Does the competition really think the iPad is a threat?

[Evan]

As we just posted on the news stream, it seems that Bill Gates is the latest voice to be heard in regards to Apple's tablet. And while many people may not be surprised that Mr. Gates isn't impressed with the iPad, it does raise some interesting questions.

From nearly every major manufacturer, that has any grounds to compete against Apple's iPad, we've heard how the tablet is nothing more than a large iPod Touch, and that it will not amount to much at all. It may have even shown a few companies out there (like Sony), that not only will the iPad push more people to their mobile gaming platform, but that Sony could jump into the tablet industry as well.

My question to you all, is whether or not you believe that these companies, and their executive officers, are simply down playing the iPad's entrance into the market, in hopes that they can get into everyone's brain and decrease desire for the product. After all, as in with the iPod Touch and iPhone, for a lot of people it takes actually playing with the device to fall in love with it. Of course, this is how every piece of tech should be handled, so no surprises there.

What do you think? Are these industry leaders actually afraid of the iPad?

[Angel]

I don't think these industry leaders are afraid of iPad at this moment because not every person would love to have this piece of new device. However, if the reviews/feedback of iPad is good and the market needs for iPad is positive, may be this is the time for them to think of other new devices to compete with Apple.

[Evan]

I think you're right, Angel. I think at this point, the CEOs and Executives of these other companies know that Apple has a huge share in the consumer's mind, but right now the iPad is an untested and non-reviewed product. So, they're banking on this. If they can get into the customer's head, making them believe that the iPad isn't worth their time even before it launches, they have a better chance of having their own tablet devices looked at later in the year.

[DomG]

Yep, they don't fear it YET.

Recall what Gates admitted about the iPhone after getting one in his hands. i believe it was something like "Oh my God, we didn't aim high enough"

For anyone who read my hello to the forum this may be a repeat.

I have seen and used what they promote. It Windows with its classic interface with all its issues.....with a Pen enabled for the interface. Oh sure they drop in an App or two especially written for the pen but all in all its Windows.

The Desktop OS does not lend itself to mobile operations. Apple shifted the viewpoint to mobile enabled apps and tested them ...yes I said tested.....on the iPhone and iTouch. Even they were somewhat suprised.

With that focus and renewed focus on big screens due to the iPad...I think we have and appliance ....yes, I said appliance.....which can actually get work done. its sheds all the unneeded Window dressing (pun intended) and gets down to business......even if your don't use the iPad for business (partial pun intended).

Just let the iPad market mature for say 1 year....and I suspect they will be shaking in their boots.

[niuniu]

Very useful post, I am new to the offtopic game and these pointers are very helpful I had no idea that you were punished for duplicate content I will keep that in mind, and submitting competitors content to bring them down is genius lol keep up the good work

[niuniu]

It looks good and the razor-sharp display retina seems even more luster. At the end of the day I put on my black iPhone 4, and now, the jailbreak for iPad 2 appears imminent, I will get another iPad 2 - in. Grrrrrr ... .... free MOV Converter Kind of stupid to kill these great apps especially when they are making money for both the developers and Apple.

[niuniu]

Another vote for RoboForm (2Go) ... I use it on my iPhone and have it start automatically on a U3-enabled USB stick, the program when I plug in the drive. wmv to flv Sounds like Rene is just bing a parrot. I used a Xoom and currently use a iPad. While the iPad may be fully baked, it is lacking in so many ingredients. It's like a done sugar cookie compared to double fudge chocolate chip sweetness that the other tablet makers are putting out with OSes actually built for a tablet. Sure they may need some further development or "baking," but their already so much better than that stale old sugar cookie that hasn't changed much in years. iOS is extremely limited and it's really showing. I will be picking up a honeycomb tablet, just not the Xoom.

[niuniu]

Maybe it's just me, but I wouldn't trust my slippery iPhone 4 to just an Invisible Shield. wmv to mov mac Simple, use infifolder and that keeps your iPhone clean with just 5 folder digesting all your icons

[niuniu]

It looks great and the razor-sharp Retina display seems to shine even more. At the end of the day, I prefer my black iPhone 4 and now that the jailbreak for iPad 2 appears imminent, I shall get another iPad 2 �C in . Grrrrrr����. wmv to mp4 video converter To be fair, considering the numbers they need to produce, they could be doing far worse. I suppose next time they could have even MORE suppliers exclusively making iPad/iPhone parts and nothing else. Or Foxconn could open yet another enormous city/factory.