don't have to continually tweak anymore.
Christina.pierre said 4:48AM on 2-10-2010
my 17 month old nephew can unlock an iphone and call his momma if she's the only one on favorites. CRAZY impressive party trick.
once they get waterproofing down, this thing will be great learning tools for toddlers and children.
darrell said 4:50AM on 2-10-2010
@ Miguelitosd
you're right about Gen Y'ers. a lot of kids don't go past facebook or email or SMS. and that's just fine. people should'nt have to 'learn' something new just to check their email.
everyone in this thread is probably running photoshop right? what about the folks who aren't interested in content creation? the majority know how to fire up firefox, take pics with their webcam, and load their iPod. and that's just fine. this device fits their needs, and may actually enrich their activities.
Big Al said 2:19PM on 2-09-2010
Some of those answers sound more complex and in some cases inacurate. The refrence to msworks just means, 'can I use it for word processing?' which you can with the new Pages app. And for all we know ms will make a word app for it too. Also, given that one can sync with gmail calander, and contacts, without iTunes, and buy media without syncing with iTunes one may never "need" to sync it with a primary system.
Reply
James Barsby said 2:23PM on 2-09-2010
"But what about Microsoft Works? Can I load that on?"
No, but you can load on iWork which is much easier to use and does the same thing.
Reply
Dale said 3:17PM on 2-09-2010
Works is pretty dang easy to use. Not great, but easy.
Mr Lizard said 3:29PM on 2-09-2010
iWork does a big wee all over Works
macserv said 10:50PM on 2-09-2010
iWork on the iPhone will probably open Word/Excel/PowerPoint docs... hopefully it will also export in those formats like it does on the Desktop (sometimes, people just HAVE to have a Word version of your resume).
Jason Martin said 2:35PM on 2-09-2010
I agree with the previous commenters. I see this being the perfect primary (or even only) computer for many people who don't need more than what the iPad offers. It can browse the web, check email, do word processing, and a whole lot more when you consider the gaps that apps fill. That's the lion's share of tasks for most people, and it's 100% of the computing tasks for a lot of people.
So I think many people probably will be able to use it instead of their normal computer.
Reply
Peter said 2:30PM on 2-09-2010
As the first commenter said, "it could indeed replace their desktop computer".
Saying it couldn't is short-selling the device, and not understanding the target audience. In truth, my iPhone has replaced my laptop for many of the things I do every day on a computer. Can the iPad replace all of the functions of laptop? Not today. But it depends on what you normally do, and for the vast majority, I think it'll fully replace a laptop quite nicely.
In my case, about the only thing I anticipate the iPad not being able to replace on my laptop, is Xcode.
Reply
Ed said 2:34PM on 2-09-2010
You forgot to add this video.
Steve Jobs himself already answered all these questions:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sr4pPAn-m5g
Reply
newdeal99 said 2:59PM on 2-09-2010
If only I could tether the data I already pay for on my iPhone and share it with the ipad over Bluetooth. Speaking of ipad I wonder if iPhone firmware 3.1.3 adds ipad to the dictionary I just noticed it doesn't capitalize the P like it does on iPod or iPhone under 3.1.2
Reply
Todd Sieling said 2:43PM on 2-09-2010
I'm looking to the ipad to be the first and only computer my parents could feel comfortable with. They're in their 70s and are very active, but have never taken to computers as we know them.
Reply