iPad Netflix and ABC Player hands-on over MiFi 3G and WiFi (with video)
By Chris Ziegler 
posted April 3rd 2010 1:22PM
posted April 3rd 2010 1:22PM
Netflix looked great, too, though the interface isn't as slick as ABC's -- it's clear that these guys threw the app together in a hurry. The first thing you see when you open it, for instance, is the company's standard web-based login -- it's literally just the Netflix website. Don't get us wrong, it works just fine, but there were definitely plenty of opportunities for iPad-specific customization here. The trend continues after you log in, where you see the same view you're already familiar with when you peep your queue and Watch Instantly selections from a browser on a PC. Streaming worked quite well in both orientations; it appears to just use the iPad's in-built video player, and that's fine with us. We noticed some stuttering over 3G after we stopped filming our demo, but the good news is that it only happened once, and the footage looked just as good over the MiFi as it did connected to our cable modem. Follow the break for video of both ABC and Netflix in action.
Apps are what really make the iPad great and set it apart from being "just a large iPod touch"
@werty1432k (iPad specific apps that is)
@werty1432k I know. my iPod touch cant do half of this stuff.
@werty1432k
This is really cool but still, its nothing that a netbook can't do. show me a use for the ipad that no netbook can acheive! please! then you'll have an excuse for this ridiculous amount of coverage. the only reason this thing will make it big is because of all this needless, undeserved media hype!
@Edobe Sounds like sarcasm there. I guess it really comes down to screen size in relation to how much you can fit on the screen.
Large = better apps
@John Stathakis Yeah the netbook vs iPad debate. For me the iPad could never replace a true computer. It's just fun to have and play with but not to be taken seriously as a productivity tool, as much as Apple will tell you it is. IMO
@John Stathakis I don't recall anyone ever claiming the iPad was a netbook. Just like a netbook isn't really a laptop (computing power wise). This is a paradigm shifter, not a status quo appeaser.
@terabiter No one said it was but Jobs was clear that it is supposed to replace one. (even if thats BS)
@John Stathakis I bought a lenovo s10-3t on Friday, took it back Saturday morning. Screen wasn't great, but that's probably limited to the s10-3t. What really was bad was how slow it worked. Sure it could play flash but any site that could play flash slowed it down. It was bit choppy with 480p youtube, and 720p made it die. I know you need a better video processor for it, but still, it didn't run well. Yes I did a clean install of Windows 7 Ultimate. Let me say this Windows 7 ultimate is great at it's touch implementation. The programs need to have the programming built in to take advantage though. The problem with Windows 7 it needs more power than a Atom N450 and Intel GMA 3150 can offer.
@werty1432k For most people it will. If you have a laptop that isn't a 17 inch 10 pounder I would think a netbook would be redundant, IMO.
@werty1432k Uh, they're releasing this app for the iphone/ipod touch as well.
@John Stathakis I think it's not about what it does but how. Your Netbook won't fire up in less than a second, it mostly won't play 10 hours of movies on a flight to Japan and it likely will never have a UI even close to what you get on the iPad. You may not need these features but other may, right? And that's where the money goes!
@werty1432k That actually was not sarcasm. I think anyone with an ipod touch will tell you that this device is more then just a giant ipod touch. It may not me a netbook killer but it's not a giant touch.
@John Stathakis You're right John, but there are different needs for different folks. I don't have a NEED for either, but I have a lot more uses for the iPad (this week at least). This is perfect for the airport and planes (esp. those transatlantic flights).
@Edobe I agree with you 100%! Not a netbook killer but and not just a large iPad touch.
@werty1432k **iPod that is, didn't mean to write iPad there in the last post.
@probex
My netbook has an instant on linux partition, I did it... it's battery lasts for 11 hours, and it runs everything a netbook should very well. I paid $342, add a little extra for new OS, ram upgrades... and I'm still just over $400. It does everything the iPad does and then some. Your argument is silly, the iPad is an awesome device for the form factor and ease of use, other features can be recreated. Lots of love was put into the design of the iPad. I won't get it, too pricey for me, since I can recreate the functionality of the iPad on an Android 7" tablet for $150... but the iPad will be a nicer device. This isn't a matter of netbook versus iPad. These are different form factors... the thing is, the iPad would be a really cool device to just chill in your living room for simple fun things. Of course you can bring it anywhere, but I would mainly use this device around the house. People need to quit comparing Apple tech to other tech... they both have advantages and disadvantages. Do you really want to go through what I went through to get comparable functionality out of your netbook? Probably not, and you don't have too, you just have to pay a little bit more for the iPad. Sure, you won't be able to do some things (FLASH MR. JOBS, FLASH), but that's hardly an issue for most users. I wouldn't care, and I'm a big techie... like I said, it's price that has always kept me away from Apple. I'm cheap.
@jharper12 its good to see someone who gets it (coming from someone who has a netbook but can still understand what the iPad is in relation to the the gadgetverse. +1
@werty1432k Netflix always looks good on any platform! Sweet!
@werty1432k
Depends on the usage scenario of the netbook.
Some people buy netbooks instead of laptops as a cheaper way to do everything they could do on a laptop. For these people, the netbook is their MAIN and only computer. Of course, in these situations an iPad is not going to replace the netbook.
Others buy netbooks for portability. To do some of the tasks they do on their main computer, with the benefit of the smaller form factor. For these people, an iPad could absolutely replace the netbook.
Here's a thought though, and it applies to my situation. I'm in the market for a replacement for my ageing laptop which is now 3 years old and is literally falling apart ( the LCD hinges are loose ). When my laptop was new it was top of the range and cost me £1200.
Todays' netbooks are almost as powerful as my current laptop. Instead of splashing out £1200 on another top of the range laptop, I am now more likely to purchase a decent netbook and an iPad, and still have change. Fact is, I don't NEED a high end laptop for productivity, I use my high end laptop for entertainment. A decent netbook will be just fine for my productivity needs. For entertainment, the iPad will replace my laptop, without doubt, leaving a netbook as a perfect companion for storage and productivity. Heck, a netbook and the iPad together will weigh less than my current laptop. Frankly, I'm also sick of my 'powerful' laptop burning my legs when I use the damn thing on my lap for extended periods, not to mention the ridiculously poor battery life, also because of it's 'desktop replacement power'.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, it's very possible that the iPad will have the opposite effect of killing the netbook, it may actually instead cannibalize the high end laptop sales.
Thoughts?
@werty1432k O ya.. Especially dedicated netflix and abc apps because the iPad lacks flash. :/
@GmanC
"Todays' netbooks are almost as powerful as my current laptop."
BWAHAHAHA. You, sir, have obviously never used a netbook. My six-year-old laptop (recently died, RIP) had more power than most netbooks today. It could play Flash, HD video and even some games.
@tonicboy
Correct, I actually as yet, have not used one. Perhaps I meant a thin and light or a medium spec laptop for half what I would usually pay.
@Vaio guess im a dick then -1
Guess what Bozos.... you don't need a freakin Ipad to watch netflix.. and by the way... you gonna lean it up against a phone book or a brick for two hours while you watch that movie? Lofl.. it's a bozo freakin world
@werty1432k
When you say iPad specific apps? What exactly are they? Games and media players are the only things that come to mind.
To me, Apple does one thing above the rest: Apps. But, which apps would I play on the iPad that I couldn't do with an itouch or iPhone? Games and video. It seems that the iPad is a portable media player and game console.
But there are problems: a lot of people already have portable game consoles. (DS/PSP/iPhone/iTouch) And $500 is a steep price for a media player (plus subscriptions). Definitely would not bring this thing out on the bus or subway.
As another commenter already said, would you even feel conformable holding it up to view videos that exceed 20 minutes?
Honestly, you can't read for long periods with this thing. If it's anything like a computer screen, like the video clip reports, then my eyes would just be strained. Plus, one of my classes use Flash paper for our textbook.
I think I'll just wait till the summer when a lot more tablets are presumably out. Waiting seems appropriate since we are likely to see more options from other companies and Apple will probably release a second generation in about a year. This version, as is, seems best for a frequent traveler.
@John Stathakis The main thing for the price I would say is this is an LED backlit IPS display. Look at all the content demos and you can see the colors and clarity of the screen is superb. It's snappy to use too and lasts a long time on battery.
I personally like value for money and features are important to me and the iPad is lacking but that display is amazing quality. Netbooks offer a lot of functionality and can be the only computer you need but the experience is poor.
I don't like either one for various reasons but over time, it will be easier to make the iPad more functional than the netbook better quality. Most of the iPad failings are software-based.
@werty1432k Steve Jobs positioned as a device between a smartphone and a notebook. So it will probably only replace a netbook for some people who have both of those devices.
@donatom3
You probably failed to update all the required drivers (java,flash,video,etc..) to optimize your experience!
WE WANT HULU! WE WANT HULU!
There goes work productivity out the window.
@eminisp why? You can do this on your computer, does your productivity go out the window there too?
Is there any chance we will see Interstellar Versions of these apps anytime soon?
It pisses me off that companies ignore the masses until Apple makes a move. I would love to have been watching Netflix on my Instinct or Palm Pre or anyone one of hundreds of phones/pmps that that could have handled this in the last few years.
Why do we have to wait for Apple? Pretty fcuked up if you ask me.
@sweet greggo
The iPad is considered a computer (in Apples eyes). Netflix was debuted on WP7. No other phone has shown the ability to stream. There is speculation the iPhone will have it but only time will tell. The iPad is the first one out with an app version of Netflix. Im sure the HP slate will have it because W7. Tablets have been out for a while so this is not ground breaking to show Netflix on a tablet style form factor.
@eminisp
"No other phone has shown the ability to stream."
huh?
@eminisp
If you ask me its the other way around. Its Apple playing catchup if you look at the history or technology that has been out and how long it takes them to refresh their line up. Everything under the sun can be played on a Windows desktop (To a certain degree). Everything hardware under the sun can be upgraded on a desktop (Windows/Linux/Ubuntu etc). The "average" consumer has to wait for ground breaking technology.
@sweet greggo
Netflix...I was referencing to Netflix streaming on a iPhone/iPad. The rest was about Apple "not" pioneering the rest of the industry.
@eminisp Netflix already said they are working on the iPhone version. I'm guessing it will come out before WP7. Put that in your pipe and smoke it WP7.....
@eminisp Actually Netflix does not have an app for WP7. It was later discovered that the display shown (in the preview) was only a mock-up of what COULD be (as assumed and desired by MS).
And many phones stream. I have apps that stream from my home to my phone and commercial sites to my phone so I don't know what you are referring to.
@terabiter
How much evidence do you need to show WP7 was streaming Netflix? Show me the iPhone version. Listen, im not turning this into a flaming match and it seem to be headed that way with your comment. Phones will have it but the question is when. Streaming Netflix on WP7 was enough evidence for me to know that Netflix will be "integrated" into the user experience. No more speculation for me to know whether or not Netflix will be done for WP7 (phone).
@bullshitexpresscom
Youre right. But like i said to terabiter, its enough evidence for me to know itll be on WP7 eventually. Im a skeptic at heart but to see it debuted at the WP7 debut it only confirms the app will be there or after launch. It can not be said about other handsets. Up until this point its only "speculation". As far as streaming. Majority of hand sets (6.5
@eminisp I have ustream on my phone soooooo? Mine does. As well as generally most other smartphones
@sweet greggo Netflicks determined that it wasn't worth the time and money to develop a Netflicks streaming app for the Palm Pre. They decided it made economic sense to make one for the iPad. They just want to make a profit. It's no one's fault.
@JohnRiccardi
It's funny because you're trying to sound like you have a clue. Shoo, troll.
I can't see the video. No Flash on iPad
@FADA Well played sir, well played.
@Vcize well this is actually huge engadget fault, they released iPhone/iPad engadget app, keep all video clips in H.264 and yet they cannot present all of them in HTML5 tags
@FADA
EPIC, you just blew my mind!
@FADA The originality of these comments is mind-numbing.