iPad 2 - Worthwhile???

  • Thread starter Thread starter Peter Sills
  • Start date Start date
So, is the iPad a worthwhile tool for a professional photographer?

Would you recommend one?

Do you use one?

If so, what software makes it compelling for a photographer?
I would definitely say no. It doesn't support Flash, doesn't have ports such as USB or FireWire, and doesn't have an SD/CF card slot. I would highly recommend the Xoom instead.
Well, keep in mind that the Xoom doesn't have SD/CF slots either. It only has a micro SD slot. At least with the iPad, you can get the Camera Connector Kit specifically to offload SD and CF cards. Also keep in mind that the Xoom doesn't have USB or Firewire ports either. It has a micro USB port.
Micro usb = usb.......its a usb input plain and simple. Usb to micro usb cord, problem solved.

No FireWire. And BTW, I don't think anyone should ever expect any tablet to have a CF slot. Heck, not even much larger and thicker laptops have CF slots!
If you want Flash on the iPad, just use iSwifter:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVIy6XeapkM

http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/ipad-gets-flash-yet-again-with-iswifter-app-android-version-com/

Another option is Skyfire:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/22/skyfire-for-ipad-hands-on/

These iPad browsers allow you to view and use Flash sites.

Right now, the Xoom doesn't have Flash support anyways. So ironically, the iPad that supposedly doesn't have Flash support actually gets Flash before the Xoom that supposedly does have Flash support.
--
http://www.pbase.com/shhe

 
you are aware, that while this is "officially" a "pro" forum, that you are arguing with a photographer who is specializing in bird and (his own) dog photography, producing "interesting art" and whose website from the 1990's doesn't show a clear professional business goal?

all I'm saying is, please don't get worked up so much, it's not worth the trouble.
Your perfectly right. Truly a valid warning and criticism. Only newbies shoot wildlife. Real Pro's shoot porn.

My bad... :(

Dave
 
you are aware, that while this is "officially" a "pro" forum, that you are arguing with a photographer who is specializing in bird and (his own) dog photography, producing "interesting art" and whose website from the 1990's doesn't show a clear professional business goal?

all I'm saying is, please don't get worked up so much, it's not worth the trouble.
Your perfectly right. Truly a valid warning and criticism. Only newbies shoot wildlife. Real Pro's shoot porn.
This is the kind of snide, immature nonsense we've come to expect from Chato/David Barkin.

Joergen, thanks for the heads-up. I particularly like the georgeous background on David's site. It's just breath-taking (or migraine-inducing). I haven't seen something this...amazing...since the 1990's:

 
All characters referenced in this post are fictitious. Any resemblance to real posters, living or dead, is purely coincidental; however, the threat makes me think of an old saying: "Never wrestle with a pig in mud...after a while you'll figure out the pig actually likes it..."

Posted on my iPad 2...
 
you are aware, that while this is "officially" a "pro" forum, that you are arguing with a photographer who is specializing in bird and (his own) dog photography, producing "interesting art" and whose website from the 1990's doesn't show a clear professional business goal?

all I'm saying is, please don't get worked up so much, it's not worth the trouble.
Your perfectly right. Truly a valid warning and criticism. Only newbies shoot wildlife. Real Pro's shoot porn.
This is the kind of snide, immature nonsense we've come to expect from Chato/David Barkin.
As opposed to the comment I replied to? :D
Joergen, thanks for the heads-up. I particularly like the georgeous background on David's site. It's just breath-taking (or migraine-inducing). I haven't seen something this...amazing...since the 1990's:
Thanks! Of course it's a very tiny crop...

But your, err, "definition" of "mature" seems to be limited. People who agree with Fanboys are mature. People who disagree are_ .

Dave
 
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Apple has always overpriced their under performing devices. That hasn't stopped the mindless hordes from buying Apple things, but it hardly makes them professional.

With Jobs out of the picture Apple will revert to its natural state. - Flashy, low-tech, overpriced products for the chronically low-self-esteem consumer.
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Apple has always overpriced their under performing devices. That hasn't stopped the mindless hordes from buying Apple things, but it hardly makes them professional.

With Jobs out of the picture Apple will revert to its natural state. - Flashy, low-tech, overpriced products for the chronically low-self-esteem consumer.
Regardless of what you feel about Apple, tablet devices are the future. Why? Because in spite of their lower power, they still allow us to do most of the mobile things we need them to do..and, indeed, things we can't do on our other high powered devices. Yes, I have much higher powered devices. But the reality is that, on a day to day basis, I actually use my "under performing" iPad more than I do my much higher powered (and more power-hungry) devices. And any time I leave the house, it's the iPad I take with me, not these other high devices. I think most consumers are coming to the realization that they don't need a bloated, power-sucking Windows Vista or Windows 7 machine when much lighter devices can allow them to do the same things, and more, with far less size, weight, heat, and power-consumption.

My iPad sitting atop my 13" Windows laptop and my 17" Windows laptop:





And if you still want to harp on "under performing devices", my second most often used computer device, behind my iPad, is my Motorola Droid X:



A couple years ago, would I have ever thought that my most used computer devices would be a low powered tablet and a low powered cell phone? No way! Like you, I would have dismissed these things as "flashy, low-tech, overpriced products for the chronically low-self-esteem consumer." But now, I know that assessment is completely wrong. These are actually very high-tech, very useful tools that assist me in getting things done, making more money, as well as just enjoying their use.

The world is changing. Like it or not, tablets are definitely here to stay. And they are going to flourish, not just amongst casual consumers, but also amongst many professionals in all walks of life.
 
Wow - has this post disintegrated into wothless bickering...

Well, I took this weekend and went and played with an iPad 2. Not a bad piece of hardware, but the longer I played with it, the more I was convinced that this was not something I needed. Not much more than a large iPhone. True, you can do more with a larger screen, but not too much. Seems more of a toy than a productivity tool. Perfect perhaps for someone who really does not need a computer at all.

Then I went to the Microsoft store and played with the Asus eee 121. This is a bit bigger than the iPad, but is a full Windows 7 Core i5 slate. Does everything the iPad does and so much more. I can run Photoshop and Lightroom easily. I can shoot on location tethered directly to it. It has a Wacom digitizer built in so that I can use it with Photoshop and pressure sensitive input. Weighs about 2lbs. and will run for 4 hours on a charge. Seems like the best of both worlds and only about $300 more than the ipad!

I'm going to give it a couple of days to hear some more arguements pro/con, but I think I made my decision.

Thanks to everyone who had constructive comments. It is appreciated.
--
Peter Sills
Digital Focus
http://www.digitalfocus.net
http://www.focusstudios.com
 
Wow - has this post disintegrated into wothless bickering...

Well, I took this weekend and went and played with an iPad 2. Not a bad piece of hardware, but the longer I played with it, the more I was convinced that this was not something I needed. Not much more than a large iPhone. True, you can do more with a larger screen, but not too much. Seems more of a toy than a productivity tool. Perfect perhaps for someone who really does not need a computer at all.

Then I went to the Microsoft store and played with the Asus eee 121. This is a bit bigger than the iPad, but is a full Windows 7 Core i5 slate. Does everything the iPad does and so much more. I can run Photoshop and Lightroom easily. I can shoot on location tethered directly to it. It has a Wacom digitizer built in so that I can use it with Photoshop and pressure sensitive input. Weighs about 2lbs. and will run for 4 hours on a charge. Seems like the best of both worlds and only about $300 more than the ipad!

I'm going to give it a couple of days to hear some more arguements pro/con, but I think I made my decision.

Thanks to everyone who had constructive comments. It is appreciated.
--
A vice decision.
 
your remarks are considered "heresy."

As best I can determine, the Inquisition is fully functioning... :(

While I personally don't need a portable computer of any kind at this time, why not a full lap top instead of a tablet? You can then hook up a hard drive, have far more connectivity options, has a much more powerful processor, and the IBM compatibles are about the same price as an iPad.

Dave
Wow - has this post disintegrated into wothless bickering...

Well, I took this weekend and went and played with an iPad 2. Not a bad piece of hardware, but the longer I played with it, the more I was convinced that this was not something I needed. Not much more than a large iPhone. True, you can do more with a larger screen, but not too much. Seems more of a toy than a productivity tool. Perfect perhaps for someone who really does not need a computer at all.

Then I went to the Microsoft store and played with the Asus eee 121. This is a bit bigger than the iPad, but is a full Windows 7 Core i5 slate. Does everything the iPad does and so much more. I can run Photoshop and Lightroom easily. I can shoot on location tethered directly to it. It has a Wacom digitizer built in so that I can use it with Photoshop and pressure sensitive input. Weighs about 2lbs. and will run for 4 hours on a charge. Seems like the best of both worlds and only about $300 more than the ipad!

I'm going to give it a couple of days to hear some more arguements pro/con, but I think I made my decision.

Thanks to everyone who had constructive comments. It is appreciated.
--
Peter Sills
Digital Focus
http://www.digitalfocus.net
http://www.focusstudios.com
 
donno how to delete wrong posts
No, this is a "right post" for anyone who seems to think that anything less than a full-fledged laptop is nothing but a useless "flashy" toy. Get over it, people! There are now very compelling alternatives to lugging around a big ol' power-hungry laptop. If you want to keep denying it, you're just going to find yourself on the wrong side of history.
 
arrant nonsense. Buy one and you wont regret it.
So, is the iPad a worthwhile tool for a professional photographer?

Would you recommend one?

Do you use one?

If so, what software makes it compelling for a photographer?
I would definitely say no. It doesn't support Flash, doesn't have ports such as USB or FireWire, and doesn't have an SD/CF card slot. I would highly recommend the Xoom instead.
 
I would definitely say no. It doesn't support Flash, doesn't have ports such as USB or FireWire, and doesn't have an SD/CF card slot. I would highly recommend the Xoom instead.
The Xoom doesn't currently support Flash either. The SD slot in the Xoom is not functional yet.

You seem to be falling in to the trap of "a tablet must be a laptop". It's not. Apple has shown with the iPad that a tablet is something else entirely and does not need a USB port, an SD slot, a firewire port or a keyboard.

The trouble all of the current crop of competitors has is that they are all being made in a dire attempt to compete with the iPad based on a list of features instead of actually offering something truly different.
--
Ian Eisenberg
President/Owner
Digit Training
Offering classes in animation, game design, vfx, photography, videography, web
design and all things digital.
 
I am not a pro but I still like to show my images to anyone who will look :-), I find they are more than eager to view these on the IPad, it is somewhat new experience and very tactile, a pleasing viewing experience is the feedback. BTW I have a full complement of laptop/desktop at home so the iPad is a complementary convenient piece of equipment to me. What some of the posters fail to understand is that it is not a this or that choice, every piece of equipment has it's use and can be used together. As a portfolio device it is very economical, no print charges, the ability to update your portfolio virtually instantly or tailor you portfolio to match your client's interests all without having to have prints made or carrying a laptop, it is a much more relaxed way of showing your images if you hand the the device over and let the viewer scroll through with you providing the verbal descriptions. For someone who is in business and can offset the cost within the balance sheet I cannot see a single reason not to get a tablet of some sort.

As to value for money I am not a ' fanboy ' but I feel I have had good value for my money, the iPad has turned out to be heavily used at home by all the family either for casual emailing, entertainment in the form of simple games or music so it is put to good use. My wife watches some TV shows I have no interest in, I just plug in a pair of decent quality headphones and enjoy some music, the same when I go to collect her from work I have something to occupy my time whilst I am inevitably waiting :-)
--

A selection of my images can be found at http://www.photo-genesis.net follow the galleries link then select the Jacks gallery
 
You were looking for a laptop. The iPad was never something that would have suited your needs so why ask?

The trouble is you are settling for garbage. Your alternative is not going to last very long unless you baby it. Step up to an HP or similar brand for better quality or you are going to be replacing it soon enough.

--
Ian Eisenberg
President/Owner
Digit Training
Offering classes in animation, game design, vfx, photography, videography, web
design and all things digital.
 
You were looking for a laptop.
Your punctuation is not correct. Replace the period with a question mark.
The iPad was never something that would have suited your needs so why ask?
Have you watched the hype around the iPad? Have you read many of the posts on this thread? If you had, you would have known that it's better than a laptop... :(

It's a direct result of the second coming of Moses from Mount Sinai, in this case carrying the iPad instead of a bunch of commandments.
The trouble is you are settling for garbage. Your alternative is not going to last very long unless you baby it. Step up to an HP or similar brand for better quality or you are going to be replacing it soon enough.
I have no idea if you are correct. I tend to think that a good portable computer is the best investment for all these tasks. But then again, if I had money to burn, I might a find a use for a Tablet computer.

The iPad seems to be getting decent reviews for reliability within the Tablet class of portable computers. Of course all Tablets are crippled computers in which the buyer gives up half of the benefits of a computer in exchange for it's portability. While I can see this extrmeme portability as an asset, it's not as if a laptop is a converted upright desk computer. Four five pounds, shouldn't be a deal breaker.

Dave
Ian Eisenberg
President/Owner
Digit Training
Offering classes in animation, game design, vfx, photography, videography, web
design and all things digital.
 
You were looking for a laptop.
Your punctuation is not correct. Replace the period with a question mark.
The iPad was never something that would have suited your needs so why ask?
Have you watched the hype around the iPad? Have you read many of the posts on this thread? If you had, you would have known that it's better than a laptop... :(

It's a direct result of the second coming of Moses from Mount Sinai, in this case carrying the iPad instead of a bunch of commandments.
The trouble is you are settling for garbage. Your alternative is not going to last very long unless you baby it. Step up to an HP or similar brand for better quality or you are going to be replacing it soon enough.
I have no idea if you are correct. I tend to think that a good portable computer is the best investment for all these tasks. But then again, if I had money to burn, I might a find a use for a Tablet computer.

The iPad seems to be getting decent reviews for reliability within the Tablet class of portable computers. Of course all Tablets are crippled computers in which the buyer gives up half of the benefits of a computer in exchange for it's portability. While I can see this extrmeme portability as an asset, it's not as if a laptop is a converted upright desk computer. Four five pounds, shouldn't be a deal breaker.

Dave
David, you are a man clearly still living in the 1990's. Carry around a 4-5lb laptop to a few meetings for a few weeks and tell us how you like it. Unlike you, some of us actually have years of experience on the matter. And based on our first hand experience , 4-5lbs definitely does become a deal breaker. BTW, do you even own a laptop? Hahah!

As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. That slim, light, compact device (my tablet, top) allows me to do all the mobile things I used to do with my 13" laptop (middle) and 17" laptop (bottom). Indeed, the tablet also allows me to do plenty of things I can't do with my much larger/heavier laptops.





At any rate, I hardly think anyone should be taking any technology advice from you. Go back to working on your 90's era website, David:

 
  • who needs flash anyway anymore?
I do! Wake up and realize that a HUGE portion of the photography market is hosted on Flash based websites.
IMO, HUGE portions of the photography market need to wake up and rethink their online strategies.
So entire industries need to completely rework because the iOS just recently broke 2% browser market share and has been intentionally hobbled to not be able to see one of the most prominent multi-media formats on the web?

Stop drinking the koolaid. It's a cool toy, and has many great uses... but the only reason people are screaming that it needs to change the web is because Apple works hype like no other.

On another note, Jobs hurt the web more than helped it -- pushing HTML5 into the limelight before it was truly a standard ready for adoption has forced it to splinter into a multitude of browser variants -- an issue that will haunt us for decades to come.

Is the iPad2 better than the Xoom at this point? Yeah, probably. iOS, being hobbled in many ways, offers a smoother and more refined experience.

Is the tablet market going to mature and leave the iOS stuff in the dust within a few years, just as the phone market has done to the iPhone? Yeah, they've basically reached parity within a year.... and Apple had a 5 year head start.

Is either market anywhere near large enough that photographers need to be concerned about for their main website at this point? No. Blog - yes, portfolio, no. (Tune the website to the purpose)

By the time the tablet market is large enough to be significantly concerned about, will all tablets (minus apple) support the best technologies out there (including flash)? Yes.

JOE FEDERER
Websites:
http://www.joefederer.com
http://www.federerphotography.com/blog
http://www.theprofessionalphotographyforum.com/
 
I think my point is that we photographers don't always buy things purely on 100% sound, cost-per-benefit grounds. By nature, we tend to like equipment because these pieces of equipment are our toys just as much as they are our tools. And that is certainly true for many photographers who don't even shoot professionally, and yet still spend hundreds and thousands on equipment. Just sayin'.
And photographers, in general, are pretty bad at running a business. Remember what forum you are in.

I you want a $600 toy, fine. But that's not the way a successful professional photographer should think when looking at equipment purchases.

If you have a need for showing small-sized low-res images to clients on a slick device, it's downright perfect. Furthermore, if meeting that need will net you $600 or more in profits (even tangentially through increasing your perception of value) then it's a no-brainer purchase.

If, however, you don't really have a 'need' for one, and you just keep hearing how cool it is and thus want one... AND you can't afford to waste $600 on a device that might not 'earn it's way' ... then you should probably not get it.

If you are a professional you need to run your business like a professional - and tossing $600 at something that doesn't benefit you is silly. (and the other-way is true as well -- if you DO actually need something that does what the iPad does, it'd be silly NOT to buy it)

--
JOE FEDERER
Websites:
http://www.joefederer.com
http://www.federerphotography.com/blog
http://www.theprofessionalphotographyforum.com/
 

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