All iPads Tried iPad Air at Best Buy... Not Impressed

[xraydoc]

I think the OP makes valid points regarding the iPad's cost and configuration factors. I own 2 iPad's after owning several Android tablets first. My favorite tablet is now the iPad. I love everything about them but the configuration and cost given the alternatives makes you think twice about purchasing.

I was ready for an iPad Air but decided against it because 16GB is not enough these days and given the news that the iPad Pro will release next year made we wait for that.

My second choice was the Retina Mini until the price increase. So i'll wait it out as my trusty refurbed iPad 2 runs well enough on iOS 7.

As far as the Kindle HDX, those are nice spec'd tablets that are well built for the cheap, unfortunately you need to be an Amazon customer to enjoy them. I personally do because i'm an Amazon Prime customer and have been for 2 years and the content Amazon now, delivers is pretty stout.

iPad Pro? You're going to wait a year for a device that may not even exist?

If your iPad 2 is still doing the job for you, then more power to ya. No reason to upgrade. But if you're going to struggle for another year to get any use out of it, while spending $200+ on a Kindle to supplement the iPad 2, only to replace them both in a year, I'm not sure I see the logic.

If the iPad is simply a luxury device, then fine, I guess I get it. But if you do actual "work" on it, then I don't see the convenience of splitting that up between two different devices and platforms.

My iPad has replaced my laptop for 85% of what I used to use it for (email, web, Keynote, Pages, PDFs, Evernote), so for me the 128GB iPad Air is a dream come true. After using the iPad Air, I wouldn't want to use my iPad 3 for another year while waiting for an "iPad Pro" that may not ever see the light of day.

 

[Rodster]

iPad Pro? You're going to wait a year for a device that may not even exist?

If your iPad 2 is still doing the job for you, then more power to ya. No reason to upgrade. But if you're going to struggle for another year to get any use out of it, while spending $200+ on a Kindle to supplement the iPad 2, only to replace them both in a year, I'm not sure I see the logic.

If the iPad is simply a luxury device, then fine, I guess I get it. But if you do actual "work" on it, then I don't see the convenience of splitting that up between two different devices and platforms.

My iPad has replaced my laptop for 85% of what I used to use it for (email, web, Keynote, Pages, PDFs, Evernote), so for me the 128GB iPad Air is a dream come true. After using the iPad Air, I wouldn't want to use my iPad 3 for another year while waiting for an "iPad Pro" that may not ever see the light of day.

I read rumors that while the Pro may arrive next year it could be Apr-May which doesn't bother me and yeah my iPad 2 while not as smooth on iOS 7 as it was on iOS isn't all that bad. Yeah my tablets are strictly for consumption where I get the best bang for the buck with the Kindle Fire HD because of Amazon Prime.

I currently own a Kindle Fire HD 1st gen and not the HDX. I'm waiting for the Amazon Holiday sales when they typically discount the latest model anywhere from $50-70.

I may just wait for the rMini to show up on the Outlet Store.

 

[alex2792]

I've owned ipad 1-3 and really don't see any point in owning one at this point. It was nice for browsing and youtube, but iOS is completely crippled for productivity so I always ended up bring my laptop with me when traveling, thus defeating the whole purpose of getting an ipad. I don't see myself purchasing another model until Apple enables file management and includes a USB port, which will obviously never happen. I'm picking up a Surface 2 this weekend instead; with full MS Office, desktop class browser and a FILE MANAGER I can finally ditch the laptop.

 

[Adelphos33]

A lot of people are saying 16G is not enough for an iPad. I actually disagree if you ALSO have an iPhone. I put basically all my music on my iPhone, so all I have on my iPad mini is apps. Apps can take up a lot of data, but I currently have 5 MB of space on my iPad mini at 16. I can swap in movies or TV shows if I want, but I don't need that much space on an iPad given the I don't have that much music on it.

 

[Gregintosh]

A lot of people are saying 16G is not enough for an iPad. I actually disagree if you ALSO have an iPhone. I put basically all my music on my iPhone, so all I have on my iPad mini is apps. Apps can take up a lot of data, but I currently have 5 MB of space on my iPad mini at 16. I can swap in movies or TV shows if I want, but I don't need that much space on an iPad given the I don't have that much music on it.

Yep. I got a 32GB iPhone and that's what I use to take pics, videos, and listen to all my music and podcasts. So same situation, the iPad only stores eBooks and apps... and I only keep ones I actually use on a fairly regular basis, since you can easily re-download previously purchased stuff from the cloud anytime.

If I feel like I must download more stuff to it, it is easy enough with the 50mbps connection at the house or tethering to the LTE on my phone.

The only excuse I can think of for having a 64GB or 128GB or higher iPad is if you are going on a road trip some place with no internet (or its going to be a long ride/flight) and you have to stock up on movies and TV shows for entertainment.

Though honestly these days if you are taking a 10+ hour flight somewhere you will have a personal entertainment system on the plane anyway, which should keep your entertained. Unless you are a very frequent traveler on such trips, you probably don't need to spend +200 to +300 for like 2 to 4 days worth of usage per year (keeping in mind that even the 16GB model can fit at least a few movies and TV shows to begin with which if you choose wisely should be enough for your trip).

The only other scenario is if you insist on bringing your entire photo collection with you everywhere you go. I have been accumulating pics since 2005 and my total collection is about 60GB, but then again do you really need pictures from your uncle's birthday 5 years ago EVERYWHERE you go ALL the time?

(Solution: I put them in Dropbox and can pull them up on the go if truly needed)

 

[irnchriz]

Don't get me wrong, the lighter weight and form factor was nice. The speed seemed decent, but it just seems to be overpriced for what you get.

I was debating getting one, and the fact that you only get 10gb for $500 after iOS is just not enough space for anything. You can literally put on a few apps and games and a movie. Going up to $600 your looking at $650 out the door with tax, plus $99 for Apple care because you don't want to spend $600 and then accidentally drop the tablet and have it break. So now your at $750 and then you will want a cover for it, which will bring it up to about $800.

For $800 I would expect to be able to get a device with 128gb of memory, 2gb ram, a cover, and warranty.

These things are not selling like hot cakes, theres tons of them at every store i have been to. I'll wait for the next iPad and if Apple starts at 32gb with 2gb ram, then I'll buy one. Otherwise, I am happy using my $229 kindle hdx that is just as high quality and a fraction of the price.

Indeed.

 

[Icaras]

Let me start out by saying that no one needs a tablet.

That statement couldn't be any more false. Your needs do not represent the needs of every other person on the planet.

 

[MH01]

And why exactly do you need 2gb ram?

 

[rui no onna]

That statement couldn't be any more false. Your needs do not represent the needs of every other person on the planet.

Well, he's kinda right. We don't really need tablets. For that matter, we don't need laptops or desktops or cellphones or the internet, etc. However, having these things serve as entertainment and make life more convenient. Just a matter of whether you're willing to pay for the privilege and how much you're willing to pay for it.

 

[comatose81]

This was an entertaining thread to read, thank you all. I'm not sure why people tread an online forum as a way to express their reasoning for not buying a product. If I am shopping for a Ford, I don't go to the Chevy Dealerships and tell customers at the dealership that I don't approve of Chevy's products, nor would I think to go on a Chevy forum and express reasons why I don't buy a Chevy.

I think it points to an individual's personal insecurities, knowingly or unknowingly bashing a product they don't own, especially when it's an iPad which is a very successful product. It's got to be personal insecurity, because the same person posting the anti-comments on here would likely not go into an Apple store and say these things to people's face. Wish people would speak on the internet like they were speaking in person.

For the record, I don't have or want an iPad Air. I have a mini, and want a retina mini, but i can CERTAINLY see how many people would absolutely love and see much benefit in the Air!

Standing ovation for this!!!

 

[Icaras]

Well, he's kinda right. We don't really need tablets. For that matter, we don't need laptops or desktops or cellphones or the internet, etc. However, having these things serve as entertainment and make life more convenient. Just a matter of whether you're willing to pay for the privilege and how much you're willing to pay for it.

Really? We don't need the internet or computers? These inventions were not created solely for the purposes of entertainment. They are meant to be tools, as well consumption devices. Remove those from the world and lets see what happens to the global economy. Every civilized country now depends on these things to keep business and the world running.

Can you seriously imagine a world without business and technology?

 

[petsounds]

To some extent, yes. But again, I don't wear my iPad around my neck or wrist to be too concerned about its aesthetics quality as much as others are. I am interested in seeing major improvements instead of mediocre incremental add-ons to lure consumers to buy the next iPad generation--iPad air.

I have an iPad2 and it works for me. The faster, thinner argument is old. iPads are $500 and will remain so because Apple spends a lot on advertisement. And guess what? Who pays for the ads? Ultimately, the consumer does. It's built into that $500 dollar iPad.

Hey, I'm happy that you like your iPad 2. You should also be happy for anyone who likes the iPad Air and finds it a worthy upgrade. Everyone has different uses and needs for their tech, and you shouldn't try to harass and belittle others for their choices. It's really poor form, not very "gentlemanly".

To me, the iPad Air IS a major improvement. Fitting all that tech in a lighter, slimmer form factor was a feat of engineering, while keeping the same battery life and putting the blazing A7 chip in there.

Oh, and as for your "customers end up paying for Apple's huge ad budget", Samsung spends more on advertising than Apple does.

 

[anthonymoody]

My iPad has replaced my laptop for 85% of what I used to use it for (email, web, Keynote, Pages, PDFs, Evernote), so for me the 128GB iPad Air is a dream come true. After using the iPad Air, I wouldn't want to use my iPad 3 for another year while waiting for an "iPad Pro" that may not ever see the light of day.

I'm at 100% and have been since day 1 of the OG iPad (note my signature...)

I've owned ipad 1-3 and really don't see any point in owning one at this point. It was nice for browsing and youtube, but iOS is completely crippled for productivity so I always ended up bring my laptop with me when traveling, thus defeating the whole purpose of getting an ipad. I don't see myself purchasing another model until Apple enables file management and includes a USB port, which will obviously never happen. I'm picking up a Surface 2 this weekend instead; with full MS Office, desktop class browser and a FILE MANAGER I can finally ditch the laptop.

Unless you're a hardcore coder or video editor, I say phooey.

As for a file system, I use Dropbox with dropdav, which allows round tripping (opening files from Dropbox within the right app, and saving it back to the same file system in Dropbox).

 

[ldburroughs]

Thanks! I love being able to download movies, books and tv shows for free rather than paying $10-$20 per movie and $5 per book. In the end I imagine I will save a lot of money.

Also theres no need for cellular because I can just download the shows or movies I want to watch ahead of time. I also enjoy being able to play all the same games on my kindle as what is on the Apple apps because game loft and all the other game makers make games for kindle too, and they run just as well. Hmm, I guess I miss out on typing papers or making power points but I have a 15" rmbp for that so oh well.

Having quick access to buy things and have free 2 day shipping is also great. I appreciate your comment!

You have the same quick access to buy things and have free two day shipping with an iPad. There's an app for that. The way I look at it is, if they were priced the same, which would I choose. If the only reason I'd go with something other than an iPad is based solely on cost, I'd rather save up and buy what I want. In the end though, there's so much more I can do in an iPad. I still get all the Amazon content through apps and have the added benefit of the Apple ecosystem as well. I guess it boils down to preference in the end. Enjoy your Kindle. If you truly like it, then good for you.

 

[alex2792]

I'm at 100% and have been since day 1 of the OG iPad (note my signature...)



Unless you're a hardcore coder or video editor, I say phooey.

As for a file system, I use Dropbox with dropdav, which allows round tripping (opening files from Dropbox within the right app, and saving it back to the same file system in Dropbox).

Yes, you could do that by switching between 20 apps but it's a PITA. Not to mention the fact that it would replicate the same file multiple times which is a problem when it comes to large PDFs or Excel files. Basically, productivity on the iPad stinks because iOS caters to grandmas and idiots.

 

[AdonisSMU]

Yes, you could do that by switching between 20 apps but it's a PITA. Not to mention the fact that it would replicate the same file multiple times which is a problem when it comes to large PDFs or Excel files. Basically, productivity on the iPad stinks because iOS caters to grandmas and idiots.

Then its the perfect device for you.

 

[alex2792]

Then its the perfect device for you.

Your argument is very compelling...

 

[AdonisSMU]

Your argument is very compelling...

I know...and it required just as much thought as your argument.

Only an idiot would think being needlessly complex is a feature of Android and not a defect.

 

[gentleman00]

Hey, I'm happy that you like your iPad 2. You should also be happy for anyone who likes the iPad Air and finds it a worthy upgrade. Everyone has different uses and needs for their tech, and you shouldn't try to harass and belittle others for their choices. It's really poor form, not very "gentlemanly".

To me, the iPad Air IS a major improvement. Fitting all that tech in a lighter, slimmer form factor was a feat of engineering, while keeping the same battery life and putting the blazing A7 chip in there.

Oh, and as for your "customers end up paying for Apple's huge ad budget", Samsung spends more on advertising than Apple does.

Expressing an opinion is not the same as harassing and belittling others. You should lookup the definitions for harassment and belittlement in the dictionary. I am just not impressed by iPad's light weight to make me jump out of my seat to buy one. But hey, if it works for you, then by all means buy one or two.

 

[alex2792]

I know...and it required just as much thought as your.

Only an idiot would thing being needlessly complex is a feature.

Yes, not being able to attach any files other than pictures to an email is am awesome feature. I mean we all know that nobody ever emails files, right? I'm sorry that you're not smart enough to organize your own files, you can now get back to playing angry birds...

 

[braddick]

Edited

 

[pollaxe]

I was very dismissive of the iPad Mini when it was released. I tried it in store and didn't like the screen at all.

I bought a Nexus 7, really didn't get on with Android and then got offered an iPad Mini at a really good price by a friend. I bought it and have ended up using it far more than any other of my devices.

So, first impressions aren't always the right ones.

 

[txa1265]

I was very dismissive of the iPad Mini when it was released. I tried it in store and didn't like the screen at all.

I bought a Nexus 7, really didn't get on with Android and then got offered an iPad Mini at a really good price by a friend. I bought it and have ended up using it far more than any other of my devices.

So, first impressions aren't always the right ones.

That is very, very true. I hadn't really used an Android tablet for productivity since the first Nexus 7 (never tried hard with the Kindle Fire HD). I decided to make a real effort with the new Kindle Fire HDX (Amazon pushed Productivity, after all!) ... and was appalled by the state of Android tablet apps ... I mean, I still have my Galaxy S3 and know that smartphones are much closer ... but tablets are a world apart in terms of user experience.

 

[cdmoore74]

Well, he's kinda right. We don't really need tablets. For that matter, we don't need laptops or desktops or cellphones or the internet, etc. However, having these things serve as entertainment and make life more convenient. Just a matter of whether you're willing to pay for the privilege and how much you're willing to pay for it.

100% correct. But if I could choose between phone, tablet or computer I would pick phone followed by computer and then tablet.

 

[zhenya]

Yes, not being able to attach any files other than pictures to an email is am awesome feature. I mean we all know that nobody ever emails files, right? I'm sorry that you're not smart enough to organize your own files, you can now get back to playing angry birds...

What makes you think the only file type you can email is a picture? I can email all sorts of file types - everything that's in Goodreader for example (which connects to many cloud services). From the Dropbox app you can get the same effect because Dropbox will create a private link rather than actually attaching the file to achieve the same end goal. There is very little you can't do in iOS today because of the lack of a traditional file system, and leaving it out is one of the primary reasons iOS works like it does. I've been using computers for over 30 years and have been an IT director for nearly 15 years and I find no issue with the lack of a file system. I use tablets with file systems everyday. They have their own significant issues.

Don't make the mistake of confusing simplicity derived from good design with dumbing down of a product. The most difficult products to make are both powerful and simple.