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[Goldrusher]

I want a 15" iPad.

Magazine-sized. Better for magazines, newspapers, internet, photo, etc. Everything really.

Better for old people too.

 

[Betta Lines]

I want a 15" iPad.

Magazine-sized. Better for magazines, newspapers, internet, photo, etc. Everything really.

Better for old people too.

Imma let you finish, but it would be the heaviest magazine of all time.

But yeah, if they could keep the weight down, it would be quite cool.

 

[Blackhead]

Excellent idea, excellently implemented, slightly overpriced.

You're in the minority with that opinion.

Oh yeah, iirc a Gaffer got the Miniot Cover.

Did s/he ever comment on the quality of the microfiber?

 

[mescalineeyes]

I want a 15" iPad.

Magazine-sized. Better for magazines, newspapers, internet, photo, etc. Everything really.

Better for old people too.

Surely that wouldn't qualify as Retina.

 

[Betta Lines]

Excellent idea, excellently implemented, slightly overpriced.

Great idea, good implementation, considerably overpriced.

 

[Aruarian Reflection]

Good idea, horribly implemented, grossly overpriced.

Thanks, looks like I'll have to do some homework on iPad 3 cases then. I got my mom several well-researched iPad 1 cases to try out but ultimately she liked the official one the best ¯\(°_o)/¯

 

[LCfiner]

You're in the minority with that opinion.

Oh yeah, iirc a Gaffer got the Miniot Cover.

Did s/he ever comment on the quality of the microfiber?

what? On gaf or in the real world?

It is a good idea. it is well implemented and only the leather ones are overpriced, imo.

 

[Tobor]

You're in the minority with that opinion.

Maybe on pricing, but not on the implementation. It's a well designed, functional cover. It does exactly what it's supposed to do.

 

[Blackhead]

Maybe on pricing, but not on the implementation. It's a well designed, functional cover. It does exactly what it's supposed to do.

I don't think it was supposed to leave dirt streaks on your screen.

 

[Zeth]

I don't think it was supposed to leave dirt streaks on your screen.

What does that mean?

 

[Tobor]

I don't think it was supposed to leave dirt streaks on your screen.

I've had dust get under the cover like twice in almost a year and it wipes away instantly. Talk about an overblown complaint.

 

[Betta Lines]

I don't think it was supposed to leave dirt streaks on your screen.

It doesn't. The parts where the cover folds just don't clean the screen as much as the other parts. It doesn't deposit dirt.

 

[Keylime]

Eh...I kind of agree that the Smart Cover could use a 2.0 update.

- Lays flat on screen on inside to prevent the smudge lines Grey is talking about
- Allow the iPad to stand up while in portrait on a table

...the product itself is an awesome idea, if not slightly pricey, but I'd want to see a couple mods to the next version of them.

 

[Technosteve]

Smart cover is not good, the leather bleeds color and can't be cleaned. Needs better craftsmanship

 

[MercuryLS]

And that's what I alluded to above - the closeness of the screen to the glass - and how Apple seemingly removing that separation - made a world of difference between the using iPhone 4 and iPad 2. Hopefully that tech is brought over to the iPad 3 as well.

This is the only thing I agree with, but optical lamination on a display the size of the iPad's may not be feasible from a manufacturing standpoint. I'm sure the process is time consuming, on a small screen it probably doesn't take too long to do but with an iPad it may not work (may slow production down too much).

 

[Refrigerator]

So because you know someone with cancer you get to change what Steve Jobs and apple define retina as?

I'm sorry you can't agree with my views on what should constitute a Retina-class display, and I'm sorry that you once again misrepresent what I typed. Sadly, it seems that only one of us can be consistent in our talks, and it's obvious who that is.

Perhaps you could take a nice walk outdoors. It is Sunday, late-morning where I am and the air is perfect for a brisk jog.

It's not outside the realm to say that Steve coveted 300dpi screens. If only Cook did. Alas.

This is the only thing I agree with, but optical lamination on a display the size of the iPad's may not be feasible from a manufacturing standpoint. I'm sure the process is time consuming, on a small screen it probably doesn't take too long to do but with an iPad it may not work (may slow production down too much).

That's disappointing. I feel that technology has been nearly as important as the PPI insofar as my own enjoyment of the device.

 

[MercuryLS]

I'm sorry you can't agree with my views on what should constitute a Retina-class display, and I'm sorry that you once again misrepresent what I typed. Sadly, it seems that only one of us can be consistent in our talks, and it's obvious who that is.

Perhaps you could take a nice walk outdoors. It is Sunday, late-morning where I am and the air is perfect for a brisk jog.

It's not outside the realm to say that Steve coveted 300dpi screens. If only Cook did. Alas.

There's no way that Apple would have not done a clean 2x jump in resolution though. If the original iPad had 150ppi or more you could have had your 300ppi iPad 3. Apple isn't going to break the clean scalability of their apps to hit an arbitrary ppi number. Hoping for something like that is foolish.

 

[Blackhead]

What does that mean?

iPad 2 Smart Cover Is Light & Airy, But Beware Greasy Streaks [In-Depth Review] | Cult of Mac

Also fwiw,

lol. I've never understood the "lines" thing. It's rarely happened to me, and a quick wipe with the smart cover and it's gone.

My smartcover is pretty discoloured and stained on both sides and leaves pretty visible smear/smudge marks on the screen when I open it. I use and carry my iPad a lot, but always either with my hands or snugly inside a laptop bag. I don't smoke and don't bring the iPad places where people do. I don't drop the iPad in dirt or anything. I have used the iPad and thus the smart cover after eating, but I'm generally a good owner. I have the sort of powder/baby blue colour smart cover with the grey inside.

listen to the madman

 

[DJ88]

It's not outside the realm to say that Steve coveted 300dpi screens. If only Cook did. Alas.

This is where you're whole crazy argument just crosses over into BS. How do you keep stating this as fact?

Forget your whole messed up definition of Retina based on what you think you remember Jobs said in a keynote 2 years ago.

Do you honestly think that the iPad 3 was all created under Cook and that Jobs had completely no say? Do you really think the iPad 3 was made in the 5 months after his death?

There is no doubt that the iPad 3 has been in development for minimum over a year, most likely more. Your beloved Steve Jobs absolutely 100% approved the 265 PPI display. Yes, that Jobs, the one you insanely keep thinking has a hard on for 300 PPI screens.

Everyone has repeated this to you a thousand times and yet I don't get how you keep thinking this is all part of Cook's crusade to destroy Apple and everything Jobs stood for. Quit being close minded and ignorant, I'll repeat it one more time.

FACT: Steve Jobs approved, and almost certainly helmed, the idea of doubling the resolution of the iPad 2 and giving the iPad 3 a 2048x1536, 265 PPI display!

 

[esquire]

Maybe Apple will announce they are closing all their stores and shutting down the company and giving all those billions they've acquired back to their shareholders? It's 50/50 that they'll do this so it's very likely but not a guarantee or anything like that.

 

[AndTAR]

This is the only thing I agree with, but optical lamination on a display the size of the iPad's may not be feasible from a manufacturing standpoint. I'm sure the process is time consuming, on a small screen it probably doesn't take too long to do but with an iPad it may not work (may slow production down too much).

Damn. Well that certainly doesn't bode well, considering the rumors that the LCD's are already in short supply. Though it could also be the exact reason for the screen shortages, of course.

 

[Refrigerator]

Everything I've read about Jobs leaving a purported 4 or 10 year product plan for Cook appears to be little more than conjecture. Unnamed sources after unnamed sources leaving all sorts of tidbits that will likely never be verified.

As to Cook's involvement - supposedly leading up to the iPhone 4S release there were two devices that Jobs had to choose between - one with the purported new 'teardrop design' and larger edge-to-edge screen whose cases and parts leaked online, and the eventual 4S we see now - a hardware bump that kept the same chassis. Reportedly Jobs chose the smaller upgrade because he didn't want to dilute the screen experience by stretching the resolution of the screen over a larger area and bring the device to a sub ~300 PPI area.

Granted, that story is also unsubstantiated, but it fits with Jobs history (ie: his final decision to switch to Intel on the day of the announcement) and we had months of new cases that hinted at a redesign that ultimately wasn't. Going by this, I suppose it possible that Jobs left Cook with a number of options for future product releases, with some lines branching off to give Cook his own flexibility in determining Apple's product direction. If that were the case I don't expect Cook to make the hard, gutsy decisions like Jobs did with the original Retina screen or in choosing the 'minor' 4S upgrade over the 5. Retina is a marketing term now, and as Cheebs eventually got around to saying, means anything we want it to be.

Those are my last words on the topic. I also have smudges on my smart cover, both the official Apple and a third party leather folio that also has a microfiber inlay.

 

[Keyser Soze]

I want a 15" iPad.

Magazine-sized. Better for magazines, newspapers, internet, photo, etc. Everything really.

Better for old people too.

 

[MercuryLS]

Damn. Well that certainly doesn't bode well, considering the rumors that the LCD's are already in short supply. Though it could also be the exact reason for the screen shortages, of course.

It's just a hunch on my part, I won't be surprised if we don't see it on the iPad. I really hope to be proven wrong.

 

[Cheebo]

Everything I've read about Jobs leaving a purported 4 or 10 year product plan for Cook appears to be little more than conjecture. Unnamed sources after unnamed sources leaving all sorts of tidbits that will likely never be verified.

This has nothing to do with a 10 year plan. This is the iPad 3. Products like this take a long time to design, approve, and test. Especially when it entered mass production at Foxconn in December 2 months after jobs died.

Every single spec in this thing was almost assuredly approved when Jobs was CEO so stop blaming Tim Cook. iPad 3's ppi was chosen when Jobs was still around!

Did you even read the post you were replying to?

 

[LyleLanley]

Everything I've read about Jobs leaving a purported 4 or 10 year product plan for Cook appears to be little more than conjecture. Unnamed sources after unnamed sources leaving all sorts of tidbits that will likely never be verified.

This is rich. Everything you've read is conjecture yet the shit you're spouting off about what went on in Apple is what?

 

[DJ88]

Everything I've read about Jobs leaving a purported 4 or 10 year product plan for Cook appears to be little more than conjecture. Unnamed sources after unnamed sources leaving all sorts of tidbits that will likely never be verified.

No. I'm not talking about an alleged 4-10 year plan for the future. I'm talking about the last year and a half that Jobs was alive, was still CEO, and was still very active in the development of new products, which 100% included the iPad 3 and it's display.

 

[Gamecocks625]

And that's what I alluded to above - the closeness of the screen to the glass - and how Apple seemingly removing that separation - made a world of difference between the using iPhone 4 and iPad 2. Hopefully that tech is brought over to the iPad 3 as well.

Fridge, while you're completely wrong on what constitutes a retina display, I totally agree with you here. Using my wife's iPhone 4 and then my iPad 2 definitely made me want the same screen tech to be used for iPad 3. Subconsciously removing the extra "layer" from the LCD makes a world of difference. If this is implemented for iPad 3 (along with the obvious resolution increase), the screen is going to look amazing.

I honestly don't care about LTE or Siri. All I'm looking for is the retina display, the same screen lamination tech from iPhone, same battery life as iPad 2 with increased processing power.

 

[Refrigerator]

Fridge, while you're completely wrong on what constitutes a retina display, I totally agree with you here. Using my wife's iPhone 4 and then my iPad 2 definitely made me want the same screen tech to be used for iPad 3. Subconsciously removing the extra "layer" from the LCD makes a world of difference. If this is implemented for iPad 3 (along with the obvious resolution increase), the screen is going to look amazing.

I honestly don't care about LTE or Siri. All I'm looking for is the retina display, the same screen lamination tech from iPhone, same battery life as iPad 2 with increased processing power.

It does! And thank you for being respectful in your responses with me - it is much appreciated. I believe Gruber was the first to point out that the difference was such that, in using the iPhone 4, it felt like you were directly interacting with the objects using your fingers and not just touching a pane of glass. Perhaps on a device that's not meant to be held so close to the eyes this tech is little more than an expensive luxury. I hope to be surprised next week.

 

[Betta Lines]

Reportedly Jobs chose the smaller upgrade because he didn't want to dilute the screen experience by stretching the resolution of the screen over a larger area and bring the device to a sub ~300 PPI area.

Sounds like bullshit. I imagine they chose the smaller upgrade because the bigger upgrade was not ready. There's every chance the iPhone 5 could be a larger, teardrop design with the same resolution.

 

[MercuryLS]

It does! And thank you for being respectful in your responses with me - it is much appreciated. I believe Gruber was the first to point out that the difference was such that, in using the iPhone 4, it felt like you were directly interacting with the objects using your fingers and not just touching a pane of glass. Perhaps on a device that's not meant to be held so close to the eyes this tech is little more than an expensive luxury. I hope to be surprised next week.

Yeah I agree, I think the optical lamination was just as important as the resolution bump with the iPhone 4. If Apple can pull this off for iPad 3, I will be very impressed.

 

[MercuryLS]

Sounds like bullshit. I imagine they chose the smaller upgrade because the bigger upgrade was not ready. There's every chance the iPhone 5 could be a larger, teardrop design with the same resolution.

I really really love the current iPhone design, I can't think of how they could improve it. Going back to aluminum for the back (like iPhone 1) would be a downgrade IMO. The glass and steel construction of the iPhone is second to none.

 

[Betta Lines]

I really really love the current iPhone design, I can't think of how they could improve it. Going back to aluminum for the back (like iPhone 1) would be a downgrade IMO. The glass and steel construction of the iPhone is second to none.

There are many ways. Make it slightly thinner, slightly lighter. Make it more curved on the edges while maintaining the rear glass. Make it all glass... Make it crap rainbows... etc.

 

[LCfiner]

I really really love the current iPhone design, I can't think of how they could improve it. Going back to aluminum for the back (like iPhone 1) would be a downgrade IMO. The glass and steel construction of the iPhone is second to none.

it is an awesome build construction but having held some third and fourth gen iPod touches more recently, I think I would prefer something super thin like that with rounded edges against my palm.

The 3GS backshell may not have been made of the best materials but that shape was super comfy. It didn’t feel like it was 1/2” thick because of those curves.

The iPhone 4 design does feel timeless but I wouldn’t mind if Apple changed it in an effort to make it thinner and possibly lighter.

 

[numble]

They are going to keep designs as long as competitively possible to maintain high margins. It really isn't cost-effective to buy new or retool glass-cutting or aluminum/steel machines every year, and retrain a workforce that has just finally become efficient at making the machines. They sold 35 million iPhones last quarter, while paying workers about double the wage when the iPhone 4 was introduced and having them work 20-40 hours less each month. They still had higher margins than previously. And that comes from being able to use the same machines, same designs, and a workforce that became very efficient at making the products.

 

[renitou]

I hate joke characters on Internet forums.

 

[Keylime]

Just watched that "iPad 3 assembled" video with the amazing 80's music. Kind of sucks seeing that the leaks are getting so organized now that you can literally assemble all the pieces into a fully representative shell.

Wonder what it's like being an iPad piece smuggler. Like is the money good? Does Apple do more than just fire people if they find out (like sue?).

Meh...the internals are going to be more important than the externals naturally (as long as it doesn't magically weigh like a pound more or feel worse in your hand) but it's still shitty.

 

[Husker86]

I really really love the current iPhone design, I can't think of how they could improve it. Going back to aluminum for the back (like iPhone 1) would be a downgrade IMO. The glass and steel construction of the iPhone is second to none.

In looks only, and I agree almost 100%. I know people will say otherwise, as opinions usually go, but it is not comfortable in hand; the sharp edges can easily be improved.

 

[numble]

Just watched that "iPad 3 assembled" video with the amazing 80's music. Kind of sucks seeing that the leaks are getting so organized now that you can literally assemble all the pieces into a fully representative shell.

Wonder what it's like being an iPad piece smuggler. Like is the money good? Does Apple do more than just fire people if they find out (like sue?).

Meh...the internals are going to be more important than the externals naturally (as long as it doesn't magically weigh like a pound more or feel worse in your hand) but it's still shitty.

From people I know that have been to Foxconn factory areas, it seems very easy to just talk to workers when they come off shift. They tell me that the ones on the Apple line seem more tight-lipped, but when you have 400,000 workers (and increasing since Apple's shipments double every year) with most not making much money, it's got to be easy to find a worker to bribe. I think they aren't allowed to bring their phones into the workplace, so I think they have to redo it by hand, maybe they try to smuggle cameras in (photo of A5X) and parts out (all those parts).

Here's an article about 3 Foxconn workers charged with leaking the iPad 2 design:
http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20110428PD213.html

I don't know if people pay that big money for the info. Gizmodo paid $5000 for the iPhone 4 prototype remember. But even $2000 goes a long way in China, when average income in all of China is $4260/year (Foxconn workers make more than the average income).

Edit: Here is another article, it says they paid the Foxconn worker(s) $3000 for the leak, and also gave them discounts on their products:
http://www.tuaw.com/2011/06/15/three-sent-to-prison-in-china-over-ipad-2-leaks/

According to The Wall Street Journal, the Shenzhen Bao'an People's Court found that the general manager of MacTop Electronics Company illegally offered a Foxconn employee 20,000 yuan, or about US$3,000, plus discounts on MacTop products for information on the iPad 2 last September. The Foxconn employee then paid another Foxconn employee who worked in the research and development department for digital images of the iPad 2's back cover.

 

[MercuryLS]

In looks only, and I agree almost 100%. I know people will say otherwise, as opinions usually go, but it is not comfortable in hand; the sharp edges can easily be improved.

See, here's where I disagree. I think the squarish design makes sense because the phone is easy to hold with your fingers in landscape (when taking a photo for example). Phones with curved designs are harder to use for landscape operation. Sacrifice a bit of comfort, yeah, but the phone is more functional because of the design.

 

[NYR]

Excellent idea, excellently implemented, slightly overpriced.

lol, if you think $70 is "slightly" overpriced for some magnets, microfiber and cheap leather, you're kidding yourself.

The iPad is 10 times more comfortable to hold without a Smart Cover. The cover just makes it thicker and more awkward to hold in your hands. It is not well implemented. The idea is sound, but the implementation and actual use were sub-par.

 

[Tobor]

lol, if you think $70 is "slightly" overpriced for some magnets, microfiber and cheap leather, you're kidding yourself.

The iPad is 10 times more comfortable to hold without a Smart Cover. The cover just makes it thicker and more awkward to hold in your hands. It is not well implemented. The idea is sound, but the implementation and actual use were sub-par.

The leather looks good after a year of use, the microfiber inside is still in perfect shape, and the cover still works as intended.

It's been worth the $70 to me, especially considering I'll get another years use out of it. For anyone who thinks $70 is too much, I'd recommend the $39 smart cover without hesitation. It's a great product.

 

[noah111]

I never found this shit funny, but it's even less humorous now that the guy is dead. :|

Just watched that "iPad 3 assembled" video with the amazing 80's music. Kind of sucks seeing that the leaks are getting so organized now that you can literally assemble all the pieces into a fully representative shell.

Wonder what it's like being an iPad piece smuggler. Like is the money good? Does Apple do more than just fire people if they find out (like sue?).

Meh...the internals are going to be more important than the externals naturally (as long as it doesn't magically weigh like a pound more or feel worse in your hand) but it's still shitty.

Yeah, as much as I like to get new details, it does really ruin the reveal when everyone kinda knows exactly what's coming... ala iPhone 4. How amazing that would've been if no one knew exactly how it looked before Giz..

 

[mrklaw]

This is where you're whole crazy argument just crosses over into BS. How do you keep stating this as fact?

Forget your whole messed up definition of Retina based on what you think you remember Jobs said in a keynote 2 years ago.

Do you honestly think that the iPad 3 was all created under Cook and that Jobs had completely no say? Do you really think the iPad 3 was made in the 5 months after his death?

There is no doubt that the iPad 3 has been in development for minimum over a year, most likely more. Your beloved Steve Jobs absolutely 100% approved the 265 PPI display. Yes, that Jobs, the one you insanely keep thinking has a hard on for 300 PPI screens.

Everyone has repeated this to you a thousand times and yet I don't get how you keep thinking this is all part of Cook's crusade to destroy Apple and everything Jobs stood for. Quit being close minded and ignorant, I'll repeat it one more time.

FACT: Steve Jobs approved, and almost certainly helmed, the idea of doubling the resolution of the iPad 2 and giving the iPad 3 a 2048x1536, 265 PPI display!

that is almost certainly correct, and based on logic.

Also, how can anyone say that 'retina' means >300ppi? Apple only has one 'retina' product, the iphone 4/4S (and ipod touch), and all have the same resolution/screen size.

Surely anyone with any sense understands that retina is a bullshit marketing buzzword created to hype up the iphone 4? It just means 'high res screen' and in apples case wanting to see the pixels disappear.

There is no concrete definition that means >300ppi, just that the only product range using retina happens to have >300ppi

its a piece of piss for Apple to still apply retina to ipad 3 if they want to - they'll change from >300ppi talk, to pixels per angle of view or whatever suits their numbers.

 

[brain_stew]

I really shouldn't have bought that PS VITA. I don't think I can justify over £700 on toys in one month.

 

[dream]

I want a 15" iPad.

Magazine-sized. Better for magazines, newspapers, internet, photo, etc. Everything really.

Better for old people too.

There's actually going to be a 13.3" Android tablet announced next month. I got a chance to play with it the other week and it just feels so absurd.

 

[shira]

There's actually going to be a 13.3" Android tablet announced next month. I got a chance to play with it the other week and it just feels so absurd.

Going to be heavy as a laptop or poor battery life, best to wait for e-paper or the next generation in batteries.

 

[CrunchinJelly]

Where is that iPad 3 YT video?

 

[mrkgoo]

I think that while Steve would've had a hand in any of the near-future developments from Apple, his absence can make a difference. Apple are famous for last minute changes and decisions, of which many I'm sure Steve had an influence in. I mean, it was part of the design of the supply chain to be able to react quickly.

Undoubtedly, the retina iPad was in development while Steve was around, but who knows how many little decisions has been made without Steve, but I'd wager they're always happening.

That said, I don't think it will be that big a difference without him at least for a while. The executive and development teams are some of the best in the world... Perhaps in any industry. It is part of Steve's legacy to install his very DNA into the entire company. People like Schiller, Forstall, Cook, and Ive are very much part of the modern Apple as much as Steve was, in my opinion. There's even a chance that without him, we may see some improvements isome areas. I still have the utmost confidence.

Just one final note about 'retina'. Just as the PPI effects viewing distance ( that is, the optimal viewing distance is decided by the Resolution and screen size), I do believe there will be a noticeable difference between the iPhone 4 retina and iPad retina. Why? Because I DO view the iPad less than a foot away. Right this moment, I'm sitting at my dini room table, iPad on it, and I'm leaning over it typing. Must be about 8 inches away. I like to view the whole neogaf page (non-web app), so I look at it closer.

Would I like 300dpi? Sure. But there's no doubt the improvement over the current screen will be much more vast than the difference between the new screen and 300dpi+. I will love it regardless. (point is moot, seeing as I can't afford a new iPad anyway)

 

[outunderthestars]

I never found this shit funny, but it's even less humorous now that the guy is dead. :|


Yeah, as much as I like to get new details, it does really ruin the reveal when everyone kinda knows exactly what's coming... ala iPhone 4. How amazing that would've been if no one knew exactly how it looked before Giz..

Nobody is forcing you to go to rumor sites and what not.

and can we please stop talking about PPI?