Which iPad 2 is for You?

Thinking of getting an iPad 2? You should read Marco Arment’s write-up on which version you should consider. If I were to do it all over again, I’d probably get a 3G version. But then again, you now know I’m not considering an iPad 2.

Verizon to Put Live TV on the iPad

Interesting idea. I’ve actually watched a whole movie and a few tv shows on the iPad. To me, it was just a step up from watching on a laptop.

Initial Impressions of the iPad

I wanted to write down my thoughts about the iPad, after using it for a few days.

The Good

  • It was fully charged when I unpacked it. This made it very easy to start playing with it.
  • Feels solid and durable. It is not as heavy as I thought it would be.
  • The screen is bright. It works like the iPhone screen, adjusting the brightness depending on the environment.
  • Simple to sync with iTunes, just like an iPod or iPhone.
  • It’s easy to find iPad apps via the App Store link on the iPad.
  • Works like an iPhone/iPod Touch. If you know that system, then this is second nature.
  • Sound from the speaker is good for both movies and music. I don’t know how it would do in a noisy room, but it works in a quiet room.
  • Battery life has been 10+ hours so far.

The NOT So Bad

  • The screen does get fingerprints on it after hours of use. I didn’t notice the fingerprints while looking at the screen directly. But looking at an angle you notice the prints. Easily cleaned with a lint-free cloth.
  • Looking for iPad apps on iTunes - via the computer - is painful. This has since been corrected.
  • The ABC iPad app kept crashing on me while trying to watch a program. This has been addressed by an app update. Though there is a new screen orientation issue.

The Ugly

  • So far it’s good for writing short emails and tweets. But I don’t like doing long blog entries on the touch keyboard. I may need to get a bluetooth keyboard for it
  • Some apps have a single download that work for both the iPhone and the iPad (e.g. Evernote) while others require separate apps to download (e.g. NYTimes ), and others can have three different versions (e.g. 1Password)! Confusing, isn’t?
  • Re-buying addictive games that you have on your iPhone, such as Plants vs. Zombies, can be costly.
  • Buying accessories - a new case, headphones, keyboard - can add to the expense as well.

So that’s my 2 cents for now. 

Room in the Middle

If you haven’t heard, Apple announced the iPad yesterday. It seems everyone who hasn’t seen or used it in person describes it as giant iPod Touch. It seems more than that, but having not seen it in person, I could be wrong in this assumption. The question is, “Will you get one?” I’m leaning towards yes. The price is high, but not as high as predicted.

I’m interested in what the iPad can do for me? 

I often use my laptop when watching television - browsing the web, checking email, playing Words with Friends, etc.  I use my iPhone before I go to bed, and when I first wake up. I can see using the iPad to replace both of these scenarios. It’s made for consuming content, whether it’s music, games, the web, or even books. It seems like a good size for a nightstand / coffee table device.

I’ve read plenty of the tech-blogs describing the cons of the iPad. Many focus on what the iPad doesn’t have, or that a netbook can do the same things. But the iPad shouldn’t be compared directly to a netbook or an iPhone. It’s supposed to be the product in the middle, a hybrid. I don’t think I’d be editing photos or doing long word processing documents on an iPad.  If I wanted to do either of those things, I’d use either the laptop or a desktop. I also don’t think I’d use the iPad as a mobile device.  But I can see bringing it to Starbucks, logging onto their WiFi to browse the net.  It’ll be easier to carry in my backpack. But if I need to do actual work at Starbucks, I’d bring my laptop.

Who knows, my mind may change when I actually see the iPad in person.  At the very least I’m excited to see what it can do.