IPad could be Kindle's first big threat in e-books

http://www.google.com/search?q=ipad+shipping&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&tbs=rltm:1&tbo=u&ei=MTixS8e_Co3OM5Lw9dkP&sa=X&oi=realtime_result_group_more_results_link&ct=title&resnum=3&ved=0CBcQ5QUwAg

The iPad started shipping today so expect it on April 3rd (=UPS will hold your iPad even if it is at your local UPS early).

It could be a Kindle threat? Really?

It will be big, certainly. I can't wait to see what kinds of apps people create, too.

I'd be interested in an iPad if Tokyo had more Wi-Fi hotspots, but right now it's a real pain...

iPad, No Java, No camera, No microphone, means only a few die hard apple fans will buy it. When the company starts listening to us again, perhaps I will try their product. But until then, I'm stuck with my iphone that is jailbroken so I can do with it I want. As for Beelzebub, you are so correct. Tokyo and Japan are years behind the rest of the world. Even Starbucks in Japan doesn't have free Internet. (Which is what makes them famous all around the world.)

"Even Starbucks in Japan doesn't have free Internet." Not only in Japan. In only 6 of the 55 or so countries where Starbucks is present customers are offered free internet access.

"(Which is what makes them famous all around the world.)"

Enough said.

iPad supports Java script IIRC. It's Flash that is not supported.

This is the first Apple product in a long time that I am not excited about. My iPhone does fine with casual web-browsing, and if I need more computing power outside, I take my notebook with me.

And yes, Japan is a bit behind on public access wi-fi. I expected as much in the provincial town that I lived in, but was shocked that it was so sparse in a tech capital like Tokyo. I'm sad to hear that it hasn't improved much since I left. Not even at Starbucks?

The kindle's grey and black screen is designed for reading. The iPad's glossy colour screen is good for seeing your own reflection and giving you eyestrain.

only a few die hard apple fans will buy it.

Despite reports of over half a million people pre-ordering it? I guess that's a few. My main concern is wi-fi access. It's very sparse in this island country. Some airports have free wi-fi but you have to jump through many many hoops to sign up for it by which time your flight is boarding.

http://mashable.com/2010/03/29/apple-10-million-ipads/

Now, there’s more reasons to believe iPad sales so far have been phenomenal. According to Morgan Stanley’s Katy Huberty, Asian suppliers have revised their shipping forecasts for the iPad, and they now expect to ship 8-10 million devices by the end of 2010.

Furthermore, they expect to ship 2.5 million in the first three months of sales (March to May); however Huberty still predicts that Apple will sell (as opposed to ship) 6+ million iPads in 2010. Other analysts expect the number to be even lower, around 3-4 million.

-Expected initial production of around 8M.

Many people just don't like the cellphone concept and want to get away from that. -They have struggled with the cell phone and want to move on to the next thing that works best for them. USA also has 3G minimum in most cities now = these cell/wifi/3G/4G devices work for most people thru their day and at home now.

The 6 big markets of Starbucks all have wifi. The United States, The United Kingdom, Singapore and Hong Kong I know all have FREE wifi. I've used it. What are the other 2? iPad still won't work unless it catches up with users needs.

The other two big markets are Canada and Japan (without internet access)? Then there are about 50 other markets left worldwide that DON'T offer free wifi. I can hardly call that "famous around the world". Anyway, plenty of other places in Japan, specially in Tokyo (more than 1000 spots) , that offer free wifi. But seriously, what's all the fuzz about this "free wifi". Because it's FREE? Just be "independent" and you have access everywhere you want.

The iPad starts at $499, but with the higher price comes more functions: a color touch screen for downloading books from Apple’s new iBookstore, surfing the Web, playing videos and games and more.

yeah and it come with glossy screen. try to read text on glossy screen for an hour you will know what it like! it hurt eyes and it hurt bad when the hour grow.

There is so much hype about this little little touch screen functionally limited device I was expecting something exceptional. The iPad looks like an interesting but not ground-breaking gadget that still isn't quite there in terms of convenience, power, and versatility. Let's not kid ourselves that this is a truly multifunctional device -its not. It needs a camera, microphone with full voice recognition, off device virtual keyboard, compatibility with every format out there just for starters. It looks great so Mr Iven has done a good job. Frankly, I am disappointed with this product and sincerely hope that iPad2 will offer the kind of device that will cause real excitement. I just don't see it having any advantage over one of the new small laptops and let's face it who is going to use this product and where will they use it once the initial poseur phase is over? I seriously don't think there is a market for this at the moment for enough people who probably already have an iPhone. However, if it was half the price then it would be tempting to while away the time on the odd flight or train journey or to keep the kids amused on a trip. Definite thumbs down for every day use and thumbs up for visual/designer/poseur appeal.

Free wifi places in Japan...

http://www.freespot.com/gmap/freespo...=13tokyo-e.xml

this one ?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/886425-free-wifi-tokyo.html

Right now I wouldn't buy it. But it may be like Iphone: everybody said it was useless, then everybody has one.

As for wi-fi in Japan, what about MacDonald's? They had it, for free, when I was living there.

FWIW Seattle's Best coffee have free wi-fi in Japan.