All iPads Am I doing myself a disservice?

[deeddawg]

And I guess that alternatively if you're not a heavy Internet user you won't notice the problems of 1gb of ram. I am unfortunately haha.

It also depends heavily on what sites you visit and your style of surfing. My wife is utterly content on an ipad2, most of her usage is catalog websites but she rarely has more than one tab open.

I don't run into a lot of reloads surfing MR on my rMini. Not noticeably more or less than on my ipad3. But I really haven't paid it much attention since it hasn't seemed noticeably different. But that's just my mix of sites and manner of surfing.

As for tech cycles and upgrades; as with anything when a new device comes out you need to evaluate benefits against cost-to-upgrade.

I will say that the one time I sold my ipad a month in advance of the new version coming out I regretted it. The extra $$ in my pocket was nice, but not worth going without the ipad.

 

[Jessica Lares]

Convincing yourself that the RAM is an issue is the only disservice you're doing to yourself.

Safari just needs to be optimized a little bit more for the chip, that is all.

 

[sracer]

I decided a couple days ago (or I figured that I had) to go with a tablet other than the Ipad after becoming extremely disappointed and agitated at safaris performance (tab reloading) and the general lack of RAM they include, for reasons such as stated previously and because how is 1gb going to perform even further down the road with more intensive applications and what is probably going to be a heavier OS?

Having said all that boy am I having problems finding a tablet that looks as good as the Ipad. The nexus 7 comes pretty close but fails in some regards, namely I'm not so sure I'd like android on a tablet, secondly, only 32gb as the max storage option (absolute pants), thirdly I was going to go for a full size air this tablet is only 7 inches, and lastly the hardware on the nexus 7 as far as tech goes is already starting to age.

Welcome to my world. The good news: The iPad is the best tablet overall out there. The bad news: The iPad is the best tablet overall out there.

I currently own multiple iPads, Android tablets, and a Surface RT. They all have their strengths and weaknesses, though the Android tablets almost always fall to the bottom of the list for me.

Next I looked at some microsoft tablets (mostly all hybrids). This was weird because I was at first DEFINITELY not in the market for a laptop but when I figured that I was prepared to spend 930 dollars on the Ipad well, that opens alot of prospects into the full computer area. So I had a looksy at the Venue 8, only shortly in person, seemed decent but again I would probably only use an 8 inch device for consumption and web browsing, not sure that that's something full windows is needed for or will excel at. After that I looked at the surface 2 and the surface pro 2. I don't believe I'd get windows RT mostly because of how terrible it is in the app department, but the surface pro 2 looked very nice, although again didn't have much of a chance with these either. The surface pro 2 has a very nice type cover which I liked ALOT, and it is very powerful, but again I wasn't even in the market for a laptop at first because I didnt really want to deal with viruses and the like. I even looked at the Macbook air but I didn't like the screen and I really wanted a touch screen. The only other tablets I've thought about are the dell venue 11 pro, and the Kindle hdx, but the kindle hdx is one I'm almost sure I won't get and I don't know much at all about the venue 11.

I do not recommend the Kindle Fire HDX (gimped and skinned version of Android). I also would not recommend a full Windows tablet. Seriously, who wants all the downsides and headaches of maintaining desktop Windows on a tablet?

Although the WinRT app situation is indeed pretty bad, the Surface RT hardware is a premium tablet. The capabilities of the hardware are tremendous... full USB port, micro HDMI, micro SD, bluetooth and wifi. The 32GB Surface RT can still be found for $199 (or less for factory refurbs)

The app situation can be mitigated by avoiding the website apps and simply use MSIE. IE11 supports Flash (even on the RT version) and website bookmarks can be added to the live tile Start screen that can behave just like a website app... actually in some cases better since you can use the full desktop version of the website rather than the mobile version or app version.

Also, adblocking is available for IE11 which makes browsing even nicer.

So in summary my question is this: I am someone who owns no laptop, no tablet either. Only a smartphone and a desktop. At present there is not much, if anything in the way of serious work I need to do on this new device. At most I'll probably use it for text books and things. I was prepared to spend alot of money on the air and at that point I was questioning the logic of such a decision when a laptop or the surface pro 2 would be about the same amount of money. My ONLY concern with the air, and yes it really is the only real negative for me currently is the RAM. And for some people that might not be a big deal I don't know but from using the Air lightly in the apple store it seemed to reload quite a bit, also as mentioned I'm very worried about the future prospects of this tablet.

I'm a very indecisive person and some tell me quite neurotic, maybe this gigantic post verifies that, but I'm just looking for educated input before I throw down cash or if I just keep it nestled in my wallet.

So, what should I do?

If you can find an RT for $199 or less, I suggest getting one to tinker with and fill the gap until Apple gets their act together on iOS7 and the iPad Air. You could then gift or resell the RT. (The RT is currently in demand... if you pay $199 for it now, you should be able to get about $150 6 months from now.)

This is just my suggestion... hopefully it helps, even if only to give you some more things to consider.

 

[Charliebird]

It's good to keep your expectations low otherwise you're sure to be disappointed. I spent a month looking at tablets and I couldn't find anything that I liked nearly as well as an iPad. The resell value of iPad's is still decent so if you really want an iPad Air 2 you can make the switch. I've done it a couple time and haven't ever really taken a big loss.

 

[samiznaetekto]

If you can find an RT for $199 or less, I suggest getting one to tinker with and fill the gap until Apple gets their act together on iOS7 and the iPad Air.

I'd stay away from RT on tablets, because you can't just run any desktop application on it. Get full Windows 8.1 (such as Dell Venue Pro or Asus T100).

I'm looking into installing OS X on my DV8P. On Intel CPU, you can run virtual machine, the possibilities are endless!

 

[vgamedude]

Thank you everyone for all the wonderful advice.

As I'm here on youtube watching reviews of the air and just everything about it I want it. Even if it reloads I think I'll be okay because just nothing else is like it. Watching Marques reviews on youtube (heavy android guy) he doesn't even mention ram as a negative and he seems to like it!

I need to stop being unrealistic and waiting for everything to be perfect, it never will be, besides there is always the option of returns too.

I think im going to go for it. Thanks everyone for the opinions and input.

Time to decide on a case or a keyboard case and screen protector or not. Ha.

Although if I go back to the mall I will have one last look at the surface pro 2, though I don't believe ill get it I want to try it.

 

[Misskitty]

Dont get a case, even the really slim ones ive used add too much to it. Use skins amd smart cover for front.

 

[TWO2SEVEN]

Thank you everyone for all the wonderful advice.

As I'm here on youtube watching reviews of the air and just everything about it I want it. Even if it reloads I think I'll be okay because just nothing else is like it. Watching Marques reviews on youtube (heavy android guy) he doesn't even mention ram as a negative and he seems to like it!

I need to stop being unrealistic and waiting for everything to be perfect, it never will be, besides there is always the option of returns too.

I think im going to go for it. Thanks everyone for the opinions and input.

Time to decide on a case or a keyboard case and screen protector or not. Ha.

Although if I go back to the mall I will have one last look at the surface pro 2, though I don't believe ill get it I want to try it.

Sounds like a good plan to me. Enjoy your new iPad!

 

[vgamedude]

Dont get a case, even the really slim ones ive used add too much to it. Use skins amd smart cover for front.

What exactly is a skin? Just to protect against scratches? Is it adhesive?

Oh you know a red skin with a red Smart Cover would look quite posh.

Still though I feel like a keyboard would be good to have no?

 

[Misskitty]

What exactly is a skin? Just to protect against scratches? Is it adhesive?

Oh you know a red skin with a red Smart Cover would look quite posh.

Still though I feel like a keyboard would be good to have no?

Yes, its an ultra thin plastic adhesive that goes on the back from edge to edge. Ghost armour os one of the best, plus comes with lifetime warranty. It wont protect from drops but it protects from scratches easily. Who drops their ipads of purpose? I know i dont. As long as youre not one of those people who throw their ipads down their stairs, youll be fine with a skin.

No case will be even as remotely as thin as any skin.

But id suggest wait until you know forsure youre keeping the air before putting one on, so you dont risk losing money if you decide to return the air.

 

[TWO2SEVEN]

What exactly is a skin? Just to protect against scratches? Is it adhesive?

Oh you know a red skin with a red Smart Cover would look quite posh.

Still though I feel like a keyboard would be good to have no?

The skins are similar to a screen protector. They won't do much (if anything) if you drop it, but it will stop the iPad from getting scratched under normal use.

As for the keyboard, it really depends on what you will use the iPad for.

 

[Batt]

What exactly is a skin? Just to protect against scratches? Is it adhesive?

Oh you know a red skin with a red Smart Cover would look quite posh.

Still though I feel like a keyboard would be good to have no?

The Air is my third iPad, and the first without a full case. I have a red smart cover. I'm not particularly careful with it, and the back has zero marks or scratches. No screen protectors, either. And never a keyboard. Typing on the iPad keyboard is a piece of cake.
Stop overthinking it.

 

[vgamedude]

Yes, its an ultra thin plastic adhesive that goes on the back from edge to edge. Ghost armour os one of the best, plus comes with lifetime warranty. It wont protect from drops but it protects from scratches easily. Who drops their ipads of purpose? I know i dont. As long as youre not one of those people who throw their ipads down their stairs, youll be fine with a skin.

No case will be even as remotely as thin as any skin.

But id suggest wait until you know forsure youre keeping the air before putting one on, so you dont risk losing money if you decide to return the air.

It's going to feel bad using the ipad unprotected for the retun period, I might at least install a screen protector. Furthermore no one intentionally drops their ipad hah but you never know what's going to happen.

The adhesive sounds like it would almost ruin the back or get it nasty, is that not a problem? I think having a screen protector/smart cover and a skin with apple care plus would be ideal, then I could always get a keyboard later if wanted.


Oh to the poster on the first page who was speaking about getting the ipad at best buy if I do that can I get apple care plus at best buy? I really liked having it on my 4s.

 

[TWO2SEVEN]

It's going to feel bad using the ipad unprotected for the retun period, I might at least install a screen protector. Furthermore no one intentionally drops their ipad hah but you never know what's going to happen.

The adhesive sounds like it would almost ruin the back or get it nasty, is that not a problem? I think having a screen protector/smart cover and a skin with apple care plus would be ideal, then I could always get a keyboard later if wanted.


Oh to the poster on the first page who was speaking about getting the ipad at best buy if I do that can I get apple care plus at best buy? I really liked having it on my 4s.

Best Buy will try to sell you their Geek Squad warranty. However, you can either purchase Apple Care over the phone or in an an Apple store. It doesn't matter where you bought the iPad.

I wouldn't worry about the adhesive, it is not like a sticker. I also wouldn't worry about a screen protector with the Smart Cover, but that's just my preference.

 

[vgamedude]

Best Buy will try to sell you their Geek Squad warranty. However, you can either purchase Apple Care over the phone or in an an Apple store. It doesn't matter where you bought the iPad.

I wouldn't worry about the adhesive, it is not like a sticker. I also wouldn't worry about a screen protector with the Smart Cover, but that's just my preference.

Okay yeah it says you can purchase AppleCare all the way to 30 days after the device is purchased, the problem with that being if you purchase at best buy, and get apple care at the same time then return the ipad to best buy you don't get refunded apple cares cost, so that would have to be done after the return period.

Smart Cover is 80 dollars! Wow didnt know it was that high.

 

[Batt]

Okay yeah it says you can purchase AppleCare all the way to 30 days after the device is purchased, the problem with that being if you purchase at best buy, and get apple care at the same time then return the ipad to best buy you don't get refunded apple cares cost, so that would have to be done after the return period.

Smart Cover is 80 dollars! Wow didnt know it was that high.

No, the Smart Case is $80, the Smart Cover is $40.

 

[zhenya]

I think you've gotten good advice so far.

I have a Surface Pro, a Nexus 7, and have tested a bunch of other tablets for my job. I'm on my 3rd ipad at home. Despite the iPads limitations, I think that for people wanting a computer supplement and not a computer replacement, the ipad is in a league of its own by a good margin. Besides the build quality, it's the battery life, and most importantly, the apps. By far the highest quality apps are on the ipad. The Safari reloading is a pain, and has honestly been around to some extent since the first ipad, but the alternatives are so sub-par as tablets that it just doesn't matter.

Third party browsers help a lot too.

 

[vgamedude]

I think you've gotten good advice so far.

I have a Surface Pro, a Nexus 7, and have tested a bunch of other tablets for my job. I'm on my 3rd ipad at home. Despite the iPads limitations, I think that for people wanting a computer supplement and not a computer replacement, the ipad is in a league of its own by a good margin. Besides the build quality, it's the battery life, and most importantly, the apps. By far the highest quality apps are on the ipad. The Safari reloading is a pain, and has honestly been around to some extent since the first ipad, but the alternatives are so sub-par as tablets that it just doesn't matter.

Third party browsers help a lot too.

I wouldn't use third party on an ipad, apple doesn't give them access to that java nitro deal so they are all slower and inferior.

 

[zhenya]

I wouldn't use third party on an ipad, apple doesn't give them access to that java nitro deal so they are all slower and inferior.

Yes, I'm well aware. You don't own an ipad, correct?

Third party browsers still bring a lot to the table, including the ability to keep 8-10 tabs open reliably on the Air. The speed of the overall device is so fast that the difference between Safari and the other browsers is largely not noticeable.

 

[quamsi]

Don't put too much stock into the advice of going case-less or just using a skin. There are some nice slim light cases which may make your investment a bit safer. A couple of people like to claim these cases turn your ipad to solid lead brick, but they are not the general consensus.

 

[deeddawg]

Skins: check out Skinomi. Put one on my rMini and it's good, at a fraction of the price of a bestskinsever.com, my previous favorite since 2005 or so. I've taken these off devices after two or three years and they leave no residue or adhesive.

Screen protector: Green Onions Supply anti-fingerprint crystal / oleophobic -- beats the pants off of the wet-apply style in my opinion, and pricing is good.

I do like the Smart Cover.

As for other accessories, like keyboard or stylus, just us the iPad by itself for a while and see what you need.

 

[Misskitty]

The only reason why i dont use screen protectors on my tab, but phone i do is cause no matter what, its going to get marked up over time so that means you will have to keep replacing them. Whereas the smartcover wont.

 

[vgamedude]

The only reason why i dont use screen protectors on my tab, but phone i do is cause no matter what, its going to get marked up over time so that means you will have to keep replacing them. Whereas the smartcover wont.

Well you can use both, ill probably do that.

 

[miamialley]

I don't understand about the safari tab reloads. I have an ipad 3 and don't experience reloads testing it out now on three tabs I have open.

 

[Ronnoco]

Get the Air, you'll love it!