Do you have to own a computer to use this?

[Night Spring]

And I already forgot, on the iPhone you can already create a new iTunes account right on the phone. So why would they go backwards with the iPad? I think they would be stupid not to make it a standalone device.

Just because you can create an iTunes account on the iPhone, doesn't mean you can sidestep the activation process. All iPods and iPhones need to be activated by connecting to a computer running iTunes -- those people who say they didn't are misremembering because the step takes so little time and they only ever do it once. And all indications are that the iPad will also need activation.

I actually agree that it's rather stupid that the iPad isn't a stand-alone device, but then this is Apple.

 

[vini-vidi-vici]

Just because you can create an iTunes account on the iPhone, doesn't mean you can sidestep the activation process. All iPods and iPhones need to be activated by connecting to a computer running iTunes -- those people who say they didn't are misremembering because the step takes so little time and they only ever do it once. And all indications are that the iPad will also need activation.

I actually agree that it's rather stupid that the iPad isn't a stand-alone device, but then this is Apple.

You can get someone at the store to "active it". Then, you only need to sync for backups or OS upgrades... not something you need to do very often.

I agree it'd be better as a more stand-alone device though. Why not just make iTunes a native app? perhaps we'll see this in a future OS upgrade, and/or iPad update.

 

[Night Spring]

You can get someone at the store to "active it".

True, but I was responding to a post that suggested that the activation step is not necessary.

I think that a tech-savvy person could have the iPad activated at the store, then figure out how to backup any important data he puts on it somewhere online, but in a few months, if not in weeks, this forum is going to get a regular stream of threads going: "My iPad died/was lost/got stolen, and I never backed up my data! HEEEEEEEELP!!!!111!!!"

 

[francisq]

you don't have to.

 

[goosnarrggh]

The iPad is JUST as much (if not more) of a computer as a netbook. Good for most things, but not everything.

With the ironic situation that if you have Windows on your netbook, you can install iTunes on it, and it will act as the computer with which the iPad synchs and from which it receives OS updates - in terms of the traditional iDevice/iTunes paradigm, the netbook would give the illusion of being higher up the foodchain.

 

[Yr Blues]

I guess we know now. It's not its own thing. It needs an extra computer.

 

[ct2k7]

I guess we know now. It's not its own thing. It needs an extra computer.

Yep, it needs to be activated, as per Engadget and DiOPS

 

[phpmaven]

I was thinking about buying one for an older relative. Is it a self contained device?

If you read the other threads where people are getting their iPads this morning, the first thing that comes up on the screen is an image of the synch cable asking you to synch to iTunes. It's kind of a moot question anyway since your relative will need to have a WiFi connection to use it. Why would they have WiFi with no computer? I guess they could just steal a neighbors bandwidth, but it's obvious that, yes, you need a computer to use it, even if you synch it for them on yours at first.

 

[GeekLawyer]

If you read the other threads where people are getting their iPads this morning, the first thing that comes up on the screen is an image of the synch cable asking you to synch to iTunes. It's kind of a moot question anyway since your relative will need to have a WiFi connection to use it. Why would they have WiFi with no computer? I guess they could just steal a neighbors bandwidth, but it's obvious that, yes, you need a computer to use it, even if you synch it for them on yours at first.

The 3G model would be perfect for my grandma. I could set it up for her on my Mac. She wouldn't need any wi-fi. Just that inexpensive 3G plan from AT&T.

 

[phpmaven]

The 3G model would be perfect for my grandma. I could set it up for her on my Mac. She wouldn't need any wi-fi. Just that inexpensive 3G plan from AT&T.

I suppose you could do that, but I'de hate to be on 3G constantly and have it flake out on you in certain parts of the house etc...