In statements presented to the New York Times, Nintendo CEO, Satoru Iwata, has come out boxing the recently unveiled iPad proclaiming it as just "a bigger iPod Touch". The Nintendo head's comments join a long list of people not too satisfied with what Apple revealed last week, though in Iwata's case, it turns out he just isn't a massive fan of new technologies, downplaying any rumours the next DS instalment would feature motion sensing capabilities and that the next Wii would be HD-ified.

"I question whether those features would be enough to get people to buy new machines," he told the Times, continuing with a stab at 3D videogaming. "I have doubts whether people will be wearing glasses to play [3D] games at home. How is that going to look to other people?"

(I say this as a happy Wii owner)

Wearing 3D glasses is far less stupid looking than the many actions you undertake playing Wii

True, but I would argue those stupid-looking actions are one of the reasons the Wii is actually so popular. It's immediately obvious how those actions/movements affect stuff on screen by looking, and it makes it seem much more accessible (and interesting/active/different) when compared to regular video games that I reckon it's a big part of its appeal.

I really don't understand why people are so upset at the idea of wearing glasses in their own home. WHo the f*** cares, really? If you can do it in a public theatre, what difference does it make at home? Will your cat laugh at you?

Because 3D atm is a gimmic. Now when they start making holographic projectors within a room that will be worth it.

holodecks with the safety protocols off

I don't get that - why is it not a gimmick if its a hologram, but it is if you have to wear some goggles? If the gameplay and experience is worthwhile, surely putting on a pair of glasses isn't the real barrier?

The ones I wore to the cinema for Avatar were a lot less spaz than I expected, they could just stick a f***ing Oakley or Billabong logo on them and the sheep would assume they're high fashion.

I don't really get why people are getting their knickers in a knot over the fact that it's just a big iPhone
if you don't like it, don't buy it

the tv in your lounge room is just a big portable music device too but you find some use for it yes?

no, because the TV in my lounge is 50" plasma, my portable music device plays music

s/music/media/g

Err, iPod Touches are f***ing awesome devices. By far the best mp3 device I've ever used. So a big one of those sounds like win. People cry too much about what Apple devices don't do, rather than enjoying the awesomeness that they can do.

^
I can 100% understand it though Billy. If it wasn't for Apple's corporate douchebaggery they would have produced several Jesus Devices by now.

I think the touch is more useful than the pad.

Jesus Device?

I can knock you up one if you need.

http://i50.tinypic.com/2a9efz7.jpg

The iPhone was a Jesus device though despite it's limitations. It basically kickstarted the consumer Internet and touch screen smartphone market for the masses.

yeah I can't say I would have ever bought a smartphone/touch screen device before the iPhone, now I might consider an N900 or similar just because I want the iPhone to do more (multitasking ffs)

Well 3dee, I dunno. I guess it depends on your definition of Jesus Device!

If it has silly limitations, drawbacks and things that just aren't-quite-right then I don't think it qualifies. I recently got a new phone as one of our business contracts rolled over last week. Despite these reservations, I got an iPhone 3GS rather than anything else because I like it, and the Chef got the 3G I had.

However, I researched and played with other items. I wanted to find a better phone because of the things that s*** me about the Apple product. So I don't think its a Jebus Phone for me, just the best that there is at the moment.

Well 3dee, I dunno. I guess it depends on your definition of Jesus Device!

Well, maybe Jesus phone. Not that it's a mindblowing all encompassing device, but it had a profound effect on the entire smartphone industry, who had all been at it for many years before Apple, with one model, blew everything out of the water, despite how much stuff it 'couldn't do'.

Why is everyone so obsessed with multitasking?! I REALLY don't get it. Everyone THINKS they need it, but the people ive talked to that use an iPhone don't really seem to be bothered by it at all. ipod works in the background, email is still working in the background the other little part called the PHONE is working in the background

Yeh I don't get the obsession (although it would be nice for sure). Its not a deal breaker for me on the iPad. It just doesn't strike me as the sort of thing that you pick up to do 12 things at once with.

It'd be more just having it handy to control the XBMC, look up TV Guide, casual pron web browsing, watching media on while stuck doing something boring like f***ING HOSPITAL WAITING ROOMS YOU f***ING ASSHATS IF I RANA BUSINESS LIEK YOU DO A NEUROLOGY CLINIC I WOULD BE f***ING OUT OF BUSINES YOU STUPID DISORGANISED FUNCI$UBVGP:

Why is everyone so obsessed with multitasking?!

because I'd like to be able to run my GPS app while listening to music and then when a call comes in, have it keep running while I take the call
so as soon as I hang up, my song starts and my gps comes back ..

Why is everyone so obsessed with multitasking?

Let me tell you how I use my computer. I have a web browser, an email client, and an IRC client running. As I am working, I will open and close Remote Desktop and SSH windows, perhaps referring to or replying to websites, IRC chatter, or emails as I go. Occasionally I will open another program, like an image viewer or a diagram creation program.

I can (and do) do this stuff on my netbook while I am travelling. You might say big deal, you do that all the time on your computer too.

The iPad is not the device we all wanted it to be - its not even what we consider to be a computer at all. And that's why everyone is so negative about it.

Why is everyone so obsessed with multitasking?!


because I'd like to be able to run my GPS app while listening to music and then when a call comes in, have it keep running while I take the call
so as soon as I hang up, my song starts and my gps comes back ..

it does EXACTLY that...The fact that your music stops when you open your gps app is a limitation of the app, theres plenty of apps that let you listen to your own music in the background. Thats what I mean about background tasks its not like it doesn't do ANY. I would say maps+phone+music+fetching email pretty useful

The iPad is not the device we all wanted it to be - its not even what we consider to be a computer at all. And that's why everyone is so negative about it.

I guess I didn't pay much attention to the iPad lead-up (only really heard about it in threads right before the launch), I had nothing in mind in terms of what I 'wanted' the device to be, or what it would be classified as.

You're 100% right though, this is not a computer. Its a ... gateway device (?) ... to perform certain tasks in an accessible and convenient form factor. I absolutely wouldn't use it in place of a netbook, and wouldn't buy it if I wanted a netbook.

But I can totally see myself loading up the picture library and handing it to a visiting relative to flick through, without needing to learn to use the device at all. A rich, appealing full-screen XBMC remote (I'll f***ing write one myself if it doesn't exist yet!). Reading a book or checking QGL on a whim for whatever stupid things someone has posted, without getting up, leaving the lounge room and sitting down at The Machine, or navigating with a mouse on the lounge or using a s***ty trackpad.

To me, multitasking implies a strong interface with a computer, a serious-f***ing-business activity that I just don't see myself doing with this thing. It sort of fills the gap between netbook-too-much and iphone-not-enough.

Now that is a serious f***ing slim gap - but I may end up getting one, depending on price - I would own one for the same reason I own a PC gaming machine and a Wii.

last edited by Hogfather at 14:11:57 01/Feb/10

But I can totally see myself loading up the picture library and handing it to a visiting relative to flick through

Why can't you just give them your netbook :S

For the same reason that I would give them a netbook rather than usher them into the office and log them into the desktop. Its more convenient and easier to use.

I didn't say that other devices couldn't do these things (they can), but it just looks to execute these tasks really well. For some consumers this will make it worth the $.

last edited by Hogfather at 14:15:54 01/Feb/10

I don't see how it's any easier then viewing pictures on a laptop.

Am I missing something here?

The fact that not everyone in the world has your computer literacy, or comfort in using a netbook on the lounge? This is the "netbook" for people of the same demographic that the Wii was after.

I could give this to my grandmother with her computer-phobia and macular degeneration and she could check out the photos just fine. A netbook is out of the question.

Its probably not for you - and that's 100% fine. But it fits a need for others, a lot of others, and I can see it being a useful device in my house. I don't need more fully-fledged computers, but I already reach for the iPhone for a bunch of tasks in preference to our netbook. This would pretty much retire the eePC I reckon, aside from doing srs bsns on the road (and I'd take a full laptop for that anyway).

If only it could view xvids without so much f***ing around or conversion, and had Flash for the sites that need it for more than advertisments. That's the f***ing Apple Tax I guess.

last edited by Hogfather at 14:39:39 01/Feb/10

Yeah, Hoggy nailed it - it's not for everyone (inc. me) but there's a market for it as their sales figures have shown. And it's innovative (point out another one, anyone?). I'd be happy were I an Apple shareholder.

because I'd like to be able to run my GPS app while listening to music and then when a call comes in, have it keep running while I take the call
so as soon as I hang up, my song starts and my gps comes back ..

Not sure about the GPS app, but my music definitely starts up again from where it left off after I take a call.

Yeah, Hoggy nailed it - it's not for everyone (inc. me) but there's a market for it as their sales figures have shown

They haven't sold any yet, and there's no guarantee that this will do any better than say, the AppleTV device.

There seems to be a recurring theme amongst those who aren't overly negative about the device - saying that it would be good for "someone else". Its hard to see how a device that no one has stood up and said "I want this" will be spectacularly successful.

Compare this to the iPhone release, which geeks were generally very positive about (including myself). Certainly the Apple faithful will buy a million or two in the first week's of its release, but will it really have broad market appeal? Its still pretty expensive for the casual user.

There seems to be a recurring theme amongst those who aren't overly negative about the device - saying that it would be good for "someone else". Its hard to see how a device that no one has stood up and said "I want this" will be spectacularly successful.

Well, people who don't use computers well aren't exactly rampant on forums, are they :)

I've also said that I am considering buying one for me, depending on price. If they hold to their apparent AU target of about 550, I'm probably sold - have seen that in a few different sources now, but we'll see.

Unless I don't count for some reason?

Soz, I mean to say 'will show'

There seems to be a recurring theme amongst those who aren't overly negative about the device - saying that it would be good for "someone else". Its hard to see how a device that no one has stood up and said "I want this" will be spectacularly successful.

It's a good point, but I think TechCrunch were right when they said that the only people who are looking at it and criticising it at the moment are mostly technical people.

Unless I don't count for some reason?

I'm talking in general terms.

the only people who are looking at it and criticising it at the moment are mostly technical people.

To me, that's bad news for Apple. Many of their early-adoption customers are tech oriented but simply want excellent hardware and UI design.

How much of the iPhone's success can be attributed due to evangelism from tech consumers? And what happens when we, as a whole, are negative about the iPad?

It will be interesting to see how the iPad is going in the market, 12 months from now.

On a related note, wtf is wrong with the Apple store, first time I've ever seen it at Chermside on the weekend.

I walked in and 10 seconds later walked out because my brain started bleeding :S

"Genius Bar", what type of tards fall for this s***.

How much of the iPhone's success can be attributed due to evangelism from tech consumers?

Funny you say this... Most 'tech' people I know dont want to touch an iPhone. Most computer 'n00bs' I know now own an iPhone. I know it's a very small sample size, but I see completly the opposite of what a lot of people say about the iPhone customer base.

"Genius Bar", what type of tards fall for this s***.

retards

This is a much more smexy device.

it does EXACTLY that...The fact that your music stops when you open your gps app is a limitation of the app, theres plenty of apps that let you listen to your own music in the background.

The music keeps playing, but what if you want to run a GPS tracking device and then put it in the background while you do something else, you cant, the GPS software exits and stops logging, theres heaps of other examples.

Apart from the apple made software, you cant minimise a program and return to were you were without saving everything you were doing close the program down and then load it all back up.

I would like to buy an iPad, but I have a feeling the Oz telcos will cripple the 3G...

And I agree with the sentiments that Apple products are usually absorbed most by the less tech-savy.

Not that I read, but the book store will also be non-existant it seems for a little while at least.

I used to play quake3 in 3d wearing funky 3d glasses with a long wire going to the back of my PC, do you think I cared what people thought of me doing it? No I did not, especially since people used to come over & want to play quake3 in glorious 3d for themselves.

I wouldn't want to buy an iPad though, sounds like a womans sanitary product imho and a laptop/tablet pc would be far more useful.

what whoop said.

Apple took the plunge, and damaged their brand in the eyes of the IT savvy.

I'm talking to mates who are wanting to ditch their iPhone now that they realise it's embarrassing to do the Apple fad s*** now

people are installing Win7 on their Macs these days, and realising it's just a cheapie entry level sub-$1k PC.

I'm talking to mates who are wanting to ditch their iPhone now that they realise it's embarrassing to do the Apple fad s*** now

That makes no sense whatsoever. Everyone has iPhones, I hardly believe its a fad anymore, maybe a legitimately good phone?

I'm talking to mates who are wanting to ditch their iPhone now that they realise it's embarrassing to do the Apple fad s*** now

Life must be so stressful and tough as a trendy ... not sure how they survive.

I'm talking to mates who are wanting to ditch their iPhone now that they realise it's embarrassing to do the Apple fad s*** now

What the f***? Who spends a grand or so on a phone over its 'fad' status?

How can a telephone be 'embarrassing'?

Actually I knew a bloke who had one of these but I don't think the iPhone is quite there just yet.

last edited by Hogfather at 21:54:21 01/Feb/10

Apple took the plunge, and damaged their brand in the eyes of the IT savvy.

I don't think it changed many peoples opinions either side. Haters are still haters, lovers are still lovers, iPhone lovers who hate apple are in between.

Just wait till blizzard announce multitouch starcraft 2 for it :)

people are installing Win7 on their Macs these days, and realising it's just a cheapie entry level sub-$1k PC.

What Mac can you buy, and what version of Windows 7 can you then buy and install on it, that makes it under <$1k ?!

I think he means that they realise that their more-expensive-than-1k Mac is overpriced.

How can a telephone be 'embarrassing'?

http://i50.tinypic.com/r2ophw.jpg

Yeah, I think the iPad will find more appeal amongst the less tech savvy people, but I also think the price is going to put those same people off getting one. My brother for example, heard about it on the radio and saw some stuff on tv about it, thought it sounded pretty cool and was going planning on getting one, till I told him the price, and that turned him completely off the idea.

its actually pretty funny, i almost got rejected from a club because i wasn't "alternative" enough, and the stupid door bitch was saying it while she was looking at her iphone and dressed like she was a beatles sidekick. (all i had to do to get in was button up a shirt.. ha!)

hypocrite bitch.

another thing i just noticed, if you type in" iphone" spell check recommends it to be spelt "iPhone"... so i think it's pretty embedded into world culture now.

till I told him the price, and that turned him completely off the idea

What price did you quote?

$499 US for a device like the iPad isn't that bad... We really have no idea what it's supposed to cost anyway cause the "touch screen tablet" market is pretty close to brand new

$499 US for a device like the iPad isn't that bad... We really have no idea what it's supposed to cost anyway cause the "touch screen tablet" market is pretty close to brand new

I certainly wouldn't pay $500 for what is essentially a giant ipod. What I would pay $500 for would be something like that which had a fold out keyboard and that ran either a decent OS (one you can install programs on, not this bulls*** "apps" business) or let you install your own OS onto it.

What does a decent netbook go for these days? One that can do all that the ipad can do minus the wank factor of a touch screen. I can see where the touch screen might be useful if you have a disability and have limited movement in your hands or no hands at all but in reality you could probably use a normal laptop touchpad too.

$499 for the bare bones model, with the smallest hard drive, asif thats the one you'd get.

What price did you quote?

I told him it was $500 US, so it would probably be at least $600 by the time it comes out here for the absolute, bottom of the line bare bones model. Then its all up from there.

$499 US for a device like the iPad isn't that bad... We really have no idea what it's supposed to cost anyway cause the "touch screen tablet" market is pretty close to brand new

I've seen a few people make similar observations elsewhere, but as far as most people are concerned - US$500 is a lot of money for a computing device that cannot replace your laptop. Its actual "worth" in terms of the construction costs is irrelevant as a consumer. Its the same argument pro-PlayStation3 people made, but the market reacted the same way.


I would be quite surprised if we saw a launch price below AU$699 , which I think may be too high for broad adoption. Of course I guess its likely Apple already know this and figure well, you have to start somewhere. Its not like the iPod was hugely popular right from the start.

What the f***? Who spends a grand or so on a phone over its 'fad' status?

To the kind of person that buys an iPhone for that reason, it's not 'a grand or so', they see it as more like free with their call plan.

For a lot of people like that, they've been spending close to $100 a month on a mobile phone bill for years anyway - so it's just a matter of switching of the nokia-xxxx and signing another form.

$499 for the bare bones model, with the smallest hard drive, asif thats the one you'd get.

Well, it depends what you plan to do with it :) The more exxy models add 3G (yeh that's not gonna be too useful in AU) and more memory which may or may not be useful, I have a hard time filling my phone as it is.

... Well, aside from "Other Data" haha

Remember Apple have retarded pricing, they add hundreds of dollars for extra flash memory. If its gonna be a lounge room convenience toy then I'm not sure that I need 3G or more gigamabytes.

One that can do all that the ipad can do minus the wank factor of a touch screen.

I might be wrong, but I think you've entirely missed the point of iPad.

Dan - if people don't understand that they pay for the handset as part of their contract then they're stupid heads. Can't fix stupid.

I can look at gps while listening to music, take a call, and when its finished, go back to my gps and music playing on my iphone. In saying this, that ipad looks like a bloated piece of s***, only supreme wankers would buy one imo.

In saying this, that ipad looks like a bloated piece of s***, only supreme wankers would buy one imo

Only a c******* would make a judgement call over something as banal as a f***ing gadget.

^
I could call anyone who would spend $1000+ on an instrument a supreme wanker too, because all it does is play music?
but then again, I'm not hating on other peoples s*** just for the sake of it, as people tend to do with anything apple make

oh and the instrument wouldn't even play music by it's self, you have to do it f***ing manually omg!@!@@!

Well I have been looking at some videos of Ipad. And one thing that the apple guys all say is that 'you can hold the internet in your hands'. Yeah maybe... But I have been hearing rumours about the Ipad not having flash player!! :O

Seriously, what the f*** would be the point of holding the internet in your hands if you can't look at videos of adult catigorees?!

420.

I can look at gps while listening to music, take a call, and when its finished, go back to my gps and music playing on my iphone. In saying this, that ipad looks like a bloated piece of s***, only supreme wankers would buy one imo.

agreed, but wern't you an iphone uber hater??? or am I thinking of someone else? must be someone else :/

Pretty sure the iPad will be the motivation for me to finally learn how to use iWork. I have it on my work computer, but have only tried out Pages so far, which is great. I hear amazing things about Keynote, but that excel is superior to Numbers.

The other thing this will be awesome for that I realised last night is digital comics. Finally a form-factor and an interface that will allow us to get comics online!

Yea because a $300 DSi is sooo much better then an ipod touch...

Goddam I wish nintendo would just sell apple pokemon, that would be the best app ever. Yet pokemon is one of the only good games I've seen on DS besides the Mario franchise, so that probably wont be happening, ever :(

actually yes a $300 DSi is a lot better than an ipad which costs at least $700

im pretty sure the ds can do every the ipad can.

he said ipod touch, not ipad uFag
there is no way a dsi is better than an ipod touch, let alone an ipad

totally can't read. still a dsi can do everything the ipod can.

im pretty sure the ds can do every the ipad can.

Wow, you must have buried your head really deep in the sand to say something like that.

for once i agree with billy.

ds is pretty much a nintedo 64. it only has about 64mb of onboard ram... it's impossible to even view a pdf on a ds because of the lack of memory.

dsi i think they upped the ante a little bit, but not enough for it to even vaguely compete against the ipod touch on anything important.

It's just a giant iPod Touch! It would be funny if you could make calls from it so it was like a novelty giant iPhone. Imagine using it on the train, getting it out of your giant pants pocket. hehe

I am quoting myself! When I say it, no one cares. When nintendo man says it, it's news. By my calculations, I am eligible to run Nintendo because we think alike.

http://obamapacman.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Apple-iPad-price-expensive-chart-for-that-ebook-competition-comparison.png

Wow, you must have buried your head really deep in the sand to say something like that.

DS homebrew.

There's a whole organised app store for homebrew iPhone/iPod Touch stuff, just sayin.