I said I wasn't going to do it.
But I did it.
I purchased an iPad.
I did buy a first-generation iPhone, even paying $599 for it.
But I fully intended to wait to get an iPad.
and then I saw an article in PC World.
The article was called iPad Gag Apps Missing: No iFart for iPad.
That's when I knew that I had develop iFart HD for the iPad.
Of course my developers would need an iPad for testing.
So off I went to Best Buy to locate the gadget.
As it turned out they had a couple 16GB units and one 64 GB unit left.
Figuring that i like to load things up pretty quickly, I sprung for the 64 GB unit and parted with $699 plus tax.
The blue shirt at Best Buy tried to sell me an extended warranty because there have been reports of people dropping their iPads and the glass screen shattering.
I told him I wasn't planning on dropping my device.
For the record, I never buy extended warranties. You are betting that the device is going to break. If a device is a lemon you will usually discover it during the standard warranty period. Otherwise I will take my chances.
Interestingly enough, the iPad IS is a slippery little devil. The aluminum backing is a challenge. So I must locate a case with some grip to it lest I regret not buying an extended warranty.
I am currently blogging on my new iPad and it is a unique experience.
The keyboard is large enough to type with two hands, but I find myself missing the space bar frequently. I think it will just take some time to train myself.
There are no arrow keys on the display, so you have to use the touch screen to locate an edit in your text. Not a big deal, but definitely an obstacle.
The device itself is a modern marvel. Yes, it is a big iPod with some new features. But that in itself is pretty darned cool.
I synced my iPhone with my desktop yesterday, and then I copied my apps to the iPad.
Most of my apps run great, though you have to hit the 2x button to make them fullscreen.
After spending a couple days with e unit I am still uncertain as to whether or not I will use it consistently.
So far I like the web browsing and the book reader the most. If they can lower the price on the unit, iBooks sounds the death knell for the Amazon Kindle.
Sorry Jeff Bezos, but it is game over. Nice try.
The question is really this...
Will I want to carry it around with me?
I have an iPhone, so I've got my email, web browser, camera and much more on the go.
If I am traveling I have my Macbook. It's definitely still better for blogging, web surfing, etc.
But the iPad was the last thing I looked at last night. I surfed the web before bed.
And it was the first thing I looked at this morning, catching up on my favorite news sites.
The iPad needs a camera. It needs native network printing. It needs USB ports. And it needs multitasking.
It could be that my iPad is a casual use device rather than for business.
I guess time will tell. For now I will keep discovering uses.
NOTE: I couldn't upload an image to be associated with this entry using the iPad. Nor could I scroll through categories on the Moveable Type admin interface. So I had to finish posting this entry on my desktop PC.
Did you get an iPad? Will you buy one? What are your thoughts?
April 10, 2010 10:48 AM
Totally agree with what it needs. That was a big turn off for me, specifically no usb ports, no camera, and no multi-tasking. When they can bring those features out, I'd definitely reconsider.
April 10, 2010 11:02 AM
I've been using the iPhone app called Bump to easily and quickly bump just taken photos from my iPhone to my iPad. Just install it on both units, open them, choose photo and bump! Once set up it takes less than a minute to get a photo from iPhone to iPad.
April 10, 2010 11:09 AM
Thanks for the recap on the IPad, Joel. I watched your Ustream with Mari event and definitely want an IPad. But will I actually buy one? Still on the fence. I would love to see a camera and a USB connection at the bare minimum before I drop that kind of change. But I do really want one - just for fun - and may end up at the Apple Store soon. I look forward to seeing what everyone else thinks here.
April 10, 2010 11:24 AM
More likely than not, I'll probably be buying one... that's the trend I've found for recent Apple products. I've been avoiding playing with one, for fear that I'll whip out my credit card.
April 10, 2010 12:24 PM
Still undecided.
I too was of the opinion that I'll hold out and see what comes. For me it's the multi-tasking and to a large extent that is taken care of in OS 4.
So I might just wait til the release of the new OS to get one.
Cheers,
Shane
April 10, 2010 1:41 PM
I totally agree with iPhone and Macbook, it should be enough for all the work. I would choose those 2 with me too. I think iPad is more ideal for ladies, coz ladies like to carry their big bag and it fit very well for iPad, and it also look pretty nice with the big screen.
April 10, 2010 9:55 PM
iphone is important for on the move need of internet services , i have intentions of getting one apart from my laptops and smart phone i posses presently, it can really help me on business and schedules.
April 11, 2010 2:17 AM
Do I want an iPad? Yes, I really do.
Will I get an iPad? Not yet.
I, too, think USB, camera, and multitasking are important.
As for Jorjorksor's "Ladies Big Bag Theory," I take exception to it. I really do not LIKE to carry a big bag. I do think women may be more used to a big bag being a needs-determined necessity, though.
April 11, 2010 9:49 AM
I agree with Femme. Isn't that gender profiling? Don't know how I'd manage without my iPhone, Macbook, and MobileMe account. I see the iPad being useful if I'm waiting for a few minutes and feel I have time to respond to emails, find something online, etc. and don't want to unpack the laptop, boot it up, find a place to put it. Just whip out the iPad and go to work. Haven't played with one yet but find trying to type much or see much on the iPhone tedious. I'm in the field alot and away from my computer. Looking forward to more comments.
April 11, 2010 12:35 PM
Joel, nice entry on the iPad. I would love to have it. Too bad, Singapore is not having it.
For multi-tasking, you will need to wait till Fall as Apple will be releasing iPhone OS 4.0 (Summer for iPhone and Fall for iPad).
As for blogging, some wordpress tools are available. Too bad, you are using Moveable Type.
http://techielobang.com/blog/2010/04/07/use-these-apps-if-your-are-blogging-from-an-ipad/
Anyway, thanks for sharing.
Joe
April 13, 2010 9:34 AM
Hi Joel, I really was considering the iPad so that i could blog from it--easily, seamlessly.
I can see from reading your helpful post that I wouldn't be able to blog very easily from the iPad at all.
It would be so cool to be able to transport the photos I take from the iPad to the blog post, forinstance, but the iPad first of all needs camera and a video capacity. Then it also needs to have the capacity to upload the pics into the blog posts, like you can do with FaceBook, for instance.
If all of these wonderful capacities were in place, then I'd buy an iPad. I have all the apps and emails and anything else already on my iPhone!!
Thank you, Joel!
April 20, 2010 11:47 PM
also, at no point in the video does he place his hand between the camera and the "hologram." if he did, keeping the illusion intact would have required more extensive post-production work than overlaying the animation on the iphone screen and applying perspective effects to the project.
April 26, 2010 7:57 PM
Joel,
Thanks so much for the review. Despite my usual hesitation to buy any gadget hot off the press, I was sorely tempted to get that iPad... and thanks to you, I'm now glad I did not.
Will wait for the generation that includes the USB ports and built in camera... AND the ability to add pics to my posts which I think are VERY important.
Thanks again,
Ros
May 5, 2010 2:02 PM
Hello Mr. Comm .... you are a rockstar.. since the time i have started following you seriuosly , i have become very serious about blogging and making money online. i really look forward to learning from you. thanks & regards. i hope u remember me.
May 12, 2010 7:56 AM
I wish I had purchased mine from Best Buy, and got it insured. I bought direct from Apple and they don't cover the slippery-drop-it-and-it-shatters issue. It happened to me:
http://www.clicknewz.com/2380/apple-ipad-review/
Warning: Images not for the faint of heart!
May 12, 2010 1:27 PM
Yes, someday I will be buying an ipad. More for surfing and reading than anything. Probably not blog posting. I am still trying to figure out the touchpad on the laptop, so it's still desktop for me!
Yep! Just a really expensive toy....but I want one! Maybe Santa will hear me this year! =)
Take care Joel and God bless!!
Lisa~
May 12, 2010 3:05 PM
I feel ipad is a waste..I just can't see the price tag for less functionality..
As far as the kindle, I want one and still haven't got one because of the price.
The profit is in the consumables..the books..kinda like you can get a printer for $50 but have to keep buying ink. Amazon would be smart to drastically reduce the price of the Kindle and make sure they dominate the electronic book market before ipad takes it
May 19, 2010 9:27 AM
Well I have to say that after being in the computer business for the last 16 years and servicing PC,I can't wait to buy my first iPad I believe for (ME) and what I do it will completely replace my PC, In the last 2 years I have been uploading all the thing I use to the clouds,I no longer need tones of storage for all those apps I never use,I no longer carry USB portable drives,I use my iphone to carry any apps needed for any jobs I'm at.I will never have to worry about being infected with a (VIRUS)and As of the last 6 months my iphone has completely replaced my laptop.So for me this new media device will completely change the way I do things.I don't believe the ipad will be for everybody,But for me and what I need it will be perfect.
May 23, 2010 2:40 PM
The missing features that folks want: camera, multi-tasking, USB port, even arrow keys on the display will eventually make their way into the iPad. I'm thinking Steve wanted to produce a device that millions would buy because of what it does right out of the gate. And it IS a marvel at what it does do. But these items will be added, maybe not all of them, but they allow for upgrades that will excite even more folks. I'm even expecting to see a phone added!
One note on Apple warranties. I always get the 3 year warranties for desktops and laptops. The phone support I get over the 3 years pays for the warranty many times over and every blue moon something does happen and if it's not in the first 30 or so days, I'm elated to get a new whatever it is that broke.