I wrote on Apri 30 that I got a Thinkpad X200 TabletPC instead of an iPad 3G. The traffic I had on this post was above average. So, in the spirit of CNET news sharing his post on iPad experience, I'll write a little comparison.
CNET News blogger Brooke Crothers shares his iPad caveat.
Here's my second take on the iPad: Prospective buyers be warned; it's not a solution to any burning computing problem I know of. At least not yet.
As I wrote last week, with the glaring exception of no Adobe Flash support, I like the iPad's design. At the risk of repeating what many others have said: It's gorgeous, sleek, very portable, and easy to use.
Here is the picture of Brooke's iPad with the stand and keyboard.
(Credit: Brooke Crothers)
Here is my Thinkpad X200 Tablet with a Logitech MK605 stand, keyboard, and mouse. It's nice having the mouse. I have a logitech web cam which is better than I thought for skype calls. CDRW/DVD is in the dock. Video out. A total of 6 USB ports.
Plus the screen is 8 inches above the desk vs. iPad at desk height.
And, Pen input.
Brooke shares some of his frustrations.
Now the bad news. Though I've tried to use the iPad as much as possible, that's getting harder and harder to do. In addition to porting it around the house to read news, watch videos, and do e-mail, I've endeavored to use it on the road too (I have the 3G version). So far, it has turned out to be only marginally useful.
My X200 Tablet is great. No complaints. I don't have the battery life of the iPad, but I am rarely away from power that long.
Brooke is more frustrated as he tries to use the iPad instead of a laptop.
It seems--so far, at least--that more often than not I'm banging into its limitations, which usually sends me scurrying back to my laptop. "Hmm, I could be doing this a lot more easily on my laptop?" is usually what comes to mind. Not always, but usually.
The problem is that too many things are done more efficiently on a laptop. And I won't go through the obvious laundry list of what most people use a portable computer for.
That said, I understand I'm overreaching: It's not meant to serve as a laptop replacement. And, further, I understand that there are plenty of people who use the iPad as an e-reader, gaming device, and generally as an enhanced platform for iPhone/iPod apps, as just some examples.
I am sure there are plenty of Mac lovers who are now carrying an iPhone, iPad and MacBook Pro when they travel.
For those of you who think the iPad is in a class by itself. The NY Yankees classify the iPad as a laptop and are not allowed in the stadium.
Yankees ban iPad
Wherever you feel the need to have your iPad, I am happy. So, it seems, is the TSA. The New York Yankees, though, seem to float on a different boat.
A report from Yahoo Sports suggests that the Yankees have decided in all their infinite, historic wisdom that the iPad falls under its "No laptops" policy.
Spacekatgal, a poster on the IGN boards and who first caught Yahoo Sports' attention, said: "The security people told me it was not allowed and I was turned away at the gates. Why on earth would they have this policy? Terrorism concerns? I couldn't get an answer. I snuck it in under my jacket...I bring it to Fenway all the time and they don't care."
Yes, Boston's hallowed home is renowned for its relaxed and friendly demeanor. And the old "under the jacket" trick was first perfected by Stephen Colbert at the Grammys.
I know the Giants don't score many runs, but this was a little strange.
(Credit: Chris Matyszczyk/CNET)
