Comments on: The Elements for iPad: Hands-on review http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Sun, 19 May 2013 11:08:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: webmonkees http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-750085 webmonkees Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-750085 If I get hold of one, I'm ordering the cover that says 'Don't Panic!' in nice calm friendly letters. and the H2g2 app. How miraculously nifty appearing (I'd want 4x the processing speed) is this gadget? My friend the Applephobe, actually asked what the price range is. And if they made a larger model. Then complained it didn't use a fold-up flexible screen. If I get hold of one, I’m ordering the cover that says ‘Don’t Panic!’ in nice calm friendly letters. and the H2g2 app.

How miraculously nifty appearing (I’d want 4x the processing speed) is this gadget?

My friend the Applephobe, actually asked what the price range is. And if they made a larger model. Then complained it didn’t use a fold-up flexible screen.

]]> By: ZDepthCharge http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-751122 ZDepthCharge Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-751122 Wow. I thought I had been kicked because after I posted a comment, the comment disappeared and then I couldn't log in (when attempting to log in I was told my account didn't exist). I'm (obviously) not kicked as I'm posting, but I must say though, if my comment got under any ones skin, then you've got some thin skin as it was fairly innocuous. More a mild criticism. And funny to boot. And I'll provide the unicorn chaser: http://www.smbc-comics.com/ Wow. I thought I had been kicked because after I posted a comment, the comment disappeared and then I couldn’t log in (when attempting to log in I was told my account didn’t exist).
I’m (obviously) not kicked as I’m posting, but I must say though, if my comment got under any ones skin, then you’ve got some thin skin as it was fairly innocuous. More a mild criticism. And funny to boot. And I’ll provide the unicorn chaser:
http://www.smbc-comics.com/

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-758298 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-758298 All I can say is, I can't wait to get an iPad after seeing this video. This is barely scratching the surface of what could be done. I'd love to see something akin to this for military aircraft, complete with rotating models. For my wife, who's into gems, how about the Smithsonian collection? Antique cars, coins, birds, fish ... all with live Wolfram-Alpha (or whatever) updated data. Nice. All I can say is, I can’t wait to get an iPad after seeing this video. This is barely scratching the surface of what could be done. I’d love to see something akin to this for military aircraft, complete with rotating models. For my wife, who’s into gems, how about the Smithsonian collection? Antique cars, coins, birds, fish … all with live Wolfram-Alpha (or whatever) updated data. Nice.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-750884 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-750884 Less utility were bought for more money during the infancy of the personal computer. Less utility were bought for more money during the infancy of the personal computer.

]]> By: arkizzle / Moderator http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-750382 arkizzle / Moderator Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-750382 Chesterfield, Although that may be true, what is the substantive difference? Either you have to download it as a package before hand, or you have to load each piece separately on-demand. That is the distinction I was making, not whether to write it in Objective-C or HTML5. And for a fact, HTML5 + javascript cannot be as fast as compiled, native code. Chesterfield,

Although that may be true, what is the substantive difference?

Either you have to download it as a package before hand, or you have to load each piece separately on-demand. That is the distinction I was making, not whether to write it in Objective-C or HTML5.

And for a fact, HTML5 + javascript cannot be as fast as compiled, native code.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-751662 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-751662 Congratulations Theo. Great work! eric scerri UCLA Congratulations Theo. Great work!

eric scerri
UCLA

]]> By: adamnvillani http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-750134 adamnvillani Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-750134 Those are some very nice pictures, indeed. But speaking as a non-iPhone (and non-iPad) guy, I'm still unclear on why this has to be released as an "app" and not a simple webpage, maybe one optimized for use with an iPad. At least with an IPhone app, I can understand that the interface has to be designed for use on a tiny screen. Why not make this a webpage, if not for the fact that they're more likely to get people to pay for an app for a new gadget instead of just a pretty webpage? Those are some very nice pictures, indeed. But speaking as a non-iPhone (and non-iPad) guy, I’m still unclear on why this has to be released as an “app” and not a simple webpage, maybe one optimized for use with an iPad. At least with an IPhone app, I can understand that the interface has to be designed for use on a tiny screen. Why not make this a webpage, if not for the fact that they’re more likely to get people to pay for an app for a new gadget instead of just a pretty webpage?

]]> By: Chesterfield http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-750405 Chesterfield Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-750405 True. But all that really matters is if it is fast enough. Don't discount HTML and javascript. Check out GWT's Quake 2 implementation. HTML and javascript running Quake at 60 fps. Javascript is the new machine language. True. But all that really matters is if it is fast enough. Don’t discount HTML and javascript. Check out GWT’s Quake 2 implementation. HTML and javascript running Quake at 60 fps.

Javascript is the new machine language.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-893271 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-893271 @Webmonkees Finally found a case with "Don't Panic" printed in large friendly letters on the cover. bout time someone did this. www.mycaseconcepts.com @Webmonkees
Finally found a case with “Don’t Panic” printed in large friendly letters on the cover. bout time someone did this. http://www.mycaseconcepts.com

]]> By: Syd http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-750683 Syd Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-750683 What's with all the grumpin'? It looks (like in a couple of weeks) The Elements reinvented how you use a book (book tech hasn't changed since 1440.) I just saw something truly new and it's just the start. Remember what it was like to use a cell phone interface before the iPhone came and showed everyone how it was supposed to be done? I was hoping the comments were going to filled with exciting possibilities "Guns Germs and Steel" with animated maps, the real "Hitchhikers Guide to the Universe", David Foster Wallace footnotes popping up from the text, textbooks that explain the symbolism in James Joyce for High School kids. I don't know... The future of books might have just arrived and it sounds like fun. What’s with all the grumpin’? It looks (like in a couple of weeks) The Elements reinvented how you use a book (book tech hasn’t changed since 1440.) I just saw something truly new and it’s just the start. Remember what it was like to use a cell phone interface before the iPhone came and showed everyone how it was supposed to be done?

I was hoping the comments were going to filled with exciting possibilities “Guns Germs and Steel” with animated maps, the real “Hitchhikers Guide to the Universe”, David Foster Wallace footnotes popping up from the text, textbooks that explain the symbolism in James Joyce for High School kids. I don’t know… The future of books might have just arrived and it sounds like fun.

]]> By: Chesterfield http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-750181 Chesterfield Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-750181 adamnvillani - Basically for the multitouch parts of the app. As far as I know, you can't do stuff like this on a web page. That brings up an interesting question. Other than the sparkly bits, how is this better than Safari + Wikipedia? adamnvillani – Basically for the multitouch parts of the app. As far as I know, you can’t do stuff like this on a web page.

That brings up an interesting question. Other than the sparkly bits, how is this better than Safari + Wikipedia?

]]> By: Chesterfield http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-750956 Chesterfield Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-750956 Syd, if you are looking for a better book, you will eventually be disappointed with the iPad. The book (digital or analog) has been pretty much perfected. Adding gimmick's like pictures you can spin around is pretty lame and has been done before (remember multimedia CD-ROMs?). Something entirely new needs to come out of this, not just books++. As for phones, you should check out what's been available in Japan for the past 10 years. Pretty amazing stuff. I do give Apple high marks for their industrial design though. Beautiful devices. I think the iPhone is the only phone I have ever seen that doesn't have the carrier's name on the case somewhere. Syd, if you are looking for a better book, you will eventually be disappointed with the iPad. The book (digital or analog) has been pretty much perfected. Adding gimmick’s like pictures you can spin around is pretty lame and has been done before (remember multimedia CD-ROMs?).

Something entirely new needs to come out of this, not just books++.

As for phones, you should check out what’s been available in Japan for the past 10 years. Pretty amazing stuff.

I do give Apple high marks for their industrial design though. Beautiful devices. I think the iPhone is the only phone I have ever seen that doesn’t have the carrier’s name on the case somewhere.

]]> By: arkizzle / Moderator http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-750189 arkizzle / Moderator Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-750189 adamnvillani, My immediate thought is so you don't need an internet connection to enjoy the content. WYSIWYG, and all that. Also, as Xeni mentioned in the original review, the lack of lag/buffer/stutter makes the experience all the better. Personally, as an iPod touch owner, discovering that you could get dictionary apps that <i>didn't</i> have to connect to the internet was a huge bonus. I had just been using Wikipedia app/ Safari etc, but having the content residing inside the app has made these all-the-more valuable tools for me. adamnvillani,

My immediate thought is so you don’t need an internet connection to enjoy the content. WYSIWYG, and all that. Also, as Xeni mentioned in the original review, the lack of lag/buffer/stutter makes the experience all the better.

Personally, as an iPod touch owner, discovering that you could get dictionary apps that didn’t have to connect to the internet was a huge bonus. I had just been using Wikipedia app/ Safari etc, but having the content residing inside the app has made these all-the-more valuable tools for me.

]]> By: Hexamethyldisilazane http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-752237 Hexamethyldisilazane Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-752237 Why thank you. I'm indeed a rather big fan of the persian weaves; half persian 3-in-1 sheet-6 being my bread and butter so to speak (Which is made out of niobium in my collection, by the way). I was at university when I made that sample. The rings were cut with a jewelers saw on a duct tape and cardboard jig that held the mandrel and coil. I would probably have done somewhat better with a real vice, of course. Why thank you. I’m indeed a rather big fan of the persian weaves; half persian 3-in-1 sheet-6 being my bread and butter so to speak (Which is made out of niobium in my collection, by the way).

I was at university when I made that sample. The rings were cut with a jewelers saw on a duct tape and cardboard jig that held the mandrel and coil. I would probably have done somewhat better with a real vice, of course.

]]> By: glittertrash http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-751220 glittertrash Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-751220 Plus mic input for song identification- a birdsong/bug-song/frog-song Shazzam-like program built into an iPad field guide with a connection to a wiki of geotagged instances of that particular bird, bug or frog. Yes, I have fantasized about this OFTEN. Plus mic input for song identification- a birdsong/bug-song/frog-song Shazzam-like program built into an iPad field guide with a connection to a wiki of geotagged instances of that particular bird, bug or frog.

Yes, I have fantasized about this OFTEN.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-751221 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-751221 That gap was Wolfram|Alpha remotely calculating the required content, not the browser loading it. It had nothing at all to do with the device. On the web app, it computes each bit in place, but here it seems to show the computation modally and then show the result practically instantly at the end. If you search for platinum on Wolfram on your desktop the latter parts take about the same time to show up as is shown in the video. That gap was Wolfram|Alpha remotely calculating the required content, not the browser loading it. It had nothing at all to do with the device. On the web app, it computes each bit in place, but here it seems to show the computation modally and then show the result practically instantly at the end. If you search for platinum on Wolfram on your desktop the latter parts take about the same time to show up as is shown in the video.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-750205 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-750205 I made several award winning consumer CD-ROMs back in the day, but it seems to me that that whole market was largely little more than people who'd just spend $1500 on a multimedia computer being willing to spend another $40 or $60 to justify the purchase. I really don't see digital coffee table books making a comeback, no matter how pretty Apple's screen is, nor how intuitive their UI other than as a justification by early adopters for buying the device. But if anybody thinks this is the next big thing, drop me a line, I've got the chops and would love to be creating edutainment titles selling for $13 a pop again. I made several award winning consumer CD-ROMs back in the day, but it seems to me that that whole market was largely little more than people who’d just spend $1500 on a multimedia computer being willing to spend another $40 or $60 to justify the purchase.

I really don’t see digital coffee table books making a comeback, no matter how pretty Apple’s screen is, nor how intuitive their UI other than as a justification by early adopters for buying the device.

But if anybody thinks this is the next big thing, drop me a line, I’ve got the chops and would love to be creating edutainment titles selling for $13 a pop again.

]]> By: Antinous / Moderator http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-749955 Antinous / Moderator Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-749955 That bright red fingernail is all over the internet today. That bright red fingernail is all over the internet today.

]]> By: Dean Putney http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-749970 Dean Putney Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-749970 Man, gorgeous. I can't wait to get my hands on one of those. Man, gorgeous. I can’t wait to get my hands on one of those.

]]> By: Crashproof http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-750228 Crashproof Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-750228 So $13.99 + $499 gets you <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Periodic_table">this</a> in a slower to navigate form, with slightly prettier pictures. Got it. Now I understand the iPad's target market. So $13.99 + $499 gets you this in a slower to navigate form, with slightly prettier pictures. Got it. Now I understand the iPad’s target market.

]]> By: Crashproof http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-750745 Crashproof Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-750745 "Remember what it was like to use a cell phone interface before the iPhone came and showed everyone how it was supposed to be done?" You mean, perfectly acceptable, easier to text, and with less finger grease on screens? Yep, I remember that. In fact, you may be surprised to hear that some of us <i>haven't</i> tasted the "the iPhone revolutionized cell phones" kool-aid. “Remember what it was like to use a cell phone interface before the iPhone came and showed everyone how it was supposed to be done?”

You mean, perfectly acceptable, easier to text, and with less finger grease on screens? Yep, I remember that. In fact, you may be surprised to hear that some of us haven’t tasted the “the iPhone revolutionized cell phones” kool-aid.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-750746 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-750746 Textbooks as we know them are dead. Once children get their hands on apps like these, they will never want to use anything else. Textbooks as we know them are dead. Once children get their hands on apps like these, they will never want to use anything else.

]]> By: DeadWriter http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-749979 DeadWriter Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-749979 If I am not mistaken, the programmer has paid to back end the application to <a href="http://products.wolframalpha.com/api/pricing.html">Wolfram Alpha</a>. Likely part of the nearly $15 cost of the app goes to pay to use the Wolframα API. It looks beautiful, and seeing as I once paid $10 bucks for a laminated tri-fold periodic chart, along with some chem notes, I can see that this product may have found a good audience. Heck, if I had a kid and an iPad, I'd buy the app to help foster an interest in chemistry. If I am not mistaken, the programmer has paid to back end the application to Wolfram Alpha. Likely part of the nearly $15 cost of the app goes to pay to use the Wolframα API.

It looks beautiful, and seeing as I once paid $10 bucks for a laminated tri-fold periodic chart, along with some chem notes, I can see that this product may have found a good audience.

Heck, if I had a kid and an iPad, I’d buy the app to help foster an interest in chemistry.

]]> By: Syd http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-751005 Syd Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-751005 Imagine a fictional iPad Field Guide. The iPad version knows your location on the planet as well as the time and date and points out the birds in your area you are likely to see. There is an animation of the bird flying and a sample of it's song. The iPad (version 2) lets you take a picture of the bird, tags the location and lets you upload the data to the Audubon society. Because other people have walked the same trail before you know there is a nesting pair of whatevers up ahead. How does this compare to a printed guide? How about a "whats that bug? book" What color is it? Does it have wings? Where did you find it? Does it look like this? (yes or no). You found a… here are some facts about it. Hold the book up to the sky and it overlays all the satellites passing overhead, it helps you find Mars in the night sky. It's a reference book(connected to the internet), chockfull of sensors. The "book" knows where you are, when you are there, which direction you are pointing and how fast you are moving, it's updated in real time and you can "touch" it. This is nothing like a CD-rom stuck in a computer on a desk. I guess it's not really a book any more, it's something new and I am excited about it. As for phones...Here are the top ten phones sold worldwide in the month the iPhone came out. You can't deny the iPhone pushed things forward. Just look at them. http://www.handcellphone.com/archives/top-10-best-selling-cellular-phones-in-july-2007 Imagine a fictional iPad Field Guide. The iPad version knows your location on the planet as well as the time and date and points out the birds in your area you are likely to see. There is an animation of the bird flying and a sample of it’s song. The iPad (version 2) lets you take a picture of the bird, tags the location and lets you upload the data to the Audubon society. Because other people have walked the same trail before you know there is a nesting pair of whatevers up ahead. How does this compare to a printed guide?

How about a “whats that bug? book” What color is it? Does it have wings? Where did you find it? Does it look like this? (yes or no). You found a… here are some facts about it. Hold the book up to the sky and it overlays all the satellites passing overhead, it helps you find Mars in the night sky.

It’s a reference book(connected to the internet), chockfull of sensors. The “book” knows where you are, when you are there, which direction you are pointing and how fast you are moving, it’s updated in real time and you can “touch” it. This is nothing like a CD-rom stuck in a computer on a desk. I guess it’s not really a book any more, it’s something new and I am excited about it.

As for phones…Here are the top ten phones sold worldwide in the month the iPhone came out. You can’t deny the iPhone pushed things forward. Just look at them.

http://www.handcellphone.com/archives/top-10-best-selling-cellular-phones-in-july-2007

]]> By: jamesscottbrown http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-750497 jamesscottbrown Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-750497 Interestingly, the WolframAlpha site now has a description of both a dedicated iPad app, and <a href=http://products.wolframalpha.com/ebooks/index.html>WolframAlpha for ebooks</a> ("Launching in Q2"). It's tagline is "Make factual content come alive by integrating computational knowledge into electronic publications". So we may soon see other similar apps based upon WolframAlpha. Interestingly, the WolframAlpha site now has a description of both a dedicated iPad app, and WolframAlpha for ebooks (“Launching in Q2″). It’s tagline is “Make factual content come alive by integrating computational knowledge into electronic publications”. So we may soon see other similar apps based upon WolframAlpha.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-749988 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-749988 No 3D glasses are needed to view the 3D models. Simply use the "cross-eyed technique". I tried it with the screenshots above and it works pretty well. (I found it less straining if I zoomed off a little first) Bronze Dragon looks especially nice. Enjoy. No 3D glasses are needed to view the 3D models. Simply use the “cross-eyed technique”. I tried it with the screenshots above and it works pretty well. (I found it less straining if I zoomed off a little first) Bronze Dragon looks especially nice. Enjoy.

]]> By: Chesterfield http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-750248 Chesterfield Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-750248 Check out the comments in Cory's review. There is an HTML5 developer there who clarifies that an HTML5 site (app?) can be written to be work without a connection. You still have to do the initial load, but the same can be said for this. Check out the comments in Cory’s review. There is an HTML5 developer there who clarifies that an HTML5 site (app?) can be written to be work without a connection. You still have to do the initial load, but the same can be said for this.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-749993 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-749993 Am I the only person who has problems with large amounts of white text on a black background? Am I the only person who has problems with large amounts of white text on a black background?

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-751023 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-751023 I love that you are filming the review with an iPhone. Very meta! I love that you are filming the review with an iPhone. Very meta!

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/04/01/the-elements-for-ipa.html#comment-750003 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-750003 Nice maille for the copper sample. Saw cut rings, good joins. Happy to see HP4-1 in such a prominent place. It's one of my favorite weaves. Nice maille for the copper sample. Saw cut rings, good joins. Happy to see HP4-1 in such a prominent place. It’s one of my favorite weaves.

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