Christopher Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 Here are some of the fast facts relating to Apple’s tablet, now officially known as the iPad... 9.7" IPS multi-touch display 1GHz Apple A4 processor 16GB, 32GB and 64GB internal flash memory options 10 hour battery life (with 1 month standby time) Built-in accelerometer and compass (switches cover flow and art when rotated) Speaker, microphone and 30-pin connector 0.5" thin 1.5 lbs. Bluetooth 2.1 EDR wireless technology Wi-Fi 802.11n connectivity Pricing is still a big question mark. Other than a large remote with screen sharing, I’m not sure how this device will add value to my music system. Still watching the unveiling… Cheers, Chris Amarra 3.0.3/iTunes-->AQVOX USB PS-->Acromag USB Isolator-->Ayre QB-9-->Ayre K-5xeMP-->W4S SX-500-->Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Super Towers-->SVS SB12-Plus (L&R). Cables: Nordost, Transparent, LessLoss, Analysis Plus & Pangea. Dedicated line with isolated power conditioning per component: PS Audio & Furman. Late 2012 Mac Mini 2.6GHz Quad-Core i7 (16 GB, 1TB Fusion, 6TB ext via Tbolt). External drives enclosure http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f7-disk-storage-music-library-storage/silent-enclosure-external-hard-drives-7178/ Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 I'm studying this one hard to find an audio use. So far it's a big iPhone for us. For people who need the other enhancements it's a great tool. 6 GB 32 GB 64 GB Wi-Fi $499 $599 $699 Wi-Fi + 3G $629 $729 $829 Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
silverlight Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 Hoping the Remote app gets a big upgrade and could be a nice headless mini remote control as a step up from the iphone.... Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 Bummer no optical output via a mini TosLink port or even a USB port. I agree the Remote app has great potential with this device. Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
jphone Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 Remote Controler iPhone/iPod style for people over 50 with severe vision problems? I am willing to pay for something like this. Link to comment
Christopher Posted January 27, 2010 Author Share Posted January 27, 2010 Here's a link to design info, tech specs and pricing at Apple... http://www.apple.com/ipad/design/ Best regards, Chris Amarra 3.0.3/iTunes-->AQVOX USB PS-->Acromag USB Isolator-->Ayre QB-9-->Ayre K-5xeMP-->W4S SX-500-->Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Super Towers-->SVS SB12-Plus (L&R). Cables: Nordost, Transparent, LessLoss, Analysis Plus & Pangea. Dedicated line with isolated power conditioning per component: PS Audio & Furman. Late 2012 Mac Mini 2.6GHz Quad-Core i7 (16 GB, 1TB Fusion, 6TB ext via Tbolt). External drives enclosure http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f7-disk-storage-music-library-storage/silent-enclosure-external-hard-drives-7178/ Link to comment
Audio_newb Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 Not that it wouldn't be handy, but I would never see something like this having any sort of optical out. Having said that, I feel like the best sound out of this would come via the dock connection anyhow (ideally dock to usb, I can't imagine one of these sticking out the top of my dock). Just like the certified docks out now (wadia, etc) it would just function as a storage /control device. I am super-psyched about the use of this as a remote though. Crestron and AMX in my opinion have always had the worst, most overpriced hardware and I'd love to see these things just overrun the custom installer world. PS Audio Quintet > Powerbook (iphone with apple remote app) > HRT Streamer II > Kingrex Pre-amp > Kingrex QS-01 > Devore Fidelity Gibbon 7.1\'s Link to comment
extracampine Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 Keeping my eye on a remote app for this beast!! To control Mediamonkey ) There are 2 types of people in this world - those who understand binary and those who don't. Link to comment
jb8312 Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 What's the point of it cannot fit in your pocket? Is it suppose to be a large portable device or a small desk top device? While portable it is, what it got that the iPhone can't get you until you get to you desk top? I don't get it. But it's cool. Maybe that's all it is, is cool. [Outlet > Crystal Cable Reference Power Cords > Audio Magic Mini Stealth >] MacBook \"White\" (Sitting on Symposium Svelte Shelf and 3 Decouplers) > iTunes/Apple Lossless/iTouch Remote > Kimber Cable USB > Bel Canto 24/96 USB Converter > Cary 306 Pro SACD/CD/DAC > Crystal Cable Reference Connect IC >Pass Labs X1 > Crystal Cable Reference Connect IC > Bryston 28B SST Mono Blocks > Transparent MM Ultra Speaker Cables > Verity Audio Parsifal Ovations> My Ears.....ahhhhhhh Link to comment
ted_b Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 (like my iPod touch is today) and also big enough to do remote management (worst case VNC displaykeyboard) of my Macbook music server which I'll now leave in closed clamshell mode (headless Macbook?) and sitting in my front soundstage rack 10-12 feet away. The fact that it is large enough to also be my surfing pad and email device while sitting and listening to my system are just big plusses. "We're all bozos on this bus"....F.T. My JRIver tutorial videos Actual JRIver tutorial MP4 video links My eleven yr old SACD Ripping Guide for PS3 (needs updating but still works) US Technical Advisor, NativeDSD.com Link to comment
ronfint Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 The iPad will also be my travel computer. It seems to be a beautiful device for giving talks using Keynote -- and for reading books, as well as for email and surfing. Please excuse my relative computer ignorance, but is a dock connector to USB cable workable, and if so could such a connection be used to connect to a portable USB dac/ headphone amp like the Proton? Link to comment
cfmsp Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 Ted, is there a VNC app for the iPhone OS available now? Without it, or a functional equivalent, we won't be able to use the iPad for total headless server mgmt. clay Link to comment
Mr.C Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 Yes, there is a VNC app or two for the iPhone OS, free too. Link to comment
souptin Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 Yes there's at least two iPhone VNC apps - Mocha and Jaadu (my preference is for Jaadu, it's expensive as apps go, but it is very good). Couple of things worth keeping in mind though: 1. At the moment the iPhone apps that run on iPad either sit dead centre screen with a big black border, or they get scaled up by just doubling the pixels. Probably ok for games, but it's going to look a bit blocky for anything where you'd want to enjoy the higher resolution. 2. VNC does add a fair bit to the processor workload on the computer being controlled. I think somewhat dependent on screen activity, so video or visualiser or coverflow browsing would be particularly taxing. To what extent would that affect sound quality? I'm not saying for certain that it would, but if you're running a very carefully optimised system you'd consider it a possibility at least. For example, Sonic don't recommend running VNC. Much as I love everything Apple, I'm also stuck with the idea that this is just a really big iPhone, and I snigger when I think of someone holding it up to their ear. Also, I can't help thinking that it would be improved by having a hinged fold out stand... Which could double as a screen protector when closed... Which might then allow you to have a proper keyboard integrated into the hinged section instead of wasting screen space... You get the idea. Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 Jaadu seems to be the Cadillac of iPad/iPhone VNC apps. Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
ted_b Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 but to do management (renice terminal commands, reload apps, etc.). In fact I'd make sure VNC apps are reniced into the +10-15 area. "We're all bozos on this bus"....F.T. My JRIver tutorial videos Actual JRIver tutorial MP4 video links My eleven yr old SACD Ripping Guide for PS3 (needs updating but still works) US Technical Advisor, NativeDSD.com Link to comment
Audio_ELF Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 the tin of soup spoke and the words which came forth were... "Much as I love everything Apple, I'm also stuck with the idea that this is just a really big iPhone, and I snigger when I think of someone holding it up to their ear. Also, I can't help thinking that it would be improved by having a hinged fold out stand... Which could double as a screen protector when closed... Which might then allow you to have a proper keyboard integrated into the hinged section instead of wasting screen space... You get the idea." But hell what do we know ... I thought the idea of a 3.5" screen on a phone to be completely pointless - thought it would be relegated to a draw and I'd get my old Ericsson out after 3 months ... Eloise Eloise --- ...in my opinion / experience... While I agree "Everything may matter" working out what actually affects the sound is a trickier thing. And I agree "Trust your ears" but equally don't allow them to fool you - trust them with a bit of skepticism. keep your mind open... But mind your brain doesn't fall out. Link to comment
MichaelHowell Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 A Larger Remote app would be great, also the ability to use it as a universal remote to control AV equipment (via apps obf course), I agree with Eloise, it may seem strange at the beginning, but couldn't the same be said about Computer based audio systems? Look where that is now, in the driving seat. The wife likes it, she's usually right about things. Anywho.... there's my two-pence. Michael J. Howell[br]Macbook Pro, Airport Extreme Base Station, AppleTV, Majik, Numerik, Katans. Linn Silver and Audioquest 3 Toslink, AQ - Indigo (bi-wire), Mapleshade Bedrocks (yes these actually work). Link to comment
firefly0071 Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 Is the IPAD relatively expensive as a remote controller for a Mac based music server? It's a minimum of $US500. Just my opinion. Although the Soolos is pretty expensive. Keep on Upgrading!!! Link to comment
cfmsp Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 "Although the Soolos is pretty expensive." yeah, but can it turn into an Etch A Sketch at the push of a button? I don't think we can even begin to imagine the potential killer apps that have been waiting for way more 'real estate' than the iPhone form factor provided. I bet they'll be ready in 60 days time though, as the SDK supporting the iPad was released today. clay PS, anyone want a good deal on a Newton? Link to comment
Audio_newb Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 Hah. Keep your newton. You'll probably be able to get a good price on it as a collectors item. Ronfint: All the current dock cables terminate in a usb port. Having said that, usb dac's do not work in this type of setup unless they were specifically designed with this functionality as well (and I don't know any that are). Chris, are you aware of docks that are meant to take a usb connection in this manner rather than a straight docking port? Hopefully we will see an update to apple tv and the remote app in the near future to take advantage of the ipad. PS Audio Quintet > Powerbook (iphone with apple remote app) > HRT Streamer II > Kingrex Pre-amp > Kingrex QS-01 > Devore Fidelity Gibbon 7.1\'s Link to comment
got tinnitus Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 Ha! I still have the original Newton complete with box and everything. Offers? i-pad, yes I want one but as Jeremy Clarkson said, it sounds like a ladies sanitary product. Naim 282/250/hi-cap/cd5xs/dac/stageline, mac book pro/fidelia/amarra hifi/halide bridge, rega p3/24, focal utopia scala Link to comment
souptin Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 Does anyone know if the iPad OS will allow multi tasking? (I confess I'm too lazy to investigate right now) Reason being that I use my iTouch extensively as a multi purpose remote - using Apple Remote, Rowmote, VNC, etc - and having to shut down and launch instead of immediately switching is obviously bearable, but somewhat tiresome. For example I also feel the need to keep a regular ir remote handy for immediate volume control or volume muting. For the iPad to fit my ideal of the ultimate luxury remote, multi tasking would be a big bonus, since even a program like Rowmote doesn't fit my needs perfectly just by itself. Also I acknowledge that my earlier questions about VNC affecting sound quality are very likely extreme audiophile paranoia - In reality I imagine if you were surfing your music library you would be unlikely to notice any slight degradation, and if you settled down to listen to an entire album 'properly' you'd naturally tend to switch off your remote control app for the duration. A 'souped-up' (excuse the pun) version of Apple Remote for iPad would be sweet, and I suspect very, very likely to appear sooner rather than later. Link to comment
Cynic Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 There is no multitasking on the iPad, which is strange. It is not really a computer, but a big screen, more capable iPod Touch. No iChat, no printing, etc. But it might be a good (very expensive) remote for a headless Mini, that is if Apple upgrades the Remote App. With Pure Vinyl plus iTunes running on the Mini (Pure Vinyl for auto sample rate conversion), and a nice searchable Remote App on the iPad, that would work very well. Still, seems like overkill for a remote. Also I assume Jaadu will release an iPad version of their app, for Screen Sharing with the Mini. That would also be useful. For sure the iPad is no music player, as far as audiophile computer sources go. Link to comment
Audio_ELF Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 Cynic said... "For sure the iPad is no music player, as far as audiophile computer sources go." Okay not reference level maybe - but an iPod with a Wadia (or Onkyo) dock makes a reasonable source... Now how do I fit a iPad sideways into the Wadia!! (Apple did miss a trick not putting a second dock connector on the side for portrait viwing I think) Eloise Eloise --- ...in my opinion / experience... While I agree "Everything may matter" working out what actually affects the sound is a trickier thing. And I agree "Trust your ears" but equally don't allow them to fool you - trust them with a bit of skepticism. keep your mind open... But mind your brain doesn't fall out. Link to comment
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