iPad 2 Alternative? Dell Duo

I drove to Fry's with a friend to pick up his new iPad2. While there, I noticed the new Dell Duo for about $500 and this morning I ordered one from Costco for $499 plus tax plus $15 shipping. I realize this is not a great deal, but these are pretty new and there's a fairly high probability that this will be returned, making Costco the best choice.

Compared to the iPad, it's two and a half times heavier, much thicker, has only 3 hours of battery life, and most importantly, it lacks the iPads IPA display and smooth interface.

But, it's a tablet with 320 GB of storage and it will run all of my software, including EOS camera controls. And, it has a full sized keyboard that can be easily concealed.

Wish me luck.

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Looks like a neat device. Sometimes you have to go back to function over form. The Ipad is cool for some things, but it isn't a computer.

No. Remember that thing 1) is basically netbook spec, 2) still runs windows.

There are iPad alternatives?? jk. Hope it works out for you.

Enjoy your new toy, but (and I hope no offense taken), it's not even in the same league as the iPad 2.

Bryan

HyperYagami wrote in post #12007101
No. Remember that thing 1) is basically netbook spec, 2) still runs windows.

Those seem to be the main 2 things that have made the ipad less useful for many of us.

bps wrote in post #12007166
Enjoy your new toy, but (and I hope no offense taken), it's not even in the same league as the iPad 2. Bryan

Different horses for different courses. I'm really interested in seeing how this works with the EOS software to use it as a huge camera display. In that respect, the iPad 2 isn't in the same league; in fact the iPad can't even play the game without a laptop on its team. : )

I previously bought and returned an iPad, and took a close look at the iPad 2. In my life, the iPad is a hammer looking for a nail - I just don't have a use for it. (Things would be different if I was a commuter or had to give impromptu presentations to clients, but I'm not and I don't.)

That said, I am going to borrow my friend's iPad and try out the iPad's DSLR Control App, using a laptop as the intermediary computer. It'll be interesting to try it.

So, how long until Canons talk directly to Apple and Android devices? I'm betting that's still a year or two away even though it should have been introduced eight months ago.

Right-on, bro. I'm in the same camp. I started a thread inquiring about tethering the iPad.

It may have to be a competitor down the road that gives us the flexibility we need. Apple has a huge following that doesn't mind being told how to operate, so they'll be just fine for their audience. They aren't known for listening to wants. The lack of USB port on the iPad2 despite plea after plea is a great case in point.

For your purpose you're not looking for "iPad alternative", so you're still looking for a laptop really.

Technically speaking can't really "compare" them, for that purpose.

Not necessarily. I think he's just asking for a tablet with a little more flexibility. i.e: usb port and more flexible OS. Those 2 things would not be terribly difficult to apply to a tablet without becoming a laptop.

dog rocket wrote in post #12007816
Not necessarily. I think he's just asking for a tablet with a little more flexibility. i.e: usb port and more flexible OS.

cacawcacaw wrote in post #12006820
it will run all of my software, including EOS camera controls.

so, i kinda take it as OP still wants to run all the PC software.

HyperYagami wrote in post #12007691
For your purpose you're not looking for "iPad alternative", so you're still looking for a laptop really.

Technically speaking can't really "compare" them, for that purpose.

Exactly. The tablet PC has been around for years and failed miserably for the average consumer. Different tools for different needs. iPad is mostly for media consumption not media creation though there are a few limited areas for creation.

I must be one of the only people that doesn't get what's so cool about a giant phone you can't make calls on.

tkbslc wrote in post #12008074
I must be one of the only people that doesn't get what's so cool about a giant phone you can't make calls on.

Or a really small computer that can't run regular software.

It's crazy that there's some legal/greedy hiccup that prevents the iPad from running the EOS camera utility. I'm not saying that it's solely Apple's fault or solely Canon's fault, but it takes two to Tango.

So much in our civilization is lost because disparate parties are more concerned about what they might lose, when they should be excited about what they might gain. And, while we're at it, let's call a spade a spade. Apple is a multinational corporation that manufactures offshore and is one of the strongest proponents of "digital rights" for other huge corporations. They have an advantage due to hardware conformity, but they are certainly not the "computer for the masses" - they just have a great business model and an elegant and enticing spin.

HyperYagami wrote in post #12007691
...Technically speaking can't really "compare" them, for that purpose.

Except that the iPad can be used (clumsily) for the purpose I proposed, so I can compare the iPad with other computers for this specific use. Unless you're saying that the iPad should only be compared in the uses that it excels at.

True love requires that you see your lover's faults and accept them for what they are. I'm only "in like" with the iPad.