iPad Test Drive

[DanielMyst777]

I really thought the iPad would be for me, but, like everyone says, it's not for everyone.

I first got the iPad 3G at the end of last month on launch day and have been tinkering with it on and off since. I've tested out all the features of the iPad 3G and, have to admit, it is quite extraordinary, but it doesn't live up to my expectations as a "magical device".

First off, I love the fact that it has a nice, large, HD screen so that everything looks very crisp and clean. The fact that it has added room for finger gestures makes it essentially easy to use in all applications. I believe that the screen real estate is the key factor in an iPad purchase. I have no complaints about the screen other than the added bulk/weight and maybe more smudges on the screen than say an iPhone.

Second, I was really impressed with the amount of work that was done in redesigning the core applications from the iPhone OS. They really do fit amazingly in the larger screen the iPad has and look better than ever, but not really enough to make me fall in love with it. They are basically the same functionality as the iPhone applications but with more bells and whistles. I wouldn't say they are a large leap forward in "Thinking Different" but they do; however, get the job done.

Lastly, the hardware that is in the iPad is really much like a downgraded current/next generation iPhone. I can't really see it much different other than a screen lock switch and bigger speaker. An iPhone is just as powerful and can pretty much do whatever an iPad can and more.

All in all I feel the iPad experience is more like a joy ride than anything. I loved the time I had with it but kept telling myself that this device is just an oversized iPhone minus the phone. I am thinking that Apple may have jumped the gun with this one in terms of radical, new concepts of a computing device. I will be selling the iPad on Ebay for a nice profit and stick with my current iPhone 3GS and possibly purchasing the next gen iPhone if it has features that drastically advance the iPhone experience.

Thanks for listening peeps.

 

[gigaguy]

It's not for you, but to the projected 7-8 million buyers this year it may be. I don't compare it to the iphone at all, it's a totally different experience, and the flexible and cheaper 3G data plan is a major! breakthru for internet anywhere.

pay as you go, starting at $15/mo. -nothing can match that.
I don't want to be tied to a mandatory 24 month contract to access data.

PS- I've made many phone calls on the ipad, and a good matte screen protector fixes fingerprints and glare.

 

[pondie84]

That's nice dear.

 

[Richard A]

That's nice dear.

Nicely said.

 

[nooaah]

It's not for you, but to the projected 7-8 million buyers this year it may be. I don't compare it to the iphone at all, it's a totally different experience, and the flexible and cheaper 3G data plan is a major! breakthru for internet anywhere.

pay as you go, starting at $15/mo. -nothing can match that.
I don't want to be tied to a mandatory 24 month contract to access data.

PS- I've made many phone calls on the ipad, and a good matte screen protector fixes fingerprints and glare.

I just bought an iPad today. Can you recommend the screen protector you use and does it help with glare?

 

[DoFoT9]

great write up OP. i really appreciate the time you have taken to express your feelings. i am of a similar opinion to you - i am waiting for mine to start shipping (australian - we get ours soon) and i have been hesitant about getting it.

will you return it? or keep using it?

thanks again

 

[AndyfromTucson]

I never owned an iPhone before I bought my iPad so I could care less whether or not the iPad is a glorified iPhone minus the phone. Maybe it is, but it is still a great tool for reading stuff on the web, books, games ,etc.

 

[gigaguy]

Power Support screen protectors are good. pricey but worth it.

People think the iPad came from the iPhone, but it's the opposite. the tablet has been worked on for years, decades, but could not be produced to sell at a marketable price...til now. so they cut it down to a 3.5" screen and offered the iPhone 3 years ago for $600.
the iPhone would not have been without what is now the iPad.

Good read by the orig poster, but people are stuck in iPhone mode. the Ipad is selling faster than the orig iPhone did.

 

[steviem]

I remember when Steve Jobs used to talk about the iPhone as coming from a 'Safari device' project that Apple were working on.

So yeah, this must be the Safari device.

I've spent probably 2 hours in total using an iPad now, and must say that whilst it has been mostly a standing experience (in Apple Stores and Best Buys), I would be happier to get an iPad out than my current Netbook. It will take a little while to get used to typing on it, but it took a little while to get used to typing on the iPod Touch/iPhone too.

It may not be what people want for portable computing yet, but in my case, being able to quickly look at something on the iPad, use in the lounge with family, showing recent photos, checking email, facebook, watching movies on it away from home or just reading books on it are all why I feel it is for me.

After spending an hour of my 2 hours reading books, I can definitely see me actually get into reading again.