Why Do You Need a Computer to Use an iPad?
One of the first disappointments a brand new iPad owner often faces is the fact they can’t use their magic new toy right out of the box. New iPad users turn on their device and what greets their eyes? An iTunes activation screen; the same screen iPod touch and iPhone users see. To setup an iOS device, whether iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone, you need a computer running a compatible version of iTunes.
But why?
Other smartphones, tablets, and media players don’t require a connection to a computer before you can use them. Moreover, iPad users learned recently what iPhone and iPod touch users already know: to upgrade their device’s OS, they again need a computer. Other devices can do updates over the air. Software updates on a Mac or PC don’t require a second computer, so why should iOS devices?
The initially obvious answer is the fact you need an account with iTunes to fully use an iDevice. That account manages the purchases you make on your iOS device. Since many users already have an iTunes account, this argument doesn’t make sense. A new iOS device owner should simply be able to enter their account info (or create an account on the spot) when turning on the device for the first time. Instead, new owners have to hook up to a “real” computer.
Again, why?
Of course, having a computer synced with your iOS device is handy. You can back up your data and quickly sync data from your computer. Documents, music, movies, pictures, calendars and contacts all easily get transferred from the desktop. However, with our lives existing more and more in the cloud these days, transferring this data via a computer running iTunes seems to defeat the independence of the iPad. With the camera connector kit, the argument has even less relevance. We can use the iPad anywhere, but we have to race to a computer with an Internet connection to do updates or move content back and forth.
Why? Why? Why?
Cynics would say that it’s about making sure that iPad sales don’t cannibalize traditional computer sales. With Apple’s market share though, sales shifting from desktops and laptops over to iPads is actually a benefit to Apple as evidenced by the recent earnings conference call when this issue was discussed.
There are probably a lot of PC users with older Windows machines who would be happy to replace their old PC with an iPad, which would handle almost all their computer needs. Apple’s “walled garden” approach really shines through for these users. No worries about competing browsers and email clients, downloading and installing software (even in the Mac universe, how many times do you see people running apps off the disk image rather than dragging it to the Applications folder?) Malware isn’t currently a concern, and the parental controls are quite handy. The price helps bridge the digital divide, making powerful computing accessible to everyone. That goal was one the motivators of the netbook movement. Apple changed the rules and added a new one: this magical and revolutionary device still needs a traditional and mainstream copy of iTunes running somewhere for setup and maintenance. Again…why?
Because Steve said so, that’s why!
Ultimately the iPad will probably gain independence. But for now, regardless of logic, market conditions, or technology, Steve Jobs sees the iPad as a companion rather than a replacement for the traditional desktop or laptop. It’s both something more and something less than the typical computer. Will we see the day when the umbilical cord between traditional operating systems and the iOS devices is cut? One can dream.
Do you think iOS devices should require a separate computer? Why or why not?
Related GigaOM Pro Research (subscription required): Can Anyone Compete With the iPad?
All you really need is a local apple store for setup and maintenance. If you don’t have a computer, just go visit the personal shopper for setup or the genius bar for an update. No computer required.
That is somewhat inconvenient considering one has to make an appointment at the Genuis Bar.
So what you are telling me is that if I dont have a computer but want to update y should go to the f***ing store to do that too? That’s not an answer or a solution! You are just another fanboy happy to be screwed at!
Calm the f*ck down innit.
Andrew Macdonald – maybe you shouldn’t worship at the Apple altar so much. To HAVE to go into an Apple store to get the device set up is a bug, not a feature. Especially for power users who pride themselves on being self sufficient with computers. Frankly it’s an insult to my intelligence.
Sorry if the sarcasm wasn’t clear. I guess it was a bit too subtle.
Ha-ha… yes, perhaps a bit too subtle. … a raised eyebrow would’ve sold it perfectly though.
I tink that as Apple moves into the cloud the iPad will have more opportunity to become independent.
What you think does’nt seem worth a rat’s wank in a firestorm
When I opened up my two ipads, I did not have the disappointment when I opened the box and had to activate the device. Maybe because I have iPhones, I don’t know. In any event, I am pretty sure apple is working on the cloud infrastructure to accomplish what you wish for, but I am sure that effort is quite complex. I would love to have that kind of solution by this fall, but my guess is it will be sometime early next year. I feel certain it is coming though. With that said, I don’t look to the iPad as a computer replacement, so it is not a big deal to me. And like Logan said, the apple store said they are glad to activate the iPad for you.
Agreed. No doubt Apple absolutely understands the need for moving to the cloud. I think we will see the iPad ( and other idevices) rely more on MobileMe rather than the desktop very soon. It only makes sense for both the user and for Apple. With their new, massive data center going up in NC, cutting the USB cable (or chains) is inevitable.
I wish it could operate independently of a computer. It would be the perfect “computer” for my Dad if 1) it could print directly to a wireless or networked printer and 2) it could be synced and backed up wirelessly without requiring a desktop/laptop as an intermediary. Of course that means wireless software updates as well. I’d buy an iPad in a moment if such were the case now.
Good to find someone that agrees this would be a good thing. :-)
I completely concur.
My in-laws are wanting to get their first computer so they can use the internet and to print out stuff online. That’s it. Their budget is $500.
I would put them in a base model iPad in a heartbeat, if it could sync/update without a computer and print.
So now I am stuck looking at bottom of the barrel Win7 laptops trying to decide if they should get a Celeron or a Core Duo (or some AMD chip). ARG.
Don’t do it. Those low powered devices suck. I bought one for my mom and even with just XP on it, it’s just so slow that she really doesn’t use it.
Just get a desktop PC. If is for the family just have them set it up in a shared room.
It isn’t free to print from the iPad yet, but there are apps that do it. Networked printers and all.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/printcentral-for-ipad/id366020849?mt=8
I just got my mom (70 yrs old) an iPad because she wanted a PC to check her work e-mail from while at home. Perfect cheap solution — iPad.
I agree with the complaints though, printing should already exist, and iTunes sync should be optional. Although, if getting these new features meant delaying the launch of the device, I’m glad they launched without them. My mom hates computers because something always goes wrong and she can’t get around it but I have a feeling she is going to love reading the news and checking her e-mail on this one. The Walled Garden is perfect for her.
A list of apps for printing…
http://www.appcraver.com/how-to-print-from-the-ipad/
You can’t back it up entirely but an iPad can access 2GB for free on Dropbox.
Honestly I don’t think this is a policy issue, it’s a pure technological issue. Apple doesn’t support full iTunes functionality on the cloud yet. When they do, the iPad will be completely free of the PC.
Aren’t technological issues simply policy issues: do we want to engineer out this problem or simply live with it?
You are an idiot.
Dave – you’re certainly not the idiot here. Consumers are not the idiots, either. Idiots are those that meekly take it or leave it.
I agree. I dealt with the possibilities for an iPad that was independent of any other computer at length in a blog entry just prior to the release of the iPad, and having one has only strengthened my belief that the iPad will only reach full potential when this is possible.
http://couchguy.tumblr.com/post/478056351/free-the-ipad
I almost never bother to sync unless there us a system update.
It’s frustrating. It appears Apple still doesn’t get the cloud. I get the feeling they’re going to deliver a new cloud experience in the near future. Why else build that huge data center? Apple will eventually decouple their mobile devices from the computer.
I’m certainly all for making the iPad usable 100% independently. I’d be happy to give one to my dad in Bulgaria if that didn’t open a can of worms in having to troubleshoot whatever wretched PC he has at home.
However, it may be that some of the critics here are not getting typical iDevice usage scenarios worse than Apple not getting the cloud:
Take me — I have the 64GB iPad version, subscribe to tons of video podcasts (TED, 5by5, etc.) as well as generating/synching tons of music videos/TV shows from my EyeTV DVR software.
I routinely swap in/out 2-3 GB worth of data when synching my iPad — on a *daily* basis. Attempting that stunt over the air would be a sick joke — yet with wired iTunes synching it is a trouble free and completely painless. A less sophisticated user would attempt to synch GBs worth of data OTA and when that fails or takes unreasonably long, they will blame Apple and the iPad.
Lose, break your iPad — if you synch nightly like I do, you risk losing nothing at all when it comes to precious content. If you were downloading podcasts or iTunes content directly to the iPad — Oops — no backup, it’s either gone for good or it will take weeks to download it all again.
Your iDevices need to be charged. If you simply plug them into your computer instead of the wall to charge, synching happens as a bonus. Unless you are in a non-computer usage scenario, which is rare enough, what’s the big deal?
One step towards un-tethering the beast would be to allow wireless syncing.
I now syncing across the air is slower the across the wire, but with a smart download system that would take action the background when the right network become available (and would stop when it was lost, only to resume later) would be a great improvement.
After all, we get mail over the air!?
How does wireless syncing in your opinion differ from MobileMe?
Because it doesn’t require a £59 a year subscription?
Mobile me doesn’t sync apps and backup your apps that you pay for. It does do music, videos. It does have iDisk for things like this but iDisk sucks, and would not let you really add any files outside of the apple realm and in reality we all have files outside the apple realm we need to sync, backup and work with. I personally never attach the ipad to my computer. I store nothing on my iPad. I use air video and with my 3G ipad I can watch any video anywhere. For files i use quick office and drop box, drop box is really the way it should be as now i can edit and use all my files from all my devices and it auto updates those files i edit on all my systems.
In retrospect the ipad is a bit too much of a closed system to really be an independent device. The fact is you still need to plug it into charge so why not plug it into your computer to charge and backup all your apple data.
Why don’t you just mail Apple your paypal user id and pw and get it the fuck over with
Of course it’s stupid, and there’s never been any need for it. Just another reason I prefer Android to iOS.
No, that’s called iPhone envy. It’s built into every ‘android’ user. Every time Apple is criticized there they are, whittering on about how they ‘prefer’ their also-ran copycat device.
What the fudge are you doing trolling an Apple fan website reading about the iPad if you don’t like iOS and use ‘android’???
What Neil, afraid of another point of view?
I agree with the article that it is frustrating that it can’t function completely independently of a computer. I think the one benefit of having to connect it to iTunes on another computer is the ability to add and remove programs and media quickly. I would imagine adding a feature-length film to your iPad over wifi would take considerably longer than dragging it onto your iPad in iTunes.
From a marketing stand, Apple is doing the right thing. But for the end user it might not be the greatest satisfaction. If you want to work in the cloud, you have to pay $99 a year to make it over the cloud. There have been recent signs of there being limited use on MobileMe for some people that don’t want to pay for the cloud.
I agree the iPad should be able to be independent, and apart from the initial setup, which can be done in-store by Apple, it can be used independently of a computer.
However, even my 64Gb iPad can’t get close to hold everything I need. My photo library stands at 51Gb and my iTunes collection is 295Gb! Neither of which I would like to contemplate uploading to the Cloud, and a lot of the time my 3G (or Edge) connection just isn’t up to the job of being able to access that data fast, or reliably, enough – nor would I trust “The Cloud” with my very personal photo collection that has taken me years to amass and potentially someone else a second to loose! It simply isn’t viable for most people to use an iPad as their primary device, and Apple understand that.
The question is not if an iPad is suitable as a primary device. Sadly it isn’t. The question is why we need a computer with iTunes as the single lifeline of the iPad. Why can’t it function on it’s own? Why can’t I connect it to any computer from any person and just drag and drop files onto it?
The answer is clear: that would cut into the iTunes store’s sales.
You can actually drag and drop files onto it via iTunes – which will convert it into the correct format for you. Absolutely no need to buy your songs/films etc through iTunes. I buy a lot from iTunes, but most of my music is from CD’s and some films are ripped from DVD’s I own but wanted to watch on the iPad/iPhone. There is no obligation or requirement for you to buy only iTunes content. If they cared about cutting into their iTunes sales, why would they (heavily) promote apps such as Netflix, Air Video etc. – all of which cut into iTunes sales.
The reason they don’t let you do it from any computer / any device is that for iTunes bought media (and apps), are DRM’d so that you can’t just buy one film/app/tv show and share it around 100 friends, or post it onto the Internet for everyone else to download to put on their iPad. You can however do that with non-iTunes bought content.
Get yourself a NAS, put some discs in it, and access it via a wireless Samba/NFS/SFTP/Whatever connection. Let’s face it the iPad is only really good at data presentation, okay at data creation, and terrible at data storage.
You don’t really need to sync with a computer (except for activation) as long as you buy all your iPad content in the iTunes store (music, tv shows and books). And isn’t that the whole purpose of the iPad? To chain the consumer to Apple’s online stores?
Maybe that’s why syncing is so inconvenient and confusing. We’re not even meant to sync our iDevice. Just buy everything directly from Apple and you’re spared the whole syncing nightmare!
I, too, would recommend the iPad to several less than computer literate acquaintances if only it could be used stand-alone. The lack of full backup – whether to the cloud or local storage – is also an issue if you do not have another computer. I know of the iDisk app for explicit file backup to MobileMe, but that isn’t a substitute for Time Machine. I would have liked the iPad keyboard dock to have had a USB socket into which a USB memory stick or a Time Capsule could be plugged, and either of these used with a Time Machine app. Read http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4079 about iPad backups – iTunes is needed (of course).
As it is, my computer newbie acquaintances are buying Windows netbooks because they are inexpensive, but finding them slow and difficult to use. After finding that the netbook is too slow, their thoughts tend to buying a more expensive Windows laptop (often because it is what their children or friends have).
Such a missed opportunity for Apple, though they’ve sold so many iPads to people who already have computers.
Being so frustrated is not healthy :) Just buy an Android and you’ll have updates over the air. I’ll stick with iOS thanks :)
>I would have liked the iPad keyboard dock to have had a USB socket into
>which a USB memory stick or a Time Capsule could be plugged, and
>either of these used with a Time Machine app.
And, of course, that the Time Machine app would work by wireless to a Time Capsule. (For initial backups of a well-used iPad, the ability to make a wired connection is essential if the backup is going to finish in any reasonable time.)
My other gripe is needing a WiFi connection to download anything over 20MB! There should be a prompt to say ‘this app is xMB, are you sure you want to download it over 3G?’.
The simple answer. Jobs wants you to buy Macs.
I am a developer for the iPad, and in the beginning I didn’t feel all that good about an iPad. I resisted the need to purchase one. Then a client needed me to convert a program for the iPad so I purchased a 32G WiFi. At first I could not see the need for the device, then I started to comb iTunes for useful apps. After a month I have found the utility of the iPad to be much better than I ever expected. I have 4 new apps built and going through Apples review process. The utility is there if you look for it. I write apps that are for business and productivity. You can see what I am doing at this web site. http://sites.google.com/site/appsbyvaughnclement/
troll, you comments have nothing to do with the article, you are trying to advertise yourself. write something abut the article or post your nonsense elsewhere.
That’s called putting foot in you own mouth.
I’ve just bought an ipod touch as a gift to one of my nieces.
It was very disappointing to me (actually to her) that the ipod doesn’t work out of the box. There is no technical reason for it (i am a software programmer). Only monopoly reason.
Nicola
Let’s see. Is the ultimate purpose of computing devices to make the world a better place? No the ultimate purpose of computing devices is to SELL hardware and software. And is the case with any drug dealer to keep the addict attached to one dealer. This explains the MS model and Apple model of design and release. And don’t underestimate either Bill Gates or Steve Jobs (Hmm, gates…jobs. Why does this seem appropriate?). They may not be the best tech folks (long story goes with this on another post) but they ARE the best business and marketing folks with a drive to dominate the market (see dealer above). So bottom line is bottom line and Steve did not want to kill BIG OS machine sales. We’ll have to wait for these guys to decide when to make the transition to real portable devices.
People are dumb. The iphone has these sorts of issues all over it. Other devices are much more user friendly. However people still by products because of the *branding* and not due to the functionality.
I agree! Even though there is a certain quality to Apple’s products, it doesn’t make them any better.
People still dream that Apple can cough up bleeding–edge and innovative products. It can’t.
Technology is at a standstill, the tech Apple uses is also found in my 3 year old (since manufacture) Dell Mini 9 laptop.
i dream of a day when steve has his products(blessings) everywhere. you cannot get a bett product than apple, or a smarter man than steve.
So many people have forgotten the failure of trying to replace a computer with a tablet. To avoid such a pitfall Apple has smartly said this is not a computer replacement and does not want users to think of it that way. At least not yet. So should it be able to work separate of a computer, yes. But as for most things Apple does it wants to change the way you think before they change what you do.
This is quite ironic considering that Mr Jobs seem to believe that we won’t need computers anymore in the future.
My opinion? My (quite bulky) i7 4gb ati5790 – based workstation can take on any number of those low-powered and slow iPads (iphone or whatever crap they come up with).
Mr Jobs may have an army that produced nearly a quarter of a million apps, but my PC can do way better; I can do whatever I want with it, regardless of platform; windows linux osx or even a ti calc emulator.
Oh, and I can roll out a new “app” any time I want, without worrying whether some *particular* guy’s policies like it or not.
Was going to buy the ipad but am gonna wait for the next version. Maybe and hopefully that version will be closer to the fact that I can use the ipad instead of a tablet .
Its great and all, but it still lacks a lot.
And why no flash, let the users decide.
The next few versions will be more stand alone than the ones now, for sure.
It’s because the iPad is a media player, not a general use personal computer replacement and trying to replace the latter with the former is like using a toothbrush to clean your entire bathroom.
Yeah, it’s like George Lucas with Annakin and C3PO. Cause he said so. Nice position to be in.
You make an excellent point. Sure it’s hardly a hassle to find a computer with iTunes, but with a device as robust and integrated as the iPad… why?
Of course, I have been wanting wireless sync with my ipod touch for a while too. Same question… why???
* Lack of WiFi for most people
* Expensive data plans, syncing GB of data is not cheap
* Computer as back-up, in addition to the cloud (MobileMe, Google)
* Limited Storage on the device, cannot have all your content anyway
* Still working on their cloud infrastructure
* As most people have pointed out an iPad is not a PC replacement, not yet anyway…
Agreed. iPad is a satellite device dependent on a computer. That was a disappointment to me. I can only imagine that, as you say, that was done so as to protect core product sales.
You don’t need a computer. Take it to an Apple store and they will happily activate it for you. Done
So funny! I’m an Android user, but finally got an iPad, because I should learn about this user paradigm and don’t want to wait for a tablet. After trying not to listen to buyers remorse and reading all the “gotchas,” I finally opened the box (now I face the restocking fee). I was floored to see the graphic of the connector to computer/iTunes. I assumed (wrongly) that you didn’t need a computer. And as an infrequent iTunes user (I have an original iPod), I then had to go through the process of downloading 108MB of iTunes.
I’m glad that I can download apps through the air, but it’s sure nice when my Android just gets updated on the fly. However, every device is going to have pros and cons, but it was less user-friendly than I expected.
I hope the day when you must use a computer is necessary. I hope Apple recognizes that they are behind in this area and need to play catch up. Perhaps when that data center in North Carolina is done?
One can hope as it’s a bit silly to require that. Have it as an option to back up, sure. Although require just to use it? A bit out dated.
My father-in-law bought one while he was on vacation only to find out it needed a pc to activate. He was pissed.
if he would just trust in the wisdom of steve he would find tranquility…
Yes, that was exactly my reaction as I unwrapped my new iPod in the car. “Ugh, I have to go home and plug this thing in.” I think the reason is Apple see’s this as a “pod” device, that is an extension of the (mother ship) home computer. And there is a certain inescapable logic to it: there is no way to back-up the device on its own, and thus no way to restore it if you get into trouble. The relatively small “home drive” of 16/32/64 GB also sort of begs that one have a method of offloading content that isn’t currently needed but may be reloaded at another time. Still, I would like to see the iPad work right out of the box, making iTunes syncing an optional (or at least, delayed) step. I’m hoping iPad 2 has real USB ports and can support external drives. And, yes, I do think tablet computers will displace the need for laptops for a lot of people.
yeah, people that don’t need REAL computers. In other words people who surf the web, watch videos, or listen to music. Entertainment stuff.
People who still need to actually do constructive stuff, create something, get work done, do homework, play REAL games, etc, will still use a laptop.
I would venture that the real reason is control. Apple (thus Steve) wants to make sure that every user starts with an iTunes account and that they can be tracked and monitored for the life of the device to levels even Google can only dream of.
I do not have any Apple products and the requirement to be part of iTunes is one of the reasons. I do not like a device that knows better than I do what and how I should work, that limits my choices of services and applications to their approved list, etc.
You are correct, this is ridiculous, however financially it was smart on Apple’s behalf. Why would someone buy a Macbook pro for $2000, when they can buy an iPad that does the same thing for < $700? They wouldn't. By creating a new space of device now they have created a new for computers, mp3 players AND iPads, and Apple has the only iPads on the market. Personally I am waiting for the next generation of tablets which hopefully are more independent and come with more peripherals.
I wrote about this a couple weeks ago. I believe that it’s entirely a result of the contracts Apple signed with the movie studios and record labels, which limit content to use on 5 authorized computers but permit it to then be copied onto an unlimited number of connected devices. By requiring the iPad to connect to a computer, Apple doesn’t use up one of the five “computer” authorizations. I disliked the out-of-box experience, but I’d dislike it more if the iPad used up one of my five computer authorizations for licensed content.
http://joshauerbach.com/post/746793086/i-finally-figured-out-why-the-ipad-requires-a-computer
It doesn’t affect me personally, I’m surrounded by Macs at work and home, but I agree with the premise of this post. While I rarely use my Kindle anymore (preferring the iPad kindle app more), I’ll note that I never once connected it to my computer. Not needing a computer was one of kindles keys to breaking through to success while others had failed at ebook readers for over a decade.
Great points. However, I personally too see it as a companion device. Until it multitasks and allows more than basic internet browsing and multimedia (e.g. what about word processing, photo editing, spread sheetwork, etc) it would never replace a computer for me. There is a small sample of the population whose computer needs might be so limited that all of them are met by the iPad that they don’t need a primary computer, unfortunately I’m not one of them.
That said, I definitely agree with the basis of the post, and would love the option of managing the iPad separately from any other computer. Some could choose to tie it to a computer, some could manage it independently.
the ipad is actually a great device as an alternative for people who do not yet won any type of computer or for people who want to get away from a full featured PC to something simpler.
but i does not work that way as long as a computer is required.
This market testbed of the first iPad issue will hopefully tell Apple what it needs to do to carry on the product. But, in many ways, it’s because of concerns like these that really doesn’t make the iPad much different from other devices, in this case the Kindle and other reader devices come to mind. When Kindle first came to market there were a lot of similar complaints, but it rode them out in its own way.
Why are you in a rush to see PC die?, the iPad is a nifty toy but for now that’s all it is a toy. The PC has been good to me and you i’m in no rush to get rid of them for a limited experience.
I would invite you to experience the wonderful sensation of the iMac and its superior Mac OS X operation system. Once you try it you will never go back to a PC rest assured. You can thank me later!
PC = Piece of Crap
Last time i checked a Mac is a PC.
PC= Personal Computer
yes brother…i agree.once you experience it, it is a sensation like no other. if you wish to feel complete, turn to Mac OS X. I will NEVER go back, EVER, and I thank you and Steve NOW for this blessing that we share.
OH YOU ARE MICHAEL MACINTOSH, HOW WITTY…
No doubt the iPad is changing the way America consumes data. Steven Paul Jobs has always been the smartest man in the room.
If Steve thinks you need a Mac as a companion to your iPad then get a Mac. Leave the command decisions to Steve as his track record is unrivaled in the technology industry. Boom.
oh i agree. you should all just listen to what steve jobs says and you will be MUCH happier. I know i am, as well as all my iFriends. steve has turned my life around, and i would never question him. we are all so much better now that we have found a guru like steve.
The iPad absolutely belongs in every geeks backpack. Right alongside your MacIntosh notebook and your trusty iPod. These are the items that make geeks uber productive. The one thing you no longer need is the PC which is an ancient relic from the eighties. It is actually time for everyone to get a Mac to complement your iPods and iPads. It is the correct thing to do. It is 2010 people wake up wake up.
oh yeah, because we are all geeks aren’t we…guess what it is 2010, you don’t need to be a geek, they are ancient relics that you see in movies form the 80′s… it is actually time to wake up and stop trying to purposefully be geeky and realize you don’t have to do that anymore. the correct thing to do is to put down your uber cool “geek” device, and actually go something semi non-”geeky”. get a real computer instead of your little pretend portable device, or better yet, just set all of your gadgets aside for a bit and just go live life…
It appears to me that there is a lot of venom being dispensed at Apple about this story. It makes no difference what computer you use, or if you like Apple as a company. The point here is that you have a choice about iDevices. Apple has given you choices that millions of people have accepted and feel good about. This story has received what appears to be novice computer user points of view. Most of you who own windows computers recall all of the comments about Windows Vista, well get over it! If you need to comment add something constructive. Keep your four letter words for the bar. Show some maturity and get off the floor from kicking and crying about a simple task like setting up your iDevices.
i KNOW it makes me feel good. Oh thank you stevie! I have accepted you and won’t listen to the unenlightened ones who mock you. Forgive them, they know not of what they do…
Well said.
My son has a hand-me-down iPhone that he’s using as an iPod. It’s simplicity itself to sync and manage all of his little Dizzy Bee games and his Animaniacs music. Once he’s seen me do it a few more times I’m sure he’ll be doing his own syncing.
Apple does it this way because -for now- this is the best way of doing it.
I have hundreds of podcasts and movies and thousands of photos and music tracks in iTunes. Until flash memory is cheap enough to build a 2TB sshd into an iDevice that’s the way it’ll be.
I totally agree. Cut the cord. Set the iPad free.
If the iPad could be a 100% standalone device, it would unlock entirely new markets (e.g. the elderly). But as long as a desktop/laptop is required, the iPad is really only an option for those of use with computers in constant orbit of our bodies.
I think the future independence of the ipad will be linked to putting Itunes in the cloud. The problem is that more people have multiple iOS devices, and want to buy once and share to all of them. I dont consider myself a freak, but I have a nano, iphone, ipad, and bought another ipad for my partner who shares the stuff off my account. If I didn’t sync my purchases back to a PC, how would I share stuff across the devices? However, Itunes is already half-in-the-cloud, in that app updates are account-driven, and you are pushed update info. So why not push purchases of media to other devices registered with apple? I predict a full in-the-cloud Itunes 10 and the ability to disintermediate the PC. Why aren’t we there yet? I think mainly because of backups and restore. People won’t sync to PC, they’ll lose all their stuff and go running to Apple. Apple need to have a robust, fast and pirate-proof restore mechanism for those who don’t regularly back-up.
So what? I connect my iPad when I want to copy over new movies. Everything else I can do from the device, except OS updates. Is this REALLY a huge problem? For the overwhelming majority of users, this is not a big deal at all. Plug it in, sync stuff, update apps, unplug it and go on with your day. Only a few bloggers seem to have their feathers ruffled about this.
As with everything Apple, it’s about user experience. Yes, the requirement of a full-blown Mac is a pain, but losing all your data, in most cases, is an even bigger pain. Nobody wants to lose their: contacts, apps, notes, music, photos. We fear that.
Apple created TimeMachine to keep everything on your Mac backed-up. Apple requires you to sync your iOS devices with your Mac so that they are backed up on your Mac.
Same strategy, but while it’s optional with TimeMachine, it’s mandatory with iTunes. The likelihood of losing data is 1000x higher with portable devices (because you can lose the device!), so having a backup is absolutely critical to the user experience. Incidentally, TimeMachine backs-up your iTunes and all the sync data it contains, so your iOS devices are doubly-backed-up.
Real world example:
Did you notice how easy it was to upgrade from the iPhone 3G to the 3GS to the 4? Plug-in the new phone, and wait for the sync to finish. That’s it. You couldn’t do that if there wasn’t a complete backup of your previous phone sitting there on iTunes.
Example #2: If you lose your iPhone, you can just buy a new one and sync it. You’re back up and running in no time, with no data loss (assuming you use MobileMe).
On January 9th, 2001 Steve Jobs introduced the Digital Hub strategy. He said: We’re just getting started… the PC will serve as the control & integration point for all devices (PDAs, mp3 players, phones, cameras, camcorders, video players, portable gaming devices). It is the hub for your digital life because:
1) it can run complex applications that your device can’t
2) it has a big screen that supports complex UIs
3) it can burn discs and/or attach to mass storage
4) it is online at a high speed
This strategy is almost 10 years old, and it hasn’t changed. The Mac is central to it, and will continue to be for a long time coming.
but what if the user wants a different experience than what Steve Jobs wants users to have?
Eeesh! Do none of you have a life. Your existence is so empty you get your shorts in a twist over small stuff. Correction: what is small stuff around the world is all-consuming big stuff to you.
What is it with Americans?
If there was nothing to bitch about, you’d all bitch about that.
Eeesh!
What’s worse:
a) complaining about specific physical devices’ quirks
b) complaining about an entire nation of people ‘not having lives’
Everyone has things they’d like to change.
Personally, I’d rather have problems with a device than a society.
Derek (Canadian)
Actually, I do’t mind syncing via wire all that much.
Lack of print support is, however, another issue. I was filling out a repair form using my iPad last month. The last page of the process had this notice at the top of the page, “Please print out this page and include it in the box with your device.” Now what do I do?! Can’t go to my PC and access that page so I can print it out. Finally selected and cut the entire page and emailed it to myself. Tried to print the email message it from my PC but the iPad was in landscape mode and the it sent it as an image instead of text so I couldn’t really shrink it or re-wrap the text. Finally printed it on ledger size paper (11×17). Folded it and stuffed it in the box as requested. Hope the technicians had a sense of humor when they recieved the service ticket printed as a poster.
The better argument is why do I have to spend more money replacing a small little netbook that gets viruses in less than six months, has a crappy build, and takes minutes to boot up?
Stop whining! Apple does things late but does them right. The sales of how many iPhones, iPods, and iPads are a testament to that.
…crybabies.
I almost had my 80 year old friend convinced this would be all she would need to get email and see photos people sent her. She went to the apple store and was ready to buy; then they said she needed a computer. Back to square one.
..what a horrible product and experiance. Never ever will I install itunes on any computer again. Last time I did when the iPod came out it messed up 5000 songs that I burned one by one because Mr. Jobs figured they should be on his stupid itunes.
This iCrap is going back tomorrow, have already ordered an Android tablet.