Apple iPad, first report

[Ken555]

I subscribed to the Wall Street Journal on my iPad. It's expensive ($17.29/mth) but after a few days I'm finding it a great investment. I have a bunch of news apps but this is by far the best. It updates throughout the day, integrates video on current events, and has the familiar look of a newspaper.

 

[pwrshift]

No applications in Canada!!

Can't get any apps at all here in Canada, I'm finding, as I bought mine last week in the USA and they all have to go through iTunes. Anytime I try to get one they say applications are not available in my country.

I guess they won't make them available until it's officially launched in Canada (was supposed to be Apr 24 but now a month or more later) ... and IBOOKS won't come until after they've honed out copyright problems and rates with Canadian book publishers.

 

[pjrose]

Can't get any apps at all here in Canada, I'm finding, as I bought mine last week in the USA and they all have to go through iTunes. Anytime I try to get one they say applications are not available in my country.

I guess they won't make them available until it's officially launched in Canada (was supposed to be Apr 24 but now a month or more later) ... and IBOOKS won't come until after they've honed out copyright problems and rates with Canadian book publishers.

Do you have a Mac computer? Before the iPad was released, DS got apps downloaded onto his MacBook Pro, then when he got the iPad he just zapped them over to it.

 

[Transit]

I decided to break down and get the iPad.Browsing in the Apple store was my downfall. I picked it up and after messing around with it for about 20 minutes it was mine. The user experience is great. The browser flies and multimedia plays flawlessly. Start up is fast and resuming from rest is almost instant. I got the 16 g version and loaded a ton of stuff and still have 10 gig left. One thing Apple does really well is coordinate space.Apps do not take up much space and photos, videos,music and pictures are sized for optimum space. The lack of flash has left some holes in my email and web but I guess it's a give and take for the Ipad to run so flawlessly.As a portable entertainment system the Ipad rocks I don't use it for work so I'm not sure how the various productions tools work. As a reader I like my moms kindle better but for a multipurpose device it works very well. Speakers are just ok But it's just to simple to connect to speakers via Bluetooth or cord to complain about that. The lack of a front facing webcam is disappointing but I've already decided I'll upgrade and pass this one to my son when a more refined version is released.The Apple Ipad book cover feels like .99 cents worth of material but is very functional. I think if you on the edge and undecided if you pick one up and use it awhile you will be pleased with the Ipad.I was very critical of it's short comings when the specs were first released but it's a very hands on device and reading reviews just doesn't do it justice.You have to try it on for size.

 

[pwrshift]

A tablet war will erupt soon...

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20001760-1.html

Looks like it won't be too long until the tablet war starts.

I'm typing this on my laptop, even though I have the 64 WIFI iPad. I'm a touch typist and can't stand the touch screen for typing ... you can't rest your fingers on the keys without it typing...so I end up typing with two fingers and make all kinds of mistakes. And it's so slow that way, at least for me. It might be better if I had 3 hands -- one to hold it while using two to type.

Hate to say I miss being able to open half my emails on it because the iPad won't play most of the attached joke movies friends send. Many of the websites I go to have videos that won't play on the iPad. Every time I click on one, I get a message Flash needs to be installed ... but when you try, it won't install and there's no alternate.

I haven't ever used the webcam on my laptop, but I can see it being missed by those who do on Skype, etc.

I've never had a Mac before, but it is not as easy to learn as the ads make out, compared to a PC, where I miss my 'favorites' on Windows Explorer ... Safari doesn't seem to offer that. Also can't put up multiple windows, so instead on the iPad I seem to be going back and forth trying to find the previous page somewhere.

The manual is helpful, but I can't figure out how to store it on the iPad so I don't have to go to a website and wait while it downloads every time. And even if I could 'where' do you store it...can't find any files outside of iTunes.

How do I send pictures, music files, etc. from iPad's iTunes program to my PC ... and where do I find them on the computer? I can't even figure out how to 'attach' a music mp3 file or movie to an email. I added things to my iPad while in the USA assuming that I could send it to my computer at home when I got back ... now it appears if I do that it will wipe out my PC data and replace it with the iPad's (huh?), and that might mean I have to wipe out my iPad stuff just to sync the laptop to it.

It's really not a computer ... nor is the iPad really an entertainment device without flash, etc. And now I hear the iPad apps won't start up for me until they start selling iPads in Canada -- which might be delayed as late as June this year!

Hurry up HP. In the meantime, I must admit it's fun being one of the few Canadians to have an iPad.

Brian

 

[pjrose]

. . .
. . .
I've never had a Mac before, but it is not as easy to learn as the ads make out, compared to a PC. . . I can't figure out . . .
How do . . .

Answers to all of these questions and more can be learned by going to an Apple Store and talking to the Geniuses there! This is assuming you have an Apple Store nearby......if so, just make an appointment to talk with a genius. You can do that online on the Apple site; go under support.

PJ

 

[PigsDad]

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20001760-1.html

Looks like it won't be too long until the tablet war starts.

Interesting video. I like how they (not so subtly) highlighted that the HP tablet would have USB and flashcard slots. Two big things missing in the iPad, IMO.

Kurt

 

[taffy19]

A tablet war will erupt soon...

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20001760-1.html

Looks like it won't be too long until the tablet war starts.

I'm typing this on my laptop, even though I have the 64 WIFI iPad. I'm a touch typist and can't stand the touch screen for typing ... you can't rest your fingers on the keys without it typing...so I end up typing with two fingers and make all kinds of mistakes. And it's so slow that way, at least for me. It might be better if I had 3 hands -- one to hold it while using two to type.

Hate to say I miss being able to open half my emails on it because the iPad won't play most of the attached joke movies friends send. Many of the websites I go to have videos that won't play on the iPad. Every time I click on one, I get a message Flash needs to be installed ... but when you try, it won't install and there's no alternate.

I haven't ever used the webcam on my laptop, but I can see it being missed by those who do on Skype, etc.

I've never had a Mac before, but it is not as easy to learn as the ads make out, compared to a PC, where I miss my 'favorites' on Windows Explorer ... Safari doesn't seem to offer that. Also can't put up multiple windows, so instead on the iPad I seem to be going back and forth trying to find the previous page somewhere.

The manual is helpful, but I can't figure out how to store it on the iPad so I don't have to go to a website and wait while it downloads every time. And even if I could 'where' do you store it...can't find any files outside of iTunes.

How do I send pictures, music files, etc. from iPad's iTunes program to my PC ... and where do I find them on the computer? I can't even figure out how to 'attach' a music mp3 file or movie to an email. I added things to my iPad while in the USA assuming that I could send it to my computer at home when I got back ... now it appears if I do that it will wipe out my PC data and replace it with the iPad's (huh?), and that might mean I have to wipe out my iPad stuff just to sync the laptop to it.

It's really not a computer ... nor is the iPad really an entertainment device without flash, etc. And now I hear the iPad apps won't start up for me until they start selling iPads in Canada -- which might be delayed as late as June this year!

Hurry up HP. In the meantime, I must admit it's fun being one of the few Canadians to have an iPad.

Brian

Let it erupt as this is good for the consumer. It keeps the manufacturers on their toes and we all benefit by it.

 

[MULTIZ321]

Testing the iPad's Trip Worthiness - from The Economic Times



Richard

 

[Clemson Fan]

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20001760-1.html

Looks like it won't be too long until the tablet war starts.

I'm typing this on my laptop, even though I have the 64 WIFI iPad. I'm a touch typist and can't stand the touch screen for typing ... you can't rest your fingers on the keys without it typing...so I end up typing with two fingers and make all kinds of mistakes. And it's so slow that way, at least for me. It might be better if I had 3 hands -- one to hold it while using two to type.

Hate to say I miss being able to open half my emails on it because the iPad won't play most of the attached joke movies friends send. Many of the websites I go to have videos that won't play on the iPad. Every time I click on one, I get a message Flash needs to be installed ... but when you try, it won't install and there's no alternate.

I haven't ever used the webcam on my laptop, but I can see it being missed by those who do on Skype, etc.

I've never had a Mac before, but it is not as easy to learn as the ads make out, compared to a PC, where I miss my 'favorites' on Windows Explorer ... Safari doesn't seem to offer that. Also can't put up multiple windows, so instead on the iPad I seem to be going back and forth trying to find the previous page somewhere.

The manual is helpful, but I can't figure out how to store it on the iPad so I don't have to go to a website and wait while it downloads every time. And even if I could 'where' do you store it...can't find any files outside of iTunes.

How do I send pictures, music files, etc. from iPad's iTunes program to my PC ... and where do I find them on the computer? I can't even figure out how to 'attach' a music mp3 file or movie to an email. I added things to my iPad while in the USA assuming that I could send it to my computer at home when I got back ... now it appears if I do that it will wipe out my PC data and replace it with the iPad's (huh?), and that might mean I have to wipe out my iPad stuff just to sync the laptop to it.

It's really not a computer ... nor is the iPad really an entertainment device without flash, etc. And now I hear the iPad apps won't start up for me until they start selling iPads in Canada -- which might be delayed as late as June this year!

Hurry up HP. In the meantime, I must admit it's fun being one of the few Canadians to have an iPad.

Brian

That pretty much sums up my sentiments exactly. I've played with it now at the Navy Exchange at least 4-5 times and each time I'm fairly disappointed. I've surfed the web on it a lot and the lack of flash really becomes apparent quickly and I miss it quite a bit more then I do on my iPhone.

The HP Slate will be interesting once it comes out. Here's an interesting chart comparison of the two devices.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/05/hp-slate-to-cost-549-have-1-6ghz-atom-z530-5-hour-battery/

On paper at least, the HP slate looks pretty awesome and something I will probably end up getting. However, something I've learned with smart phones is that how something looks on paper doesn't usually translate into how it is in your hands actually using it. On paper there are several smartphones that are better then the iPhone, but when I actually try them out in the stores the iPhone still blows them away IMO.

 

[BocaBum99]

That pretty much sums up my sentiments exactly. I've played with it now at the Navy Exchange at least 4-5 times and each time I'm fairly disappointed. I've surfed the web on it a lot and the lack of flash really becomes apparent quickly and I miss it quite a bit more then I do on my iPhone.

The HP Slate will be interesting once it comes out. Here's an interesting chart comparison of the two devices.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/05/hp-slate-to-cost-549-have-1-6ghz-atom-z530-5-hour-battery/

On paper at least, the HP slate looks pretty awesome and something I will probably end up getting. However, something I've learned with smart phones is that how something looks on paper doesn't usually translate into how it is in your hands actually using it. On paper there are several smartphones that are better then the iPhone, but when I actually try them out in the stores the iPhone still blows them away IMO.

I won't buy any Netbook computer that doesn't have instant on. That is the single most important feature to me. When I want to check email, I want to check it NOW. Not 3-5 minutes from now as my netbook books. And no, sleep or hibernate mode does not do it.

You will buy an iPad eventually. That's why you keep picking it up. If you truly hated it, you would simply ignore it. but, you can't, because it is a fantastic product that simply doesn't meet your need yet. Wait until the 3 version. You will probably dump that Windows computer you tote around that you know sucks and will eventually be replaced by an Apple. Just go with it. Resistance is futile.

 

[Karen G]

I've never had a Mac before, but it is not as easy to learn as the ads make out, compared to a PC, where I miss my 'favorites' on Windows Explorer ... Safari doesn't seem to offer that. Also can't put up multiple windows, so instead on the iPad I seem to be going back and forth trying to find the previous page somewhere.

I'm not a computer wizard by any means, but I know a few basic things about my Apple. I don't have an iPad, but if your Safari screen works the same as mine, here are two things I know:

If you press the Apple key (bottom left w/apple on it) and the letter "T" at the same time, another window will open, so you can have multiple windows open at the same time that show as tabs along the top of the page.

There is a favorites bar at the top with a little open book symbol to the left. Click on the open book and you can then click on what you want to save as a favorite.

The best advice you've received is to go to the Apple store and sit down with someone who'll show you how to use the iPad. You do have to make an appointment though.

 

[Transit]

HP slate not is cuttng it for me. Windows on phones and light devices have always been a mess. Maybe this with change when the new Windows 7 phones and Microsoft Hub comes together. Google Android tablet is showing promise.I guess there will be a slew of these devices soon to be released.

 

[Ken555]

I'm not a computer wizard by any means, but I know a few basic things about my Apple. I don't have an iPad, but if your Safari screen works the same as mine, here are two things I know:

If you press the Apple key (bottom left w/apple on it) and the letter "T" at the same time, another window will open, so you can have multiple windows open at the same time that show as tabs along the top of the page.

There's no command keys on the iPad. Tabbed browsing, as you know it, isn't available with Safari on iPad, though you may have multiple windows. There are also other web browser applications for the iPad, some of which have interesting features not included with Safari, but none that I've found so far (though I haven't spend a lot of time looking) have tabs shown in a manner consistent with our experience on a computer.

 

[Ken555]

Looks like it won't be too long until the tablet war starts.

It's important that there be competition for this growing market segment. Apple can't be left to it alone.

I'm typing this on my laptop, even though I have the 64 WIFI iPad. I'm a touch typist and can't stand the touch screen for typing ... you can't rest your fingers on the keys without it typing...so I end up typing with two fingers and make all kinds of mistakes. And it's so slow that way, at least for me. It might be better if I had 3 hands -- one to hold it while using two to type.

Have you bought a case for your iPad yet? If you don't have one, then it will be difficult to touch type. If you do have one, it's relatively easy. As I posted previously, after about an hour of constant use (of typing) I'm now able to type at least 30-40 words per minute, if not more. I have a bluetooth keyboard I was going to use with the iPad, and I haven't felt the need to use it once yet.

I've never had a Mac before, but it is not as easy to learn as the ads make out, compared to a PC, where I miss my 'favorites' on Windows Explorer ... Safari doesn't seem to offer that.

The iPad Safari version has the Safari "Bookmarks", which is similar in function to IE "Favorites". Open Safari and click on the book icon in the menu bar (it's the fourth button from the left...)

Also can't put up multiple windows, so instead on the iPad I seem to be going back and forth trying to find the previous page somewhere.

The third button from the left is the window button, where you can see multiple windows at once.

'where' do you store it...can't find any files outside of iTunes.

There are now quite a number of applications for accessing files on computers from the iPad, along with some that will store on the iPad. I've found ReaddleDocs to be pretty good so far.

How do I send pictures, music files, etc. from iPad's iTunes program to my PC ... and where do I find them on the computer? I can't even figure out how to 'attach' a music mp3 file or movie to an email.

You sync your iPad to your computer, and all music, apps, etc will download. It's important to do this regularly so you have a backup of your iPad, as well.

I don't believe you can attach music or video files to an email on the iPad. Photos, on the other hand, are quite easy to attach - just go to the Photos app, fine the image you want, and click the button on the upper-right of the screen where you'll be prompted with the following options: email photo, send to mobileme, assign to contact, use as wallpaper, copy photo.

I added things to my iPad while in the USA assuming that I could send it to my computer at home when I got back ... now it appears if I do that it will wipe out my PC data and replace it with the iPad's (huh?), and that might mean I have to wipe out my iPad stuff just to sync the laptop to it.

There are a number of reports of issues when using the iPad outside the USA right now. I'm surprised you can't backup the unit, though. It does not make any sense that it would delete your PC data.

It's really not a computer ... nor is the iPad really an entertainment device without flash, etc.

Well, that's up to subjective discussion. But you're right about the computer part, at least as far as typical usage of a computer. That's the argument I've been trying to make here for a while now, but it seems some people still want all the features of a computer on the iPad nonetheless.

And now I hear the iPad apps won't start up for me until they start selling iPads in Canada -- which might be delayed as late as June this year!

In fairness, the usage restrictions were public before the iPad went on sale. I know other Canadians who are able to get around this limitation because they VPN into a network in the USA, so Apple thinks the iPad is in the US.

 

[Clemson Fan]

I won't buy any Netbook computer that doesn't have instant on. That is the single most important feature to me. When I want to check email, I want to check it NOW. Not 3-5 minutes from now as my netbook books. And no, sleep or hibernate mode does not do it.

You will buy an iPad eventually. That's why you keep picking it up. If you truly hated it, you would simply ignore it. but, you can't, because it is a fantastic product that simply doesn't meet your need yet. Wait until the 3 version. You will probably dump that Windows computer you tote around that you know sucks and will eventually be replaced by an Apple. Just go with it. Resistance is futile.

LOL. You're probably right. In fairness, though, I'm pretty much done looking at it and it's usually my son who drags me over to it so he can play on the "big itouch". I probably will buy the next generation.

I'm hoping the wars heat up and this HP Slate or other products like it will be able to compete. If the iPad had what the HP Slate has on paper I'd buy it in an instant.

 

[Clemson Fan]

The best advice you've received is to go to the Apple store and sit down with someone who'll show you how to use the iPad. You do have to make an appointment though.

Doesn't that kinda defeat the purpose of an Apple product?

Apple does have fantastic tech support, but I was really hoping I'd have to use it a whole lot less then I have with my iMac.

 

[pjrose]

Learning Curve

. . .

The best advice you've received is to go to the Apple store and sit down with someone who'll show you how to use the iPad. You do have to make an appointment though.

Doesn't that kinda defeat the purpose of an Apple product?

Apple does have fantastic tech support, but I was really hoping I'd have to use it a whole lot less then I have with my iMac.

Yes and no.....with anything new there's likely to be a learning curve. You can likely figure out the basics with a bit of experimentation, but to find out about things that you didn't know were available often takes someone to show you.

There are so many features in ANY system or program. Asking "how do I" will tell you about lots of them, but there are also lots that might not occur to people to even ask about!

That's why I recommend going in to the store for someone to show you what you did ask about, and also lots you may not even have known to ask about. (and here I mean "you" generically)

 

[Ken555]

For those who demand USB ports in their quasi-iPad, take a look over here or here. Oh, and it runs Windows, too.

 

[Clemson Fan]

The HP Slate will be interesting once it comes out. Here's an interesting chart comparison of the two devices.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/05/hp-slate-to-cost-549-have-1-6ghz-atom-z530-5-hour-battery/

On paper at least, the HP slate looks pretty awesome and something I will probably end up getting. However, something I've learned with smart phones is that how something looks on paper doesn't usually translate into how it is in your hands actually using it. On paper there are several smartphones that are better then the iPhone, but when I actually try them out in the stores the iPhone still blows them away IMO.

It looks like the HP slate is in for a significant delay in being released if it comes out at all. The speculation is that the reason HP bought Palm today was so that they can dump Windows 7 and start creating their own OS based on Palm's WebOS. IMO, by the time they're able to come out with their own slate with WebOS it will already be too late b/c there will probably already be a 2nd generation iPad out with tons of apps and it will get crushed just like the Palm Pre was.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/artic...o-worry-about-the-hp-slate-anymore-2010-4.DTL

It looks like the best hope for reasonable competition to the iPad rests with Google now.

 

[Ken555]

Palms WebOS is great, and may work extremely well in a slate version. Apple is going to have a majority of the market segment, I believe, but HP, Dell and others will fight strong for second place. Buying Palm gives HP a distinct advantage in setting their own agenda and not forcing them - for the first time in many, many years - on relying on Microsoft for solutions.

On other news, the iPad 3G version ships on Friday, so we will start to see more of them all over. (I expect mine on Friday!)

 

[Elan]

It looks like the HP slate is in for a significant delay in being released if it comes out at all. The speculation is that the reason HP bought Palm today was so that they can dump Windows 7 and start creating their own OS based on Palm's WebOS. IMO, by the time they're able to come out with their own slate with WebOS it will already be too late b/c there will probably already be a 2nd generation iPad out with tons of apps and it will get crushed just like the Palm Pre was.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/artic...o-worry-about-the-hp-slate-anymore-2010-4.DTL

It looks like the best hope for reasonable competition to the iPad rests with Google now.

Dell has announced an entire family of Android based tablets. There will be so many tablet choices in the next few months, in addition to the current options, that the prices will drop quickly to the $200 - $300 range -- about where they should be.

 

[Ken555]

Steve Job's comments on Adobe Flash.

http://www.apple.com/hotnews/thoughts-on-flash/

 

[Clemson Fan]

I find it interesting that in the first paragraph of Apple's statement that even they state, "Apple went through it's near death experience."

However, when I bought this near death experience up earlier in this thread and I expressed my opinion on what saved them I was told that they were never near death and at their worst they had 4 billion in cash.

 

[Ken555]

I find it interesting that in the first paragraph of Apple's statement that even they state, "Apple went through it's near death experience."

However, when I bought this near death experience up earlier in this thread and I expressed my opinion on what saved them I was told that they were never near death and at their worst they had 4 billion in cash.

Though you continually criticize my comments, I stand by my post.

It's important to see the perspective of the author when referencing the downturn in Apple's history as "near death" by anyone, and it makes their return... under Steve's leadership... that much more dramatic. After all, he wasn't around when the company was in trouble, so according to him, it was of course "near death".