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Tried iPad for 1st time....wow its heavy in hand...

M

MrMister111

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Jan 28, 2009
3,900
382
UK
I picked up and used an iPad for the 1st time over the w/end. I have to say it was a lot heavier than I thought, and I had read a lot about it being this beforehand, but it did seem heavier than I thought it would be.

The screen was also a finger scuff magnet, I understand it was a test model so lots of grubby fingers but seemed to pick up really bad.

I was looking for an "excuse" to buy one for me. I had thought would be great to read for magazines I read at home (PDFs), it would be an extravagance for me really as my iMac is readily accessible downstairs for browsing.

Also how robust are they? do they need a cover? I have always covered my iPhone in a InvisibleShield on the front and an Incase Slider for the back. They look like they may scratch easily on the back?

cheers
 
You should also hit the gym.
Too heavy, are you serious?
 
MrMister111 said:
ok ta :confused:
Click to expand...

Hey, if you want one, buy one. I love mine.

You do get used to the weight. And if weight seems to be an issue, get a skin for the back, like Gelaskins, instead of a case that you leave on all the time. This also gives you a better grip.

Then, get a case that you can put on and off easily, just for when you are going outside with it.
 
That was the first thing I noticed too. I can understand why it would be heavy (lotsa glass, battery) but it looks lighter than what it is.
 
Gen said:
You should also hit the gym.
Too heavy, are you serious?
Click to expand...
Rude behavior.

Mister111, I think it takes time in getting used to, but I think in the long run you'll appreciate how solid it feels...
 
It is heavier than I thought it would be but if you get the Apple case or similar as I have then you use the thing in a totally different way. It really enhances the experience.
 
I honestly don't think it's that heavy. 1.5 pounds? I carry around much more weight with all the crap in my pockets.

And if you want to read magazines and books, get a Kindle. A lot of people are saying the iPad weighs twice as much as the Kindle, so the iPad sucks, but it does 6 times as many things as a flimsy Kindle.

Don't ask people on here for an excuse to buy an iPad, you'll get met with extreme indifference.
 
i adjusted to the weight pretty fast.

the back on mine is still perfectly fine, and the screen wipes down easily enough.
 
OGDaniel said:
I honestly don't think it's that heavy. 1.5 pounds? I carry around much more weight with all the crap in my pockets.
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Thats what I was saying although specs say 1.5 pounds, you dont know how heavy that really is until you pick one up and use it
OGDaniel said:
Don't ask people on here for an excuse to buy an iPad, you'll get met with extreme indifference.
Click to expand...
I did not ask anyone for an excuse to buy one, as lots of other threads have, please read my 1st post, I was expressing that after having 1st used one, about the weight, and about cover/protection for it
 
If you're used to your iPhone, the iPad is heavier at first. But for me the weight is perfect.
 
You can safely ignore the obvious "strength" jokes.

The thing to remember is that you won't be holding it in one hand like a phone and prodding it with the other. It's more for lounging around with on your lap. If you pick it up in one hand like a phone and try to use it like that it's going to feel weirdly heavy. It's not just you, but it's also not the way you'll actually end up using it.
 
You can expect some sarcasm or indifference as the weight of the IPad has been brought up many times before. It's usually accompanied with flame baiting 'why i wouldn't get one' or other such trollish behavior. It's nothing personal.

Everyone is surprised by the weight the first time they pick it up, I as well. It's something that passes in a day.

As far as protection, think of it like your IPhone. How do you protect that now? It'll probably be the same approach as they pretty much seem to have the same propensity for scratches. The screen though, because of it's size and gloss is a massive fingerprint magnet, and can be maddening for ( me ) some. I highly recommend a screen.
 
Actually, that was my first impression. You get accustomed and find different ways to hold it, etc. It may not be "heavy" but it's more substantial than one would expect.



ash =o)
 
gwynne said:
You can safely ignore the obvious "strength" jokes.

The thing to remember is that you won't be holding it in one hand like a phone and prodding it with the other. It's more for lounging around with on your lap. If you pick it up in one hand like a phone and try to use it like that it's going to feel weirdly heavy. It's not just you, but it's also not the way you'll actually end up using it.
Click to expand...

I totally agree! I've found that I very rarely hold my iPad in just my hands, most of the time it's at least partially resting on my legs.

One area where the weight might be a big problem in the future is video-chat. To get a reasonably flattering angle you would have to hold your iPad out in front of you and that is going to get old quickly. I wouldn't be surprised if the iPad 2 doesn't get a front-facing camera because of that.
 
MrMister111 said:
I picked up and used an iPad for the 1st time over the w/end. I have to say it was a lot heavier than I thought, and I had read a lot about it being this beforehand, but it did seem heavier than I thought it would be.
Click to expand...

My reaction the first time i Picked up an iPad was the exact opposite of yours: I was surprised at just how light it was, after reading several posts here at MR complaining about the weight. I decided that I had to have one, and would have walked out the store with one if the store had any in stock.

Regarding your second quest, I have my iPad in an Apple case, and I have not had any dents, or scratches, so far.

Jude
 
I too felt it was heavy upon first use - not in the OMG it's gonna break my back way, just one of perception by looking at it, esp. if you've handled the larger Kindle before. You get over it surprisingly quickly, it really is more a problem of perception than utility. For instance you could make the argument it's not much lighter than a netbook, but the form factor makes it much easier to handle. And its weight is one of a decent sized hardback, and as well will be easier to handle.
 
I'm sure the OP held with one hand which feels heavier compared to 2 hands. It does weigh 1.5 LBS; hence, holding with one hand (from a corner) for a full 4-5 mins is bound to get tiring. I'm sure the OP meant to say that and not "OMG this is impossible to lift."
Regardless of the immaturity already presented in this thread, I, too, agree with the OP's concern. Most of the usage is done in a seated position where the iPad is either placed on the table top or on your thighs/legs. It can be used while walking but isn't truly recommended.
In GIST, you won't ever really feel the weight as it'll rest on something and not just one hand. If you do, for whatever reason, feel that the iPad is hard to lift then you should see a doctor as it could be serious side effects or pre-effects to a health problem.
I hope this answers your question :)

P.S. Although mentioned before, if you're now curious whether the iPad gets hot while resting on your legs, then the answer is no (at least in my experience).
 
My wrist is screwed up from getting hit by a drunk driver last year and my iPad still feels light as a feather. I think people who gripe about the weight are holding it differently than the rest of us.
 
It was actually lighter than I thought when I got mine. Everyone made it seem like it was like lifting a bag of bricks.
 
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