Apple iPad ??

[Macster]

Hi,
Just wondered if anyone has one ? and any thoughts ?

I just didnt 'get it' when it came out tbh, but having just had another look, it makes sense, it does al that a Laptop does, but easier ?

And surely easier on a Train Plain or Car ? Or even sofa for that matter ?

Any experiences to share anyone ?

Thx

 

[Ethan]

Great for internet, email, watching video, listening to music, viewing photos. Not so good if you want to save documents, use webcams or take photos (until v2, anyway).

 

[Macster]

Thx Ethan, - I assume you need a WiFi connection to pick up Mail etc ? Presume I could pick up any Mail that my Blackberry would ?

 

[brendy]

Can't print either. Stylish gimmick, nothing else.
I have a 3GS and have had a play with an iPad but couldn't think of where it would fit when I have a PC, laptop and iPhone. It doesn't do anything the rest already do each.

 

[Macster]

Brendy - point taken, but maybe its not totally meant for the Laptop/PC market - just a useful entertainment tool with extras ?
It has USB ports that you could transfer documents I take it ?

 

[Ethan]

Thx Ethan, - I assume you need a WiFi connection to pick up Mail etc ? Presume I could pick up any Mail that my Blackberry would ?

You can get a Wifi only or a Wifi and 3G version, so depends what your access to hotspots is like. I have the 3G version with a Voda micro-SIM and it connects anywhere an iPhone will connect.

 

[RGDave]

I still don't get it, I'm afraid. Nor do my family who are apple mad. I can see a MacBook a possibility, but an ipad...no.
I can see the sense for someone interested in "media" over "computer". Probably terrific for watching video except it's not like you can put 3 dvds in your briefcase on the train to Glasgow....????

 

[oakey22]

Printing will be included in the next firmware update next month

It is a great tool, great for browsing the net and movies but does not have the hosepower of a laptop, i cant edit my photos with it so have both.

Only reason we bought it is because my wife used to use her netbook for the internet and it was slow so got this instead.

 

[RGDave]

How do you watch movies on it? If I have a dvd, do I need to go through the process of 3rd party software etc. to store a "file" as opposed to simply watching from the disk.

 

[Ethan]

How do you watch movies on it? If I have a dvd, do I need to go through the process of 3rd party software etc. to store a "file" as opposed to simply watching from the disk.

Movies downloaded through the iTunes Store or put into iTunes by any other means can be synced over, so that is the easiest way to do it. I have some TV progs, music videos, movies and home movies of the kids on mine.

 

[Macster]

Dave - welcome to the future !! I can watch movies on my Blackberry Bold, except the screen isnt exactly large enough to be bearable, so the iPad does look fab for that. Throw in the Internet capability, Email, Music, possibly reading books etc, and all the rest, and its a powerful bit of kit.

Sure, a laptop can do it all too, and print etc, and even more, but if you dont need more, and dont need to print, the iPad is probs the most suitable size for watching/carrying/ etc etc.

I'm intrigued, and tempted.

 

[chrisd]

I've been looking at it as I would like to have music scores on it for playing my keyboard to. I am not sure how I would transfer the music from books to the Ipad and whether turning the pages whilst playing would work - any ideas please shout.

Chris

 

[RGDave]

Dave - welcome to the future !!

I.M.O. the future isn't so clever. I've just ordered £9,000 worth of apples for work but I just can't face the ipad (watching movies) with what to me is just a terrible inconvenience.
Can you attach an optical/dvd drive to it? if not, I'm definitely out.
For plain internet, it clearly outstrips a netbook by miles. For iplayer powered by wi-fi, it's got to be THE way for on-demand TV away from the lounge TV.
It looks good and is cool, admittedly, so I suppose it's all down to purpose.

 

[Owen_Thomas_14]

The big question is.......How much would a good one(decent memory etc.) cost you?

 

[Macster]

But WHY would you want to attach a DVD Drive ? Just drag across a Movie from your iMac or USB ? Thats the beauty, it stores loads to watch ?

 

[RGDave]

But WHY would you want to attach a DVD Drive ? Just drag across a Movie from your iMac or USB ? Thats the beauty, it stores loads to watch ?

I think there is some confusion here. I have a collection of DVDs which on any given day, I would pop into the side pocket of my laptop bag to take on the train or to a hotel etc.etc.

You can't drag and drop a DVD. All you can do is rip/convert into a file (mp4/AVi?)....
This would mean wasting ages on my computer the day before leaving home ripping/converting etc.

Like I said, it's all about purpose. If someone has movies and TV progs pre-converted, then clearly an ipad is going to be the dog's, but it's lots of hard work before setting out on the road.

Can you rip an original DVD straight into itunes whilst making supper?

 

[SyR]

This is too big to be useful for the train/plane and too small and weak to replace a laptop. I'll stick with my Archos on train/plane trips.

 

[znuffzz]

You can't drag and drop a DVD. All you can do is rip/convert into a file (mp4/AVi?)....
This would mean wasting ages on my computer the day before leaving home ripping/converting etc.

yeah but DVD is a redundant format now matey...might be time to bit the bukllet and start converting all your old dvd's like you had to when with old cd's/vinyl or download em again pre-converted....

 

[GB72]

Not sure if I am the only one or being a total wuss but I would be paranoid using an Ipad in a lot of places. Desireable piece of kit out in the open, just asking to get mugged.

 

[znuffzz]

Not sure if I am the only one or being a total wuss but I would be paranoid using an Ipad in a lot of places. Desireable piece of kit out in the open, just asking to get mugged.

really? i would never not buy something because i was afraid of getting robbed!

well not since i moved out of hackney 4 years ago