the tablet war is heating up

[falcarrion]

AppleTV seems like a better idea as a cheap add-on box that everybody can use, rather than a full TV that can only target people in the market for a new television. The cycle may have shifted, but most americans expect a TV to last a long time. My last one saw use from 1988 to 2007. The current ones are HD and have been serving since 2007 and I have no desire to replace them anytime soon.

But for us gamers, the apple tv can be used in different ways.
You can use it to throw a map up on the tv from an ipad.
With mirroring ability it opens up new ways of using it.
If we just look at it as a tv box then it is nothing different then the others out there. But if we look at it as device to expand what we can do, then it is an amazing item.
I sure we could find different ways of using it between us right here.

 

[Janx]

But for us gamers, the apple tv can be used in different ways.
You can use it to throw a map up on the tv from an ipad.
With mirroring ability it opens up new ways of using it.
If we just look at it as a tv box then it is nothing different then the others out there. But if we look at it as device to expand what we can do, then it is an amazing item.
I sure we could find different ways of using it between us right here.

Nothing you said invalidates my statement. Since you started quoting me with a "But", you're proposing a counter-point, but I do not see anything you said to that effect. Nothing you said can't be done with AppleTV as $99 add-on or AppleTV as a full television set. All I'm doing is explaining details of why I agree with Fast Learner's prediction.

AppleTV as a box to connect to your TV = more people who could use it. AppleTV as an actual Television set with Apple stuff inside = less people who are likely to buy it because the # of people in the market for a new TV or willing to replace their current TV is less than the number of people who would spend $99 to add a doo-hickey to their TV for extra features.

As to using the $99 AppleTV to put your iPad on TV for gaming, you could also buy the Component, HDMI or VGA adaptor for less $$ and get the same thing (albeit, you are stuck with a cable connecting your TV to your iPad).

 

[Splurch]

Thanks, I tried a few out today but I'm still undecided. I have an IPOD touch but I'm really a PC guy so I'm torn. I really think I have to figure if I need flash or not, or if the apps that apple have are too much to give up.

 

[Fast Learner]

The iPad 3 will be out in less than a month; it'll be much nicer than the iPad 2 for the (likely) same money, and the super-high-resolution screen will be especially nice for PDFs.

It's quite possible that Apple will continue to sell the iPad 2 at a reduced price, too.

As such I'd wait a bit longer. The announcement will be on March 7 and the new devices will likely go on sale within a week or so of the announcement.

 

[Agamon]

Just got a Transformer Prime. It is rather awesome. Highly recommended.

 

[Splurch]

Agamon, are you having any trouble with the Wi-fi or GPS?

 

[John Crichton]

Guys, I'm about to get a tablet and wasn't sure which one to get, I figured I'd ask you all since you are in the know. I will mainly use it for entertainment (surfing net, reading books, some games) also I would use it to put pdf's of my rpg books on it so I don't have to carry them all to my games (rpg apps would be a big plus too). I'm looking at anything from a Kindle Fire/Nook Tablet to an IPAD or Asus Transformer.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Mel

If you are looking to have PDFs for RPG materials you need to go with a bigger screen. Go with the iPad 2 or if you want to wait for the 3 for either a price drop or whatever upgrades it has. We use our iPad all the time at the gaming table but the Fire's screen is just too small.

Don't worry too much about Flash support. It soon won't be that much of a problem. I thought it would really hinder my enjoyment of the iPad but it hasn't much at all.

That all said, just hit the store and try out a few from as many brands as you can. See if anything really nabs ya. The only really important thing I'd say is to make sure you get is one with a 10" screen for what it sounds like you want to use it for.

 

[John Crichton]

Just got a Transformer Prime. It is rather awesome. Highly recommended.

Any reasons specifically? Have you compared it to the iPad?

The iPad 3 will be out in less than a month; it'll be much nicer than the iPad 2 for the (likely) same money, and the super-high-resolution screen will be especially nice for PDFs.

It's quite possible that Apple will continue to sell the iPad 2 at a reduced price, too.

I think this is an absolute lock. Even if Apple doesn't, many places will go that route anyway. Plenty of people did this around the iPad 2 launch. It's a good call for those worried about sinking so much money into a non-essential device.

As such I'd wait a bit longer. The announcement will be on March 7 and the new devices will likely go on sale within a week or so of the announcement.

Hopefully they won't have the production problems like last time where many people had to order and wait about a month to get their hands on the unit. It didn't drive me THAT crazy but it was a slight annoyance.

But yes, definitely wait until the iPad 3 hits to see if any of the features really catch your eye. It may make up your mind for you.

 

[GreenLantern]

I already have the iPad2 but I'm very excited about the rumored iPad3. If the retina level display and LTE support is true, I may just have to get another iPad.

 

[Janx]

I already have the iPad2 but I'm very excited about the rumored iPad3. If the retina level display and LTE support is true, I may just have to get another iPad.

why?

the iPad1 has pretty good graphics. the iPad2 has better, and the iPad3 will have even bettery graphics.

But is the jump from 1 revision to the next REALLY worth $500?

I could see upgrading every 2 years, like on iPhones, because contracts are up for renewal and you can get one for cheaper then, and the battery is likely on its lifespan end.

What motivates you to want to upgrade your 1 year old device that probably works great to the newest gen model?