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iPad vs HP Mini Netbook

When you compare, there’s no comparison
- AT&T

Ultimatrix pointed out where Steve Jobs compared the iPad to a Netbook, so you can stop posting comments about comparing two completely different devices.

Skip to 1:30

The problem is, Netbooks aren’t better at anything

- Steve Jobs

Well Steve, let’s see what the Netbook is better at.

Many of the Dell Laptop deals now include the Mini 10v and 11 at several hundred dollars less than the cheapest iPad.

iPad HP Mini
$829 Price $699
1Ghz Processor 1.66Ghz
64GB Disk Space 320GB
9.7″ Screen Size 11.6″
1024×768 Screen Resolution 1366×768
140,000 Applications Available Millions
0 USB Ports 3
2GB Mobile Data Unlimited
yes AT&T yes
no Verizon yes
no Sprint yes
no Tether to existing phone yes
no Download Apps From The Web yes
no Handle Compressed Archives yes
External Physical Keyboard yes
yes Bluetooth yes
no Webcam yes
no Firefox/Chrome yes
yes Safari yes
no Adobe Flash yes
no Optical Drive External
no Video Chat yes
no Adobe Photoshop yes
no Microsoft Outlook yes
no Multitasking yes
no Windows 7 yes
no Run Any Linux Distro yes
no Run OSX yes
no Removable Battery yes
no Hardware Upgradeable yes
$10/Month Hulu Free
no Netflix yes
January 29, 2010 Technology 293 Comments
  • Miknees

    I've never in my life read so many ass holes (including myself) babbling about how they are right and everyone else is wrong. Are you all fucking 5 years old? Everyone has their own opinions, Apple, and Microsoft, and just about every distro of linux have individual pro's and con's. There is no "right" computing experience to use. If any one option was inferior completely, it wouldnt be legitimate competition to the others.I've seen stupid forum and comment arguments over this topic before, but never with such ferocity.

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      Know how to spot a fanboy?

      • Peter

        Agreed, this isn't even up for debate, these are all facts.

  • Cwags64

    I have had 2 netbooks and 1 Ipad, I would take an ipad anyday over the netbooks. Both my netbooks have been given away. Even with the slower processor speed I did find it performed much quicker, mainly because of the OS. No complaints here.

    • unix

      your dumb

  • http://www.thesiswritingservice.com/ thesis writing servi

    Haha, there's the answer ;) I never understood why iPad is so popular.

  • E_caroline

    It is so often quite amusing to watch people justify being foolish with their money…. and proud of it…. after pretty much getting more-or-less conned by people who sell products to the un-savvy who think that they can buy their way out of being intellectually-lazy… or out of being actually downright stupid.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1133814724 Shawn Feller

    and if set the two on a table or couch 9 out of 10 people will grab the uber awesome ipad. I've owned everything…and I'm not sure what purpose a half ass netbook servers (sold my Lenovo S10) after a month…but now have two ipads in my house. nobody does video chat in my world on skype…but voice is just fine. when the kid/wife need to type a LONG email or document they put the ipad in the keyboard doc and go…other then that we charge out ipads one every two week and life is good!

    I cannot explain how many times again and again the ipad has prove the perfect house use appliance and when things need to get busy I simply walk over to my desktop.

    Your chart is useless as it compares nothing useful

  • Jon

    its shit like this steve

  • super_dave

    for everyone posting that this is a comparison of two different things, please explain to me how. What you have in the iPad is a seemingly portable device with an integrated display; a motherboard, CPU, and chipset; an input system; and an Apple OS. What it is being compared to is a seemingly portable device with an integrated display; a motherboard, CPU, and chipset; an input system; and any OS. Describe to me this difference. And if you tell me that's what they make phones into these days, uh, duh.
    I agree, the touchscreen is awesome, but it's not a completely different animal. And it's not the first time it's been done (for some reason, Symbol electronics come to mind, and not sure who else). Customer Service? Fair enough, but that's why I know how to fix my own issues (I call it Google). And I have options, which are already limited for portable computing, and that Apple reduces to just above nil. That tiny sliver of appreciation is for what you put in the Mac before you leave the website… oh wait. You don't for the iPad. Never mind.
    So… issues? Other than why I'm posting to this thread two weeks after people stopped commenting on it.

  • julz

    its like designer clothes you just paying for a name lol

  • FXR2205RunRun

    Never had anyone ask if they could play with my PC. It must have something good going for it. And this is kind of like comparing a server to a laptop. They are not used in the same way. Just saying.

    • smashing0

      laptops have been around for a long time, they don't have the "oooh! look new toy! what does it do?" appeal of the ipad. What you are saying is that it isn't used the same way, it just costs more and does less.

      • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1133814724 Shawn Feller

        It does nothing less other then a few missing flashes. When multitasking comes out half the arguments are moot. All those dissing on an ipad have clearly not lived with one.

        I manage linux and PC all day long at work…I"ve owned it all and the Mac line and ipad are bar FAR the most useful solutions. yes they are more and I'm lucky enough to afford what the haters often cannot.

        Ipads are "on" in 1 sec and running and no BS of the netbooks.

        in the real world what doesn't my ipad do that you need to do daily with your netbook?

        • E_caroline

          When I read a comment that reads like it was written by a barely literate 8th grader… I know I'm reading the opinion of some kid who is spending his parent's money and whose "job" is probably an internship that involves no "management" at all.

          • Bending1991

            They are still 2 completely different machines, a more proper comparison would be the netbook to the 11" MacBook Air.

  • Rossd52

    I actually switched from pc to apple while I was in college and happen to love it. In my opinion it is a lot more user friendly, plus you dont have to worry about viruses. I can do whatever I want with it and not have to worry about software or programming problems. Plus, the protection plan is so easy to use. I once spilled sprite on my keyboard and sent it in, they sent it back a week later with a new keyboard and a new screen because they said the screen wasnt getting bright enough. I know I paid a little more for my macbook pro but it has been worth it due to the hassle free operation and repair.

    • whoever i wanna be

      The only reason MACs don't get viruses is that so few people use them it isn't worth the time for the programmers making the viruses to make them for MACs. it has nothing to do with the fact that it is made by Apple or how they write the programming for them.

      • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

        I really wish more people realized this.

    • super_dave

      just a reminder: no viruses, but still hackable (with late software patches). why is that important? because you still lose. I'll take my executables, thanks.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_CWE2D4D3POS2KSVFTDQHLYKMZI Ripoff Alert

    AHAHA Everything apple is for SUCKAS! lol seriously people are so stupid…

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1390056755 Edgar Luna

    You are comparing a toaster with a fan… not the same function at all -.-

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      I'm sorry, which one made the toast again?

      • djofsongs

        hp thing

  • Anonymous

    wow, this must be why the HP Mini notebook sold 4.2 million this past quarter!! oh wait… nevermind… enjoy your view from your parent's basement.

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      Lets take a look at some of your comment history.

      You "liked" a comment that read

      "You obviously have not spent any time with an iPad."

      And another that said

      "i'll buy other 250$ tablet instead. and boy will it suck"

      And you post comments like

      "lol at the people who thought the ipad was overpriced."
      "more vid of hot chick plz"
      "That's one hairy photographer."

      I don't know about you, but I sure know an Apple fanboy trapped in their parent's basement when I see one.

      • Wesley456

        My friend…I know some people are annoying when they are arrogant, but why don't you give legitimate arguments instead of low blow ip tracing and history searching? You've got to prove a point while keeping your composure, not go all out to satisfy a desire of expose others with off topic information. And yes, I know I've commented on your thread twice before. You don't have to quote my past posts.

        • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

          Because I'm not really going to waste my time trying to reason with someone who leaves childish comments. Most of the fanboys that comment on this article can't be reasoned with. They believe their beloved Steve Jobs is the supreme ruler of the world and anyone who thinks otherwise is an inferior being.

          I'm not saying every fanboy is like this guy. Some post comments that are very well put, such as the fact that these two devices are marketed to two very different consumer groups, or how it's all about personal preference. While these people are actually mature enough to leave a constructive comment that I love to reply to, there are still people like this guy who just leave the generic "LOL UR SO DUMB HAHAHAHA IPADS ARE TEH FUTURE!" which just goes to show you the average user base that Apple has.

          • Wesley456

            I can see where you are coming from. I guess I didn't take into account the fact that you have to put up with hundreds of these guys. That being said then, let the humiliation continue. :)

  • Blanka

    If Steve jobs compares the ipad to a Kindle, then we can compare it to a netbook. The ipad is nowhere near the reading quality of the Kindle but ipad is being marketed to be able to do that too.

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      He compared it to the Kindle AND a Netbook. I believe he said something like "The problem is, Netbooks don't do anything better" (I'm paraphrasing)

  • 486dx

    you could find use in both but I wouldn't spend the Ipad money just yet… to me it's just not worth it, and I don't really care for touch screen.

  • E_caroline

    Apple products are designed for technophobes who want to pretend that paying a lot for a piece of too-proprietary hardware/software somehow makes up for the fact they really mostly use their devices to show off their affluence.

    It is like someone who cannot handle a stick shift without grinding the gears buying a $100,000 sports car with a manual racing transmission.

    Apple products are the equivalent of AOL…. in the olden days AOL got newbies up and running on the internet the fastest…but trapped them there with an expensive subscription and a crippled browser.

    Same with Apple products.. newbies get up and running quickly but then are trapped in an expensive world not not-superior software of which there is little.

    Apple users like Apple primarily because that is the platform upon which they went from newbie-to-user they are used to it… and comfy with it… not because they actually know much about computers or their capabilities.

    Apple products are the AOL of computing.

    • Nick

      Apple products aren't just for technophobes and newbies. I use apple products and know how to write my own computer programs.

      Geeks need to do the same things as newbs, and apple products make it easier to do them. Have you ever tried to share a file on windows?

      In addition, there is a lot of good software out there for the iOS system. And it can be made open fairly easily if the user decides to jailbreak.

      • Anonymous

        Only 3 kind of people use apple products.

        1-Fanboys

        2-Nontech people/idiots

        3-People that makes money of 1 and 2

        • Wesley456

          4-people who use correct grammar :P

  • http://roulettesecretsuncovered.co.uk ArrGee

    Photoshopped. Oh, wrong forum. I am more of a PC fella than Mac, but iPad has its own uses and should not be compared in the way it has been here. I currently have a Blackberry Bold, with lots of functionality that I need, but my old mate has a $20 phone that lets him make and receive calls and messages. He loves his phone and I love mine. If you didn't know the functionality of the equipment you purchase, prior to purchase, then you might as well throw your wallet at the nearest beggar, but I hope that people aren't that removed from reality.

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      This is true, but Steve Jobs always compares his devices to other products so I really saw no problem in doing so.

  • http://someplaceelse.co.nz Mike

    Thanks for the comparison chart Ryan. One item you left off the chart is "Magical". You decide where the tick belongs.

  • Chris

    well thats just dumb cause the ipad is not a computer so its not like its a reasonable comparison

    and I mean why would you want to run either Windows 7 or OSX in something that already has a functional Operating System for what it needs

    you add physical keyboard, why do you need a physical keyboard.. The HP is not exactly touch screen is it???

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      Once again, Steve Jobs compared the iPad to a Netbook, so it only seemed fair. Why would you want a run another OS? Because it's YOUR device. YOU should be able to customize it however you want. If you want to install any OS on your device, you should be able to. You can do this with the Netbook, not with the iPad.

      Why do you need a physical keyboard? Have you ever tried to type a large amount of text on a touchscreen? It's not exactly fun.

      • batisb

        Why do you need to compare everything? Don't like it-don't buy it! It's so simple!

        • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

          So other people can get a good idea before they make any purchases.

  • Raven

    Great article.Just what ive been looking for. I have been in 2 minds whether to get one this month and ive not come across an ipad Vs another laptop/alternative till now,pointing out things about oneanother. Still in two minds but its really given me some knowledge without just leaping in there without knowing the facts. Thankyou for posting it :)

  • Anonymous

    I like iGadgets exactly the same as I like putting my paycheck through a shredder. But I have to say this against the HP, in my experience any screen size over 8" renders a computer useless for genuine portable use. So the 11.6" of the HP is a major negative, in fact for my use it might as well be a mainframe. Also the HP is still too expensive for something that will end it's days either dropped or stolen.
    e-Bay is replete with cheap Chinese Android pads now at prices that make them virtually painlessly disposable. For most serious use a portable system doesn't need much power; I have a lowly $80 ARM based miniPC that handles word processing, spreadsheets, the net and plays acceptable vids etc. and it took me a whole week to flatten the battery.

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      Are you claiming you can't drop or steal an iPad?

      • Lawry

        I could say I would feel sorry for the thief {^_^} – but seriously I did say "the HP is still too expensive" meaning that both would be a great financial pain if dropped or stolen. I like gadgets that cost me so little I won't go into shock when they are gone for what ever reason. For me that is about the level of the weekly supermarket bill.
        BTW My rich boss has an iPad (actually he is virtually an iBoss) he says he can DL 100,000's of apps. (My favorite is the Paper Weight app – you run it and you can use the iPad as a paper weight {^_^}.)

        • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

          Does your boss know there are 100's of thousands of applications for Windows as well? Then there's flash applications too….

          • Anonymous

            More like millions of aps for Windows! He should know – he has a small bunch of PC guru's (me included) stirring him almost daily. Actually he was on Macs first then on Windows and then back to Macs – effectively a Vista casualty. (Yes we did tell him to avoid "blister" but he didn't listen.) He feels more comfortable on an iMac and ultimately it is about getting the work done ASAP for many users.

  • hate marion

    i used to live in marion where indiana wesleyan is. everyone there is a prick

  • Nick

    whoever made this is dumb.

    There is netflix on an iPad, you can get apps, outlook sucks, your crappy hp won't run osx, the batter on the iPad is ten hours (suck that one)

    you're a fucking fag

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      Very mature of you Nick Graham (i.nick.graham@gmail.com), I couldn't help but notice, based on your IP address of 199.8.26.10 that you posted that from Indiana Wesleyan University, which is a "evangelical Christian comprehensive university"

      Now, I don't know about you but that comment didn't sound very Christan, now did it?

      If you would have taken the time to check the date of the article, as well as the comments previously posted, you would have noticed that at the time of this articles creation, the iPad did NOT have Netflix.

      Outlook is also used by all major corporations for email exchange.

      Oh, and yes, the HP can run OSX. The iPad, however, can NOT run OSX.

      And if you think you can get 10 hours of batter life surfing the web, watching Netflix, or doing anything that strains the battery than you are sadly mistaken.

      • http://steamcommunity.com/id/WindowPuncher WindowPuncher

        Lol ip tracking ftw.

        He is obviously retarded, therefore I agree with you.

        • Chris

          This made my whole week. Nick you lose, Ryan you rock.

      • Tom Pearson

        that was a brilliant come back mate.bet nick is sitting there sucking his thumb now.

      • Nick

        Guys,

        I screwed up here. I was upset one night and jumped at the opportunity to lash out and I just didn't think. I am sorry that I offended people, know that I am an idiot for those remarks.

        • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

          In light of your apology and accompanying email, I have removed any personal information from my reply that may single you out.

          • Nick

            Thanks man, I do appreciate it.

          • Kronik

            how were you able to get so much information from an annon??? :O stalker much?

            • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

              His email address was his name and a simple whois of the IP address yields it's owner, in his case it was a school, in your case it's Hawaii.

  • Wesley456

    The reason some people like Apple is the very reason some people don't. Closed source. How do you make things that any user can use, that has an attractive interface, and is beautifully crafted? Closed source. If you control every internal/external aspect of your line of, say, monkey toys, you can easily make it usable to every monkey out there. This obviously comes with the cost of a flashy but inefficient interface, a non-developmentally friendly environment, and a sea of silver and black conformity.

    However, you can't blame Apple for doing what it does. It's what they were built on. Vertical and Horizontal integration. Greed. The most obvious monopoly of our time. You can take apart your netbook and pop in more efficient RAM, but try doing the same with an iPad. You can't. And yet, their line of products have been selling faster than Katy Perry's popularity. Are people with Apple products therefore superficial douche bags? Hardly. Are they among the most technically inapt? Most likely. Would they gladly embrace the frowned-upon methods that spawn from Apple's greed? We all know the answer to that. They might have second thoughts when they do buy one, but as Socrates says, you only do what you ultimately think is best. Given these facts, let's just sit back, stop deterring people from buying those darn soullessly sexy items of luxury, and bask in the fact that we know our volition is better than theirs. Yay?

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      But closed source applications are usually the ones you find catastrophic security holes in. Just take a look at Adobe Flash, Acrobat, SMS vulnerability in SMS, PNG Handler, and PDF Handler in iOS, Windows, etc. While open source applications usually are much more secure than its close source competitors, they do usually lack a pleasing visual appeal. It doesn't have anything to do with open/closed source though, as much as it has to do with the majority of people rather coding/designing for a closed source application given the profit that can be made.

      • Wesley456

        The profit that Apple ultimately controls. They get a percentage in gain of all applications that they post on their appstore, and that's what is giving them a constant influx of profit. Closed source = control. I am full-fledged with open source software (i use mozilla, android, etc.) because I believe in the potential of open source development and innovation. However, there is no doubt that there will always be more closed source software in this world. After all, who doesn't want to copyright and make money on their own inventions. But your argument of including developmental software is not very sound. At least flash gives developers the tools they need to develop. Software that opens grounds to open source development can't be factored in, because even though its intention is clear, its implementation varies. Apps in apple's store are purely for monetary gain. But when you say its not the closed and open source that is the basis of this, but the greedy people coding it, isn't that the same thing as saying its not that the company is mediocre, its the people running it who are mediocre? They are both the cause and the effect of each other, and thus the same.

        All I am saying is that because there is no stopping people from creating things out of greed, and also no stopping others who use the creations that stem from greed, it is a waste of time trying to prevent anything. Don't get me wrong though, your article is very enlightening, but just with no end to justify your means.

  • David Glover50

    What about sound and headphone access?

  • Chriscans

    x – works consistently – ✓

  • Foo

    user experience. nuff said.

  • theblackwings

    You can't really compare these. The Ipad is a convenient media tool and the HP mini is a smaller laptop. I sell both of these machines and I can tell you that each have their pros and cons. The IPad is easy to use and is great for quick surfing; however it is not made to do heavy work. The HP mini is more of a traditional computer. It has a full fledged OS and you can do just about anything to it that you would with a laptop albeit a little slower.
    It would make more sense to compare the IPad to the HP Slate or even the Dell Streak. The HP mini is more comparable to the Macbook air then it is to the IPad.

  • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

    Then perhaps Steve Jobs shouldn't compare the iPad to one, yes?

    Also, there are plenty of Tablet PC's with full keyboards on them (the monitor just spins around and folds back down) so the specifications of a Netbook would be near identical to a Tablet PC.

  • Lko211

    you really need to get your facts right dude. http://www.apple.com/ipad

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      You really need to check the post date dude.

      At the time of this post (January 29th if you’re blind) this was 100% true. Since then, not much has changed. I think Netflix is on the iPad now, and Hulu is trying to get their iPad/iPhone app out (although so far it’s extremely bad, you have to pay a monthly subscription to Hulu Plus to use it, and it still shows you ads).

      Obviously, there are more applications now, so the 140,000 might be inaccurate, but that still won’t help it catch up to the millions that are available on a Netbook.

      You can’t download Apps from the web, you need to download them from the App Store. Oh, and if an App is over 20MB (and most iPad applications are) you need to be on WiFi to download them, not 3G.

      Oh, and the iPad STILL can’t multitask. If you want to listen to Pandora and do anything else on your iPad, you’ll need to wait for iOS 4.2 coming out in November I believe.

      Did I miss anything?

  • Crabcakes

    i don't get this comparison… iPad is not really a computer… it's for personal entertainment. like a toy i would say… it like a huge smart phone… why would you go that far to compare something that's not in the same bracket?

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      Because Steve Jobs himself compared the iPad to a Netbook. I figured it was only fair.

  • AppleIsForChumps

    Apple sucks. It just successfully brainwashes people who basically dont have the intellectual horsepower to do anything more than point and click with a single mouse button … lol

  • Mike

    Um, the Netbook runs Windows. Ipad wins. Case. Closed.

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      Um, the Netbook can run Windows, Linux, Unix, Solaris, OSX, Android, and anything else for that matter.

      You lose.

  • Hikarutanjou

    To maple:

    Windows 7 comes with free upgrades. Ipads and iPhones crash. And computers can utilize an ebook program called stanza that is far better than iBook. and you have to agree that it sucks that the iPad doesn't have customizeable hardware parts

  • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

    Put the netbook on standby, you'll get instant on. Ever try cold booting an iPhone/iPad? It takes a while.

    Battery isn't replaceable. I hope you don't think you can watch 10 hours of video on the iPad, the battery won't last that long. However, if you own a Netbook and wish to take it on a long flight, you're covered because you can simply replace the battery with your spare.

    iPad has no tactile feedback. Not even so much as a vibrate. Don't plan on doing any amount of excessive typing on a flat surface like the iPad.

    Edu/Learning softs? I'm guessing you mean educational software. If so, the netbook would have MUCH more options than the iPad. So that argument is just plain wrong.

    I couldn't imagine using something as large as an iPad while laying on my side. What are you, 12? If you have things to do, do them. Don't put them off until you're laying down in bed. Your beds primary purpose is to sleep in, not surf the internet.

    What more do you have to purchase? You will almost certainty have to pay for iOS 5.0 when it comes out, windows users get their service packs for free. So that is completely wrong.

    I suggest you do a little more research next time.

  • Chiphong

    Missing:
    iPad|Netbook
    Instant On: Yes| No
    Long life battery: 10h|3h
    Touch interactive: Yes|No
    Edu/Learning softs: A lot| Limitted
    Use while laying on your bed: Yes|Impossible
    Licensed OS: included|need to purchase more

  • andrew

    I fyou own a mac computer, buy an Ipad
    If you own a Windows Computer buy an Archos 9, or other windows 7 media tablet
    I know with windows 7, you can be online anywhere, and access your stuff on your main windows 7 computer for free, as long as you have a internet connection. So im assuming the Ipad and Mac do the same thing. I think it is more idiotic to own a windows pc and buy a mac ipad, or vice versa. PERFECT PLAN: If you own a windows 7 computer buy an Archos 9, you can run ms office 2010 and anything else that is for windows on it, as long as the system can handle it. So then you have portability, internet access, etc. Then You own a windows 7 desktop with all your music and everything. You connect them with a homegroup, or other methods, and then while on the go, you have access to everything on your desktop. Same idea should apply to a mac and Ipad, but i dont use either, so im not sure. But thats my plan.

  • Guest

    “Hey look at me… I'm bashing Apple.” How original.

    I will *never* get an iPad. I'd much rather get a netbook. With that being said I would like to point out that the iPad was never meant to replace a straight-up computer. It's a wonderful device for users who are avid readers, but don't like hauling a bunch of books everywhere or a busy professional that just needs their calendar, contacts, and some music. Yeah it's a little pricey for those menial tasks, but considering the power behind the gizmo and comparable products (which aren't netbooks, they're other portable book readers like the Kindle and such) AND considering the app possibilities for it… I'd say it's well worth the price. I've already heard a few explanations for not supporting Flash, and honestly I'll side with Apple on that, and I do believe with the new OS upgrade the iPad does support multitasking.

    At any rate: you're not being clever or original when you're bashing Apple. I don't own any Apple products myself (they're just too expensive for me), but geez it gets kind of tiring when Apple releases and everybody and their mothers bash it because of one little thing or another. I'd like to point out that even though the new iPhone is getting bashed for reception problems, it's still estimated to sell something like 36 million units by the end of this year. You could say that there are 36 million stupid people who are buying them, or you could get off your “I hate Apple” high horse and see that oh hey, maybe they're just making good products.

    Dadgum people…

  • Charter Jacobson

    I would always look if there is a better alternative to apple products, and thank you stumbleupon, I found this page.

  • Ultimoqueso

    you shouldn't trash the ipad, it's magical! I know quite a few people who have it and say that it's like magic and that they have a magical experience just holding it in their hands. magically.

  • Bobbutts

    claiming no viruses for any os is always wrong

  • Alex

    Actually you're information is rather flawed. This should be what it is:
    iPad ——Netbook
    X – Viruses – ✓
    ✓ – Crashes – ✓
    ✓ – Multitouch – X
    ✓ – iBooks – ✓
    X – Free OS Upgrades – ✓

    iPod Touch 3.0 cost $10. Now I know that's not the “iPad”, but it sets a precedent. Nobody pays for Linux distros, and SP's for Windows are free. iPod's crash all the time. Actually my iPod crashes more times then my Windows 7 blue screens. So you're right, people need to decide for themselves, but with legitimate facts.

  • vicwiz

    its ok all the computer illiterates can buy apple. It will the divert the viruses from windows and linux all to apple because hackers know they are owned by people that buy stuff they dont need. god i hate apple like i lose sleep over this.

  • anon

    They forgot to add an "Indie Cred" category.

  • http://www.security-wire.com/ Remove Spyware

    But there are still lots of people buying iPad.

  • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

    Google AdSense Ads. I don't have control over that.

  • Enormousgenitals

    I love the chart and couldn't agree more… so what's with the ipad ad on the bottom?? SELLOUT!!! ha

  • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

    Sounds about right, however, I decided to take the smoke and mirrors approach similar to how Steve Jobs markets his products.

  • Nonya

    I'm not agreeing or disagreeing with the idea behind the list, but I notice that it mentioned that the iPad can't run windows 7 but not that the HP Mini Netbook can't run IOS 3.whatever-the-iPad-runs. And it also lists individual applications that the iPad can't run but not the apps that the netbook can't run.

  • Davehendricks22

    Love my iPhone. iPad is a complete waste of money.

  • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

    You mean kind of like how Apple shows off their products?

  • http://www.facebook.com/tgpepper Greg Pepper

    If you think your “photoshop” app on your iPad can do what the real photoshop does, then you are sadly mistaken.

    And condescend much? I can afford an iPad, you dick, and I own an iPhone. Apple makes great machines, so does Microsoft. But the iPad is nothing but a gimmicky toy; a giant iPod.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Patrick-Rowe/1037776292 Patrick Rowe

    Oh an iPad yuo are entirely limited by apple, their ways of deciding what to give you. You have to pay for all your apps, whereas on a netbook the majority are free. i also contend with you saying that the ipad is “Practical” for word processing, that's really not true.. Not to mention, the points that you added are completely invalid. The iPad's apps crash frequently, and only the very well developed ones don',t the iPad itself crashes as well. Any OS upgrades that come with apple are very angled to prevent jailbreaking, very few actually change the user experience. In addition to this the netbook DOES have free OS upgrades. The netbook has eBooks to contend with iBooks. And there are far more eBooks than iBooks, not to mention that they are cheaper, and a windoes 7 netbook will have multitouch on the touchpad.

    Argument thouroughly deconstructed? Yes.

  • http://twitter.com/nuthman Rick Nuthman

    The iPad is certainly not the “Ferrari” of portable computing. The iPad is certainly decent for reading books, and quickly looking stuff up on the net, but in reality it is a very limited device. I realize that Apple is trying to give its users the best possible experience through stringent standards, but it is honestly not worth it at the expense of wasted, limited technology. I would say that iOS is to Android OS as washing machines are to PCs. Apple makes appliance software, not real operating systems.

  • http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/6QIAL7TBZASTJBPZ23IMRFLBH4 Ryan Kearney

    Wow, is your logic flawed (not to mention incorrect)
    By your own argument, you would say that a Chevy Aveo is better than a Ferrari because it has more room inside, get's better gas mileage, has more accessories, and is cheaper.
    You see, the netbook (Aveo) is cheaper, but you get what you pay for – a slow, ugly thing that kinda does what it's supposed to, but you can add all kinds of stuff to it like spoilers (USB devices), mufflers (Flash), and fuzzy mirror dice (Linux and Windows), and that makes it sooooo much better. The Ferrari (iPad) is made for people that want something fast, sleek, and powerful – something that will do everything it's supposed to do very well.
    The iPad is what the netbook should have been all along. Netbook owners pride themselves on things their netbooks can do that the iPad can't, like multitask (that'll change soon), NetFlix (oh, wait, we have that now, and can output it to our tv in 720P), webcam (I have a camera, and a camera on my phone – why do I need another camera – am I that vain?), run OSX (oh, wait, iOS is BUILT ON OSX), Windows (really, you said “Windows”??), download apps from the web (or, as I like to say “spyware” and “viruses”), removable battery (if the battery life didn't suck, you WOULDN'T NEED MULTIPLE BATTERIES), or Photoshop (I have apps on my iPad that can do the same thing PS can, except faster). Wow. I really am jealous of you. The iPad just does the other stuff, you know, like running software, better.
    The only people that really hate the iPad are the same types of people that hate Ferraris – the “have nots”. These are the same people who scream “Apple sucks”, but stare longingly into the Apple Store and peek out of the corner of their eye at the guy using the mac while they still wait for their netbook to book. Instead of hating the iPad, save up your allowance and buy one. Until then, I'll be over here, in the future, waiting for you.

    • Anonymous

      To point out something from the chart, I couldn’t find this netbook (an HP Mini 311) at the price of $699. HP priced one at $663.98. Just saying…

      About your Aveo to Ferrari comparison. The problem with that is that an Intel Atom CPU at 1.66 GHz in the HP is much more powerful than a 1GHz Apple A4 CPU the iPad is sporting. In the area of twice as fast. Check some benchmarks: http://www.anandtech.com/show/3640/apples-ipad-the-anandtech-review/17.

      Also this netbook (as priced at $663.98) has 3 GB of ram. Running Windows 7, about 2782MB of that is available to applications. The iPAD has 256MB available to applications. Multi-tasking is RAM intensive. If the iPad gets support for multitasking, it’s going to be crippled compared to the HP because of the lack of RAM.

      And about that 720p output on the iPad. It can decode a 720p h.264 video file, but you can’t actually watch it in that resolution on the iPAD display, or on a TV through its VGA output. The iPad’s max resolution is 1024×768 (roughly 17% lower resolution that 720p). Simply put, you will never get 720p using an iPad.

      The HP however, supports output to 2560×1600 (1600p, roughly 97% higher resolution than 1080p). That’s over five times the resolution the iPad can pump out. Also, it can decode 1080p video, not just 720. And you can actually watch it in full resolution.

      Aside from saying the netbook has more storage and features, you can see how you’ve got it wrong about that Aveo=HP iPad=Ferrari comparison now, right? Cool.

      As far as viruses and spyware go on Windows 7, I haven’t picked up anything worse than tracking cookies (Macs and iOS devices pick these up as well), and I view and download some pretty questionable junk.

      Now I would guess by your language that you prefer OSX over Windows. OSX is nice, if that is your preference, fair enough. That said, iOS is a feature stripped and restricted version of OSX, and Windows 7 is a very nice OS. Nice enough to win me back from a 7 year exclusive stint with Linux, for what it’s worth.

      Try to think of it this way – would you prefer iOS over OSX on your Mac Pro? Unlikely. A full featured OS is preferable to a feature stripped and (further) locked down derivative of one (so long as the hardware can support it).

      As a parting thought, if you think you have an iPad app that actually does EVERYTHING that Photoshop does, you haven’t seen much of what PS can do. I encourage you to watch these videos
      http://www.mydamnchannel.com/You_Suck_at_Photoshop/Season_1/YouSuckAtPhotoshop1DistortWarpandLayerEffects_1373.aspx for a small idea. They’re funny AND informative!

      Oh, wait. From your spot in the future does iPad support Flash content?

  • http://www.facebook.com/cathan Cat Squishy Nguyen

    people just buy ipads becuase first off, obviously if you're buying an ipad you have money to blow (dont ask me why you'd blow it on an ipad). Second, its easy to use, granted netbooks are too but ipads are just more shallow. Second, i find its also a thing people buy to show off.

    The basis of your logic is that people buy things because its logical and practical to. That is not the case. People buy ipads not because its useful but because of the social factor. one, OMG ITS APPLE. two, OMG IT LOOKS SO COOL.

    I also think the ipad is like a netbook built for dummies in a way. i mean you jsut turn it on, press an app and there you go whatever it is. movie? press the movie app, wherease the netbook process, while almost just as simple, may take a little longer. idk, just from personal observation. If you want something you don't have to think to use, just get an ipad. If you're relatively smarter, get a netbook and install ubuntu or something.

    netbooks also seem to me to be more comparable to the macbook air. Ipads idk just seem to be more (like slavetothehype said) a big gadget.

  • http://www.facebook.com/juggler Michael Carrot Berman

    In addition, if you install Ubuntu on the HP one, we get the following:

    iPad ——Netbook
    X – Viruses – X
    X – Crashes – X
    ✓ – Multitouch – X
    ✓ – eBook application – ✓
    ✓ – Free OS Upgrades – ✓

    • http://twitter.com/blucatchr Linnie

      I had multitouch on my Ubuntu install, so that two-finger taps on the touchpad would be a right-click, I could scroll with two fingers, or middle-click with three.

      • nothing

        more likely you did

    • Saasa

      screw ubuntu piece of crap updated , destroyed my beautiful toshiba.

      • Travisdickson2007

        First off………Toshiba was your first mistake……..Anyone that purchases a company-made computer is stupid for doing so. I am a certified computer tech and can honestly tell you that ANY computer that you buy retail can have up to 50% used parts in it and Walmart, Best Buy, etc. can sell them as brand new as long as 50% of the parts are brand new in the computer. Thus, sending a computer to get repaired by the manufacturer, they put used parts back into it to fix it and usually only works again for a short period of time. Do yourself a favor, and build or have build a machine yourself.

        • Anon

          Because I can build my own netbook without having training in the field.

      • geek

        Stupid people are not meant for linux. Go home and enjoy the viruses and security holes of Windows.

        • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

          ProTip: Linux has its own share of security holes as well. I use Windows and have never had any so called “security holes” used against me.

          99.9% of the time the problem is user error. Every day people think the price of Nigeria wants to give them billions of dollars, or they want to see photos from their “family reunion” in the form of an executable.

          Sure, there are things the OS can do to help mitigate these things, but what it really comes down to is properly educating the user.

          It’s like giving an Amish kid a new car, putting him in the middle of NYC, then wondering why he doesn’t know what he’s doing. Sure he might be able to go forward, but when it comes to using the car properly, and being aware of his surroundings and the right and wrong things to do while driving, but there are so many things he doesn’t know. This is what happens when uneducated people use a computer. Sure they might be able to turn it on and open Word, but do they really know which email attachments are viruses? Do they really know a sketchy URL when they see one?

          It all comes down to the user…

        • http://cafedegeek.com/ Cafe De Geek

          spot on geek!..only A holes enjoy the holes…. :D

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Jason-Casey/1308866502 Jason Casey

    Actually they are already showing how much apple products are prone to viruses and malware and with the recent security snafus with AT&T and Apple I think I will put my trust in the Netbook. With a good virus program I am set. Have not had a virus on my computer since Windows 98. I also read books on my computer just fine and multitouch with Win 7 means more netbooks and computers with multitouch. With Apple you cannot share your music and if Apple ever decides to take a book or a program back they can and there is nothing you can say about it. Apple owns your data-you just lease it.
    I am forced to work with Macs at my office and I will tell you they crash more than my Win 7 computer which has crashed all of 0 times.

    • Travisdickson2007

      And the only reason that Microsoft computers get viruses is because apple developers are making them and targeting them to MS computers. That is some info to think about. Apples are way over priced, and with my higher end computer (i7 extreme, Asus P7p55d delux motherboard, 16 gb hyperx ddr3 ram, etc) I had changed my bios settings so I was dual booting osx from one hd and windows 7 64 bit on the other, and just deleted the osx as it sucked substatially. I have around $3500 wrapped up into my system, and if I would have bought an apple with my specs, it would have cost me around $7000. Do the math people, you can build an apple for a fraction of the price and still have a pos.

      • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

        I wouldn't really say Apple developers are making viruses for Windows. If you're going to spend your time making a malicious application, you want it to effect the maximum amount of people possible. Since Windows still dominates the market share when it comes to computers, it only makes sense that you would code a virus that targets the Windows platform and get the most "bang for your buck"

  • Rlynch99

    hahahahahahaahhahahha
    tell it like it is!

  • slavetothehype

    The HP is a business tool. The iPad just big is a gadget.

  • http://www.42ol.com/ Joel

    Wow totally agree! I don't know what these people below are saying, the Windows/Linux Operating systems have always been simple and intuitive for me, its not like I haven't been frustrated before with certain facets of the operating system on my 1/4 size iPad known as the iPod Touch. Sure both these devices do the similar things, but for less money and more features, it sure is worth it to know how to not get viruses (common sense on both parts)

  • B212in

    As long as there are idiots out there buying Apple's stuff they will make products useless like the ipad.

  • Josh

    When you skew the comparison in the favor of one device, there is no comparison.

  • loe

    You although have to add, that only the first upgrade to the “iOS” 4 is free. For the next ones you probably have to pay for.
    Definitely one really big point for the iPad is the fact that you have a user friendly usable multitouch interface. For a gaged/ toy like the iPad that is enough – it works even better than the classic mouse + keyboard, but if you want to do some work you need to have a mouse and a keyboard.

    • Travisdickson2007

      Well, in my opinion, all Apples' OSs are horrible. Buy an Apad (just like Ipad), throw a 32gb sd micro in it, and call it done. It comes preloaded with Android, which is much more compatible and user friendly than the garbage apple os's.

  • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

    I hope you realize that there are a very large amount of iPad/iPhone applications that crash often. Oh, and perhaps you missed some of the gaping security holes in the iOS. Just recently, a list of email addresses of iPad owners with 3G was leaked out. I don't know about you, but Microsoft never leaked out my email address, nor has my ISP.

    You have Multitouch, we have mice and keyboards. Try using a mouseover or hover element in web development and have it work with an iPad (spoiler alert, you can't)

    iBooks? Seriously? It's called a PDF or a Word Document. There are numerous amounts of E-book readers available for the PC. Your argument there is invalid.

    Free OS Upgrades? Guess what, the “upgrades” you are referring to are the equivalent to service packs for Windows. Oh yeah, those are free.

  • maple

    Let me add a few new ones:
    iPad ——Netbook
    X – Viruses – ✓
    X – Crashes – ✓
    ✓ – Multitouch – X
    ✓ – iBooks – X
    ✓ – Free OS Upgrades – X

    While I see some logic in your comparison of disk space, one thing you should note is that iPad apps are customized for the iPad/iPhone so they naturally take less space and are far more efficient. Now if somebody is going to have an entire 200 GB music and video library, then maybe an iPad is not for them. However for the normal people who want to use an iPad to browse the web, email, view photos and word processing…an iPad is far more practical. iPad also has a camera connection kit which serves many of the purposes of a USB port.

    Finally, it's up to people to decide. So far they are selling pretty damn well. Apple must be doing something right if so many people are satisfied with their products. If you don't like it, don't buy one. Simple as that, why all the Apple bashing? I don't like Netbooks, Windows laptops and Android phones which is why I won't buy them. That's the beauty of the society we live in, each person is free to choose the product they like best.

    • KDC

      With a netbook, using a GNU/Linux OS, instead of an MS OS, would get rid of the virus and other security related problems. Like the Mac, since they are both based on Unix, application crashes won't bring down the OS like an MS app will bring down the OS. Multitouch and iBooks are both available for GNU/Linux. The concept of free upgrades is almost laughable since GNU/Linux is free in the first place. There may even be a distro or appliance for this specific hardware out there already.

      • Alex

        Well no OS system completely vanquishes virus’ or the threat of scams, unless you’re disconnected from the internet 100% of the time. I read a great article that compared Windows to a house in the ghetto with tons of security because people get broken into so often, Mac’s are like a house in the middle of nowhere and have no need to lock their doors, and Linux users are like houses in the suburbs with minimal security.

        • Torgausen

          The analogy seems odd. Apple still have much higher market share than linux, don’t they? I think OSX has about 5%, linux 1%. Thus the argument about crackers attacking the bigger market should mean that Macs are in the suburbs, with linux users (like me) in the middle of nowhere. The funny thing is Linux is still very secure, so it feels like having top security in a remote cabin on Svalbard… I’ve used linux for 10 years and wouldn’t know what malware or viruses where if it wasn’t for rumours and news stories. ^_^

          • Alex

            I understand what you mean, and I think that's what the article was trying to get at. Both Linux and OSX hold a very small portion of the market share, so that the analogy could, more or less, work both ways. But I think it meant that Linux machines can actually have virus protection, while Macs have little.

          • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_4IAMGVTMHMB5SOSLWCA2ATJ6ZE Tallian

            your numbers are wrong there. I don’t know the Mac share, but linux broke 10% a while back, and iirc has a larger share than apple ever has

    • donny

      thing is… the author of the original post is offering just that…his OPINION. but oh wait….its also FACT… I think you might be responding because you may feel that your IPAD purchase was probably not the smartest thing you've ever done and that there is a glimmer of truth to the economic assessment of the author of this post that the IPAD is just a beautiful piece of junk. So far, people out there sporting it on the street dont seem to be doing much with it…but hey…you can say what you want to say right?

    • RP

      In short : It’s for people who can have all these extra features, but don’t want to.

  • Daan

    You forgot touch screen.

  • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

    The same way Steve Jobs compared it to a Netbook.

  • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

    Because that's Apple's business model.

  • evilping

    how can a netbook be compared to a device like the ipad… no sense like your title!
    y at that time not have compared to the HP slate… or that coming one or other “slate” devices

  • Leroy Jenkins

    Not a fan boy by any means. I have a net book, regular laptop and 2 desktops. I played with an Ipad today and for something to play around with, surf the web check mail etc, it is great. I really did not expect to like it but… Is it overpriced? Yes, Does it compare spec wise to any thing else out there? NO What it does do tho is simplicity. Not saying I will buy one but if I wanted another netbook like device it would be an IPad.

  • Anon

    Why do I feel like they will release an iPad 2nd generation with some of the features it should have then, another iPad with more features that it should already have,Then another one that is exactly the same as the last but a little faster?

  • DarkKnight719

    I got my HP mini net book fooooooooorrrrrrr $329.00 plus tax!!!!

  • http://twitter.com/da1hobo James Watkins

    @DampeS8N

    If you are arguing that simplicity will when over complexity, though I would say versatility, then why has the Mac not defeated Windows? Maybe because Windows is not really that hard to use?

    Your microwave comparison is faulty logic. Microwaves are insanely popular because of things like the ability to cook different foods (flexibility) at a much faster rate (powerful). They are more complicated to use than an oven with so many different settings and options. Settings like defrost, popcorn, cook by weight, etc. but that doesn't make it more difficult to use as anyone who can use an oven can use a microwave. Plus my microwave is huge and can easily cook a turkey.

    I think the iPad's niche is as a web browser and email tool. However it will never replace the traditional OS because the majority of computers are owned by businesses, and they need things like multitasking, power, flexibility, and the ability to customize.

    If the iPad's need, as you say, is as a semi mobile device for some quick browsing or as a mass appliance then i think netbooks are winning. 14.6 million netbooks sold in 2008 and that number is much higher in 2009 and 2010. The iPad might top out at 2 million.

    Feel free to check out my website and read my take on the iPad.

    http://www.hobostechview.com

  • Your Mom

    There is a hulu app on the way and Netflix is available on the iPad, there is Multitasking, limited but there is multitasking. You can listen to music and do whatever else at the same time right?

  • http://twitter.com/lawwiki eric

    what its meant to do is take money out of your pocket. It is very good.

  • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

    I edited your comment for you so everyone can know who you are. Take your crap elsewhere.

    • itemforty

      Oh wow, what did "urlogic" do to get that?

      • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

        I forget, it was over a month ago. It was something along the lines of what you would hear a 13 year old say if you told them Pokémon was dumb. Just a typical Apple fanboy trying to defend his beloved Steve Jobs.

    • Specsolors

      You are one silly little man. Ill give you 24 hours to remove my information from this blog, then I will take actions against you for exposing and compromising the security of my place of business.

      • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

        Tick Tock.. I'm sure your "place of business" would love to see how you spend your time at work….

        Not to mention that the IP address belongs to Suddenlink Communications, which is a residential ISP.

        Were you trying to scare me? Or does your "business" operate with a residential ISP, probably resulting in a violation of the TOS for your service.

        • Specsolors

          Yea, I run a business out of my home you stupid fuck.

          • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

            You sure do sound like a tough guy. I am very scared.

            Lets see, you act like you're 13, you have a no-name ISP, and you spend your day trying to act all big and bad? You, my friend, need to go another direction in life.

            I wish you the best.

        • Specsolors

          Do yourself a favor and remove my information. If you can handle the controversy of free speech that this great county protects then you should get out of the blog business or maybe compare something that's closer to your comfort level like pampers and huggies.

          • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

            First of all, I'm assuming you meant to say can't instead of can. Second of all, if you can't handle your email and IP address being posted, then perhaps you shouldn't be on the internet at all.

    • concernedcitizen

      you're a moderator and you gave out someones personal info?? what the fuck is wrong with you?

      • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

        An Email and IP address are not considered "personal info"

  • http://twitter.com/lawwiki eric

    so….. x is good right?

  • urlogic

    My emaill address is speccolors@yahoo.com and my IP address is 173.216.52.96.

    • soar

      Lol. Owned.
      Good job, Ryan.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/G-sus-Christt/100000636369172 G-sus Christt

    Netbook for the win!

  • Zensuke

    Senior Ryan I would like to complement you for doing something that is far to rare on these here interwebs. You actually backed up what you said with links and facts and on top of that made the people who were bashing you look like idiots in the process. You my good sir have been added to my list of heroes.

    • Guest

      batman is the only hero

  • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

    So lets review…

    1) Netflix support was announced after this article
    2) The iPad does NOT have multitasking. This is a comparison about what it does, not what it can do 6 months from now
    3) The photoshop app is NOTHING compared to Photoshop on a PC. Theres no comparison at all. If you think they're the same, than this clearly isn't something that effects you.
    4) Once again, “is getting” is not the same as “currently has”
    5) The 3G on the iPad is at&t only. Try again
    6) Outlook is the mail client of choice used by almost every large business and corporation out there.
    7) You can connect to a mobile hotspot, not the same as tethering.

  • Ryoung

    Ok, a LARGE amount of the X for Ipad on this page are 'False'

    1) Ipad has Netflix
    2) Ipad is getting Multitasking
    3) Ipad has Photoshop App
    4) Ipad is getting Hulu
    5) As far as I am aware Ipad is getting Sprint or at least can use sprint with the external mifi device.
    6) What on earth sort of option is 'Microsoft Outlook' its an APPLE product of course it wont have outlook , They have their own email software which is far superior. This is like asking if Microsft Windows 7 has Keynote or the like, of course it doesn't it has their own presentation software called Powerpoint.
    7) Ipad can be tethered

    So yeah Pathetic False comparison with mostly wrong information.

    If the Ipad is so BAD then why do you have to come up with lies and bent truths to make it look bad?

    Surely if it is as Bad as you say then you would not have to lie to make it look bad?

  • http://clickbankdirectory.biz/ Clickbank Directory

    “ipad = iphone + ipod” in big format

  • nnd

    Netbook doesn't seem so bad now.

  • Anonymous

    Only and iDiot would buy an iPad.

  • Anonymous

    Only and iDiot would buy an iPad.

  • Meme

    I hate to ruin your little fun, but you do realize that netbooks and mini’s aren’t 699 dollars, right? Did you read up before you posted this comparison?? And as much as I hate Apple products, the iPad is not 800+ dollars, it’s 400 or 499 (I forget which one). Someone didn’t do their research at all, and I’m saddened by all the idiots who commented for not catching that!

    • http://www.ryankearney.com Ryan Kearney

      Looks like you’re the one who didn’t do research. If you take a look here you’ll see that the 64GB 3G iPad is $829

      Then, take a look here for the HP Mini price.

  • Meme

    I hate to ruin your little fun, but you do realize that netbooks and mini's aren't 699 dollars, right? Did you read up before you posted this comparison?? And as much as I hate Apple products, the iPad is not 800+ dollars, it's 400 or 499 (I forget which one). Someone didn't do their research at all, and I'm saddened by all the idiots who commented for not catching that!

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      Looks like you're the one who didn't do research. If you take a look here you'll see that the 64GB 3G iPad is $829

      Then, take a look here for the HP Mini price.

  • mrsleep

    The iPad might be an awesome device, sadly, like most Apple hardware, its painfully expensive and severely underpowered

    • http://www.prettybutbad.com/ DampeS8N

      I find it remarkable that people focus so heavily on hardware specs and so little of what the device is meant to do. People making these sorts of comparisons, which includes the idea that the iPad is under powered (under powered for what? Video editing?) are making a comparison like:

      Sure, that microwave can cook popcorn, but can you fit a whole turkey in it while you make stuffing on the top? It doesn't multitask, it is under powered, why would anyone want one?

      The iPad fits a need that is yet to be really tapped. Two needs, really. The first is as a semi-mobile device a gadget-nut may take with him or leave on the coffee table. The second is as an attempt to turn computers into a mass appliance.

      Most people don't want the flexibility computers tend to offer. They want something that will do many of the core tasks that computers offer, but they can't be bothered to learn how to use it. The iPad, like the iPhone, makes most of the really tough stuff about computers a walk in the park. Geeks tend to pass this point off as not worth making. However they forget how much smaller a group they are than the rest of us.

      Computers aren't easy to use. The iPad is. It will, for this reason, be a wild success. Beyond anything we can now imagine.

      It may even spell the end of the traditional OS as we know it. Don't be surprised if the most used OS in 5 years is something like the iPad OS. For all these years geeks have had the control, expect resentment when people realize computers don't have to be hard to be powerful.

      • Max

        About your two 'needs' that are not met yet. The first need has already been met by tons of other devices. There are two types of "gadget-nuts", those who appreciate real gadgets that bring new things to the table and push technology, and there are those who think Apple products are the only gadgets made in the world. Keep in mind that this is not saying that Apple products can't push new technology, but I am certainly implying that they don't for the most part. The second need makes no sense. A mass appliance? Like, a dishwasher or a microwave?

        Also, what is this really tough stuff that the iPad and iPhone can do that is so hard on computers? Clicking? Using the internet? Email? Opening applications? I don't understand this one either. Your arguments are very vague and state no specifics.

        "Computers aren't easy to use." You do know Mac's are computers right? Aren't they supposed to be easy to use? Guess not.

        Alright now don't get too excited there with that whole traditional OS disappearing thing. That has got to be the silliest thing I've ever heard someone say. Do you honestly think that? Really? Really? Think a little harder about that one. Think of the millions of not just people, but millions of BUSINESSES that use standard OSes. That is not changing, at all. Period.

        Please go look at the other devices that are out or are soon to be released. They do so much more and are not tied down by Apple's perception of 'what everybody needs'.

        What I think is sad and remarkable is that Apple is managing to make such a difference in people's lives so they can get richer. I work with kids and the only devices 10 year-olds know are anything Apple. They have no clue what the rest of the world has to offer. They have been tricked into thinking that Apple is the greatest thing since candy for them. While this is unbelievably genius on Steve Jobs' part, it is truly wrong. How many different versions of the iPod have there been? I can't even count anymore, and what do they do differently? Sure there are minor changes but for the most part, they all do the same thing pretty much the same. They are money machines that people can't stop eating up. Oh a new color and different shape is out? Gotta get one!!! It's better because it's awesome!

        I wouldn't care if Apple existed if there marketing tactics didn't consist of bashing of competitors, lying, or if you prefer, half-truths, and releasing products that really bring very little change from the previous version for a boatload of cash.

  • mrsleep

    The iPad might be an awesome device, sadly, like most Apple hardware, its painfully expensive and severely underpowered

    • http://www.prettybutbad.com DampeS8N

      I find it remarkable that people focus so heavily on hardware specs and so little of what the device is meant to do. People making these sorts of comparisons, which includes the idea that the iPad is under powered (under powered for what? Video editing?) are making a comparison like:

      Sure, that microwave can cook popcorn, but can you fit a whole turkey in it while you make stuffing on the top? It doesn’t multitask, it is under powered, why would anyone want one?

      The iPad fits a need that is yet to be really tapped. Two needs, really. The first is as a semi-mobile device a gadget-nut may take with him or leave on the coffee table. The second is as an attempt to turn computers into a mass appliance.

      Most people don’t want the flexibility computers tend to offer. They want something that will do many of the core tasks that computers offer, but they can’t be bothered to learn how to use it. The iPad, like the iPhone, makes most of the really tough stuff about computers a walk in the park. Geeks tend to pass this point off as not worth making. However they forget how much smaller a group they are than the rest of us.

      Computers aren’t easy to use. The iPad is. It will, for this reason, be a wild success. Beyond anything we can now imagine.

      It may even spell the end of the traditional OS as we know it. Don’t be surprised if the most used OS in 5 years is something like the iPad OS. For all these years geeks have had the control, expect resentment when people realize computers don’t have to be hard to be powerful.

  • Jack

    I think a lot of people have missed the point of the iPad. It looks like it’s marketed at people like my mother, and teenage cousin. People who just want to check their email, or their fav social networking site. Personally, I’d have the netbook any day of the week and twice on a Sunday. The iPad is just an XL iPod Touch. It will sell like the proverbial hot cakes though. I like Apple products, but not enough to be blinded by the fact that just because it has an apple on it, it must be “Totally awesome”.

  • Jack

    I think a lot of people have missed the point of the iPad. It looks like it's marketed at people like my mother, and teenage cousin. People who just want to check their email, or their fav social networking site. Personally, I'd have the netbook any day of the week and twice on a Sunday. The iPad is just an XL iPod Touch. It will sell like the proverbial hot cakes though. I like Apple products, but not enough to be blinded by the fact that just because it has an apple on it, it must be "Totally awesome".

  • BigBill

    I agree with Mike.

    And, my iPod Touch is an excellent companion to my Nokia E71.

  • BigBill

    I agree with Mike.

    And, my iPod Touch is an excellent companion to my Nokia E71.

  • Mike

    I already own an iPod Touch. I don’t need an over-sized one.

  • Mike

    I already own an iPod Touch. I don't need an over-sized one.

  • anon

    To be fair, how much will a data plan for a netbook cost versus the ipad 3G plan

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      Well, actually it would be free since you can tether your phone to your HP Mini Netbook, something you can't do on the iPad.

      • nicc

        except for the data/tethering fees on your phone…

        • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

          My BlackBerry doesn't charge me for tethering, so it would cost me no more than I pay now per month to tether my device to a netbook.

  • anon

    To be fair, how much will a data plan for a netbook cost versus the ipad 3G plan

    • http://www.ryankearney.com Ryan Kearney

      Well, actually it would be free since you can tether your phone to your HP Mini Netbook, something you can’t do on the iPad.

      • nicc

        except for the data/tethering fees on your phone…

        • http://www.ryankearney.com Ryan Kearney

          My BlackBerry doesn’t charge me for tethering, so it would cost me no more than I pay now per month to tether my device to a netbook.

  • Sooty

    Ryan Kearney, you are my hero! Whip those macfanboys into shape!

  • Sooty

    Ryan Kearney, you are my hero! Whip those macfanboys into shape!

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  • Ryan Heath

    This post is funny. FYI: Apple already makes a (very successful) series of laptops, so there was no need to create another one :-) Instead, they chose to create something innovative and revolutionary.

    Based on your list of “what the amazing HP netbook can do” it seems that you’re forgetting one thing: Apple *chose* to not include that stuff. It wasn’t a missed opportunity. It was perfect execution. The goal of the iPad was to do a few things, and do them very well, which it does. Who in the hell wants to run Adobe Photoshop on a netbook, anyway? And did you really expect the iPad to run Microsoft Outlook? It’s clear that you’re not giving a fair assessment.

    But that’s fine. You don’t get it, and that’s completely fine. Not everyone does.

    Go have fun on your 11.6″ laptop browsing pages in IE6 and writing .NET applications while downloading virus-infested binaries with Photoshop running in the background. And the rest of the world will enjoy using a forward-thinking piece of innovative technology.

    • http://www.ryankearney.com Ryan Kearney

      Pro Tip: Netbooks come with Windows 7, Windows 7 comes with IE8, not IE6. Also, you can install Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, or ANY web browser for that matter on a Netbook, something you can’t do on an iPad.

      The equivalent would be me saying go have fun using IE5 on your mac.

      If you’re dumb enough to download viruses, you deserve to use an Apple product. I haven’t run virus protection software in over 6 years and I’ve never, not once, had a problem with a virus. Just don’t download and run MyExGirlfriend.avi.exe and you’ll be fine. I seriously have no clue how so many idiots end up with viruses on their PC’s.

      • Ryan Heath

        Advanced Pro Tip: A netbook is a small laptop, the iPad isn’t.

        • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

          Ah yes that must be why Steve Jobs directly compared it to one during his presentation.

  • Ryan Heath

    This post is funny. FYI: Apple already makes a (very successful) series of laptops, so there was no need to create another one :-) Instead, they chose to create something innovative and revolutionary.

    Based on your list of "what the amazing HP netbook can do" it seems that you're forgetting one thing: Apple *chose* to not include that stuff. It wasn't a missed opportunity. It was perfect execution. The goal of the iPad was to do a few things, and do them very well, which it does. Who in the hell wants to run Adobe Photoshop on a netbook, anyway? And did you really expect the iPad to run Microsoft Outlook? It's clear that you're not giving a fair assessment.

    But that's fine. You don't get it, and that's completely fine. Not everyone does.

    Go have fun on your 11.6" laptop browsing pages in IE6 and writing .NET applications while downloading virus-infested binaries with Photoshop running in the background. And the rest of the world will enjoy using a forward-thinking piece of innovative technology.

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      Pro Tip: Netbooks come with Windows 7, Windows 7 comes with IE8, not IE6. Also, you can install Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, or ANY web browser for that matter on a Netbook, something you can't do on an iPad.

      The equivalent would be me saying go have fun using IE5 on your mac.

      If you're dumb enough to download viruses, you deserve to use an Apple product. I haven't run virus protection software in over 6 years and I've never, not once, had a problem with a virus. Just don't download and run MyExGirlfriend.avi.exe and you'll be fine. I seriously have no clue how so many idiots end up with viruses on their PC's.

      • Ryan Heath

        Advanced Pro Tip: A netbook is a small laptop, the iPad isn't.

        • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

          Ah yes that must be why Steve Jobs directly compared it to one during his presentation.

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  • Pablo

    Completely wrong and also some comments, I’ll explain

    Apple doesn’t give products feature stripped in fact they are made for the casual and expert users in mind, that been said I’ll correct the OP:

    Ipad CAN download applications from internet (140,000 apps in aplication store and throusands in Apple site and not counting the ones made by users)

    Ipad CAN open handle compressed archives, there is many applications that do it easier than winzip for mac.

    Ipad HAS keyboard and its touchscreen, sensitivity is not an issue if you ever used a mac (Not hard to use)

    Ipad CAN video chat if you have a webcam o like many Mac products has the isight integrated.

    Ipad CAN’T do multitasking, but its not aimed to.

    Ipad COSTS $499 not $829, its cheaper than most netbooks.

    Ipad HAS USB port 2.0 not 0 as OP said (another lie)

    Ipad CAN open adobe files and abode acrobat reader for Mac.

    Ipad processor is faster and more stable, won’t have hardware problems with apple and definetly less crashes.

    • http://www.ryankearney.com Ryan Kearney

      Wow, are you an idiot?

      You CAN’T download binaries off the internet and run them on the iPad, you MUST get them through the App Store.

      You CAN’T open a zip file someone sends you on the iPad.

      An on-screen keyboard is not a keyboard.

      You CAN’T video chat on the iPad because the iPad has no webcam on it.

      I’m not going to compare the cheapest models, there are MANY Netbooks under $500.

      The iPad has NO USB ports on it.

      The iPad CAN’T run Adobe Flash content in Mobile Safari.

      Less Crashes? iPhone apps crash all the time. Number of times my Windows machine has crashed? Zero.

      Do you just make up stuff as you go along?

  • Pablo

    Completely wrong and also some comments, I'll explain

    Apple doesn't give products feature stripped in fact they are made for the casual and expert users in mind, that been said I'll correct the OP:

    Ipad CAN download applications from internet (140,000 apps in aplication store and throusands in Apple site and not counting the ones made by users)

    Ipad CAN open handle compressed archives, there is many applications that do it easier than winzip for mac.

    Ipad HAS keyboard and its touchscreen, sensitivity is not an issue if you ever used a mac (Not hard to use)

    Ipad CAN video chat if you have a webcam o like many Mac products has the isight integrated.

    Ipad CAN'T do multitasking, but its not aimed to.

    Ipad COSTS $499 not $829, its cheaper than most netbooks.

    Ipad HAS USB port 2.0 not 0 as OP said (another lie)

    Ipad CAN open adobe files and abode acrobat reader for Mac.

    Ipad processor is faster and more stable, won't have hardware problems with apple and definetly less crashes.

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      Wow, are you an idiot?

      You CAN'T download binaries off the internet and run them on the iPad, you MUST get them through the App Store.

      You CAN'T open a zip file someone sends you on the iPad.

      An on-screen keyboard is not a keyboard.

      You CAN'T video chat on the iPad because the iPad has no webcam on it.

      I'm not going to compare the cheapest models, there are MANY Netbooks under $500.

      The iPad has NO USB ports on it.

      The iPad CAN'T run Adobe Flash content in Mobile Safari.

      Less Crashes? iPhone apps crash all the time. Number of times my Windows machine has crashed? Zero.

      Do you just make up stuff as you go along?

  • http://newgadgetworld.com/ Helene Sardina

    Alot of bloggers are not very happy with the new iPad.There was too much hype about it and lots of blogers got turned off.You see, I can actually see some of the cool potential of the gizmo. Third-party applications for playing tunes, games, newsprints and magazine and books, tons of awesome stuff, but they failed to sell it right (aside from the books). It looks kinda undercooked

  • http://newgadgetworld.com/ Helene Sardina

    Alot of bloggers are not very happy with the new iPad.There was too much hype about it and lots of blogers got turned off.You see, I can actually see some of the cool potential of the gizmo. Third-party applications for playing tunes, games, newsprints and magazine and books, tons of awesome stuff, but they failed to sell it right (aside from the books). It looks kinda undercooked

  • http://www.worldmarketmedia.com/ John Rummo

    Cool post, everyone is very unimpressed buy the lack of multi-threading in the iPad programming. That is the biggest gripe imho

  • http://www.worldmarketmedia.com/ John Rummo

    Cool post, everyone is very unimpressed buy the lack of multi-threading in the iPad programming. That is the biggest gripe imho

  • Joel

    Can you run OS X on this computer? I didn’t realize that OS X worked on non-apple computers unless you have a “hacked” version.

    • http://www.ryankearney.com Ryan Kearney

      You sure can, just requires modifying some files on the installation medium and you’re good to go.

      • Grant

        If you have to “modify” some of the files on installation, that would be a “hack.”

        • http://www.ryankearney.com Ryan Kearney

          Yes and? That’s just another limitation of Apple products, not a limitation of HP.

          • Grant

            That makes no sense, the fact that you have to destroy the original purpose of an item to make it work on a product it wasn’t designed to work on (and from every articled I have read will have several glitches after it is done) is not a failure of the creator of a product. It is the failure of the person trying to make a product do something it wasn’t intended to do.

            They limit to assure quality of the product and user experience. Not to please thoseselfish people who feel they are owed the right to have anything they want without having to pay the price for it.

            • http://www.ryankearney.com Ryan Kearney

              Wrong, they limit it because they want to sell their computers. Seriously, if anyone could just walk into Best Buy and buy a copy of OSX to install on their computer, do you think people would buy overpriced Apple computers to run them? No, they wouldn’t.

              OSX was built off BSD. BSD Runs fine on just about any computer. Apple crippled BSD to make it work on their hardware and only their hardware.

              You sir, are ignorant.

  • Joel

    Can you run OS X on this computer? I didn't realize that OS X worked on non-apple computers unless you have a "hacked" version.

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      You sure can, just requires modifying some files on the installation medium and you're good to go.

      • Grant

        If you have to "modify" some of the files on installation, that would be a "hack."

        • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

          Yes and? That's just another limitation of Apple products, not a limitation of HP.

          • Grant

            That makes no sense, the fact that you have to destroy the original purpose of an item to make it work on a product it wasn't designed to work on (and from every articled I have read will have several glitches after it is done) is not a failure of the creator of a product. It is the failure of the person trying to make a product do something it wasn't intended to do.

            They limit to assure quality of the product and user experience. Not to please thoseselfish people who feel they are owed the right to have anything they want without having to pay the price for it.

            • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

              Wrong, they limit it because they want to sell their computers. Seriously, if anyone could just walk into Best Buy and buy a copy of OSX to install on their computer, do you think people would buy overpriced Apple computers to run them? No, they wouldn't.

              OSX was built off BSD. BSD Runs fine on just about any computer. Apple crippled BSD to make it work on their hardware and only their hardware.

              You sir, are ignorant.

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  • randy

    for some reason people love to buy apple products which are consistently overpriced, feature stripped, and chained to Apple people love to waste money on them when you can ALWAYS find a better product with none of the above problems. Keep blowing your money people, those of us with sense find the deals else ware.

  • randy

    for some reason people love to buy apple products which are consistently overpriced, feature stripped, and chained to Apple people love to waste money on them when you can ALWAYS find a better product with none of the above problems. Keep blowing your money people, those of us with sense find the deals else ware.

  • Cole

    While I dont agree with the comparison I agree with Erics post. For someone that isnt exactly the most literate and need flexibility for direct access it serves the same purpose as an internet kiosk. Click on something that serves something very ergonomically.. and even that is remedially since its a flat tablet without a keyboard that you hunch over. As a devils advocate, the argument on the check sheet carries some faults(from my understanding with the OSX Netbook hacking community). The best OSX on a HP netbook is a 1030 w/ 160gb hard drive. That does litterally 6 hours of battery(that is fine). I agree with the author that its about pratical purpose of any situation. I own a OSX HP netbook with the aforementioned notebook, It provides 4 desktops.. something I used to hack my Droid with while reading a tutorial with while watching eddie izzard on my XBMC hacked apple tv. I adore apple products yet this is something that limits people to a group that isnt exactly marketable. I apologize if this is somewhat insulting, it is what it is.

  • Cole

    While I dont agree with the comparison I agree with Erics post. For someone that isnt exactly the most literate and need flexibility for direct access it serves the same purpose as an internet kiosk. Click on something that serves something very ergonomically.. and even that is remedially since its a flat tablet without a keyboard that you hunch over. As a devils advocate, the argument on the check sheet carries some faults(from my understanding with the OSX Netbook hacking community). The best OSX on a HP netbook is a 1030 w/ 160gb hard drive. That does litterally 6 hours of battery(that is fine). I agree with the author that its about pratical purpose of any situation. I own a OSX HP netbook with the aforementioned notebook, It provides 4 desktops.. something I used to hack my Droid with while reading a tutorial with while watching eddie izzard on my XBMC hacked apple tv. I adore apple products yet this is something that limits people to a group that isnt exactly marketable. I apologize if this is somewhat insulting, it is what it is.

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  • http://aricosa.com/ Jason

    Multitouch?

  • http://aricosa.com/ Jason

    Multitouch?

  • Eric

    Mark my words, the iPad was made (if not named) for women. Women are loving this thing because it just does what it says it will do, and does it well, without complication. Guys flip out because it is hamstrung by half a dozen major problems and missing parts, but women don’t care. And make no mistake, the market for this device is and has always been women. Cheers.

  • Eric

    Mark my words, the iPad was made (if not named) for women. Women are loving this thing because it just does what it says it will do, and does it well, without complication. Guys flip out because it is hamstrung by half a dozen major problems and missing parts, but women don't care. And make no mistake, the market for this device is and has always been women. Cheers.

  • Thallid

    Very bad comparison. First of all, the 16gb version for 629$ would be a much better comparison, cause it makes a huge difference in the price and who cares if the hp has 256gb more or 304gb, plus the iPads drive is solid state the hp’s isn’t.

    And none of the main advantages of the iPad is mentioned. Unreached quality touchscreen, 10h batterypower, light, small, incredible useablility (who ever has an iPhone knows what im talking about) and oh my god is it beautyful. On the other hand the HP: ugly ugly ugly ugly. No touchscreen, no ibooks. An other point that’s very very important in my eyes, IT’S FUN TO USE (assuming that it acts like the iphone, wich it will do) Plus if you live in a big city, there’s not really a neccesarity for 3g on the iPad, on most occasions where one would use it, you’ll have wifi-access. That leaves you with an with a very beautyful and fun-to-use-multimedia-pad for 499$. Or you take the ugly HP for 629$ on which – allthough ist larger – you don’t really want to do real “computerwork” cause its to small. But the things you want to do, are done much more comfortable on the iPad….

    In my opinion the things that are realy bad about the iPad are the missing flash-support(which will hopefully chance soon) and that theres not even a little multitasking-ability (i want at least surf and be connected to a messenger)…

    • http://www.ryankearney.com Ryan Kearney

      If you want me to compare it to the cheapest iPad model, then the price of the HP will drop by $200 as well. In the end, PC’s will ALWAYS be cheaper than Apple products.

      • Frank

        you are absolutely right that PCs (on average) will always be cheaper than Apple products. Just like GM cars will always be cheaper (on average) than Hondas. And the consumer can decide whether they feel they are getting enough value for the extra money they have to spend on Apple or Honda.

  • Thallid

    Very bad comparison. First of all, the 16gb version for 629$ would be a much better comparison, cause it makes a huge difference in the price and who cares if the hp has 256gb more or 304gb, plus the iPads drive is solid state the hp's isn't.

    And none of the main advantages of the iPad is mentioned. Unreached quality touchscreen, 10h batterypower, light, small, incredible useablility (who ever has an iPhone knows what im talking about) and oh my god is it beautyful. On the other hand the HP: ugly ugly ugly ugly. No touchscreen, no ibooks. An other point that's very very important in my eyes, IT'S FUN TO USE (assuming that it acts like the iphone, wich it will do) Plus if you live in a big city, there's not really a neccesarity for 3g on the iPad, on most occasions where one would use it, you'll have wifi-access. That leaves you with an with a very beautyful and fun-to-use-multimedia-pad for 499$. Or you take the ugly HP for 629$ on which – allthough ist larger – you don't really want to do real "computerwork" cause its to small. But the things you want to do, are done much more comfortable on the iPad….

    In my opinion the things that are realy bad about the iPad are the missing flash-support(which will hopefully chance soon) and that theres not even a little multitasking-ability (i want at least surf and be connected to a messenger)…

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      If you want me to compare it to the cheapest iPad model, then the price of the HP will drop by $200 as well. In the end, PC's will ALWAYS be cheaper than Apple products.

      • Frank

        you are absolutely right that PCs (on average) will always be cheaper than Apple products. Just like GM cars will always be cheaper (on average) than Hondas. And the consumer can decide whether they feel they are getting enough value for the extra money they have to spend on Apple or Honda.

        • justjosh42

          With the ecotec I4 motor being one of the least expensive and most efficient motors currently on the market I'd say GM has done more than catch up to Honda in that one regard…and I am a 5 time honda owner who loves his accord…

          Truth told its all apples to oranges…ipad to PC is just an unfair comparison no matter what. Just like ferarri to (insert cheaper car here) ferarri is faster and gets you more pussy but the (insert cheaper car here) gets better gas mileage, is less expensive to drive, maintain, buy, upgrade…

          The ferarri is for a guy with something to prove and the (insert cheaper car here) is for the man that needs affordable transportation that he can effectively use…

          I will also close by saying I am a PC fanboy and 15 year communications engineer that recommends to all my family members and friends that they buy mac's

          Lucky for apple, guys like me that dont want calls from family for help, and hipsters with too much disposable income from their parents, will keep them in business for a long time.

  • Grant

    Sorry, this is the dumbest thing I have ever sen. Apple never claimed it was competition to a netbook, so why would you make a post making that comparison. Perhaps you’d like to compare the way an orange to an orangutan.

    So you are right, when you compare there is no comparison. The problem is, they aren’t two things that should be compared.

    Perhaps you should to a more accurate comparison the HP Mini Netbook vs the MacBook Air.

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      Did you miss the part where Steve Jobs himself directly compared it to a Netbook?

  • Grant

    Sorry, this is the dumbest thing I have ever sen. Apple never claimed it was competition to a netbook, so why would you make a post making that comparison. Perhaps you'd like to compare the way an orange to an orangutan.

    So you are right, when you compare there is no comparison. The problem is, they aren't two things that should be compared.

    Perhaps you should to a more accurate comparison the HP Mini Netbook vs the MacBook Air.

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      Did you miss the part where Steve Jobs himself directly compared it to a Netbook?

  • Thomas

    You should put “external” for the physical keyboard, since the iPad has an announced keyboard accessory. You did it for the HP’s optical drive.

    Either way, nice (mostly) out of context comparisons.

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      Fair Enough

  • Thomas

    You should put "external" for the physical keyboard, since the iPad has an announced keyboard accessory. You did it for the HP's optical drive.

    Either way, nice (mostly) out of context comparisons.

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      Fair Enough

  • Frank

    Hulu is apparently building an app for the iphone so it will be available on the ipad. And apparently the same thing is true of Netflix. Anyway, hardly matters…there is a market for both of the above devices, just depends on your needs.

    Please consider including battery life in your chart as well.

    Both the ipad and the HP mini look like great products…but comparing them is a bit like comparing apples to oranges. They are intended for different uses and it happens that some of those uses are overlapping.

    Would be better to compare the mini against other netbooks and compare the iPad to other tablets or ebook readers.

    • http://www.ryankearney.com Ryan Kearney

      If it’s like comparing apples to oranges then they did Steve Jobs compare the iPad to a Netbook?

      You can’t compare the iPad to an e-reader, that’s not what it is. Not to mention reading a book on a glossy screen will destroy your eyes after a while.

      As for battery life, the HP would still win, as you could carry around spare batteries for a theoretical unlimited battery life.

      • Frank

        with about 2 extra batteries the HP would reach the 10 hours of the iPad. But then you’d have to add the cost of those 2 extra batteries into the price to compare.

        I think the Kindle is a fair thing to compare it to, at least in my case. I was originally thinking of getting the Kindle DX at $489. But at $499, I’ll probably get an iPad instead since it will do the eBook thing quite well and can do many other things quite well. I’m not concerned about reading on the glossy screen as I’ve been reading daily on my iPhone (and on my full sized glossy computer monitor too) and I honestly don’t find it to be an issue. And I think that many other people who were considering the kindle will now seriously ponder getting an iPad instead.

        There’s no question, however, that a netbook will be able to do more things. But its never really about being able to do the most things. Its about doing a few things really well and I think thats where Apple generally shines. The jury is still out on whether they have another success on their hands with the iPad, but I’d be willing to wager that it will.

        • Scott

          The iPad does not compare to the Kindle as an e-reader.

          Amazon may lower the Kindle DX price to make it more attractive, but the Kindle is better for reading for several reasons:

          1) Better screen: E-Ink screens are easier to read compared to LCD, especially over longer durations. The resolution is higher, yielding sharper images and text, and the lack of back-lighting strains the eye less (back-lighting is basically like shining a small flashlight in your eye). If you’ve never tried reading on an E-Ink screen, you really should try it. While it is true that most E-Ink screens in use are greyscale, this doesn’t matter for most reading. Color E-Ink screens are on their way and will probably arrive in the next generation of e-readers.

          2) Longer battery life: Kindle battery life is measured in weeks. iPad battery life is measured in hours.

          3) Free wireless: The Kindle comes with lifetime free wireless. The iPad requires you to sign a contract with AT&T or find a WIFI access point.

          4) Book selection: There are over 400,000 books available in the Kindle bookstore and thousands more available in the public domain or under free licenses (Creative Commons, etc.) iBooks doesn’t have anything yet, though I suppose you could use the Kindle iPhone app on the iPad to get Kindle books.

          5) Device weight: The iPad weighs 1.5 lbs. The Kindle weighs 10.2 ounces. The Kindle DX weighs 18.9 ounces. It may not seems like much, but wait until your arms are tired from holding it.

          6) e-book prices: Kindle books cost less the print books with most less than $9.99. iBooks will cost more.

          If you want to read, get a Kindle.

  • Frank

    Hulu is apparently building an app for the iphone so it will be available on the ipad. And apparently the same thing is true of Netflix. Anyway, hardly matters…there is a market for both of the above devices, just depends on your needs.

    Please consider including battery life in your chart as well.

    Both the ipad and the HP mini look like great products…but comparing them is a bit like comparing apples to oranges. They are intended for different uses and it happens that some of those uses are overlapping.

    Would be better to compare the mini against other netbooks and compare the iPad to other tablets or ebook readers.

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      If it's like comparing apples to oranges then they did Steve Jobs compare the iPad to a Netbook?

      You can't compare the iPad to an e-reader, that's not what it is. Not to mention reading a book on a glossy screen will destroy your eyes after a while.

      As for battery life, the HP would still win, as you could carry around spare batteries for a theoretical unlimited battery life.

      • Frank

        with about 2 extra batteries the HP would reach the 10 hours of the iPad. But then you'd have to add the cost of those 2 extra batteries into the price to compare.

        I think the Kindle is a fair thing to compare it to, at least in my case. I was originally thinking of getting the Kindle DX at $489. But at $499, I'll probably get an iPad instead since it will do the eBook thing quite well and can do many other things quite well. I'm not concerned about reading on the glossy screen as I've been reading daily on my iPhone (and on my full sized glossy computer monitor too) and I honestly don't find it to be an issue. And I think that many other people who were considering the kindle will now seriously ponder getting an iPad instead.

        There's no question, however, that a netbook will be able to do more things. But its never really about being able to do the most things. Its about doing a few things really well and I think thats where Apple generally shines. The jury is still out on whether they have another success on their hands with the iPad, but I'd be willing to wager that it will.

        • Scott

          The iPad does not compare to the Kindle as an e-reader.

          Amazon may lower the Kindle DX price to make it more attractive, but the Kindle is better for reading for several reasons:

          1) Better screen: E-Ink screens are easier to read compared to LCD, especially over longer durations. The resolution is higher, yielding sharper images and text, and the lack of back-lighting strains the eye less (back-lighting is basically like shining a small flashlight in your eye). If you've never tried reading on an E-Ink screen, you really should try it. While it is true that most E-Ink screens in use are greyscale, this doesn't matter for most reading. Color E-Ink screens are on their way and will probably arrive in the next generation of e-readers.

          2) Longer battery life: Kindle battery life is measured in weeks. iPad battery life is measured in hours.

          3) Free wireless: The Kindle comes with lifetime free wireless. The iPad requires you to sign a contract with AT&T or find a WIFI access point.

          4) Book selection: There are over 400,000 books available in the Kindle bookstore and thousands more available in the public domain or under free licenses (Creative Commons, etc.) iBooks doesn't have anything yet, though I suppose you could use the Kindle iPhone app on the iPad to get Kindle books.

          5) Device weight: The iPad weighs 1.5 lbs. The Kindle weighs 10.2 ounces. The Kindle DX weighs 18.9 ounces. It may not seems like much, but wait until your arms are tired from holding it.

          6) e-book prices: Kindle books cost less the print books with most less than $9.99. iBooks will cost more.

          If you want to read, get a Kindle.

  • random

    Umm, you’re forgetting two specs which matter a lot in my opinion. Weight and Thickness. I’m gonna go out on a limb and say the iPAD takes both those categories.

    • http://www.ryankearney.com Ryan Kearney

      That might be true if it were a phone, or you were putting it in your pocket, which you’re not.

  • random

    Umm, you're forgetting two specs which matter a lot in my opinion. Weight and Thickness. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say the iPAD takes both those categories.

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      That might be true if it were a phone, or you were putting it in your pocket, which you're not.

  • tom.

    You should probably take off the “Runs OS X” check for the HP unless you think typical users are going to hack a netbook to allow it to run OS X… which they won’t.

    • http://www.ryankearney.com Ryan Kearney

      It’s not about what the users are going to do, it’s about what the device is capable of.

      • tom.

        So you’re telling me that you couldn’t hack an iPad to run another OS? Oh wait, you have no idea because you have never used one let alone tried!

        • http://www.ryankearney.com Ryan Kearney

          You can’t run windows on the processor that’s in the iPad. It has no RAM (it uses the memory off the SSD storage device)

          So no, you can’t.

  • tom.

    You should probably take off the "Runs OS X" check for the HP unless you think typical users are going to hack a netbook to allow it to run OS X… which they won't.

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      It's not about what the users are going to do, it's about what the device is capable of.

      • tom.

        So you're telling me that you couldn't hack an iPad to run another OS? Oh wait, you have no idea because you have never used one let alone tried!

        • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

          You can't run windows on the processor that's in the iPad. It has no RAM (it uses the memory off the SSD storage device)

          So no, you can't.

          • Silver

            It has RAM, not sure where you got than one from.
            You can't run windows on it cos it is not an x86.

            I could put linux on it, but why? I have a $220 netbook with 6 hour battery life, 320GB, 2GB RAM that I run windows AND linux on etc….
            I have used an ipad, I just don't get it either.
            The whole flash thing would kill it for me anyway.

            One stat you missed
            Will it blend?
            I think they are both even on that one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAl28d6tbko

            So the impressive thing about the ipad?? Notice on the blend video that the LCD is still working after he snapped it. Why put a flexy LCD in a rigid device?? beats me….

            • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

              The device does not have dedicated system RAM.

              And do you know how an LCD works? Any LCD will probably react the same way. Here, watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-i5i3ozyPS8

      • Ivran

        By this logic, the iPad can do quite a bit of the things that you state that it can't:
        "Tether to existing phone" – This can be done by fowarding the 3g connection from the phone through wifi
        "Download apps from the web," Handle compressed files," and "Multitasking" are all achievable through jailbreaking.
        "Removable Battery" and "Hardware Upgradable" are both doable on the iPad. The typical users aren't going to want to do this though.

        I'm not a huge fan of the iPad. I don't quite see the point, but you gave quite an unbalanced comparison.

  • http://forums.overclockersclub.com/index.php?showuser=18065 Andrewr05

    The HP Mini Netbook is more like $500 and it DOES have a keyboard.

    :)

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      Fixed the keyboard thing, it was an oversight on my part. As for the price, I put one together and selected the best parts while making it. For example, the wireless card in it for cellular data transfer is an extra $120 or whatever. Larger HDD, etc.

  • http://forums.overclockersclub.com/index.php?showuser=18065 Andrewr05

    The HP Mini Netbook is more like $500 and it DOES have a keyboard.

    :)

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      Fixed the keyboard thing, it was an oversight on my part. As for the price, I put one together and selected the best parts while making it. For example, the wireless card in it for cellular data transfer is an extra $120 or whatever. Larger HDD, etc.

  • http://rawlinson.us/blog Bill

    To be fair (and this is small suggestion) you should add a row for “Iphone OS” since you list all the OS’s that the HP netbook can run that the iPad can’t.

    • http://rawlinson.us/blog Bill

      oh, and you should probably mention the touch screen since that is a pretty significant feature of the iPad that isn’t included in the netbook (sort of like the real keyboard on the netbook). Sorry for the double post.

  • Trogdor

    I am misunderstanding the table where it indicates that the netbook has *NO* physical keyboard?

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      Fixed, my bad.

  • http://rawlinson.us/blog Bill

    To be fair (and this is small suggestion) you should add a row for "Iphone OS" since you list all the OS's that the HP netbook can run that the iPad can't.

    • http://rawlinson.us/blog Bill

      oh, and you should probably mention the touch screen since that is a pretty significant feature of the iPad that isn't included in the netbook (sort of like the real keyboard on the netbook). Sorry for the double post.

  • Trogdor

    I am misunderstanding the table where it indicates that the netbook has *NO* physical keyboard?

    • http://www.ryankearney.com/ Ryan Kearney

      Fixed, my bad.

  • Neil

    The HP Mini has no physical keyboard?

  • Neil

    The HP Mini has no physical keyboard?

  • Dave

    from the photo you posted it looks like there is a physical keyboard on the netbook….

  • Anon

    The MiniNetbook does have a physical keyboard ;)

  • Dave

    from the photo you posted it looks like there is a physical keyboard on the netbook….

  • Anon

    The MiniNetbook does have a physical keyboard ;)

  • e_e

    The HP Mini Netbook doesn’t have a physical keyboard?

  • Michelle E.

    I’m definitely not pro-iPad but you’ve left out the ‘Touchscreen’ feature which is the main selling point of the iPad.

  • e_e

    The HP Mini Netbook doesn't have a physical keyboard?

  • Michelle E.

    I'm definitely not pro-iPad but you've left out the 'Touchscreen' feature which is the main selling point of the iPad.

  • http://venthere.com TN

    Hahah this chart is a failure. “Physical Keyboard” not on the netbook? Um, clearly it does have one.

    But yes, otherwise I agree.

  • http://venthere.com/ TN

    Hahah this chart is a failure. "Physical Keyboard" not on the netbook? Um, clearly it does have one.

    But yes, otherwise I agree.

  • robinc

    Thing is people don't really give two fucks about specs. Look at the iPhone, it is technically inferior to everything on the market and people still lap it up.

  • robinc

    Thing is people don’t really give two fucks about specs. Look at the iPhone, it is technically inferior to everything on the market and people still lap it up.

  • Jay Packard

    The certainly looks like a physical keyboard to me…

  • Jay Packard

    The certainly looks like a physical keyboard to me…