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Y Combinator To Startups: “We think the iPad is meant to be a Windows killer”

5 points by jack7890 17y ago

TomOfTTB 17y ago
I don't know that I agree with the RFS but there's no doubt the iPad is a platform practically built for YC. Apple's restrictive approval process creates a barrier to entry for large scale startups since no one is going to spend millions of dollars on a product that might be arbitrarily denied entry to the market. That barrier makes a huge opening for YC size startups to target the market and make some significant gains. I still think the iPad has some limitations that will prevent it from being a Windows killer (multi-tasking, restricting vital areas of innovation like input, etc...). But if you're looking to apply for YC funding you really have nothing to lose.
- DenisM 17y ago
  That barrier makes a huge opening for YC size startups Restrictions can be liberating, can't they?
- phlee 17y ago
  Not to mention the iPad has a screen size allowing developers to create applications unlike many you see on the iPhone.
- ytinas 17y ago
  People always site multi-tasking as some huge problem when talking about the iPhone/iPad, but you use this kind of device differently than a computer. Everything you actually need multi-tasking for can be done some other way (e.g. timer actions to replace "services").
abyssknight 17y ago
I think there is quite a bit of merit to this. My wife and I hardly open our laptops at home anymore. The iPhone allows us to do most of what we need to do on the Internet without the dead weight and overhead of a full blown laptop. A netbook is out of the question, as the keyboard is a pain compared to the iPhone; we have plenty of practice on the virtual keyboard from texting, and the autocorrect (for the most part) works well. The connectivity isn't bound to WiFi, and the cost is something we've built into our monthly bills. Being 'always-on' is something we take for granted, but it really makes the experience that much more immersive.

5 points by jack7890 17y ago

I don't know that I agree with the RFS but there's no doubt the iPad is a platform practically built for YC. Apple's restrictive approval process creates a barrier to entry for large scale startups since no one is going to spend millions of dollars on a product that might be arbitrarily denied entry to the market. That barrier makes a huge opening for YC size startups to target the market and make some significant gains. I still think the iPad has some limitations that will prevent it from being a Windows killer (multi-tasking, restricting vital areas of innovation like input, etc...). But if you're looking to apply for YC funding you really have nothing to lose.

DenisM 17y ago
That barrier makes a huge opening for YC size startups Restrictions can be liberating, can't they?
phlee 17y ago
Not to mention the iPad has a screen size allowing developers to create applications unlike many you see on the iPhone.
ytinas 17y ago
People always site multi-tasking as some huge problem when talking about the iPhone/iPad, but you use this kind of device differently than a computer. Everything you actually need multi-tasking for can be done some other way (e.g. timer actions to replace "services").

abyssknight 17y ago

I think there is quite a bit of merit to this. My wife and I hardly open our laptops at home anymore. The iPhone allows us to do most of what we need to do on the Internet without the dead weight and overhead of a full blown laptop. A netbook is out of the question, as the keyboard is a pain compared to the iPhone; we have plenty of practice on the virtual keyboard from texting, and the autocorrect (for the most part) works well. The connectivity isn't bound to WiFi, and the cost is something we've built into our monthly bills. Being 'always-on' is something we take for granted, but it really makes the experience that much more immersive.