More iPad First Impressions and Discussion

[clank72]

>>>>ummm I am thinking its your eyes that need checking, i have been using mine for 12 hours now... and find it quite easy to read the screen, its a bit heavy but thats a different issue.<<<

+1

And neutrino23, I salute you brutha. If you vision that, go for it.

 

[nelmat]

iPad = iTunes vending machine.

Enjoy continually plopping quarters into your iPad so you can actually use the damn thing to accomplish something.

What utter nonsense. Do I need to give money to the appstore or iTunes to use this device? I think not. Everything i need it do happens out of the box, I've yet to purchase a single track from the iTunes store or an App, and I've had an iPod since first generation, launch day.

 

[nelmat]

I don't know why everyone went so early. I went about 3pm at Best Buy and there was no line or anything. It was just like walking in to buy a dvd or something. Please don't panic. I'm in Las Vegas too.

If you can, try to get the 30gig at least. Some apps are over a Gig. You'll fill it up in no time.

I played Scrabble with 2 iphones today, with my girlfriend for about 2 hours on it. Battery was great., only used about 50%. Already charged out of the box.

I couldn't really afford the ipad, I spent money I didn't have, but I just wanted to have it. Now I'm not sure what to do with it. Some games are cool, but I don't read and not planning on watching movies in my lap. It's a great traveling device though if you have a Wi-Fi connection.

Besides all that, it's a kick ass piece of quality. Movie trailers look amazing as well as the graphics. The video quality puts iphone to shame. What I'm going to do with the ipad, I have no idea.

Apps over one gig?! Are you serious...! Photoshop CS4 (Full Version) is less than 300 megs - what on earth is over a gig on the app store?

 

[nelmat]

The biggest joke is the 16gig size. Too bad apple couldn't eat $5 into their profit margins to make the entry level 32 gigs instead of 16 gigs.

I have a 16 gig ipod touch and with SOME of my music and a couple of apps it's full to the brim. I have NO room for photos, NO room for any video, and I have to pick and choose my apps (especially big ones like games) and constantly delete music to put new stuff on.

32 gigs would be the MINIMUM to make this device worthwhile, with 64gigs being comfortable. If I were to have an ipad I want all of my photos on it (several gigs from iphoto), I want a good amount of my music (maybe only 5-10 gigs, it's not an ipod so I probably wouldn't put my entire library onto it), I want a good amount of video, and lots of apps. I could see myself filling a 32 gig ipad to the max from day 1, and then having no extra room after that without going back and deleting something (which sucks). I want to take this with me instead of a laptop when I don't have to do work, so I can show pictures/video/music to friends and family. What good is it if the storage is too small (16 gigs) to actually bring any of my content with me? I'll have to bring my laptop with me if I want to get work done AND if I want my data with me, which makes the ipad useless.

I'll wait till gen 2 when the bugs are worked out, there is a huge library of good ipad specific apps, when it gets an updated and tweaked OS, a front facing camera, more power, and REASONABLE storage.

I think at gen2 this thing is going to be revolutionary for one main reason, the apps. As all of the critics have pointed out this is just a big ipod touch, so it needs a big library of kickass apps from creative programers who can think up awesome ways to use the ipad that make any other sort of computing seem like a joke. Right now there is none of that, but we're starting to see a glimpse of it's potential.

It will be a year before any of this is established, and by then the 2nd gen will be SO much better in terms of hardware.

All of the 1st gen ipad owners will be twiddling there thumbs for a long time until some really great polished apps start to come out and people get more and more creative (not to mention the bugs being worked out). I'll just twiddle my thumbs with my mbp and wait until the real ipad is released next year.

I know, only a thousand dedicated apps on launch day - how limiting.

I would imagine that the people who bought this device to use it for the sated purpose (checking email, reading books, listening to music, watching video, light content creation) might well be doing that in between "twiddling their thumbs".

Any news of any 'bugs' yet that aren't simply going to be corrected in the near future with software updates?

If I was you, I'd wait until the 5th/6th generation - then it will be a usable product guess?! No point buying the first iteration of a product based on the sixth iteration of an existing device and the most successful application deployment community in the history of computing, that would be folly!!!

ps. If 16 gig isn't big enough for you, buy a bigger model - there's no way my mum will ever come close to filling that. There are people with different requirements to your own and it seems that Apple, in their ignorance, aren't only catering for your requirements.

 

[MacPhilosopher]

Or...

I think 3G is obvious simply because you can turn it on and off as needed. So if you are a wifi believer and you go to some vacation where wifi sucks, you can turn on 3G for that period.



Rocketman

I think it's more likely that you will be in a place with bad 3G and need the wi-fi.

 

[momoz88]

The Display

What about the iPad display? I think it is glossy, but not sure. I would like that some one confirms that. If it is glossy, I do not think the iPad will constitute a good reader, specially in sunny environments 🙁

 

[nelmat]

Hopefully people will bring feedback to apple and some common sense....just a camara, USB PORT!!!! and 32GB entry level iPads.

What do you need a USB port for? Most people won't require one (it's not a requirment for the devices stated purpose), but if you do for occasional use, just spend $30 and get the camera connection kit. The argument about this adapter being "one more thing to carry around" is nonsense - surely the thing you want to connect to the iPad is already "one more thing" to be carrying around. If you wanna hook up a printer, wired keyboard, then you're missing the point.

The constant call of camera makes me laugh - yes they may add one I suppose - but most people do not make video calls, and if they did, then a laptop or smartphone is better suited - ergonomically first and foremost.

It seems people want to turn this into a desktop computer. Put it on a stand, keyboard in front, on a desk with a webcam on top. Those devices already exist guys, they're called laptop and desktop computers. Do keep up. Stop trying to turn this device into something that it isn't.

 

[nelmat]

What about the iPad display? I think it is glossy, but not sure. I would like that some one confirms that. If it is glossy, I do not think the iPad will constitute a good reader, specially in sunny environments 🙁

It is glossy, it holds up well in sunny environments, as does my laptop, just angle the screen so the sun isn't shining on it. Reviewers have universally said that reading on this thing is just fine.

 

[nelmat]

I am another victim in the iTunes illegal charges. My account has been charged multiple times...ALL SINCE YESTERDAY!!

After researching this online, iTunes FRAUDULENT charge(s) has been taking place for more than two years.

It is holiday weekend and I had to cancel both my cards and will not be able to rectify the matter with the bank until Monday morning, however the customer service representative at my bank said this issue is not isolated and continues to "PREY" upon many.

Apple needs to take ownership of this fraud against hardworking people like myself, that can not afford to be taken advantage of! Whether or not this is their fraud, as long as a person's bank records says iTunes; its Apple's problem.

I feel your pain - but what exactly does this have to do with a discussion about the iPad?

 

[clank72]

Apps over one gig?! Are you serious...! Photoshop CS4 (Full Version) is less than 300 megs - what on earth is over a gig on the app store?

"The Elements" is around 1.70 gigs because of it's graphical content. Most are not that large. But gives us an idea of the potential.

 

[nelmat]

no camera no buy

It doesn't have an built in scanner, or printer - no buy.

I mean, seriously.

lmao.

 

[koobcamuk]

Doesn't anyone else think it looks a little, sparse, with those icons in that layout? Too much space.

Pretty sure I want one but I want to see how people feel after the newness wears off.

Me too.

 

[QEII Student IT]

I need to wait for Version 2 to see if Marketcircle and other devos make the apps I'd like for the iPad.

Erm, no you wouldn't. When they made them, you could download them

 

[MacPhilosopher]

Wow!

Alright, some folks need to understand something. Some of the apps like Keynote and Pages are gimmicks to make you think you can do real work with the ipad. This is mostly marketing here guys. This is why my Windows friends make fun of Apple and I'm getting tired of it.

To me, gadgets like the ipad and iphone are just to make life more fun and convenient... and lets face it... it's what you show off to your friends too. The ipad is mostly an entertainment device. Even if it's a cool way to check the weather and stocks, it's still fun and cool unlike anything else out there period.

We don't need the ipad or an iphone, these are really geeky products for folks that like to use the latest and coolest thing -thats all. Because the ipad IS cool as hell and that's what I like about it. Now for REAL work that pays the bills, I will be upstairs hammering on my MacPro.

So with that said. Please don't feel the need to justify the price of your new toy to make it seem like a necessary tool. Because I highly dout it is. Just enjoy it, make more excitement in your lifes with your families and be happy. On Monday, it's time to break out the mouse.

Sure thing Mister Gates.

 

[QEII Student IT]

iPad = iTunes vending machine.

Enjoy continually plopping quarters into your iPad so you can actually use the damn thing to accomplish something.

Here we go again, why don't you "pundits" give us a few days of liking it?

 

[QEII Student IT]

Alright, some folks need to understand something. Some of the apps like Keynote and Pages are gimmicks to make you think you can do real work with the ipad. This is mostly marketing here guys. This is why my Windows friends make fun of Apple and I'm getting tired of it.

To me, gadgets like the ipad and iphone are just to make life more fun and convenient... and lets face it... it's what you show off to your friends too. The ipad is mostly an entertainment device. Even if it's a cool way to check the weather and stocks, it's still fun and cool unlike anything else out there period.

We don't need the ipad or an iphone, these are really geeky products for folks that like to use the latest and coolest thing -thats all. Because the ipad IS cool as hell and that's what I like about it. Now for REAL work that pays the bills, I will be upstairs hammering on my MacPro.

So with that said. Please don't feel the need to justify the price of your new toy to make it seem like a necessary tool. Because I highly dout it is. Just enjoy it, make more excitement in your lifes with your families and be happy. On Monday, it's time to break out the mouse.

Yep, because you know so much more about this device than anyone else here and you're so generous to be kind enough to tell us what to do

 

[MacPhilosopher]

How?

Well, because people just want it all. Some things just take time. Apple makes choices that are practical for their products, and to keep people from shooting themselves in the foot. Believe or not, it's more important for Apple to create flimsy apps like Pages then a USB port.

How is Pages flimsy? Are you trying to do desktop publishing with it?

 

[DMann]

The Elements

It's the same method, so keep trying.

Yes, I'm writing this on my new iPad and it's amazing.

Actually, this thing is freakin' amazing. Have you checked out Theodore Gray's App The Elements? This truly foreshadows the future of apps - the 3D resolution on these images is truly mind boggling - they seem to pop out of the screen, even without the 3D glasses.

The photo app is beautifully implemented, with animated stacks for albums and events, and is extremely responsive overall. Netflix streams appear to be much higher resolution than on a desktop.

I've been running it for +14 hours and still have 32% battery to spare. Real Racing HD is ridiculously smooth, as is the capacitive screen response for zooming, overall.

The sound is crisp, with decent bass. Email rocks, as does browsing. The OS seems far superior to that of the current iPhone 3.1.3 in terms of vividness, feel, and response - the 3D dock is a nice touch. Really pleased, so far.

 

[rdowns]

I played with one for over half an hour but still didn't buy. Pretty sure I want one but I want to see how people feel after the newness wears off.

iCaved. LOL.

Went back to the Apple Store a little after 7pm and they were closed. 😱

Drove to other Apple Store in the area which was open until 9:30.

Got the 16GB with Apple case. This device rocks despite all its shortcoming- real or imagined.

 

[SirHaakon]

It doesn't have an built in scanner, or printer - no buy.

I mean, seriously.

lmao.

A camera is a perfectly legitimate request to have on a device like this, especially for video conferencing uses (and since it's only Wi-Fi enabled right now, bandwidth isn't an issue).

A printer and scanner on the other hand are obviously ridiculous suggestions.

I hate posts like these that try to make the OP look unreasonable by equating their wishes with ones that are even more ludicrous. Add me to the no camera = no buy camp.

 

[SirHaakon]

What do you need a USB port for?

Tethering.

 

[wolfpackfan]

Well I absolutely love my iPad. It is a life changer as far as I'm concern. I did not touch my mini at all yesterday. I just don't need it anymore. Web experience is outstanding as well as email. iBooks is great and the new Kindle update runs great on it. My favorite app though is Netflix. Last night I sat in my recliner and watched Fawlty Towers and Doctor Who on it. Absoluteley fantastic. Yes, the keyboard is a little different, but like all things you can get used to it. In fact I'm posting this on it. Much better than iPhone for sure. This is without a doubt the best computing device I've ever purchased.

 

[slackpacker]

Ok I'm going to start a movement. My major beef is the Apple Home Button. The Home button on the iPhone was sort of necessary but now with the increased real-estate why can't Apple add a SOFTWARE based Home button to the iPad? The thing is your constantly pressing the Home button and its basically the only thing that can break on the iPad. My first iPhone broke in this way. Plus a software button could actually be somewhat intelligent. Hopefully 4.0 OS will fix this with multitasking which would eliminate most of the Home button presses.

 

[mickhyperion]

I want to know that too. We need both Æ, Ø and Å on the iPad! ;-)

Actually they're already present. Many keys on the iPad keyboard (as well as the iPhone and iPod Touch keyboards) have multiple character options if you just press and hold the keys down. For example, pressing and holding the A key down gives you the options of using Æ, Ã, Å, Ā, ª, À, Á, Â, Ä, or plain old A. I'm typing this from my iPad so those characters are definitely present, even without an international keyboard turned on. Try going through all of the keys, including symbols, to see what lies beneath them. One of my favorites is the .com key when typing in the address bar. It gives you the option of using .org, .edu, or .net instead.

 

[egwnx01]

Love the iPad

I ordered on based on my experience with the iPod Touch. And after using all day yesterday I do not regret the purchase.
Yeah....sure....it does not do everything a desktop or notebook does. It is not designed to. It is more of an extension of those. Something you take with you when you do not want to, or need to, lug around that notebook. Or something you can use when you are wandering around the house and chatting with someone on one of the instant messenger programs.
The iPad seriously frees up a person from being desk bound in so many ways. It does what the notebook was originally designed to do, be truly portable, and it does so without the bulkiness of the notebook.
And it can only get better from here.