Should I get an Ipad?

[Austman]

Why do you need to play a blu-ray disc on a 10in screen?

Eg If you already own DVDs/blu-rays that you'd like to play on your iPad.

I am not sure how you get to the point that the battery life is "not so good"? I get 10 hours life from the iPad and barely two hours from my laptop...

Many netbooks/notebooks today have very long battery life - some exceeding 10 hours. Two hours is not good!

There is also the tiny problem that using an iPad for every day calls would be impractical in the extreme. Seriously do you want to hold a an A4 pad up to your ear for a phone call?

It's called a bluetooth headset or a small bluetooth phone. I use them even on my iPhone at home,

Also, if you type a lot, a full size tactile keyboard is still hard to beat. I know you can buy a keyboard for the iPad but that just adds yet another thing to carry around.

And as far as I know you can't tether an iPad - which really would make it useful. And again that's Apple and the telcos stopping that. I tether my iPhone and have said goodbye to landlines and ADSL.

I like the iPad - I really do. But it really is a big iPhone without many of the iPhone's features. It can't really replace my laptop. Well not yet anyway... So it would be just an additional device for me.

 

[Fantic125]

I have a 32gb Toshiba Thrive which I picked up in the US for $499 primarily for the same reason as Cruiser Elite - being able to use the USB for file transfers when visiting sites in China, Taiwan, etc. It doesn't have 3G which for me doesn't matter I connect using wifi at home and have a wireless modem for when I travel.

I find it as good as an iPad for pretty well most things except battery life (6~8 hrs depending on what I'm using it for) but I carry a spare battery which is easy to swap over anyway (something the iPad can't do).

I also have an old iPod Touch which I now use only for music - prior to the tablet I used to use it for Apps and occasionaly videos if the IFE wasn't working or not my style (i.e. most India & China airlines) so I have experience with iTunes as well as Android.

A few friends of mine have iPads and love them. I think currently there's not a great deal of difference between the current crop of tablets out on the market, but as mentioned above it really depends on what you want to use it for.
If you want an iPad then buy it. They are pretty cool.

 

[simongr]

To play a DVD you have to then start carting around additional media. It is pretty easy to get a movie either through iTunes or onto iTunes if you have the physical media. The ability to not cart around physical media (books, comics, DVDs) is for one of the great advantages of the iPad.

It's called a bluetooth headset or a small bluetooth phone. I use them even on my iPhone at home,

That is only practical if sat at your desk or at a table - how about walking down the street?

Also, if you type a lot, a full size tactile keyboard is still hard to beat. I know you can buy a keyboard for the iPad but that just adds yet another thing to carry around.

And as far as I know you can't tether an iPad - which really would make it useful. And again that's Apple and the telcos stopping that. I tether my iPhone and have said goodbye to landlines and ADSL.

I like the iPad - I really do. But it really is a big iPhone without many of the iPhone's features. It can't really replace my laptop. Well not yet anyway... So it would be just an additional device for me.

I understand now your problem - you only see the iPad as a big phone - I see it is as a tablet device. The only thing the phone can do that the iPad can not is make calls without using VOIP. There are many things that the iPad can do that the iPhone can not like playing a movie on a 10in screen.

I also don't see it as a laptop replacement but I do see it as an alternative to a laptop - for me personally if I could get around the corporate requirements I would happily hand back my laptop and have a desktop in the office and use the iPad when out of the office.

 

[Austman]

That is only practical if sat at your desk or at a table - how about walking down the street?

Works fine with a bluetooth headset. And if the iPad ever gets Siri(as the iPhone 4S has) it could be even better. Siri will do the dialling etc for you.

I understand now your problem - you only see the iPad as a big phone - I see it is as a tablet device. The only thing the phone can do that the iPad can not is make calls without using VOIP. There are many things that the iPad can do that the iPhone can not like playing a movie on a 10in screen.

No I don't. I want it to replace my laptop so I don't need to take an iPhone, iPad and a laptop with me.

Are there 'many' things the iPad can do that the iPhone can't? Apart from display on a bigger screen? (which is really the big plus, I think!) There are lots of things the iPhone can do that the iPad can't: phone calls, tethering/hotspot, Siri, fit in your pocket...

 

[serfty]

More and more these days on my 40 minute e/w commute I see people using their smartphones, tablets, notebooks/netbooks and laptops to surf.

The smartphone people tend to be squinting, the tablet people are generally hunched over¹, the laptop people tend to be sitting to attention² and those with the notebooks/netbooks seem the most comfortable.

To play a DVD you have to then start carting around additional media.

i don't cart a DVD as my netbook has no drive; but it does have three USB sockets; 'tis easy enough to plant a movie or three on a small light USB 'key'. My last trip to the USA I watched 4 Harry Potter movies on my netbook.

¹ Even with those propping devices.
² Trying to balance the hefty device on their knees.

 

[amaroo]

the laptop people tend to be sitting to attention² and those with the notebooks/netbooks seem the most comfortable.

² Trying to balance the hefty device on their knees.

As they slowly toast a couple of nuts

 

[simongr]

No I don't. I want it to replace my laptop so I don't need to take an iPhone, iPad and a laptop with me.

You want it to replace your iPhone and your laptop - is there any device that does that?

Are there 'many' things the iPad can do that the iPhone can't? Apart from display on a bigger screen? (which is really the big plus, I think!) There are lots of things the iPhone can do that the iPad can't: phone calls, tethering/hotspot, Siri, fit in your pocket...

That's a bit like saying an Orange doesnt meet your requirements because it doesn't taste like a steak.

I will give you Siri though - I am however not yet struck on Siri - too many missed/incorrect voice interpretations.

 

[serfty]

...

I will give you Siri though - I am however not yet struck on Siri - too many missed/incorrect voice interpretations.

Reminds me of one of my ex's ...

 

[Austman]

You want it to replace your iPhone and your laptop - is there any device that does that?

A jailbroken iPad? Well... no... but almost. There is talk that the iPad3 will do it. But Apple/telcos might resist.

Actually, I want to replace my laptop. And iPads still fall short of what a reasonably good laptop/notebook (that cost about half the price) can do. A reasonably good laptop/iPhone combo seems to be the best option for me - and it's two devices with no need for yet another computer at home/office. I don't want to have three devices and with the iPad I can't see how to avoid that. If the iPad/iPhone combo could do everything my laptop/iPhone combo does, I toss the laptop out tomorrow for an iPad.

If the iPad did the lot (and it almost can if Apple/telcos let it) - I'd have bough one already - with a keyboard dock for home/office.

 

[casanovawa]

Hmmm, I bought my netbook for about $300 close on 2 years ago, pity it only has the 3-4 hour battery that was more standard then than the longer lasting ones out now, but has never yet been an insurmountable problem and its worked fine for me and been around the world a couple of times... Might just get a cheap 1Tb passport HDD to store the ever larger image sizes from the DSLR camera and HD video when i go travelling...

In that period i'm sure the iPad has come out, cleverly configured to be missing a whole bunch of things so of course Apple could bring out the iPad 2 a year or two later and slug the Apple faithful another $700 or so? And then they will promise to have everything you could ever want on the iPad 3 (which of course it won't) for another $700+, so as sure as day follows night an iPad 4 will be required...

The things creep forward in terms of new additions so another upgrade is needed a year or so later for another slug of what must be amongst the highest costs of any brand out there... And the faithful keep nodding and eagerly waiting...

Its a great way to run a company and earn a big profit, I'll give Jobs that... But sheeesh, I'll still be there with my $300 netbook, maybe with a bigger 2nd battery and my $29/month android doing everything i need...

But each to their own...

 

[simongr]

Out of interest has the company that you bought your netbook from not changed any of the specs like for example the battery since you bought it? Because obviously Apple is the only company that brings out new products...

 

[DeKa]

I got an Ipad 2 weeks ago. My ever first apple product:shock:. It is great for surfing the web including reading AFF, reading email, watching movies etc. Long battery life is good. Graet if you just wanted to check your email and don't want to wait for ages to turn your laptop / desktop computer on. If the Samsung tablet was easily available, I probably would have got that but I thought I would see for myself what all the fuss was about. Getting the GST back on Friday when I go OS is a nice icing...However, hate the iTunes synching part tho!!

If you only just bought an iPad 2, and it has iOS5, you should never need to sync with iTunes.
Apple - iOS 5 - See new features included in iOS 5.

 

[simongr]

What's the problem with iTunes synching? Easy to move songs and movies from the computer to the iPad. Also quicker to update apps.

 

[casanovawa]

Hate iTune interface, so much easier to have a file manager and just copy and paste back and forth than synching that thing, but that is just me again...

My netbook is from HP and the model with the 6 cell battery probably existed when i bought the model with the 3 cell battery... I'm sure i have looked at it and the 6 cell battery is available for my model, just haven't gotten around to it as not a major biggy for me, but from memory wouldn't be more than $50 or so to get the second longer life battery.... This is off top of head, i could be wrong remembering back to what i searched for, but am not tossing and turning at night about it...

It came with a 130gig HDD in it which has been plenty up till now (the 2.5 month trip got close to filling it up with the music and movies i also had loaded on it), but like i said, addition of a cheapish 1Tb drive for another $60-80 will be nice, but again, no necessity... Just me again but i would sort of be loath to get something which didn't have a tactile keyboard with it...

 

[Limewood]

Just buy an iPad, problem is once to hand you wont want to put the iPad down!, when my good woman gets hold of the iPad she wont give it back. Even if its not your cup of tea you'll lose stuff all on a quick resale, unlike some others.

 

[dfcatch]

Hmmm I'm facing the same dilemma.

And whilst I agree that Apple products are overpriced and incredibly cleverly marketed - I'm not anti Apple.

I do love my iPhone 4S and just handed down my iPhone 3GS to my dad. (teaching him how to drive it will keep me occupied for a year).

Never been a Mac tragic - as I really truly do not see any advantages of it over a PC - never have. Overpriced, and less compatible - unless you truly are a graphic designer by trade and only ever use Adobe products.

IMHO - most Mac (and traditional Apple fanbois) have really actually just been anti-Microsoft.


BUT - I am struggling with the same iPad question..??

Use to always travel with laptop, last two years have just travelled with iPhone. This has done almost everything I need (albeit on a smaller screen). Times when I needed a full size PC (due to Apple not supporting Flash or similar), I just used computers in lounge.

So - I need someone to sell me on the iPad. Cause I like it - but truly I just see it as my iPhone with a bigger screen..?? (But with the same compatibility limitations).

Therefore if I really want something more - a more compatible netbook for half the price does seem a smarter choice.

Tell me if I'm missing something - I do want one - but I can't justify it as being anything more than my iPhone with a bigger screen......

Convince me.....

 

[Austman]

Hmmm I'm facing the same dilemma.
BUT - I am struggling with the same iPad question..??
Convince me.....

Me too. I want one. I have friends who have one. I've been on trips with them (and their iPads) and apart from movies on the plane or when waiting in the lounge, my iPhone was far more useful (much to my friends' frustrated horror haha).

In terms of functionality, the iPad is somewhere between an iPod touch and an iPhone.

If there was a iPad size, wireless (and cabled for airline use), remote touch-screen accessory for the iPhone... that would be great! (and no doubt the end of many iPad sales)

I have just been in the market for a new laptop/iPad for my parents. A Lenovo notebook with a 15.6" screen (they thought even a 10" screen was too small), on sale for half the cost of an iPad was the end decision. It does so much more than the iPad and is still reasonably portable. It's just not cool, ultra thin, fashionable... (but it gets top marks in technical reviews)

 

[simongr]

Hate iTune interface, so much easier to have a file manager and just copy and paste back and forth than synching that thing, but that is just me again...

I guess you don't use iOS 5 where synching is in the background. Also pretty easy to drag and drop files to the various apps on the iPad. Only limitation is not being able to play avi through the main video player. Synching photos is probably the trickiest thing but if using iPhoto ad smart albums it actually becomes quite easy.

Tell me if I'm missing something - I do want one - but I can't justify it as being anything more than my iPhone with a bigger screen......

You're thinking about it wrong...

If you think about the iPad as a big iPhone then you don't get what it is. If you think about the iPad as an iPad then the rationale for buying one and understanding what it can do is much clearer. It is a decent sized device that can be used for "standard" office work, entertainment (movies, music, games), reading and a bunch of other stuff. It is lightweight, has a long battery life, is quick to start up and has a great range of apps.

It can't do everything a desktop or a laptop can but personally I don't need a small device to do everything my laptop does. When I travel now the fact that I have to carry a laptop and ipad due to corporate restrictions actually isnt a big deal given how small and light the iPad is. What it dos mean is that I can easily skype back to home, have plenty of entertainment in the hotel (which doesn't require me to skirt corporate restrictions on my computer), plenty of entertainment in flight and if I want I can quickly look at photos I have taken whilst travelling.

BTW all of the above can I believe be done on Android devices. I don't want or need an Android device given I have a completely integrated Apple ecosystem at home with iPhones, iPads, iMacs and Apple TV.

Finally no one is forced to upgrade every year for the next new feature - my iPad 1 works better now than it did when I bought it - it can't do the things that my iPad 2 can do but the same could be said of the Samsung Galaxy SII vs. the Samsung Galaxy Nexus... Things move on and I sometimes wish the "all apple products are carp and over priced and there are much better alternatives" would move on as well.

 

[simongr]

Never been a Mac tragic - as I really truly do not see any advantages of it over a PC - never have. Overpriced, and less compatible - unless you truly are a graphic designer by trade and only ever use Adobe products.

IMHO - most Mac (and traditional Apple fanbois) have really actually just been anti-Microsoft.

I was very pro MS before I switched. It started with the iPod Mini which thankfully died after a week and was replaced by an iPod Nano. I started liking the device and at the time was in the market for a new computer. I was planning to build some monster gaming machine (I was doing a fair amount of turn based stratgey and RTS gaming at the time) but having now gotten over my aversion to Apple through the iPod I had a look at the iMac (white not aluminium) - it looked sleek, avoided a tower under the desk and got the nod of approval from mrssimongr. Out of the box it was up and running in a few minutes (It was a bit of a let down for a geek like me that I didn't have to do anything).

Compatibility isn't an issue - a lot of apps are available in an OSX version (Office being the prime example) or an equal or superior product exists in the OSX world. If I can't get an OSX version (like eTax or a 13 year dive computer) then I can boot up Parallels and run Windows (I can't boot up windows and run iPhoto...).

On a day to day basis I use both a Mac and a PC - I have more issues with the PC than the Mac.

Personally I don't care what people use but the reason I post so vocally about the Apple world is that people dismiss it out of hand with glib one liners and then accuse Apple advocates of being close minded...

 

[dfcatch]

I'm not brand comparing - I'm utility comparing.

Thanks for your explanation. I do like the idea (especially with iCloud) that my devices (iPhone, PC, potentially iPad) are all synced.

I've already moved on from traveling with a laptop. My iPhone has been pretty adequate.

I'll rephrase my question - other than the bigger screen, is there anything I truly gain over and above my iPhone by buying an iPad?