Technica Microphone
Technica Microphone
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Audio-Technica Pro-49Q Podium Microphone $89.99 The Audio-Technica PRO-49Q Podium Microphone is a cardioid condenser quick-mount gooseneck mic. Plugs directly into panel- or desk-mounted XLRF-type mic cables. 13" long. Audio-Technica includes a windscreen with the PRO-49Q Podium Microphone. |
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Audio-Technica At4900b-48 Microphone Body $400 The Audio-Technica AT4900B-48 Microphone body is a modular component of the Audio-Technica AT4949b, AT4051b, and AT4053b Condenser Microphone systems. The Audio-Technica AT4900B-48 Microphone body is designed to work with the Audio-Technica AT449B-EL omnidirectional, AT4051B-EL cardioid, and AT4053B-EL hypercardioid microphone head capsules. These microphone systems are recommended for professional recording and critical applications in broadcast. They have fast response to transients and facilitate an open, transparent reproduction of even the most difficult-to-capture instruments.Specially engineered to meet the most critical acoustic requirements of professional recording, broadcast and sound reinforcement Works with the Audio-Technica AT449B-EL omnidirectional, AT4051B-EL cardioid, and AT4053B-EL hypercardioid microphone head capsules. Direct-coupled, balanced output results in a clean signal even under high-output conditions Transformerless circuitry virtually eliminates low-frequency distortion and provides superior correlation of high-speed transients Switchable 80 Hz hi-pass filter and 10 dB pad Rugged turned-brass microphone housing for enduring dependability State-of-the-art design and manufacturing techniques ensure compliance with A-T's stringent consistency and reliability standards RoHS-compliantfree from all substances specified in the EU directive on the reduction of hazardous substances (RoHS) |
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Audio-Technica At-Bg1 Soft Protective Microphone Pouch $8.99 The Audio Technica AT-BG1 is a soft microphone bag that provides protection for your microphones. The case is durable, lightweight, and has a zippered opening. |
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Audio-Technica At4060 Tube Microphone $1349 The Audio-Technica AT4060 Tube Microphone combines advanced engineering with vintage tube technology. You get valve sound with the performance and versatility required by the most demanding studio applications. The AT4060 mic's superior dynamic range, low noise, and high SPL capability make it a premier vocal microphone. And whether recording soft string sections or screaming guitars, the Audio-Technica AT4060s output is always clear and consistent, lush and uncolored. Each tube is hand-selected, aged, and individually tested to ensure peak performance. Dual gold-vaporized, large-diaphragm elements provide extended frequency response. In every respect, the AT4060 microphone continues the tradition of excellence established by the critically acclaimed 40 series mics. Audio-Technica includes power supply, shockmount, cable for connecting mic to power supply, AC power cable, rackmount adapters for power supply, and protective carrying case with the AT4060 Tube Microphone. Requires phantom power. |
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Used Audio-Technica Pro 49Ql Podium Microphone $81.89 The Audio-Technica PRO 49QL Podium Microphone is a cardioid, condenser quick-mount, gooseneck mic. Plugs directly into a panel- or desk-mounted XLRF-type connector or to a standard XLRF microphone cable. Includes windscreen. The Audio-Technica PRO 49QL is 16-1/2" long. |
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Audio-Technica Pro 49Ql Podium Microphone $89.99 The Audio-Technica PRO 49QL Podium Microphone is a cardioid, condenser quick-mount, gooseneck mic. Plugs directly into a panel- or desk-mounted XLRF-type connector or to a standard XLRF microphone cable. Includes windscreen. The Audio-Technica PRO 49QL is 16-1/2" long. |
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Audio-Technica At4041 Cardioid Microphone $299 The Audio-Technica AT4041 is a pro-quality, capacitor-element recording mic with a cardioid pattern that is perfect for drum overheads, acoustic guitar, piano, horns, and under a snare. It possesses a smooth, extended response (20Hz to 20kHz), high output, and very high SPL capability. The AT4041 microphone's transformerless design produces minimal noise. The AT4041 Microphone features a hi-pass filter and rugged turned-brass mic housing. 48V phantom power requirement. |
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Audio-Technica At4047 Condenser Microphone $699 The Audio-Technics AT4047 Condenser Microphone is designed for professional recording and critical applications in broadcast and live sound. Transformer-coupled output and a specially tuned element provide sonic characteristics reminiscent of early FET studio mic designs. The AT4047 mic has exceptionally low self-noise, wide dynamic range and high SPL capability. It sports a vintage silver-matte finish on the microphone and shock mount. Audio-Technica includes a protective case and AT8449/SV shock mount with the AT4047 microphone. Requires phantom power.Gold-plated, specially contoured and aged, dual-diaphragms Switchable 80 Hz hi-pass filter and 10 dB pad Includes AT8449/SV shockmount |
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Audio-Technica M4000s Handheld Dynamic Microphone $49.98 The handheld Audio-Technica M4000S dynamic microphone combines professional features with a ridiculously affordable price tag. Audio-Technica tailors the M4000S mic's frequency response for crystal-clear vocal reproduction. Great feedback rejection and focused pickup are due to the A-T microphone's unidirectional polar pattern. The M4000S Audio-Technica mic also is equipped with a handy On/Off switch for convenience. Audio-Technica professional microphone enhancements include a balanced XLR output, and a mic clip. Whether you're on the road, in the studio, or just performing at local gigs. Expect the all-metal Audio-Technica M4000S microphone to provide you with years of trouble-free use.Frequency response tailored for crystal-clear vocal reproduction Unidirectional pattern for feedback rejection and focused pick up All-metal design for years of trouble-free use Convenient on/off switch Professional features include balanced XLR output and mic clip |
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Used Audio-Technica M4000s Handheld Dynamic Microphone $45.48 The handheld Audio-Technica M4000S dynamic microphone combines professional features with a ridiculously affordable price tag. Audio-Technica tailors the M4000S mic's frequency response for crystal-clear vocal reproduction. Great feedback rejection and focused pickup are due to the A-T microphone's unidirectional polar pattern. The M4000S Audio-Technica mic also is equipped with a handy On/Off switch for convenience. Audio-Technica professional microphone enhancements include a balanced XLR output, and a mic clip. Whether you're on the road, in the studio, or just performing at local gigs. Expect the all-metal Audio-Technica M4000S microphone to provide you with years of trouble-free use.Frequency response tailored for crystal-clear vocal reproduction Unidirectional pattern for feedback rejection and focused pick up All-metal design for years of trouble-free use Convenient on/off switch Professional features include balanced XLR output and mic clip |
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Audio-Technica At8442 Lavalier Microphone Clip $9.99 The Audio-Technica AT8442 Lavalier Microphone Clip lets you securely attach any lavalier mic to your clothing and gives you worry-free mobility. Made of durable plastic. |
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Audio-Technica M4000s Microphone 6-Pack $109.98 The Audio-Technica M4000S hand-held dynamic microphone has professional features and is now available in a 6-pack at a ridiculously affordable price. The microphone's frequency response is tailored for crystal-clear vocal reproduction. Great feedback rejection and focused pick up are due to the unidirectional polar pattern.Professional features include a a handy on/off switch, balanced XLR output, and a mic clip. Whether you're on the road, in the studio, or just performing at local gigs, its all-metal design helps provide years of trouble free use.M400S Microphone:Frequency response tailored for crystal-clear vocal reproductionUnidirectional pattern for feedback rejection and focused pick upAll-metal design for years of trouble-free useConvenient on/off switchProfessional features include balanced XLR output and mic clip |
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 NEW Audio Technica AT2050 Multi Pattern Condenser Microphone $159.00 Time Remaining: 10d 9h 36m Buy It Now for only: $159.00 |
 Audio Technica AT8406a Tapered Microphone Clip Stand Mount $15.45 Time Remaining: 3h 15m Buy It Now for only: $17.00 |
 Audio Technica Microphone Clip Stand Mount Mic Holder $8.00 Time Remaining: 3h 15m Buy It Now for only: $8.80 |
 Audio Technica ATR 3350 Omnidirectional Pickup Lavalier Condenser Microphone New $26.79 Time Remaining: 27d 23h 28m Buy It Now for only: $26.79 |
 Audio Technica AT2020 Condenser Mic XLR Version Brand New Never Opened $70.00 Time Remaining: 5h 46m Buy It Now for only: $80.00 |
 Audio Technica AT4040 AT 4040 Cardiod Condenser Mic $238.99 Time Remaining: 29d 7h 10m Buy It Now for only: $238.99 |
 Audio Technica ATW R14 receiver $0.99 Time Remaining: 7h 31m |
 YPA MM4 C4T Earset Microphone For Audio Technica ATW radio mic $49.99 Time Remaining: 8h 52m |
 Audio Technica Mic Accessories Low Profile Univ Shockmount $59.00 Time Remaining: 21d 5h Buy It Now for only: $59.00 |
 AUDIO TECHNICA OMNIDIRECTIONAL MICROPHONE AT865 VM 50 units available $11.95 Time Remaining: 10h 27m Buy It Now for only: $13.95 |
 Audio Technica ATR 30 Microphone EXCELLENT CONDITION $35.00 Time Remaining: 25d 18h 1m Buy It Now for only: $35.00 |
 Audio Technica AT2020 Condenser Cable Professional Microphone $50.00 Time Remaining: 10h 28m |
 Audio Technica 3000 Series Wireless ATW 3110 D band 655500 680375 MHz $399.00 Time Remaining: 11h 8m |
 Professional Wireless Microphone Audio technica ATW T51 and ATW R14 $75.00 Time Remaining: 6d 7h 13m Buy It Now for only: $75.00 |
 AUDIO TECHNICA AT MX351 AUTOMATIC MIXER Microphone $99.00 Time Remaining: 11h 24m |
 Audio Technica Stereo Condenser Microphone ATR2650 $36.00 Time Remaining: 4d 13h 14m Buy It Now for only: $36.00 |
 Audio Technica 3141B Wireless Handheld Mic Excellent Condition $250.00 Time Remaining: 11h 26m Buy It Now for only: $280.00 |
 Audio Technica ATW 3100 $102.50 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 13h 39m |
 Audio Technica AT2020 Studio Recording Microphone Cardioid Condenser Mic $84.95 Time Remaining: 29d 9h 59m Buy It Now for only: $84.95 |
 Audio Technica ATW R3100C and ATW T310 $162.50 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 13h 45m |
 ATR3350 Audio Technica Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone On Off Sw $19.50 Time Remaining: 9d 18h 34m Buy It Now for only: $19.50 |
 Audio Technica AT892CLM3 Condenser Cable Professiona $157.00 Time Remaining: 13h 50m |
 Audio Technica AT871RW Cable Professional Microphone $12.50 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 15h 43m |
 Audio Technica ATW R14 Diversity Receiver Wireless Antenna Microphone Receiver $59.99 Time Remaining: 2d 14h 54m Buy It Now for only: $59.99 |
 Audio Technica AT2020 Condenser Cable Professional Studio Microphone $64.99 Time Remaining: 15h 51m |
 AUDIO TECHNICA AT2021 Drum Acoustic Guitar Condenser Microphone NEW $73.00 Time Remaining: 29d 20h 43m Buy It Now for only: $73.00 |
 Classic Audio Technica AT MB Midnight Blues Drum Mic Microphone 7 Piece Set $49.00 Time Remaining: 15h 52m Buy It Now for only: $150.00 |
 audio technica wireless mic system NOT WORKING $10.00 Time Remaining: 15h 58m |
 B88 New Audio Technica ATR 3350 ATR3350 Lavalier Omni directional Microphone Mic $23.99 Time Remaining: 13d 7h 45m Buy It Now for only: $23.99 |
 Audio Technica AT4033A Dynamic Cable Professional Microphone with case VGC $199.00 Time Remaining: 16h 20m |
 Audio Technica PRO 24 Stereo Camcorder Microphone PRO24CM $59.99 Time Remaining: 7d 4h 1m Buy It Now for only: $59.99 |
 Audio Technica DR GX1 Microphone $8.50 Time Remaining: 19h 45m Buy It Now for only: $15.00 |
 Audio Technica Wireless clip on mic for battery pack new opened box $65.00 Time Remaining: 23h 59m Buy It Now for only: $90.00 |
 Audio Technica AT2020 USB Cardiod Condenser Mic Microphone AT2020USB NEW $124.99 Time Remaining: 12d 12h 35m Buy It Now for only: $124.99 |
 Audio Technica AT8658 desktop podium microphone shock mount $7.50 Time Remaining: 1d 2h 35m |
 Headset Mic YAM Headworn Microphone For AUDIO TECHNICA Wireless Mics SET $45.99 Time Remaining: 18d 5h 13m Buy It Now for only: $45.99 |
 Audio Technica ATW R12 wireless receiver FOR PARTS $4.99 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 45m |
 Audio Technica AT3032 Handheld Microphone $77.50 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 6h 53m |
 AUDIO TECHNICA AT2020 Vocal Recording Condenser Mic NEW $85.00 Time Remaining: 29d 20h 43m Buy It Now for only: $85.00 |
 YOU ARE BIDDING ON ONE USED AUDIO TECHNICA ATW R600 DR 2000 SERIES WIRELESS MICR $99.00 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 1m |
 Audio Technica AT2020 Home Studio Condenser Microphone PopGard Extended Warranty $119.95 Time Remaining: 26d 7h 8m Buy It Now for only: $119.95 |
 Audio Technica MicroSet AT892cw TH Microphone $99.00 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 10m |
 NEW AUDIO TECHNICA AT2020 CARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE STUDIO MIC ADAPTER BAG $79.00 (12 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 7h 58m |
 Audio Technica AT2020 Studio Condenser Microphone Mic Well Beat any Price $99.01 Time Remaining: 2d 17h 3m Buy It Now for only: $99.01 |
 Audio Technica ATW R14 Wireless Handheld Microphone Set w ATW T52 Wireless Mic $61.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 8h 21m |
 Audio Technica ATR2500 USB Side Address Studio Condenser Microphone With Usb $65.18 Time Remaining: 9d 16h 53m Buy It Now for only: $65.18 |
 2 Audio technica M4000s Microphone $49.00 Time Remaining: 1d 8h 24m Buy It Now for only: $59.00 |
 Audio Technica AT4047SV Condenser Cable Professional Microphone $520.00 Time Remaining: 1d 8h 46m Buy It Now for only: $575.00 |
 ATR35S Audio Technica Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone On Off Swi $19.50 Time Remaining: 9d 16h 15m Buy It Now for only: $19.50 |
 Audio Technica ATW 1127 Wireless Microphone System $31.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 8h 48m |
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Audio-Technica ATR-3350 Lavalier Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone List Price: $39.95 Sale Price: $19.85 Used From: $21.59  |
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Audio-Technica's newscaster-style omnidirectional ATR3350 lavalier is engineered for intelligible, accurate voice reproduction. This high-quality condenser is ideal for video use, and is a favorite choice for aerobics/dance/sports instructors... |
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Audio-Technica ATR-6550 Video Camera Condenser Shotgun Microphone List Price: $99.95 Sale Price: $58.24 |
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Designed especially for use with video cameras, this condenser shotgun mic features a switchable polar pattern for effectively capturing nearby or distant sound sources. Get crisp and intelligible pickup in the studio or in the field... |
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Audio-Technica ATR-35S Lavalier Microphone List Price: $26.99 Sale Price: $38.99 |
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Engineered for intelligible, accurate voice reproduction, the Audio-Technica ATR-35S high-quality condenser lavalier microphone is ideal for video use, and its low-profile design assures minimum visibility... |
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Audio-Technica ATR-1100 Unidirectional Dynamic Vocal/Instrument Microphone List Price: $9.95 Sale Price: $7.99 |
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Impedance 500 ohms/Frequency Response 80 - 12,000 Hz/For vocal & instrument miking/Focused pickup (unidirectional polar pattern) helps prevent This handheld dynamic mic is a great introduction to Audio-Technica quality and durability... |
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Audio-Technica PRO24CM Stereo Microphone with Camera Mount List Price: $139.00 Sale Price: Too low to display Used From: $70.99 |
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The PRO 24-CM camcorder microphone is a lightweight, compact stereo condenser ideal for digital recording with high-fidelity stereo sound. Equipped with an accessory shoe and permanently attached coiled cable, the microphone features a pair of cardioid elements in an X-Y configuration to provide the spatial impact and realism of a live sound field... |
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Audio Technica ATR288W VHF Battery-Powered TwinMic Microphone System List Price: $250.00 Sale Price: $137.34 Used From: $187.50 |
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Whether you're producing videos, leading aerobics, or putting on dramatic works, you'll find usefulness and versatility in Audio-Technica's 2-mic multi-purpose ATR288W wireless microphone system. At the heart of the system are its microphones, AT's ATR35s miniature lavalier condenser microphone and the ATR20 dynamic handheld microphone... |
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Audio-Technica ATR2500-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB Microphone List Price: $100.00 Sale Price: $61.11 |
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The Audio-Technica ATR2500-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB Microphone is ideal for podcasting, home studio recording, field recording, and voiceover use. It plugs right into your computer USB port, and functions seamlessly with your favorite recording software... |
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Audio-Technica ATR-1300 Unidirectional Dynamic Vocal/Instrument Microphone List Price: $29.95 Sale Price: Too low to display Used From: $18.89 |
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Engineered for durability, excellent speech intelligibility and reliable performance, the ATR1300 offers full-sounding professional pickup. It is ideal for vocal and instrument miking in performance and practice, and features a unidirectional polar pattern for feedback protection. |
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Audio-Technica AT875R Short Shotgun Microphone List Price: $184.60 Sale Price: $176.55 |
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The Audio-Technica AT875R line + gradient condenser microphone is designed for video production and broadcast (ENG/EFP) audio acquisition. The AT875R is Audio-Technica’s shortest shotgun microphone, and mounts conveniently on a DV camcorder without adding noticeable heft... |
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Audio Technica AT2041 Studio Microphone Package List Price: $149.00 Sale Price: Too low to display |
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The AT2041SP Studio Pack offers two versatile 20 Series condenser microphones for use in home, project and commercial studios. Equally at home with digital and analog recording devices, the two included studio condensers deliver remarkable specs and superior build... |
Tuaw Fact Check That 10 Reasons To Pass On The Ipad
Over at TechRepublic's 10 Things blog, Debra Littlejohn Shinder has posted an article called "10 reasons why I'll be passing on the iPad." Some of her reasoning is sound, but quite a few of her points are easy to refute. It's worth looking at her post and the points it tries to make, because it's indicative of a widespread misunderstanding of not only the iPad's capabilities, but also its intended consumer base.
1. There's no physical keyboard
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Debra's correct that the iPad has no physical keyboard. But what she fails to account for is that not only will Apple sell a keyboard dock for the iPad, the device can also be paired with any existing Bluetooth keyboard. Apple's reasoning for not including a physical keyboard on the iPad is even more compelling than for the iPhone, because unlike the iPhone, you at least have the option of pairing the iPad with a physical keyboard. In order to put a physical keyboard on the device itself, there'd be two options: keep the iPad the same size and sacrifice a third of the screen's real estate, or increase the iPad's size beyond what some (including Debra) already consider unwieldy in order to include a keyboard.
In landscape orientation, the iPad's virtual keyboard is nearly the size of a conventional keyboard, too, so while touch typing is going to be a challenge, it's a fair bet that typing on the iPad will be much faster and easier than the high end of 30 - 35 WPM thumb typing many people (myself included) achieve on the iPhone's far smaller keyboard. The lack of a physical keyboard on the iPhone hasn't measurably affected its sales; the iPad isn't likely to suffer many lost sales from this, either.
(Note: a few people have asked for a source on the Bluetooth keyboard issue, particularly my assertion that you can use any BT keyboard and not just Apple's wireless models. During her hands-on with the iPad following the device's announcement, Jacqui Cheng at Ars Technica verified that "You can use any bluetooth keyboard you want, instead of Apple's keyboard dock. You could use the case/stand with your existing bluetooth keyboard. You cannot use a bluetooth mouse, however.")
Check out the other nine points by clicking the Read More link below.
2. One size doesn't fit all
Debra claims that if the iPad is supposed to be a niche device positioned between a phone and a netbook, it should have a screen size midway between the two -- in other words, smaller than a 9.7" screen. However, that's not how Steve Jobs positioned the iPad at all during the keynote; Jobs's Keynote slide clearly showed the iPad filling a gap between the iPhone/iPod touch and a 13" MacBook. It's puzzling that in one sentence Debra complains about the iPad being too large to fit in your pocket, while in the next sentence she extols the virtues of Sony's VAIO X netbooks, which are almost exactly the same size - in terms of weight and thickness anyway. The VAIO X has an 11.1" 16:9 display, which actually makes it quite a bit larger than the iPad. One other thing about the VAIO X is quite a bit larger than the iPad: the price, which starts at $1299 -- far more expensive than even the priciest iPad.
While it's true the iPad won't fit in your pocket, it's still far more portable than even a MacBook Air. Stephen Colbert even managed to pull one out of his jacket at the Grammys, so while the iPad is larger than an iPhone, it's far from the unwieldy monster many people are trying to claim it is.
3. It runs a phone OS
One thing many pundits fail to account for is that the iPhone OS is actually a version of OS X adapted for a touchscreen device. No, there's no Finder, Dock, or menu bar. No, there's no Exposé, Spaces, or Time Machine. But the underpinnings of the iPhone OS are exactly the same as those of the Mac version of OS X. So when people complain the iPad doesn't run OS X, they're really pining for OS X features like the ones I already mentioned -- the Finder, Dock, menu bar, etc. However, none of those OS X features are particularly suited to a touchscreen device, especially one with a 9.7" screen. Tablet PCs running the full version of Windows have already demonstrated the pitfalls of running an OS meant for a larger device with a traditional point-and-click interface, and as a result, almost all of those devices have failed to gain traction in the market.
Debra and others also cite the iPad's lack of multitasking as a strike against it. On this point, at least, I agree with them. While iPhone OS already allows for limited multitasking among Apple's own apps -- Phone, Messages, Mail, Safari, and iPod can all run simultaneously in the background -- third-party apps are still restricted to workarounds like push notifications. While restricting multitasking makes a kind of sense on devices like the iPhone 3G, with limited processing power and RAM available, on the iPad those technological limitations don't fly as an excuse. You can argue that not having multitasking on the iPad makes it easier to use for Grandma and other non-techies, but it also limits the device's potential utility. Granted, the iPad isn't positioned as a replacement for a MacBook, but the ability to run even one or two third-party apps in the background would make the device far more versatile.
Personally, I would be very surprised if Apple doesn't introduce at least a limited form of multitasking in iPhone OS 4.0. Of course, I also said the same thing last year about iPhone OS 3.0, so who knows. One point bears mentioning, though: despite the introduction of iWork for the iPad, Apple is still pushing the device as a platform for consuming media, not as a productivity platform. To get any serious work done, Apple still expects you'll use your main computer, whether it's a MacBook, iMac, or PC.
4. There's not enough storage
The most important question to ask on this point is, "For whom?" Debra says the 64 GB model might have enough capacity for her purposes, but she also grouses about the price of that model, comparing it to cheaper netbooks with "four times the storage." I will say that I'm puzzled at Apple's decision to top out the iPad's capacity at 64 GB, especially considering that's where the iPod touch currently tops out. A 128 GB iPad would have been very tempting indeed; unfortunately, given the price of flash memory, it also would have probably cost more than $1000.
But what does 64 GB allow you to store? In my case, a 64 GB iPad would hold my entire 39 GB music library -- 19 days worth of music -- plus my entire iPhoto library of over 7000 photos, which, when optimized for the iPad's screen, would probably take up somewhere in the neighborhood of 5 GB, plus or minus a GB or two. At my most app-crazy I had about 2 GB of apps on my iPhone 3G, and "Other" space, presumably including the OS itself, takes up just over 1 GB. Added up, that equates to 47 out of 64 GB. In my case, that leaves over 15 GB of space for document storage, videos, and so forth. Let's say I store my entire Documents folder on the iPad (I wouldn't -- I use iDisk and Dropbox for that) -- 4300 documents taking up just over 2 GB of space. Now we have 13 GB left over for videos and whatever else. Even if I left myself a 3 GB buffer for whatever reason (including accounting for the GB versus GiB difference), that's still 10 GB of space for videos -- enough to store 10 two-hour films at a decent bitrate, or almost an entire season of an hour-long TV series.
Let me break that down again -- a 64 GB iPad would store:
-- 19 days of music
-- 7000 photos
-- Well over 100 apps
-- A 2 GB Documents folder with 4300 items
-- 20 hours of video
-- Around 3 GB of space left over for whatever else (temporary photo storage, e-books, accounting for the difference between binary gigabytes versus decimal gigabytes, etc.)
Granted, there are people out there with music and photo libraries larger than mine, but most of my Mac-using friends only have, on average, 1500 items in their iTunes libraries, a thousand or so photos, and maybe three pages of apps on their iPhones. 64 GB may not sound like much on paper, but practically speaking, it lets you pack around a lot of media. Unless you're going to spend weeks at a time away from your main computer, the iPad should be able to carry around enough media to keep almost anyone entertained for days on end.
5. There's no HDMI output or camera
Debra claims you can't output the iPad's video to an HDTV without an HDMI connector. That simply isn't true; with a VGA adapter, you can output the iPad's full 1024 x 768 video signal to an HDTV. With a component connector, you can output a 576p PAL signal or a 480p NTSC signal to your TV. Okay, fine, it's not 1080p ultra-high-def video, but where exactly are you going to find video of that resolution anyway (besides Blu-Ray and Bittorrent)? I'll admit that it would have been nice to have at least 1366 x 768 video, but I'm betting that the vast majority of consumers aren't going to even bother hooking the iPad up to their TV at all when it's far easier to just put the screen on their laps and watch a movie on the iPad itself instead.
(Whoops -- as a few people have pointed out, 1080i is 1920 x 1080 [hence, you know, 1080i] and not 1366 x 768. That's the resolution my HDTV has, and it claims to handle a 1080i signal -- what I didn't account for was that the 1080i signal gets deinterlaced to fit my screen's resolution. I even used to sell these stupid TVs, so I really should have known better. Sorry about that.)
Another point Debra brings up is the iPad's 3:4 aspect ratio, which is less than ideal for video. This has been argued all over the internet, including here at TUAW, but as many people have pointed out, the 3:4 aspect ratio is ideally suited to pretty much every other function on the iPad except video: books, documents, web pages, and photos are all laid out far closer to a 3:4 or 4:3 ratio than 16:9. Using a 16:9 ratio on the iPad would not only make the device larger than it already is, it would also leave all other forms of media on the device at a disadvantage compared to video.
The iPad's lack of camera is another point Debra and others have brought out against the device, but like multitasking, this is one point on which I agree. A back-facing camera like the iPhone's doesn't make a lot of sense on the iPad -- it would be a bit unwieldy trying to take pictures or video with a device this size, rather like trying to hold up a MacBook Air to take photos with its iSight. Most people probably have a standalone point-and-shoot camera that would take better stills and/or video than the iPad's hypothetical back-facing camera anyway, and you can load those pictures directly onto the device with either the iPad-specific camera connector or SD card reader. But a front-facing camera for video conferencing definitely would have been a killer feature. Apple apparently thought so, too, because it actually included a space in the iPad for exactly such a camera, only to withdraw it for reasons known only to Apple. Whether the company is waiting for the next-gen iPad to introduce a camera or pulling a big switcheroo like it did with the original iPhone -- which was originally supposed to ship with the scratch-prone plastic face of previous iPods, but was replaced with nearly scratch-proof glass in the six months between its announcement and release -- no one can say.
6. There are no USB ports
Debra's main complaints against the lack of USB ports are that you can't hook up a flash drive or a USB keyboard. As far as the keyboard goes, I've already mentioned the fact that you can purchase a keyboard dock or use a Bluetooth keyboard. As for not being able to hook up a flash drive? I can see why some people might want to do this -- expanding the iPad's storage, transferring files, etc. But I'm willing to bet that for most people this isn't going to be an issue. While I run the risk of sounding like Bill Gates's infamous "640K should be enough for anyone" by saying so (although Gates never actually said that), 64 GB of space on a device like the iPad really should suit most users' needs -- at least for the next couple of years, anyway. As for transferring files? I can think of a number of existing, cloud-based solutions, the most simplistic of which is e-mail. No, you can't transfer several gigabytes of files at a time through e-mail or "the cloud," but most people don't transfer that much data all at one go even a handful of times with a portable device, much less on a regular basis.
I'm not going to go full fanboy and say it's a good thing the iPad doesn't come with USB ports. In fact, I'm kind of with Debra and the others on this one in wishing that Apple included at least one USB port. While I probably wouldn't use the port very often (if at all), it definitely falls into the category of "nice to have." I've been an iPod user for almost five years and an iPhone user for a year, and I can count the number of times I've needed/wanted a USB port on one of those devices on exactly no fingers... but I'll admit that I might sing a different tune with a bigger device like an iPad. But for most of the people who are likely to buy the iPad, i.e., the non-geek, non-techie, "I just want internet and music and movies" folks, they're probably not going to miss USB ports at all.
7. There's no flash memory slot
No, the iPad doesn't have a flash memory slot. You can buy an SD card reader attachment, though, although Debra and others rail against the added cost of the connector, claiming that in order to reach "the functional equivalent of a netbook, you may end up spending a bundle." A lot of the same arguments for or against USB apply here as well; most non-geeks aren't going to miss an SD slot at all. Transferring documents via SD cards in 2010 reeks of the "sneakernet" we thought we were abolishing along with dot-matrix printers and 2800 baud modems; let's just say that most users are going to have photos and/or videos on their SD cards, most users are going to wait until they get home to their main computer to upload those files, and most users aren't going to care that the iPad's missing a dedicated SD slot any more than they cared about the iPod missing one. If anything, the argument for an SD slot is far weaker than the argument for USB.
8. The price is not right
Debra claims the iPad "costs twice as much as the Kindle and other ebook readers." That's flat-out false. The $499 iPad does cost almost twice as much as the standard Kindle, but compared to every other e-reader out there, the iPad's pricing is extremely competitive once you consider all the things the iPad does that the other readers iDon't. A $489 Kindle DX, for example, while $10 cheaper than the cheapest iPad, doesn't have a color screen, has only 4 GB of storage, doesn't have a touchscreen, doesn't run apps, doesn't have e-mail, music, and so on, and so forth. The iPad's price is the one aspect of the device that few pundits have complained about; in fact, the pricing has Wall Street and other financial analysts doing cartwheels.
You don't even have to compare the iPad to other companies' similar products to see how good a deal it is. The 16 GB iPad costs $300 more than an 8 GB iPod touch. That $300 gets you twice the capacity, a much larger and higher-quality screen, a more powerful CPU, better Wi-Fi including 802.11n, vastly improved battery performance, a built-in speaker and microphone, and, eventually, access to a host of apps designed to take advantage of the iPad's larger screen and higher performance. A 32 GB iPad has the same $300 price difference compared to a 32 GB iPod touch, as does the 64 GB model. Once you tack on an additional $130 for 3G wireless the price difference widens, but so does the device's utility -- access to wireless broadband anywhere there's an available 3G network, which, as iPhone users already know, is invaluable.
Debra compares the fully kitted-out $829 3G-enabled iPad to "a powerful compact laptop that runs a full-fledged operating system and multi-tasks and that has USB and SD and Ethernet connectors, 4 GB of RAM, and 250 GB of storage." The "full-fledged operating system" she's talking about isn't OS X, however, and the laptop she's talking about definitely isn't manufactured by Apple. That might not make a difference to a lot of people, but if you're already in the "Macs cost too much" camp, it's no wonder the iPad doesn't hold much appeal compared to that Windows Home Edition running, plastic, bargain-bin quality laptop from Dell or HP that's almost certain to stop working in two years or less. Yes, I recognize the extremely fanboyish sound of that sentence. No, I don't apologize for it. Cheap laptops are exactly that: cheap. Call it elitism, fanboyism, Kool-Aid drinking, whatever: I'd much rather put up with the iPad's shortcomings than those of the "powerful" but oh-so-cheapo laptops of other manufacturers.
9. It's locked in
"You have to buy your apps from the App Store," Debra notes. Yes, you do: from a store that has over 140,000 apps available, most of them for free, and capable of doing almost anything. Hate the App Store for some reason? Fine. Jailbreak the thing and use Cydia instead. Apple may not want you to do this, and they may go out of their way to prevent it, but if you're of the jailbreaking mindset already, that's not going to stop you, is it?
A very vocal minority of people love to complain about "vendor lock-in" when it comes to the iPhone/iPod touch/iPad, even though those same people have likely been playing around with video game systems from Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft for decades -- all platforms with "vendor lock-in" even more pervasive and insidious than that of Apple's platform. What these people don't seem to realize is that same vendor lock-in is precisely what keeps Apple's portable platforms from being riddled with viruses, malware, and apps made of more crap than code. "Security through obscurity" may be a valid(ish) argument to fall back upon with the Mac, but with 75 million plus people using the iPhone OS, it's a very high-profile target for virus writers. That same "walled garden" that Linux proponents and "open internet" evangelists whine about is what keeps the iPhone platform from being an unusable nightmare. Yes, the App Store approval process has in many cases been a pain in the nether regions, but things are improving -- apps that might have once taken days or weeks to get approved are now getting through the approval process in a matter of hours. Has the App Store's "lock-in" affected sales of the iPhone one iota? No. In fact, sales of the iPhone took way off after the App Store's arrival.
Yes, "Apple as gatekeeper" gets the George Orwell fans riled. But someone has to keep the gate, because the instant the iPhone OS becomes a truly "open" platform like some people are espousing, that's the same instant the Russian mafia remote-hijacks your iPhone from a basement in Vladivostok because you just had to download that "Siberian Honeys" app from the dark alleys of the internet.
Other aspects of dreaded "lock-in" that Debra's concerned about are riddled with falsehoods. "You can't run Skype to make phone calls," with the iPad, she claims. "We wouldn't want to cut into the iPhone market, after all." Say what? That must be news to the Skype team, who's already investigating an iPad-specific Skype app. It must be news to Apple, too, who no longer restricts the use of VoIP over 3G. "Nor can you download Flash to install on the browser, which means you won't be watching those YouTube videos." Say what again? Since when is the iPhone/iPod touch/iPad incapable of watching YouTube videos? Oh right: since never. No, you can't put Flash on the iPad, but according to our informal poll, 75% of people planning on buying one either don't care or are outright glad Flash isn't making an appearance.
What about hardware "lock-in?" Debra says that "you can't even remove and replace the battery yourself," which has been true of every single iPod since 2001 and hasn't stopped people from buying them by the millions. She goes on and says, "if you were flying to Australia and wanted to bring along an extra battery for the extra-long flight, forget about it." Um. A two-second Google search for "iPhone external battery" might have been a good idea. Plus, speaking from personal experience, if you stay awake for a full flight across the Pacific Ocean, you're going to have a lot more pressing issues to worry about than your iPad's battery, like the fact that you're going to feel like you got run over by a truck after the plane lands. Take it from one who knows: Trans-Pacific flights are best spent in blissful unconsciousness.
10. The network
Yep, the iPad's 3G connection is only available on AT&T's network... if you live in the United States. If, like me, you live in what's known informally as "the rest of the world," this argument against buying a 3G-enabled iPad holds no water for you. But let's stick to the States for a moment and analyze Debra's argument against AT&T's network. No, AT&T isn't everyone (or possibly even anyone)'s favorite US network, but the pay-as-you-go, completely contract-free plans available for the iPad are very compellingly priced. You can get 250 MB of data for $14.99 (not the $20 Debra claims in her article), which is more than enough for casual data usage. 250 MB doesn't sound like a lot on paper, but that's what my iPhone plan started out at here in New Zealand. I never once went over 100 MB or so of monthly data usage until I started using iPhone tethering, and I'd consider my data usage fairly robust. The "unlimited" AT&T plan at $30 a month is an even better deal, and even if "unlimited" only means 5 GB, you're not going to burn through that much data unless you're using the connection every waking hour of the month.
Debra's argument against these plans is that it's another bill to pay on top of your cell phone bill, but that's the beauty of the iPad plans: without a contract to commit to, you can cancel the plan whenever you want. If you start out with the $30/month "unlimited" plan on the iPad, only to find out your usage isn't topping 250 MB, rather than being locked in to that plan for another 23 months, you can downgrade to the $15 plan. If you find that you don't need the 3G coverage at all, you can always buy the Wi-Fi only iPad. "Here's wishing you good luck on finding those Wi-Fi hot spots," Debra says in response to that idea, which sounds about right for us in New Zealand, where free Wi-Fi is about as rare as gold, but makes much less sense in the US, where free Wi-Fi is usually only a library or café away.
If you absolutely must have 3G on the iPad, absolutely must not use AT&T, and are prepared to spend twice as much for the privilege of going with Verizon, you always have the option of hooking the iPad up to a MiFi (possibly -- we'll have to wait until the iPad's actually released before we know if this will work or not). Additionally, just because the iPad isn't available on Verizon right now (now now NOW) doesn't mean it never will be; Apple and Verizon are reportedly "still talking" about bringing the iPad and/or iPhone over to the network.
We've come to the end of Debra's ten points, but not to the end of mine. My final point, the one that sums up all of this: like the Mac, like the iPod, and like the iPhone, the iPad is not for everyone. It's not even for me -- despite all the words I've just spent defending it, I'm not buying an iPad until next year at the earliest, and only if I decide against replacing my current, aging MacBook Pro with the same computer rather than an iMac/iPad combo.
The bottom line is that the iPad can't be all things to all people. It's not meant to replace a full-fledged Mac or PC -- it's meant as an ultraportable extension of a larger device, and one with a far simpler and more intuitive interface, a "computer for the rest of us," if you will. And make no mistake: for every Debra Littlejohn Shinder, for every "open internet" geek who screams "vendor lock-in" every time Apple's name is mentioned, for every "no multitasking, no Flash, no sale" techie, for every dismissive pundit who shrugs and says, "It's just a big iPod touch," there's at least one person who has been waiting for a device just like the iPad, and those people are the ones who will make it a success. Whether you like it or hate it, the iPad is indicative of the future direction of computing.
But, just for the sake of argument, let's say we can cook up a portable computer far "better" than an iPad, a dream device that has USB, 1080p output, a removable battery, runs the full version of OS X, has a front-facing camera, isn't dependent on AT&T, isn't "locked in" to the App Store, has a physical keyboard, widescreen-formatted display, and has more than 64 GB of storage. What might such a device look like?
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