What is the process once you buy an iPad?

[KevinM2]

I'm just wondering, what is the process once I buy an iPad (next week in the US).

Does it need to be synced to iTunes and activated (like an iPhone) before it can be used? or can I use it straight out of the box?

I only ask because I want to be able to use it whilst I am out in the US, but I won't have anything with iTunes on if it needs that.

I would also like to be able to purchase some apps on it whilst I am there too, and use them.

Thanks. And sorry if it sounds like a dumb question. I just want to be prepared for when I pick it up.

Kevin.

 

[oftheheavens]

you have to sync prior to use. if you buy it at an apple store i am sure that they will help you set it up.

 

[KevinM2]

So, when I buy it instore, if I ask them to activate it (I know my iTunes sign in name/password details), they should be able to do that?

Also, I was going to purchase a $100 iTunes card too, will they be able to apply that to my iTunes account so I can make my app purchases?

Thanks

Oh, and I take it I subsequently won't have any issues syncing to my iTunes on my PC when I get home (UK) ?

 

[r0k]

I'm just wondering, what is the process once I buy an iPad (next week in the US).

Does it need to be synced to iTunes and activated (like an iPhone) before it can be used? or can I use it straight out of the box?

I only ask because I want to be able to use it whilst I am out in the US, but I won't have anything with iTunes on if it needs that.

I would also like to be able to purchase some apps on it whilst I am there too, and use them.

Thanks. And sorry if it sounds like a dumb question. I just want to be prepared for when I pick it up.

Kevin.

You might need to create an iTunes account while in the us. I have seen posts claiming trouble buying ipad apps outside the us. The Apple store can set up your iPad. All it takes is for the thing to see iTunes via usb just once. You don't need to do a sync or anything. Just connect to iTunes once (presumably in the us.)

After they set mine up in the Apple store, I downloaded apps and checked my email before even leaving the mall. When I got home, I did a backup in iTunes but I have never fully done a sync. I don't have any music on my 16gig iPad (yet).

They do NOT need your iTunes account info in the Apple store. They simply plug it in and "unlock" it and it works. I entered my iTunes account into the app store before i got home and it worked fine. When you get home, iTunes should be able to back up your apps but I don't know if you can buy any in the uk. Why don't you go in iTunes right now and do a test? Buy good reader for 99 cents and see if it works. If it does, then you will be able to buy apps directly on your iPad when you get it home.

Are you coming to the us for something else? I know this thing is shiny and all, but I don't think it's worth a bunch of jet fuel to beat Apple's planned uk release date.

 

[KevinM2]

Sorry, I should have said, I already have a US iTunes account and a UK iTunes account, so if needed I would obviously give the US Apple store my US account login details.

Sounds like it should be a fairly painless procedure?

I would however like to sync to my iTunes account when I get home to transfer my current stock of (iPhone) apps and videos over (not fussed about the music).

That, I take it, wouldn't be a problem?

 

[KevinM2]

Oh, and no, I wouldn't fly out just to beat the UK release by a week or so. I am out for a weeks vacation, and the prospect is too tempting...especially as I will in effect get the 64Gb iPad for £436 inc tax, so a good saving on the (estimated) UK price.

 

[r0k]

Sorry, I should have said, I already have a US iTunes account and a UK iTunes account, so if needed I would obviously give the US Apple store my US account login details.

Sounds like it should be a fairly painless procedure?

I would however like to sync to my iTunes account when I get home to transfer my current stock of (iPhone) apps and videos over (not fussed about the music).

That, I take it, wouldn't be a problem?

Apps can be transferred ota using the app store on the device or restored by USB cable. I suggest you purchase an iPad app in your us iTunes account while you are in the uk to make sure that part works.

Oh, and no, I wouldn't fly out just to beat the UK release by a week or so. I am out for a weeks vacation, and the prospect is too tempting...especially as I will in effect get the 64Gb iPad for £436 inc tax, so a good saving on the (estimated) UK price.

I had the 16g and 64g units reserved. I went for the 16g. Partly due to only having 2 year coverage including Applecare. With the issues I'm having trying to make my iPad useful for creating content, I expect to be replacing it with a next Gen model that goes further as a net book replacement.

Vacation in the US, eh? Enjoy! Where will you be traveling? I might be able to offer some suggestions of things to see or do...

 

[ellenm]

My iPad was synced in the Apple Store without a problem. The only thing that happened to me is I loaded a bunch of apps before syncing with my computer at home so when I did the first sync it backed up all the applications and then erased them off my iPad. I had to do another sync to reload the apps but that was it.

I don't know if that will be the case with you but just a heads up on syncing when you get home.

Enjoy!

 

[r0k]

My iPad was synced in the Apple Store without a problem. The only thing that happened to me is I loaded a bunch of apps before syncing with my computer at home so when I did the first sync it backed up all the applications and then erased them off my iPad. I had to do another sync to reload the apps but that was it.

I don't know if that will be the case with you but just a heads up on syncing when you get home.

Enjoy!

I had already seen posts warning about this so I didn't allow a sync when I got home. I did a backup of my apps instead. I should mention that my iPad and iPod touch apps were all jumbled in one big folder after backing up. I think apple should have done a better job of separating devices.

 

[KevinM2]

Thanks for the assistance guys. Sounds like it shouldn't be a problem either over there or back here in the UK once I get it home.

Will be in Boston for a week, so if I remember correctly (having been there about 10 years ago), there is plenty to see an do there...especially with my iPad under my arm

 

[bosox2009]

Thanks for the assistance guys. Sounds like it shouldn't be a problem either over there or back here in the UK once I get it home.

Will be in Boston for a week, so if I remember correctly (having been there about 10 years ago), there is plenty to see an do there...especially with my iPad under my arm

I finally went to the Boston Boylston Street store to see the iPad yesterday. It was around 5pm the store was buzzing, and the iPad section was mobbed. With a little patience I elbowed my way up to an iPad: very cool, and very difficult waiting for the 3G version. My wingman had instructions to grab me by the collar should I reach for my credit card, then drag me out kicking and screaming. Good luck with your purchase!

 

[ellenm]

Enjoy Boston. I live about 20 miles southwest of Boston. My sister works in the city so if you are looking for any restaurant or siteseeing suggestions send me a message and I will get some info for you.

 

[r0k]

Thanks for the assistance guys. Sounds like it shouldn't be a problem either over there or back here in the UK once I get it home.

Will be in Boston for a week, so if I remember correctly (having been there about 10 years ago), there is plenty to see an do there...especially with my iPad under my arm

Boston, eh? There's plenty to do there! We don't get out that way often, so all i can recommend that comes to mind right away is Legal Seafood. I brought home a couple of their lobsters in a dryice laden carry on and we had lobster races in the kitchen floor before they went into the pot. Of course the kids wanted them as pets but when eating time came they had no regrets. You also might want to budget some time to go looking for an Apple store that actually has one in stock.