iPad (1 Viewer)

[Abraham]

Sold my BB Storm for $130 and my Nokia tablet ends in 30 minutes, currently at $60. So I'm almost 40$ of the way to getting a 16G iPad.

The one I sold you for $100?

Uh, no.

Wasn't mine anyway. Buddy said to give the money to my daughter. Not sure it ever made it to her...but she's gotten it and some a little at a time.

I enjoyed toying with it. The Storm is/was a very cool idea poorly executed. i unlocked it so I immediately worried that upgrading the OS would cause trouble on the unlock, so it was "slow" the whole time I had it owing to the original OS. And as much as I love the two keyboards (i've had a peal and a bold so i'm good typing on both), the clicking mechanism wasn't near fast enough for my typing. I started off using it on weekends and going back to my Bold during the workweek. But in the last two months, I've used it only once and decided I'd get better use out of an iPad. Thanks though. Seems to have worked out for us both.

 

[joey]

One frustrating thing about both the iPad and the iPhone is that the Safari browser doesn't really cache the web pages. So the "back" button doesn't quickly go back to the previous page, it seems to fully reload it. Hopefully they'll sort that out at some point. A minor annoyance but it made me look around for other options... I just tried the free Opera browser for the first time and, while it is very quick at loading pages and going back a page or two and caching and all of that, it has a few draw backs:1) there's not an HD iPad version yet. The iphone version blown up on the ipad screen just doesn't cut it. All that extra screen real estate on the iPad does lead to more content fitting on the screen (and which is taken full advantage of by iPad-native apps), so hopefully an ipad version will be coming soon with enhanced features that take advantage of the extra screen space. 2) maybe I'm just dense but the bookmarking in the Opera iphone app is confusing. The "speed dial" thing vs a regular bookmark had me scratching my head enough on my first attempts to make me quit out of the app and just jump back into the familiar Safari browser.3) there's only 2 zoom modes - one that's a full-page view where the text is illegible, and one that's a zoomed-in view that makes you have to scroll like crazy around the screen. I've only tried Opera on my iPad so maybe this limitation will make more sense as a feature when i try it on the small iPhone screen. If they do release an ipad version, I'd think they must have a more variable zoom feature. That is all. Just thought I'd share.

Read good things about Atomic and (maybe even better) iCab mobile.

Just switched over to Atomic. Thanks for the tip! Some pros and cons vs. Safariros:Tabbed browsingQUICK response from "back" button and tab switching (seems like real caching)Ability to export bookmarks from most browsers on your desktop machine and then import then into AtomicLots of settings and preferences to customize the browser"full screen" mode is very niceDid I mention it is quick?!?!Cons:No bookmark toolbar across top of browser (I've grown to love this feature being added into the iPad version of Safari)Um, that's all I can think ofGreat stuff. Thanks again. This will be replacing Safari in my launch bar.

 

[3C's]

Just when I was getting back on the "list" I had to go and screw it up.

Glad I could help a little.

 

[Otis]

One frustrating thing about both the iPad and the iPhone is that the Safari browser doesn't really cache the web pages. So the "back" button doesn't quickly go back to the previous page, it seems to fully reload it. Hopefully they'll sort that out at some point. A minor annoyance but it made me look around for other options... I just tried the free Opera browser for the first time and, while it is very quick at loading pages and going back a page or two and caching and all of that, it has a few draw backs:1) there's not an HD iPad version yet. The iphone version blown up on the ipad screen just doesn't cut it. All that extra screen real estate on the iPad does lead to more content fitting on the screen (and which is taken full advantage of by iPad-native apps), so hopefully an ipad version will be coming soon with enhanced features that take advantage of the extra screen space. 2) maybe I'm just dense but the bookmarking in the Opera iphone app is confusing. The "speed dial" thing vs a regular bookmark had me scratching my head enough on my first attempts to make me quit out of the app and just jump back into the familiar Safari browser.3) there's only 2 zoom modes - one that's a full-page view where the text is illegible, and one that's a zoomed-in view that makes you have to scroll like crazy around the screen. I've only tried Opera on my iPad so maybe this limitation will make more sense as a feature when i try it on the small iPhone screen. If they do release an ipad version, I'd think they must have a more variable zoom feature. That is all. Just thought I'd share.

Read good things about Atomic and (maybe even better) iCab mobile.

Just switched over to Atomic. Thanks for the tip! Some pros and cons vs. Safariros:Tabbed browsingQUICK response from "back" button and tab switching (seems like real caching)Ability to export bookmarks from most browsers on your desktop machine and then import then into AtomicLots of settings and preferences to customize the browser"full screen" mode is very niceDid I mention it is quick?!?!Cons:No bookmark toolbar across top of browser (I've grown to love this feature being added into the iPad version of Safari)Um, that's all I can think ofGreat stuff. Thanks again. This will be replacing Safari in my launch bar.

I agree with all of this. Losing the bookmark bar at the top hurts -- i also got very used to that and grew to rely on it. Also it is not quite as polished as safari. If they would make a version of safari with tabbed browsing and caching, i would probably make that my go to. For now, I'm split between safari and atomic, but atomic i think just has too many advantages to pass up.

 

[Otis]

Anoher gripe: i cant stream music from my ipad direct to my Airport express that is hooked up to the home theater system. I can control my computer from my iPad, and from there can stream, but cant do it direct. They need a software update or app for this.

 

[goonsquad]

Anoher gripe: i cant stream music from my ipad direct to my Airport express that is hooked up to the home theater system. I can control my computer from my iPad, and from there can stream, but cant do it direct. They need a software update or app for this.

Interesting. Guess it makes since as the iPad is running the iPod player software and not iTunes. That is annoying and needs to be fixed, though.

 

[Otis]

Another update:

My Audi supports the music-over-Bluetooth protocol (A2DP?). I ordered the bluetooth music adapter for my car stereo. I pair up the iPad. Works flawlessly. Now im streaming music from the ipad to the car stereo. Sounds fantastic. A much better music interface than in the car. And it automatically links up whenever we get in the car and the iPad is playing audio. We were approaching the car with the ipad music player going as i was carrying it. Get in, turn on the car, and the audio automatically switches to playing over the car stereo. And the best part is my phone bluetooth hookup to the car still works, so when we got a call, the music muted and the call came over the car system.

So i have yet another use for this thing. The list continues to grow...

 

[Otis]

Also, forgot to post this, but I installed the Whistle VOIP app. Tested it out using the iphone headphones (which have the built-in audio controls but also a built in mic). Tested it out making a call and it sounded and worked great over wifi. Tried it out later over 3G and it worked fine there too. At this rate, why would i bother carrying a cellphone???

Im not crazy about the whistle interface, and it requires you to listen to a commercial with each call (i guess thats why it is free), but im assuming there are some other good voip applications out there. Im also guessing i can maybe integrate this with Google Voice features? Im pretty new to voip. I also saw the Skype app, and im assuming that isa the best one, so maybe i will try that.

 

[Card Trader]

Another update:My Audi supports the music-over-Bluetooth protocol (A2DP?). I ordered the bluetooth music adapter for my car stereo. I pair up the iPad. Works flawlessly. Now im streaming music from the ipad to the car stereo. Sounds fantastic. A much better music interface than in the car. And it automatically links up whenever we get in the car and the iPad is playing audio. We were approaching the car with the ipad music player going as i was carrying it. Get in, turn on the car, and the audio automatically switches to playing over the car stereo. And the best part is my phone bluetooth hookup to the car still works, so when we got a call, the music muted and the call came over the car system. So i have yet another use for this thing. The list continues to grow...

That's actually a pretty nice use of the device.

 

[Otis]

Also, forgot to post this, but I installed the Whistle VOIP app. Tested it out using the iphone headphones (which have the built-in audio controls but also a built in mic). Tested it out making a call and it sounded and worked great over wifi. Tried it out later over 3G and it worked fine there too. At this rate, why would i bother carrying a cellphone??? Im not crazy about the whistle interface, and it requires you to listen to a commercial with each call (i guess thats why it is free), but im assuming there are some other good voip applications out there. Im also guessing i can maybe integrate this with Google Voice features? Im pretty new to voip. I also saw the Skype app, and im assuming that isa the best one, so maybe i will try that.

Anyone else got ideas on this Voip thing?

 

[LokiKx]

Anoher gripe: i cant stream music from my ipad direct to my Airport express that is hooked up to the home theater system. I can control my computer from my iPad, and from there can stream, but cant do it direct. They need a software update or app for this.

Have you tried the Rhapsody app? The iPHone version is nice and the subscription is only 10 a month it's a good solution if you really like music. Pretty sure it should work on the iPad.

 

[Walton Goggins]

10 great ways to get more from your ipad

Did you know that you can stream movies from your PC to the iPad, use it as a secondary monitor, connect USB speakers and keyboards, and browse Websites with actual tabs? Here’s how to get the most from Apple’s iPad.

http://www.pcworld.com/printable/article/i.../printable.html

 

[Walton Goggins]

Slate Wars: 15 Tablets That Could Rival Apple's iPad

The iPad has captured many hearts and minds, but a fleet of rival tablets led by a separatist Android army is about to attack, armed with HD Flash video, multitouch screens, front-facing cameras, multitasking...even Windows 7. Let's take a look.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/192496/slat...pples_ipad.html

Axiotron Modbook Pro 12 of 18

Ask Andreas Haas, the former head of Apple's Newton group, what he thinks of the iPad, and he'll tell you that "it's not a tablet; it's an extension of the iPod Touch." His company, Axiotron, is developing the Modbook Pro--a touch-enabled version of the pen-based, professionally finished Mac tablets that the business creates by converting MacBook laptops. Today you can buy pen-only Modbooks ready-made, or you can send your own MacBook to Axiotron, and the company will transform it into a Modbook for $700. The touch-capable Modbook Pro is should appear later this year, and it will probably cost quite a bit more than that.

 

[jonmhend]

A little birdie told me the wife and kids are getting me an iPad for father's day. The wife wants to know which one to get. I'm thinking the 32G is big enough as I don't have a ton of music to put on there. The question for me comes down to 3G or not.

I really don't know how much data usage I'll have. I'll do quite a bit of surfing the web, getting email, maybe watching a netflix movie or 2 not sure what else I'll do or how I'll end up using it. My concern with the 3G is that I've heard bad things about my local coverage for AT&T (Phoenix). One option is the mifi with Verizon. With that, you can connect up to 5 devices and you essentially become your own walking hotspot. The problem with that is that the Verizon plans only offer a 5 GB plan - no unlimited option (unless I'm missing something). Also that 5GB plan is $60 with a 2 year contract as opposed to the $30 iPad unlimited plan with no contract.

Right now, I'm leaning toward getting the 3G version and if I eventually go with something else for connectivity, I'll just have a $130 add-on that wasn't needed. I'd rather do that then go with no 3G and eventually wish I had.

So, am I missing anything? Have I fairly laid out the options? What are some of you opinions on this?

 

[3C's]

The mifi is pretty nice. I ran through the battery quickly though. you get 4g (sprint) there? That would be the way to go.

 

[Otis]

A little birdie told me the wife and kids are getting me an iPad for father's day. The wife wants to know which one to get. I'm thinking the 32G is big enough as I don't have a ton of music to put on there. The question for me comes down to 3G or not. I really don't know how much data usage I'll have. I'll do quite a bit of surfing the web, getting email, maybe watching a netflix movie or 2 not sure what else I'll do or how I'll end up using it. My concern with the 3G is that I've heard bad things about my local coverage for AT&T (Phoenix). One option is the mifi with Verizon. With that, you can connect up to 5 devices and you essentially become your own walking hotspot. The problem with that is that the Verizon plans only offer a 5 GB plan - no unlimited option (unless I'm missing something). Also that 5GB plan is $60 with a 2 year contract as opposed to the $30 iPad unlimited plan with no contract.Right now, I'm leaning toward getting the 3G version and if I eventually go with something else for connectivity, I'll just have a $130 add-on that wasn't needed. I'd rather do that then go with no 3G and eventually wish I had.So, am I missing anything? Have I fairly laid out the options? What are some of you opinions on this?

From a guy who bought wifi at first, then used it so much that I decided I needed 3G, my advice would be go 3G. The performance of ATT sucks where i am too, but it is just good enough that it is useable on the go --email, apps, whatever. I even made a call from it using a Skype like app the other day, over 3G, and it worked fine. Go 3G.

 

[3C's]

Agree with Otis. Unless you're going to use it exclusively where wifi is available or have a mobile hotspot solution go for the 3g. You'll have more options.

 

[Jojo the circus boy]

can it receive skype calls or only outgoing?

 

[Otis]

can it receive skype calls or only outgoing?

Good question, not sure. I'm assuming if it's running it can receive too -- with jailbreak, you can run skype in the background (I assume the same when 4.0 OS is out this Fall).

 

[adonis]

I was excited about the iPad, but it came out and I saw that it wasn't for me. Neat device though.

 

[Otis]

Good short read here:

The ipad is such a good travel computer that im selling my laptop

Pretty spot on to me. Between this and my main computers at home and work, ive fairly quickly come to the conclusion that i probably don't need a laptop.

 

[Otis]

Supposedly the wifi-Fi Sync app (jailbreak only), which allows you to sync with itunes over your wifi, is available for ipad now, but i cant seem to find it. The version i see on cydia explicitly says it doesn't work for ipad. Anyone know anything more about this?

 

[Abraham]

Is there an expectation that someone (Apple, developers) will improve the resolution on some of the apps? I played with an iPad again yesterday and was a little disappointed that some of the apps have iPod Touch resolution; like the NYTimes app was hard to read.

 

[Otis]

Is there an expectation that someone (Apple, developers) will improve the resolution on some of the apps? I played with an iPad again yesterday and was a little disappointed that some of the apps have iPod Touch resolution; like the NYTimes app was hard to read.

The NYTimes app is crystal clear to me. If you're talking about apps that are made for the touch or iphone and haven't been recreated for iPad yet, so that you have to double the size of them to fill the screen, then I agree. Otherwise I haven't seen the problem you are talking about when viewing apps made for iPad.

 

[Balance]

I STILL have yet to see a single one.

Very odd considering I run around Austin 3 days a week.

 

[jhib]

Supposedly the wifi-Fi Sync app (jailbreak only), which allows you to sync with itunes over your wifi, is available for ipad now, but i cant seem to find it. The version i see on cydia explicitly says it doesn't work for ipad. Anyone know anything more about this?

Last I saw, it was still "imminent." The developer said it would be a free update to existing customers. Developer's twitter.

 

[Otis]

Supposedly the wifi-Fi Sync app (jailbreak only), which allows you to sync with itunes over your wifi, is available for ipad now, but i cant seem to find it. The version i see on cydia explicitly says it doesn't work for ipad. Anyone know anything more about this?

Last I saw, it was still "imminent." The developer said it would be a free update to existing customers. Developer's twitter.

Interesting, thanks. For some of these jailbreak apps I see conflicting info on whether they support iPad yet or not. Same for Winterboard, which I understand is a good app. I was afraid to touch it, since some sources said it didn't work for iPad yet, but then when I downloaded SBSettings it installed Winterboard along with it. I'm still afraid to open the app though...

 

[Jason Bourne]

Is there an expectation that someone (Apple, developers) will improve the resolution on some of the apps? I played with an iPad again yesterday and was a little disappointed that some of the apps have iPod Touch resolution; like the NYTimes app was hard to read.

The NYTimes app is crystal clear to me. If you're talking about apps that are made for the touch or iphone and haven't been recreated for iPad yet, so that you have to double the size of them to fill the screen, then I agree. Otherwise I haven't seen the problem you are talking about when viewing apps made for iPad.

I have not had any problem with an app designed for the iPad.

Some of my original iPhone apps do not look very good on the iPad.

 

[Abraham]

Is there an expectation that someone (Apple, developers) will improve the resolution on some of the apps? I played with an iPad again yesterday and was a little disappointed that some of the apps have iPod Touch resolution; like the NYTimes app was hard to read.

The NYTimes app is crystal clear to me. If you're talking about apps that are made for the touch or iphone and haven't been recreated for iPad yet, so that you have to double the size of them to fill the screen, then I agree. Otherwise I haven't seen the problem you are talking about when viewing apps made for iPad.

Hm....this was a model at Best Buy. Glad to hear that it looks good though via the "real" app.

Was also disappointed not to have Flash. Didn't think it would be a big deal til I went to CNN and wanted to watch an interview and it wouldn't play.

 

[Jason Bourne]

Is there an expectation that someone (Apple, developers) will improve the resolution on some of the apps? I played with an iPad again yesterday and was a little disappointed that some of the apps have iPod Touch resolution; like the NYTimes app was hard to read.

The NYTimes app is crystal clear to me. If you're talking about apps that are made for the touch or iphone and haven't been recreated for iPad yet, so that you have to double the size of them to fill the screen, then I agree. Otherwise I haven't seen the problem you are talking about when viewing apps made for iPad.

Hm....this was a model at Best Buy. Glad to hear that it looks good though via the "real" app.

Was also disappointed not to have Flash. Didn't think it would be a big deal til I went to CNN and wanted to watch an interview and it wouldn't play.

Which interview - I just went to cnn, and pulled up video from the home page. The Mick Jagger interview played, the police sued over girl's death video played, kids view on race played - all the videos I tried played on the ipad.

Maybe they have re-coded video for ipads, but an older video did not play.

 

[Abraham]

Is there an expectation that someone (Apple, developers) will improve the resolution on some of the apps? I played with an iPad again yesterday and was a little disappointed that some of the apps have iPod Touch resolution; like the NYTimes app was hard to read.

The NYTimes app is crystal clear to me. If you're talking about apps that are made for the touch or iphone and haven't been recreated for iPad yet, so that you have to double the size of them to fill the screen, then I agree. Otherwise I haven't seen the problem you are talking about when viewing apps made for iPad.

Hm....this was a model at Best Buy. Glad to hear that it looks good though via the "real" app.

Was also disappointed not to have Flash. Didn't think it would be a big deal til I went to CNN and wanted to watch an interview and it wouldn't play.

Which interview - I just went to cnn, and pulled up video from the home page. The Mick Jagger interview played, the police sued over girl's death video played, kids view on race played - all the videos I tried played on the ipad.

Maybe they have re-coded video for ipads, but an older video did not play.

Weird. I can't imagine there's an update already between floor models and what is for sale. It had a message saying, "The player is not supported" or something like that. I thought it was a Flash thing.

 

[Jason Bourne]

Weird. I can't imagine there's an update already between floor models and what is for sale. It had a message saying, "The player is not supported" or something like that. I thought it was a Flash thing.

I think cnn has updated their content to play without flash - but maybe you were trying to view an old video that had not been re-coded to play. I have an April 3 iPad - so this should be no different than any floor model.

 

[Jason Bourne]

Weird. I can't imagine there's an update already between floor models and what is for sale. It had a message saying, "The player is not supported" or something like that. I thought it was a Flash thing.

I think cnn has updated their content to play without flash - but maybe you were trying to view an old video that had not been re-coded to play. I have an April 3 iPad - so this should be no different than any floor model.

I did just try the Star Wars quiz on cnn - and that is in flash.So, I am guessing CNN has altered some content to be iPad friendly, but not all content has been upgraded.The relative success of the iPad sales in the first couple of months does suggest that many mainstream web sites will be providing flash-free content going forward.

 

[Otis]

Weird. I can't imagine there's an update already between floor models and what is for sale. It had a message saying, "The player is not supported" or something like that. I thought it was a Flash thing.

I think cnn has updated their content to play without flash - but maybe you were trying to view an old video that had not been re-coded to play. I have an April 3 iPad - so this should be no different than any floor model.

I did just try the Star Wars quiz on cnn - and that is in flash.So, I am guessing CNN has altered some content to be iPad friendly, but not all content has been upgraded.

The relative success of the iPad sales in the first couple of months does suggest that many mainstream web sites will be providing flash-free content going forward.

Aaaaand off we go...

 

[Sheriff66]

This is nuts

Apple will not accept cash as tender to buy an iPad

 

[SkyRattlers]

This is nuts

Apple will not accept cash as tender to buy an iPad

Their reasons for doing it are pretty solid, however I would imagine a quick phone call to the district attorney would have them making a quiet exception to their policy.

 

[Otis]

This is nuts

Apple will not accept cash as tender to buy an iPad

I reported that when I was in line to buy my 3G version. They were not allowing payment by cash because so many people were buying a few and then coming back later and buying a few more and then selling them overseas for hundreds in profits. Apple wants to control the release of them overseas, and wants to satisfy the US market first. I think it's smart. F the kinds of slimy dudes who buy up Furbees and sell them at 1000% markup online, or the same with concert tickets, etc. You're just creating a middle man and sucking money out of others' pockets. Get a real job, and go do something useful...

 

[3C's]

This is nuts

Apple will not accept cash as tender to buy an iPad

I reported that when I was in line to buy my 3G version. They were not allowing payment by cash because so many people were buying a few and then coming back later and buying a few more and then selling them overseas for hundreds in profits. Apple wants to control the release of them overseas, and wants to satisfy the US market first. I think it's smart. F the kinds of slimy dudes who buy up Furbees and sell them at 1000% markup online, or the same with concert tickets, etc. You're just creating a middle man and sucking money out of others' pockets. Get a real job, and go do something useful...

Can you not buy multiple iPads using a CC?

 

[3C's]

Here's an iPad app for ya. http://products.wolframalpha.com/ipad/

Demo: http://www.wolframalpha.com/screencast/int...lframalpha.html

 

[Ned]

What accessories would you consider being 'must haves'? My FIL's bday is this weekend and he just got the iPad a couple of weeks ago. Looking to get him a cool accessory or two...

 

[Otis]

Here's an iPad app for ya. http://products.wolframalpha.com/ipad/

Demo: http://www.wolframalpha.com/screencast/int...lframalpha.html

This looks pretty sweet. Downloading now. Hard to resist stuff like this for $1.99.

 

[Otis]

What accessories would you consider being 'must haves'? My FIL's bday is this weekend and he just got the iPad a couple of weeks ago. Looking to get him a cool accessory or two...

The dock is decent if you want to stand it up, say, next to your computer at home while you charge/sync it/use it as a companion to your computer. Trouble is, the Apple case is also probably my most valuable accessory, but it doesn't fit on the dock when in the case. So you have to take it out to use the dock. Both are separately good though.The bluetooth keyboard may be more than you want to shell out, but it works well.Another idea might be an itunes store gift card, which he could probably use (I think) to buy apps, or even music and vids. You can spend tons of loot on apps with some time...

 

[Chunky Soup]

This is nuts

Apple will not accept cash as tender to buy an iPad

I reported that when I was in line to buy my 3G version. They were not allowing payment by cash because so many people were buying a few and then coming back later and buying a few more and then selling them overseas for hundreds in profits. Apple wants to control the release of them overseas, and wants to satisfy the US market first. I think it's smart. F the kinds of slimy dudes who buy up Furbees and sell them at 1000% markup online, or the same with concert tickets, etc. You're just creating a middle man and sucking money out of others' pockets. Get a real job, and go do something useful...

Can you not buy multiple iPads using a CC?

They can track your purchases via CC. They want to make sure you don't buy a zillion and sell them overseas. Check out what happened to this guy.Also, Steve Jobs must read FBG because it looks like the no cash policy was just lifted:

http://www.macrumors.com/2010/05/19/apple-...for-ipad-sales/

 

[3C's]

Here's an iPad app for ya. http://products.wolframalpha.com/ipad/

Demo: http://www.wolframalpha.com/screencast/int...lframalpha.html

This looks pretty sweet. Downloading now. Hard to resist stuff like this for $1.99.

Some pretty cool stuff there. And they'll keep adding to it. Really should be free or .99 since it's still beta, but you're loaded.

 

[3C's]

This is nuts

Apple will not accept cash as tender to buy an iPad

I reported that when I was in line to buy my 3G version. They were not allowing payment by cash because so many people were buying a few and then coming back later and buying a few more and then selling them overseas for hundreds in profits. Apple wants to control the release of them overseas, and wants to satisfy the US market first. I think it's smart. F the kinds of slimy dudes who buy up Furbees and sell them at 1000% markup online, or the same with concert tickets, etc. You're just creating a middle man and sucking money out of others' pockets. Get a real job, and go do something useful...

Can you not buy multiple iPads using a CC?

They can track your purchases via CC. They want to make sure you don't buy a zillion and sell them overseas. Check out what happened to this guy.Also, Steve Jobs must read FBG because it looks like the no cash policy was just lifted:

http://www.macrumors.com/2010/05/19/apple-...for-ipad-sales/

I have a few CC's. They can't stop me!!!No cash really didn't make a lot of sense, but I understand the desire to keep people from buying up a bunch and charging double when they're sold out. Was it no cash at Apple only or did they attempt to enforce that at Best Buy too?

 

[One]

ullsPantsBackUp:

Hey fellas, YouPorn is now iPad ready.

Is Nothing Sacred? Porn Comes to the iPad

Steve Jobs may want you to believe that the iPad is free from pornography, but the folks at YouPorn beg to differ.

Jonny Evans, Computerworld

Apple CEO, Steve Jobs, generated headlines this weekend with his declaration that the iPad brings you "Freedom From Porn".

The big news?

It doesn't.

Adult website YouPorn today began rolling out its own iPad-ready service, offering a selection of its adult-only clips in the iPad-friendly HTML5 format. You can access this using any HTML5-compatible web browser on any device.

That's bad news for Adobe and Flash -- adult content being re-tooled to HTML5 inevitably cuts chunks at that firm's multimedia advantage -- but it is also bad news for Apple and its stance against porn.

This anti-porn crusade was recently revealed as part of a late night email exchange between blogger Ryan Tate and Apple CEO Steve Jobs.

Jobs outlined his vision of a porn-free future, "Freedom from programs that steal your private data. Freedom from programs that trash your battery. Freedom from porn. Yep, freedom. The times they are a changin', and some traditional PC folks feel like their world is slipping away. It is," he wrote.

But has Apple the right to decide what users experience beyond the user experience the company provides?

Censorship is an exercise in self-discipline. A society is usually at its strongest when individuals collectively decide what is and is not acceptable. This is called "consensus".

As fellow-blogger Mitch Wagner wrote this week, "I'm uncomfortable with multi-billion-dollar corporations setting themselves up as the arbiter of that which is fit or unfit to view."

Prohibition of any kind is ineffective. There's countless examples of this. As any kind of activity is driven underground, it also becomes harder to police.

On the iPad, the fact that adult content providers can't deliver their product as age-verified apps means they are moving to make it available online in HTML5. This makes it more accessible, not less.

I'm not saying easily available adult content online is a good thing. But it is already out there. Parents must take responsibility and actively take steps to prevent children accessing such material. This site may help achieve that.

These are heavy responsibilities.

It isn't just about sexual censorship. Apple has also seen instances in which its App Store team have censored political content. For example, political cartoonist, Mark Fiore, who saw his satirical iPhone cartoon app initially rejected by Apple's people.

Apple could easily create an age verification system. It just doesn't want to.

Some argue that as this is Apple's storefront the company has the right to choose what to sell.

Open to question is if that logic still applies in the event the company builds a dominant market position.

What is most remarkable about Apple's determination to apply a moral purpose via its store is its complete futility. Censorship doesn't work.

Enforced censorship disempowers a population from finding its own moral path -- some argue prohibition makes that which is prohibited more popular.

Surely Apple doesn't want to do that?

 

[Ned]

What accessories would you consider being 'must haves'? My FIL's bday is this weekend and he just got the iPad a couple of weeks ago. Looking to get him a cool accessory or two...

The dock is decent if you want to stand it up, say, next to your computer at home while you charge/sync it/use it as a companion to your computer. Trouble is, the Apple case is also probably my most valuable accessory, but it doesn't fit on the dock when in the case. So you have to take it out to use the dock. Both are separately good though.The bluetooth keyboard may be more than you want to shell out, but it works well.Another idea might be an itunes store gift card, which he could probably use (I think) to buy apps, or even music and vids. You can spend tons of loot on apps with some time...

Cool, thanks! Gift cards are usually the last resort for me, but I figured I'd get him one for itunes or even just to the Apple store if I couldn't find anything. I'll need to go snooping around to see if he already got the Apple case or not.

 

[goonsquad]

ullsPantsBackUp:

Hey fellas, YouPorn is now iPad ready.

Is Nothing Sacred? Porn Comes to the iPad

Steve Jobs may want you to believe that the iPad is free from pornography, but the folks at YouPorn beg to differ.

Jonny Evans, Computerworld

Apple CEO, Steve Jobs, generated headlines this weekend with his declaration that the iPad brings you "Freedom From Porn".

The big news?

It doesn't.

This guy is a dumb ### and as usual COMPLETELY misinterprets an Apple quote. Jobs was speaking specifically about Apple's limiting of adult content ON THE APPLE APP STORE. Neither he nor Apple ever said anything about limiting what you can surf on the internet (as long as it's not Flash). You can surf all the porn you want on an iPad. You could always do this on the iPhone. These freaking hack journalists need to at least check some facts.THERE IS NO CENSORSHIP. Apple has every right to control what they sell in their store, just as every other major brick and mortar or online retailer. Target, WalMart, Best Buy... none of them sell porn. Why doesn't anyone cry CENSORSHIP over that? WalMart is the largest DVD retailer in the nation, why don't they stock hardcore? Is it censorship? What about our First Amendment rights?!?

 

[3C's]

I'd imagine what Jobs meant was freedom from viruses/malware that steal personal data and fill your screen with porn, not censoring what you choose to do or where you choose to surf. Not sure what it may mean regarding the app store. Any X rated stuff in the app store? I imagine not, unless Playboy or something like it has an app.

 

[goonsquad]

I'd imagine what Jobs meant was freedom from viruses/malware that steal personal data and fill your screen with porn, not censoring what you choose to do or where you choose to surf. Not sure what it may mean regarding the app store. Any X rated stuff in the app store? I imagine not, unless Playboy or something like it has an app.

The entire conversation this is taken from was in regards to Apple's App store and their approval process. From the article above, it's clear that writer understands this but is hell bent on making it about Apple overstep their bounds. Which is a complete joke. Every company has the right and responsibility to decide what forms of media they allow into their stores. Market position doesn't matter, WalMart is the world's largest retailer and they are known for upholding a moral compass over what products they sell. Just like any other company, Apple sets limits on their storefront and lets the internet cover the rest.This writer is being intentionally deceptive.

On the iPad, the fact that adult content providers can't deliver their product as age-verified apps means they are moving to make it available online in HTML5. This makes it more accessible, not less.

I'm not saying easily available adult content online is a good thing. But it is already out there. Parents must take responsibility and actively take steps to prevent children accessing such material. This site may help achieve that.

These are heavy responsibilities.

It isn't just about sexual censorship. Apple has also seen instances in which its App Store team have censored political content. For example, political cartoonist, Mark Fiore, who saw his satirical iPhone cartoon app initially rejected by Apple's people.

Apple could easily create an age verification system. It just doesn't want to.

Some argue that as this is Apple's storefront the company has the right to choose what to sell.

Open to question is if that logic still applies in the event the company builds a dominant market position.

What is most remarkable about Apple's determination to apply a moral purpose via its store is its complete futility. Censorship doesn't work.

Enforced censorship disempowers a population from finding its own moral path -- some argue prohibition makes that which is prohibited more popular.

Surely Apple doesn't want to do that?