My Thoughts On The iPad

 Apple has done it again. I predict that the iPad, if it hasn’t already, will revolutionize and redefine what a netbook really is. From sending a simple email to watching a full length movie from Netflix, to playing a hit video game, the iPad is poised to change the way we compute for generations to come.

To demonstrate the effectiveness of this device, I am writing this entire review right from my very own iPad. Not only is this a great content consumption device, it’s also great for creating the content.  Whether you are using twitter for a quick message or writing product review like this one, the iPad can do it all.

As you probably guessed from the first few sentences in this review, I absolutely love the iPad. However, nothing is perfect especially when it comes to technology and devices like this one.  So I want to go over some features of this product in hopes that some or all of you will use this information to help you make the decision to buy into the Apple empire or not.

Misconceptions about the iPad
To those that say that the iPad is just a big iPod touch, {insert raspberry here}.  They couldn’t be more wrong.  Everytime I hear someone say that, I ask the question “have you ever held one?”.  The answer is always no.  A matter of fact, I was one of those people until I visited a local Apple store and tried one.  

Ease of use
When I opened the box (see the unboxing video on you tube), you see the iPad immediately.  I was digging in the box for a manual all I saw was a card that had a picture of an iPad on it explaining different parts of the device.  That’s it, nothing else.  No user manual says a lot about a product.  To be honest, a manual is not needed so I’m not disappointed since after all, we are saving a few trees.

Can the iPad replace my laptop?
If your expectation is to replace your main laptop, you will be very disappointed.  However, if you’re a current net book user or looking for a decent way to surf the web, play games and listen to music, you will be very impressed how well the iPad does all this and more.  A typical net book is designed to just surf the web, check email, and a couple other things.  Except for the inability to multitask, the iPad can definitely replace a net book and is about the same size as a small net book.

Some features
Light Weight and Sleek Design – The iPad weights 1.5lbs, gives you a display of 9.56 in (24.3 cm) × 7.47 in (19.0 cm) and is only 0.5 inches thick.  These dimensions still give you the ability to purchase a nice case to protect it and still be small and comfortable to use.  

iBooks –  Apple is targeting ebook devices like the Kindle which are used to simulate actual book reading but lack a back light.  The iPad tackles the back light problem but to reduce the strain on your eyes during night time reading, you can select night reading mode which makes the screen white text on a black background.

Photo Viewing – Photo viewing on the iPad is just like viewing photos on the iPhone.  The major benefit is the fact that the screen is bigger and you can use the iPad as a digital picture frame with a slide show mode while the screen is locked.  Although there is a built in digital picture frame, it lacks the ability to display photos from your Facebook or Flickr account.  For this, you will need to download an app.

Battery Life – Apple has claimed that the battery can last up to 10 hours on a single charge.  I’m not sure if this means while you are watching a full length movie or just surfing the web, but so far, I have seen long usage 

Watch a Flick:  If you have a Netflix account, you can watch full length movies streamed right to your iPad.  The app is free, but you still need to make sure you have a Netflix account.  This is a great feature.

iPad Applications – Apps for any mobile device nowadays is really what it’s all about.  Right out of the box, there are 140,000 apps available for the iPad.  Yes right now they are mostly iPhone apps, but these can still be used in full screen which makes using these applications easier to use since it’s a larger screen.  There are new apps being released every day. 

No Cellular Contract – Finally! No cellular contract is required for the two options of the 3G. The 250 mb plan is available for $14.99 and the unlimited data plan is only $29.99.  If you are mostly near wifi hotspots, then get the the 14.99 plan.  It will warn you when you read the limit and give you the option to upgrade at that time or pay for an additional 250MB. 

Speed – The response of the device is perfect.  You could be watching a Netflix movie and rotate the screen without any lag.  Opening apps is very quick.    I’m really impressed on how well they did with the speed of this device.

What I don’t like:

• Lack of multitasking – but this will be resolved with the update later this year.
• No camera – I’m not really sure why they left this out, but I can imagine an iPad with two cameras, one on the back and the other right above the screen.  This would be ideal for video conferencing.
• No USB port – How hard would it have been to put a simple Micro connection on it.  Come on Apple.
• No Flash support – This is a major issue for websites out there that are totally flash driven. However, Flash driven websites are so 1990′s.
•  No physical keyboard – Although the lack of a physical keyboard doesn’t bother me, there are many that are whining about this.  One question I have for those people is…  Did you really think Apple would put one on it?

The bottom line:
The starting price can still be a little high for the beginner, but if you are a fan of apple, then you should be used to the premium pricing often called “The Apple Tax”.  $499 to start with the 16GB version.  You also have the option of the 32GB for $599 and the 64GB for $699.  3G versions have also been released and are even more pricey than the WiFi versions.

Rating: 1 (not good) – 5 (best)

Cost: 3
The price is good to start, but as I mentioned above, as you get into the larger capacity iPads, it burns a bigger whole in your wallet.  If you have the money to spend, then you will soon get over the buyers remorse if you have any at all.

Ease of setup: 4
If you already use iTunes, then you just plug it in and it will be recognized and immediately start syncing.   If you do not have itunes, you will have to download it and install, but it’s pretty painless.

Tech Support: 4
I have only had to call Apple support for my iPhone, but when I did, they were professional and very helpful.

Documentation: N/A
Not really much documentaion with the device.  See the unboxing video I did.

Warranty: 4
1 year limited warranty.  I wouldn’t get the apple care.  Best Buy wanted to charge me 119.00 for 1 year of warranty.  I went to Squaretrade.com and got a much better deal that covers accidental damage.

Amount of Features: 4
I think the amount of features you get out of the box is good.  However, the sky is the limit when it comes to apps.  Apps can add new features or improve on existing ones.

Performance: 5
Yes I put a 5 for performance.  Simply put, the iPad just performs wonderfully.

Overall: 4
Overall, I am very happy with my purchase of the iPad.  I just wish there was a lower price point.