iPad - Views

[Vending Siting Services]

We had ours delivered and we have been using it for about a week now. I love it!

Anyone else using one?

I am not the most technical person and find technology is sometimes a little beyond me but the iPad is absolutely fantastic! It has already replaced my mobile laptop which comes on holiday with us which will save room in the car.

I don't own an iPhone so this is all new to me. I feel like a child on Christmas Day!

Barbara

 

[Lee Jones Jnr]

I'm enjoying mine.
It's a nice way to use the net and the iBook feature is good.

 

[mit74]

I havent got one and will never buy one. I can't see the point of something that doesn't have usb, HDMI outputs, multi tasking (wtf apple seriously???), Flash support, choice of network, a camera, a keyboard, 16:9 and a 16gb hdd. But then as a programmer/IT engineer I hate everything about Apple and their business philosophies. Apple products are a fashion accessory for people who like to wear logos on their clothing and drive over sized cars. Sorry if I offend anyone please don't flame me

I'll buy a tablet soon that will be half the price, open sourced, support more software and be compatible with all my exisiting devices and TVs.

 

[MASSEY]

Its a product that is 0% needed by anyone.

Its just a big iphone.



I can just picture tradingpost walking around everywhere he goes with his ipad under his arm " look at me ive got an ipad"

lo00l

 

[cmcp]

iPads will be excellent in schools, can't wait to see some interesting sites built around them.

 

[Scott-Copywriter]

I am not the most technical person and find technology is sometimes a little beyond me but the iPad is absolutely fantastic!

I think this is where a lot of Apple's popularity arises from to be honest. It's very simple and easy to understand for the less technologically experienced.

Unfortunately, I find it's too simple and at the expense of what some would consider basic features. There's a complete lack of multi-tasking and compatibility with existing software.

If you need a portable office computer, get yourself a Laptop. If you need something fancy which allows you to view web-pages and read E-mails on the move, then get yourself an iPhone or iPod Touch (basically smaller and cheaper versions of the iPad).

 

[Williams lester]

I'll buy a tablet soon that will be half the price, open sourced, support more software and be compatible with all my exisiting devices and TVs.

What will you be getting?...I am looking for a tablet device but not an ipad...so recommendations would be welcome.

 

[Lee Jones Jnr]

I more or less agree with the posts both for and againt the ipad.
It does nothing that you can't already do with any laptop or a good mobile phone. It certainly isn't something anyone 'needs'.
For some reason people keep complaining about USB ports etc but I'm not sure why as the same people are quick to pointout that it is just a big iPod and they don't have USBs either!
It can't replace a laptop but it is a nicer, more comfortable way to casually view the Internet and movies look great on the crisp screen so it's good for train journeys etc.

Ohhh Massey, you might not want to spend £699 on a toy but it'd be nice to have the option eh? How is your property portfolio coming along?

 

[mikesossy]

Yes I have one, we have been going towards electronic invoicing and paperless communications for awhile and I have all this now on my iPad, PDF files are completed and emails back and forth between me and head office now and email is right in my hand and seen as it should. We do have Nokia E72 phones for the smaller stuff.
So far I can't fault it,

 

[optimalhealth]

I'm enjoying mine.
It's a nice way to use the net and the iBook feature is good.

I recently got a Blackberry and would not be without it!

I enjoy reading a (tangible) good book and want to have a library in my home with hundreds of books.

 

[scribblesvurt]

I have had an iPad for about a month as I imported one from the US. The iPad is not a computer. It's very easy to list the things that an iPad can't do compared to a Pc but that is like listing what a car can do compared to a jcb.

The iPad allows you to aces the web in a new way. I'm lying on my back now on the sofa typing this. You can't do that with a laptop. The battery last forever. It really is very good.

In answer to the list of things you can't do with an iPad as an engineer you should read up on the facts. Multi tasking will be available on the next os update. You can have a USB by using the camera adaptor. It's a pain that you have to buy extras for functionality that is usually available as standard. But then again if you buy a laptop you have to pay to add touch screen functionality.

I'm not a fanboy of apple at all but I can't understand the hatred that some people have for apples products. I think apple fits many different users. I can give my iPad to my father who has never used a Pc in his life and he can surf the web in seconds. I can give an iPad to someone who is good on a Pc and they will complain that it won't let them do all the things that as a power user they should be able to do. You can still be a power user on iPad you just have to change the way you work.

I use the cloud for most file storage and editing. This works perfectly with the iPad and I can access and edit all my files on the go.

My iPad will never replace my desktop Pc, it has however replaced my laptop. It's wonderful.

There is a simple answer to the iPad question. Go try one yourself and make up YOUR own mind. No review can tell you how you will feel about using it. Don't let a hatred of apple make up your mind. You should try everything once then make an informed decision.

Hope this helps.

 

[optimalhealth]

I have had an iPad for about a month as I imported one from the US. The iPad is not a computer. It's very easy to list the things that an iPad can't do compared to a Pc but that is like listing what a car can do compared to a jcb.

The iPad allows you to aces the web in a new way. I'm lying on my back now on the sofa typing this. You can't do that with a laptop. The battery last forever. It really is very good.

In answer to the list of things you can't do with an iPad as an engineer you should read up on the facts. Multi tasking will be available on the next os update. You can have a USB by using the camera adaptor. It's a pain that you have to buy extras for functionality that is usually available as standard. But then again if you buy a laptop you have to pay to add touch screen functionality.

I'm not a fanboy of apple at all but I can't understand the hatred that some people have for apples products. I think apple fits many different users. I can give my iPad to my father who has never used a Pc in his life and he can surf the web in seconds. I can give an iPad to someone who is good on a Pc and they will complain that it won't let them do all the things that as a power user they should be able to do. You can still be a power user on iPad you just have to change the way you work.

I use the cloud for most file storage and editing. This works perfectly with the iPad and I can access and edit all my files on the go.

My iPad will never replace my desktop Pc, it has however replaced my laptop. It's wonderful.

There is a simple answer to the iPad question. Go try one yourself and make up YOUR own mind. No review can tell you how you will feel about using it. Don't let a hatred of apple make up your mind. You should try everything once then make an informed decision.

Hope this helps.

If I am passing an Apple store, I will pop in and check an ipad out

 

[brownie]

iPads will be excellent in schools

Having worked with a number of schools before I can see one major problem, they will not be durable enough.

 

[cmcp]

I think they'll be fine, gone are the days when pupils demolish texus instruments calculators and eat gloy glue stuck to desks

Games based learning in schools has been a massive success in Scotland, with pupils learning on the DS and Wii in class. They engage successful learners and build confident individuals based on the new Curriculum for Excellence teaching plans. I can see iPad apps being deployed in this environment, bridging the gap between destructive pupil and delicate expensive laptop.

 

[bigBlueMango]

An iPad is not a necessity, but all hate on this board is a bit whingy. An iPad is not meant to be an iPhone, but it is far superior to an iPhone for viewing web pages. It's a matter of time before much of Flash web development is replaced with HTML 5 (check out the Wired article about Apple v. Adobe). Apple's recent software upgrade (available in iPhone 4 just released in June 2010) shows that they're working on multi-tasking. A USB? Seriously? In the land of WiFi do we still crave to be connected by a thread? This thing doesn't really replace your laptop, especially if you're still stuck with corporate Windows, but it does fine at showing presentations, displaying eBooks and PDFs without the bulk of a laptop, and utilizing gestures for easy use. It's certainly better and more useful than Amazon's eReader...admittedly not saying much.

The iPad is likely to get better, as has the iPhone in the past few years. If you're not sure about the iPad, you might want to wait and see what others are doing with it first. If you're curious, stop fretting, overpay for it, and be a leader. And don't worry about the Windows commenters. Corporate IT people are trained to say no, and there's always a reason not to do something.

 

[Vending Siting Services]

Its a product that is 0% needed by anyone.

Its just a big iphone.



I can just picture tradingpost walking around everywhere he goes with his ipad under his arm " look at me ive got an ipad"

lo00l

It's not a phone at all, it is a very compact fully functioning mini computer with a sensible sized screen and when using it with the mini SIM gives you a complete mobile solution when travelling for business or pleasure anywhere in the world where you can get a cellular or wi-fi connection.

Laptops are too big, even the smaller ones. iPhone far too small (for my eyes anyhow). iPad suits me and I am sure will suit many others as well.

Barbara

 

[paultnl]

I am writing this on a £180 netbook which has a physical keyboard and pointing device so I do not need to get finger marks on the 10" screen. More importantly, I have a choice of OS and can choose whatever functions (or limitations) I decide are good for me. I will not let Apple or any other supplier decide how I run my business.

I think there will be a good market for tablet style devices once flexible screen technology makes big screens and small form factors practical. Either way it will not be with a locked in OS.

 

[Sacha]

There will doubtlessly be a jail-break for the iPad before too long so you won't be locked into Apple's iOS limitations if you decide to purchase one. There are all kinds of jail-broken iPhone apps that enable you to do loads of geeky things Apple doesn't want you to do (you know remote server access, power user things).

Personally I think the iPad a brilliant product, being both functional and beautiful. What people should consider is that Apple has literally brought futuristic sci-fi products into being - these things have been envisaged in sci-fi novels for gods sakes. The iPhone and the iPad are groundbreaking - not because they're completely novel but in the design, the functionality and reliability. They're just a pleasure to use.

Imagine showing an iPad to someone 10 years ago.

Another thing is that unintentionally Apple has manoeuvred into a position that has allowed it to grab a significant share of the gaming market. Nintendo and Sony are already waking up to the danger in their midst and trying to respond accordingly. In my opinion it's already too late. Apple will dominate mobile hardware and software for a long time and this will give it dominance in the new developing downloadable gaming market. (Not to mention downloadable movies and films, which it already dominates, and consider also that many believe that blu-ray will be last solid disk standard produced as all movies will soon be downloaded.)

I've picked one up though and I'm going to wait a couple of years because I do think it needs to be thinner and the bazel that surrounds the screen needs to be smaller.

 

[scribblesvurt]

The iPad Is already jailbroken. I have jailbroken mine using the sprint one click jailbreak. I now have an amazing product without any of the lock downs imposed by apple.

 

[jelly3]

I havent got one and will never buy one. I can't see the point of something that doesn't have usb, HDMI outputs, multi tasking (wtf apple seriously???), Flash support, choice of network, a camera, a keyboard, 16:9 and a 16gb hdd. But then as a programmer/IT engineer I hate everything about Apple and their business philosophies. Apple products are a fashion accessory for people who like to wear logos on their clothing and drive over sized cars. Sorry if I offend anyone please don't flame me

I'll buy a tablet soon that will be half the price, open sourced, support more software and be compatible with all my exisiting devices and TVs.

Surely, if people demand it, this will all be included in the next version they bring out next year in 5 million different colours. It will also seriously annoy the people who have already forked out xxx on one.

We had ours delivered and we have been using it for about a week now. I love it!

Anyone else using one?

Barbara

Not yet but dithering about it.

I more or less agree with the posts both for and againt the ipad.
It does nothing that you can't already do with any laptop or a good mobile phone. It certainly isn't something anyone 'needs'.
For some reason people keep complaining about USB ports etc but I'm not sure why as the same people are quick to pointout that it is just a big iPod and they don't have USBs either!
It can't replace a laptop but it is a nicer, more comfortable way to casually view the Internet and movies look great on the crisp screen so it's good for train journeys etc.

I have no idea why I have quoted you, but enjoy.

I recently got a Blackberry and would not be without it!

I enjoy reading a (tangible) good book and want to have a library in my home with hundreds of books.

You really read books on a Blackberry, oh your eyes.
Or have I completely misunderstood?

I have had an iPad for about a month as I imported one from the US. The iPad is not a computer. It's very easy to list the things that an iPad can't do compared to a Pc but that is like listing what a car can do compared to a jcb.

The iPad allows you to aces the web in a new way. I'm lying on my back now on the sofa typing this. You can't do that with a laptop. The battery last forever. It really is very good.

In answer to the list of things you can't do with an iPad as an engineer you should read up on the facts. Multi tasking will be available on the next os update. You can have a USB by using the camera adaptor. It's a pain that you have to buy extras for functionality that is usually available as standard. But then again if you buy a laptop you have to pay to add touch screen functionality.

I'm not a fanboy of apple at all but I can't understand the hatred that some people have for apples products. I think apple fits many different users. I can give my iPad to my father who has never used a Pc in his life and he can surf the web in seconds. I can give an iPad to someone who is good on a Pc and they will complain that it won't let them do all the things that as a power user they should be able to do. You can still be a power user on iPad you just have to change the way you work.

I use the cloud for most file storage and editing. This works perfectly with the iPad and I can access and edit all my files on the go.

My iPad will never replace my desktop Pc, it has however replaced my laptop. It's wonderful.

There is a simple answer to the iPad question. Go try one yourself and make up YOUR own mind. No review can tell you how you will feel about using it. Don't let a hatred of apple make up your mind. You should try everything once then make an informed decision.

Hope this helps.

Importing from abroad?
Patience.
I love peeps like you, because it means all the defects get pointed out and tutted over before I open my purse.

My current laptop, overheats and switches itself off on a regular basis.
So I purchased a laptop fan. However it is (the fan)a little cumbersome to take on journeys. There is another laptop available but it does not belong to me and I can feel the eyes of the owner boring holes in my back everytime I touch it.

I am not sure about getting an IPAD or a cheaper netbook or another tablet. But I know I want something lighter than the average laptop.
I just want to keep an eye on my webstore/s and type up some articles/email. Surf the web and ask for advice on forums.
When I am not using the desktops.

How long does the battery last, when you are doing certain activities.
I know they say 10 hours but what is the reality?

thanks
ann-marie

 

[Nearglobal]

ipads are the way forward... 12 months everyone will have

 

[mit74]

ipads are the way forward... 12 months everyone will have

Touch screen pads are the way forward not iPad. Apple is a fashion statement whose policies are delibrately to make their products incompatible with existing products and solutions.

 

I am thinking about getting an Ipad but would appreciate some advice from those in the know.

The reason i think i want an ipad is not to replace my laptop, but so that my laptop can be replaced on short business trips. i have my e-mail, i have books and maybe some carefully selected useful apps but that i also can listen to music and watch films and don't have to take a laptop.

I see the ipad doesn't have USB ports, so i'm guessing it doesn't have a disc drive with which to put DVD's into? If this is correct, how would i get my DVD's onto it and how many could it store?

I'd want Wi-Fi and 3G with either 16 or 32 GB

Thanks

Chris

 

[mit74]

you will have to convert DVDs to mp4 or other compatible video format using yeah u guessed it a laptop. To be honest it takes forever so not really worth it. Personally I think you'd be better off getting a small laptop with a swivel screen.

 

you will have to convert DVDs to mp4 or other compatible video format using yeah u guessed it a laptop. .

Is that easy to do ?

 

[mit74]

it's very easy just a case of downloading some freeware software from say download.com. However it can take a very long time maybe 30-60min depending on how good the computer is. The finshed movie would be around 0.7 - 2 GB in size depending on the quality you converted in.

 

it's very easy just a case of downloading some freeware software from say download.com. However it can take a very long time maybe 30-60min depending on how good the computer is. The finshed movie would be around 0.7 - 2 GB in size depending on the quality you converted in.

Thats really annoying. It would be far better if it had a slot you could simply put DVD's in and out of. I'd buy one straight away then.

Think i might leave it then, which is a shame as carrying something much lighter around would have been nice !

Thanks

 

[Vending Siting Services]

I am thinking about getting an Ipad but would appreciate some advice from those in the know.

The reason i think i want an ipad is not to replace my laptop, but so that my laptop can be replaced on short business trips. i have my e-mail, i have books and maybe some carefully selected useful apps but that i also can listen to music and watch films and don't have to take a laptop.

I see the ipad doesn't have USB ports, so i'm guessing it doesn't have a disc drive with which to put DVD's into? If this is correct, how would i get my DVD's onto it and how many could it store?

I'd want Wi-Fi and 3G with either 16 or 32 GB

Thanks

Chris

Hi Chris

I can't answer the DVD bit as I am not a technical. Our iPad has replaced our small compact lap top for trips away and when we are away from the office in general. So much more compact, quick and easy to use. We were travelling back from Italy a few days ago and my husband was driving and I was accessing and replying to emails, browsing the web etc. I would never have been able to use the lap top as it it just not useable in the same way, also the battery lasts for a very long time. I would highly recommend it.

Barbara

 

Hi Chris

I can't answer the DVD bit as I am not a technical. Our iPad has replaced our small compact lap top for trips away and when we are away from the office in general. So much more compact, quick and easy to use. We were travelling back from Italy a few days ago and my husband was driving and I was accessing and replying to emails, browsing the web etc. I would never have been able to use the lap top as it it just not useable in the same way, also the battery lasts for a very long time. I would highly recommend it.

Barbara

Barbara,

Thanks for that, very helpful. I suppose i can add and delete movies as and when i wanted to.

I have an iphone, which i wish i hadn't got due to the fact its about 30% more expensive to run than a Blackberry and i don't use it properly for all the benefits it should give me.

What sort of contract are you on? I see Currys do pay as you go but then a couple of networks offer £15 per month deals? Is that it, you only pay £15 a month and no more regardless, or as with the iphone, you can get some really eye watering bills you were not expecting, especially when over seas ?

Thanks
Chris

 

[Shnuggle]

Wow - Big response to this one!

I am a tech geek I am afraid, I build my own home PC, I have a high spec laptop (Dell) that runs CAD software, and then I *had* a dell mini 9 for *leisure* use.

I sold the dell mini and got the iPad. It's fantastic!

If I have to do real work, I use a real PC. I want to email, browse web, watch video. I also have product photos on it, which I use when visiting retailers, and also have my pricelists etc on it.

The kids watch it in the car on long journeys and my 3 year old loves it for educational games (snap, colouring in, etc)

So.... does it replace a full PC? NO.
Is a great companion when you want to be connected without a great big laptop? YES

p.s. It is easy to copy your DVD's to iPad format using "Handbrake" software.

 

[Shnuggle]

p.s If you do get an iPad have a look out for my new product, PadStand, a low-cost, super-soft and flexible table stand for your iPad - perfecct for watching videos / photos, listening to music or comfortable angle when typing.

Coming to a retailer near you in July

www-padstand-co-uk

 

[Vending Siting Services]

Barbara,

Thanks for that, very helpful. I suppose i can add and delete movies as and when i wanted to.

I have an iphone, which i wish i hadn't got due to the fact its about 30% more expensive to run than a Blackberry and i don't use it properly for all the benefits it should give me.

What sort of contract are you on? I see Currys do pay as you go but then a couple of networks offer £15 per month deals? Is that it, you only pay £15 a month and no more regardless, or as with the iphone, you can get some really eye watering bills you were not expecting, especially when over seas ?

Thanks
Chris

Hi Chris

Our contract is with O2 for £10 per month for 1gb. You can also have 3gb for £15 and also have top ups at any time mid month £4 for 500megs.

When overseas you will have to get an overseas internet provider or just use the wi-fi at a hot spot. Roaming not viable at the moment.

Barbara

 

Hi Chris

Our contract is with O2 for £10 per month for 1gb. You can also have 3gb for £15 and also have top ups at any time mid month £4 for 500megs.

When overseas you will have to get an overseas internet provider or just use the wi-fi at a hot spot. Roaming not viable at the moment.

Barbara

Barbara,

Its seems 3 do 10GB for £15 per month from Currys
http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/ipad_has_arrived-863-commercial.html

Going to have a play and a chat at the Apple Store on Sat before i see the Lion King,

Thanks Again

Chris

 

Ok, a few more questions if someone wouldn't mind,

1) Does the ipad have word and excel with which to open attachments and save documents. If not, how do you open attachments sent in these applications.

2) Can Blue Ray discs be loaded onto it to watch (without it playing in Blue Ray)

3) With the book thingy. Can you buy pretty much anymore book on the market for this and i'm guessing you can bookmark the page you get to.

Thanks

Chris

 

[Vending Siting Services]

Ok, a few more questions if someone wouldn't mind,

1) Does the ipad have word and excel with which to open attachments and save documents. If not, how do you open attachments sent in these applications.

2) Can Blue Ray discs be loaded onto it to watch (without it playing in Blue Ray)

3) With the book thingy. Can you buy pretty much anymore book on the market for this and i'm guessing you can bookmark the page you get to.

Thanks

Chris

1. Not as standard. But there are various apps available which will perform this function. The one I am using is "DOCS" which costs £2 or £3!
2. Don't know.
3. A lot of contraversey over books at present. Apple and many other publishers are constantly putting libraries of books on their systems for downloading, but unfortunately some publishers are "ludites" and are resisting the change towards electronic publishing of their books, but the campaign towards a complete electronic library of the world's books continues with most museums and national libraries putting their valuable works on the net for downloading.

Kind regards.

Barbara

 

[garyk]

Ok, a few more questions if someone wouldn't mind,

1) Does the ipad have word and excel with which to open attachments and save documents. If not, how do you open attachments sent in these applications.

2) Can Blue Ray discs be loaded onto it to watch (without it playing in Blue Ray)

3) With the book thingy. Can you buy pretty much anymore book on the market for this and i'm guessing you can bookmark the page you get to.

Thanks

Chris

1. It has iwork which will let you open excel and word but not sure how compatible it is going back the other way

2. You would have to rip the BD into a file, .mp4 format and could copy on via itunes or one of many wireless apps that you let transfer files using your wi-fi. This is is the same for *all* tablets, getting tired of people saying ipad is crap it doesnt have this or that, nor does any other android/linux tablet currently on the market

3. ibooks library is growing fast so lots of titles and yes multiple bookmarking and highlighting for all books in your library

 

[The Numbergroup Team]

I have had one for a few days and absolutely love it!
It's the Bogs Dollocks!

 

[DotNetWebs]

Had a play with one for the first time yesterday and was quite impressed.

I could even see myself getting one but for one thing - the lack of Flash.

I know it has been left out for a 'political' reason but I just don't see the point in using it as a primary web browser without Flash.

Regards

Dotty

 

[Sacha]

Hi Dotty,

I don't see why people care so much about Flash? What exactly would you need to use Flash for? iPlayer works without flash, YouTube obviously works without flash and there are thousands of games that you can download from iTunes for free.

The only reason you would need flash is for watching videos on news/other websites but most of them are going to have non-flash compatible video soon (if they haven't already) any way.

Besides flash is wastes battery life and it's the primary reason computers crash. And it has security flaws.

The only thing I can think of is flash based chat sites?

 

[efficiencycoach]

thanks for everyone's thoughts. I have promised myself an iPad when I have a book deal confirmed with a publisher. (Just waiting on internal publishing board approval from a major UK commercial publisher...)

My plan is that it will replace my laptop for accessing e-mail & internet on the move. I would love to be able to ditch my heavy laptop for journeys into london.

The great thing is this thread has just confirmed that the iPad will do exactly what I need.