I won't put a snarky comment up...you're posting history shows you're not a troll trying to start another "..but it doesn't do this.." thread. (Like so many with this subject line).
The biggest reason I got the iPad was for the exact reason it was made...as a 3rd type of device. I have a desktop, a laptop, and an iPhone. Nothing wrong with them. I planned on using this as an 'around the house' device and a 'coffee shop' internet tablet. It works just fine for that. The netflix app was fortuitous since we use it a lot on the XBOX and our laptops. Still working my way through the apps. I can see I am going to need a 'Pages' hint book...anyone know of an online help site? Which is funny because I thought I would breeze through since I use office all day long at work. My wife says it because I am old and set in my ways...nah..can't be
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The 'internet pad' concept is it's strongest selling point. I have wi-fi everywhere I need to use it. If you are on the fence and have the extra cash...get the 3g. It's a real value added feature if you don't have access to free wireless and a great selling point (just hate that upcharge...then again I wish I could afford an AMG...except for that upcharge thing
) Oh well, companies have to make thier nickel somewhere and it's not a subsidized feature for Apple so I understand it from a 'business out to make money' concept.
The app store is starting to get some purchase worthy programs. I can tell there's bound to be some shake-ups coming. I love playing Civilization : Revolution on my iPhone/iPad. The 'updated' version is $7 (which isn't much) but you just get a bigger view. No new features. It also has some bugs (V1.0) so i'll wait. The '2x' version is super clear anyway...no jaggies. This is one of only a few games I have ever purchased. Bejewled 2 is awesome on the iPad. Again, '2x' isn't jaggy at all. I have also seen a couple of 'file handling' apps that just got approved, which will give you better control of file movement. There's several database programs which I can see being a great data entry setup for a business.
The photo app is great...but...I use a Canon 5D and have REALLY big files. The 'optimizing for iPad' is slowwww...need to find a batch converter that works without having to have the iPad in Sync mode. (Had initially selected about 6100 pics...would take 4-1/2 hours to convert and sync..Yoinks!). Looking into that. The 300 I put on for grins and giggles look great. You can blow them up to crazy size. Haven't played with the faces/places yet...just got into work.
iTunes is the same-same as every other 'i-product' it connects to. I purchased a few movies and they work just like the videos. Nothing groundbreakingly different..but that was the point...sameness of experience.
The virtual keyboard was kicking my butt at first...then I figured out what I was doing wrong (you don't 'rest' your fingers on it...you 'hover type') but now I am clicking right along...nowhere near the speed I can type on a regular keyboard but wasn't expecting that anyway. I bought the small Apple BT keyboard just in case..paired it easily and you can type as fast as you want on it. Small complaint...'TAB' key doesn't work. I have already submitted feedback to Apple on that. C'mon guys...that's nuts.
The internet is fast and even on poor (one bar) G connections it still works fine. There has been some mention of having too many pages open causes video screen reloads. Guess, I am not a power user. I usually only have 2-3 pages open at a time. Haven't had a problem. I haven't been selecting which sites to go to and haven't run into any where I have had any problems. My brother played with it and immediately said his favorite porn site wouldn't work
You have to know my brother. He has a warped since of humor.
The biggest "holy crap" moment has been the battery. I can easily get 8-10 hours and still have a charge. I am used to companies claiming 5 hours and only really getting 3 hours (read the fine print...no email, no internet, screen to 10% brightness, hook up the external 10 'D' cell battery pack...etc). Last night I put on everything..mail, internet, video, bluetooth, and 100% screen brightness. It drained it 2x as fast as my normal setup but after 3 hours still have 61% left..which would give you 6-7 hours CONTINIOUS use. Still not bad since most people won't use it in this mode. 100% screen brightness is BRIGHT...I can go sit outside at night with the screen on 10% and read it fine.
In the end Jessica, I don't know what you want to use it for...I like your idea of watching what you use the iPhone for. That's a pretty good idea. My old eyes
have a hard time reading the iPhone sometimes...not a problem with the iPad.
PM me if you have any specific questions...I'll answer you as best I can...
Cheers!
Jay
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Jessica,
yes, it doesn't have USB ports or HDMI out. It's not a laptop. It doesn't have a desktop OS. It's not a desktop. It doesn't make calls or do video conferencing. It's not a phone.
The tired argument of "..but it won't replace your desktop or laptop.." is just noise. It was NEVER marketed to do that. The anti-apple fanboys or "anything but Apple" haters keep trotting this out. If you want it do that..DO NOT BUY IT. That's not what it was designed to do. It's never been claimed to do that. Watch the videos. If anything you COULD say it's positioned to compete with Netbook Tablets (Lenova S310) or E-Readers (Kindle or Sony). I have a Kindle. I like both it and the iPad. They both have their place...if I want to sit outside in bright sunshine I will use my Kindle (though it is possible to do this with the iPad the Kindle is 1000x times better). Inside, and especially in dim situations the iPad easily walks away from the Kindle. The Kindle does have whispernet and 'limited' 3g for life. You'd have to get the 3g iPad to have it...but it is a full 3g experience. So..you'll have to decide. I really do like my Kindle. I fully expect some version of the Kindle (small one) to be around for a while at a reduced price point. The Kindle DX can not compete in the current form...we'll see if it goes away or Amazon decides to do "something different".
I already talked about the up and down sides of iPhoto. For me, there is NO WAY I could use the iPad as my main computer. I have to have a desktop or fairly robust laptop. However, if you using a point-and-shoot 8-10 megapixel camer you could probably easily get by with it and a few inexpensive apps. This is the same thing if you are working on 5000 cell spreadsheets or hundred page documents. I have had to create them...and I can tell you..doing them on a laptop or netbook is not enjoyable either. When I have to do anything like that I use my nice conformal MS keyboard hooked to my heavy duty workstation in the office.
Jessica, just go play with one. You may love or hate features completly opposite of me. You may love they virtual keyboard from the get-go or hate that you favorite flash-powered porn site won't work (kidding!!! See earlier post). It's your call...just don't let any Apple Haters OR Apple Fanboys make it for you. Either way, you'll wind up dissapointed...
Cheers!
