First iPad Review
Here’s my first review of my new iPad. I’m sure I’ll have more to write in coming days after I get accessories and have more time to be on it. If you’ve already got yours send me a photo of you with it and let me know your thoughts.
I’ve got my extra Apple bluetooth keyboard paired to it which makes typing a lot faster. The built in keypad is very easy to use and a big relief from the iPhone one, especially for those with big fingers.
This will not replace my Macbook Pro notebook. However, for some people who only want to do email, browse do social networking and consume media (books, magazines, movies, etc.) this will be quite sufficient. I see me using it at home to grab and do the above functions and it’s going to be great for the airports and planes.
I like the fact that it turns on instantly. So let’s say you come home, sit down in your recliner and want to deal with email or surf the web. Pick it up and boom, you’re online.
It needs a case. It’s not real comfortable to carry without one because the edges are rounded and you also get extra finger marks on the screen (although you’re going to get lots anyway). I ordered several accessories that aren’t here yet including a case.
The screen is beautiful. I’ve already watched a movie on it via Netflix and it was great. I got the Twitterific app and it makes Twitter fun. I can still use Tweetie 2 but the app hasn’t been optimized for iPad yet so we’ll see what happens with that. I never liked Twitterific for my Mac but on the iPad it works great. I also got the iWorks apps (Pages, Keynote, Numbers) so I can edit and create Word docs, pdfs, slideshows, etc.
One of the accessories I ordered is a VGA adapter so I can plug it into a projector. I’m intending to use the iPad for some of my presentations in coming months.
I decided not to get the version that will work with 3G (AT&T) since I only plan to use this when I’ll be in wifi. If you’re not in a good AT&T signal area then go with wifi only assuming you have it at home, work or your favorite coffee shop, which is where I’m tryping this (Coffee Zone).
I’ve found that everything works fast and so far no glitches at all. It was easy to set up and sync to iTunes. I loaded my music on it and then synced all my contacts, calendar, etc. via my Mobile Me account. Cloud computing is where it’s at! With my Mobile Me account it’s easy to share documents with my notebook and desktop. Same goes for photos and other media files.
One thing I don’t need on here is the WordPress app that I have on my iPhone. I’m in the iPad browser and it’s all I need.
I’ve already purchased one book from the Apple store. Downloaded quickly and reading on this device is about the best experience I’ve seen after looking at other eReaders. And this device does so much more. Of course it costs a lot more too.
Keep in mind that the price doesn’t include tax and Apple Care which I recommend for any Apple device you purchase. So, that’s enough of the first review. Feel free to ask questions or post your comments.
In this week's program you can listen in to my conversation with Bill Howard, Fastline, about their new mobile game app, AgRacer.
16 Comments
Brent Pohlman
Chuck
Great review…I thought your quote, “One of the accessories I ordered is a VGA adapter so I can plug it into a projector. I’m intending to use the iPad for some of my presentations in coming months. ” about the accessories was really interesting. How much is that accessory?
Thanks for sharing your experience with all of us. Look forward to hearing more in the future.
Chuck
It’s $29 from the Apple Store: http://store.apple.com/us/product/IPAD_VGA_ADP?mco=MTc0MjU1OTU
Scott
I hope this wasn’t a paid author that typed this review. This is a sample of the worst writing on the web. The grammar and sentence structure are on a sixth grade level. Is this a blog? I hope so …
Chuck
No Scott, unfortunately I didn’t get paid to write this. Thanks for your literary criticism. If you’re not sure about AgWired being a blog then you must not be very web savvy. Keep reading and you’ll get up to speed.
gregory griffin
I’m traveling to Australia soon, will my Ipad work there? Can I use the U.S. store instead of the Australia store?
Sergey
My question is how does it fare against a netbook? After all, the base device costs around $500 and you’ve ended up purchasing an external keyboard and VGA adapter. Why should I spend the money for all that when I can get a netbook with more features for nearly half the price?
Greg Lamp
Man, you truly are a techno geek, aren’t you!
Cody
I really want the ipad and I would like to know how much space ebooks take up. That would help influence how big of a hard-drive I would need.
Claire
Have you purchased e-books on it yet? I’m eager to hear how the reading experience is. After reading a lot of reviews here: http://bit.ly/a7GWvU I heard the backlighting is hard on the eyes.
Chuck
Thanks for all the comments. Yes, I am a techno geek. I’m all about using them to earn a living!
The iPad will work anywhere as long as you can keep it charged. I’ve never used any store outside of US but would recommend you make purchases before an international trip so you’ve got content to watch/read/listen to on the way. I’ll be taking mine to Belgium next week.
I think the iPad is a good alternative to a netbook (I have an HP Mini 311) but one of the main limitations is inability to connect other devices via usb (card reader, printer, etc.). This is why I don’t think it really can replace a notebook or netbook. It really depends on how many and what type of applications you need to use.
ebooks don’t take up much memory. They’re small files since they’re just text. Now if they start making books with a lot graphics and internal functions, etc. it might be different.
I’ve only got one ebook so far but reading it is a great experience. The screen is beautiful to read on.
Colin
“work or your favorite coffee shop, which is where I’m tryping this (Coffee Zone).”
I’m guessing typing out messages still sucks like on the iphone if you are “tryping” out messages.
Arthur
$500? I don’t know. I like the concept but for what it does it is over priced. I think e-readers are over priced to. When a tablet comes out in the $100 – $200 range I am sure I will buy one. Since I do not care if it is apple or palm or google I am sure I will not have to wait long. Battery life +, weight +, No flash – Price – -, Limited Ports I don’t know I guess I just don’t care much about that.
I would like something like this for a media center remote.
Chuck
Typing on the iPad is a much improved experience over the iPhone. I’ve already typed longer messages and emails but it’s still a touch pad and therefore you can’t rest your fingers on the screen. In landscape mode, propped up, it’s not too bad.
However, knowing I want to type long message I like being able to turn on my bluetooth keyboard and type “normal.” I’m getting a stand to hold the iPad up in front of me while I use the keyboard in front of it or in my lap. It works very nicely.
gardner
Chuck, informative review comments. Question: how’s the battery life on it? I may get one for my commute (train/bus) and travel.
Chuck
I have used the iPad from fully charged for about 6+ hours which included open browser (watching some tv), email, reading, downloading/installing apps/books and reading. At that point it got down to about 65%. I have since recharged. That’s my best take on the battery life. Looks pretty good to me!
Evan Slack
Good Morning Chuck,
Tho’t your observations were right on. At my Apple Store the other day, looked at the iPad. It’s terrific on some of the features you highlighted.
Will take another look when 3G is available on the iPad.
Chuck, a free update is in the making for the 3GS iPhone this summer that will permit
multi-paging without going back to square one each time.
All the best,
See you two at NAMA.
Evan
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