Got an iPad....

[memason]

OK.... I did it! I got an iPad. We were in the States for a visit to TV [we bought a home in St. Charles] and I couldn't resist the iPad. Even though I already have an iPhone and MacBook Pro.

Most people are complaining about what it doesn't do, but I find it very useful for cruising the net, sending email, checking on investments (Ouch!) and reading a good book. In fact, on our flight to TV, we were able to use WiFi, so I used flight tracker to track our flight, in real-time, along with sending a few emails and catching up on some of my facebook pals. With Skype, I use it to make international phone calls at $.02/minute, from Germany.

While it isn't a laptop, I could easily travel with the iPad and leave the MacBook at home. Ok, maybe just for for short trips... Anything more than a week and I'd probably take the MacBook TOO.

I purchased the cheapest one, $499 and only WiFi. I'm starting to feel like I should have gotten the 3G model....

Would be interested if anyone else has purchased the iPad and your impression, so far.

[GMONEY]

Looking at the Ipad, just read the news from Apples big Get together in California. they just released the new Iphone 4 also. looks nice.

[Pturner]

OK.... I did it! I got an iPad. We were in the States for a visit to TV [we bought a home in St. Charles] and I couldn't resist the iPad. Even though I already have an iPhone and MacBook Pro.

Most people are complaining about what it doesn't do, but I find it very useful for cruising the net, sending email, checking on investments (Ouch!) and reading a good book. In fact, on our flight to TV, we were able to use WiFi, so I used flight tracker to track our flight, in real-time, along with sending a few emails and catching up on some of my facebook pals. With Skype, I use it to make international phone calls at $.02/minute, from Germany.

While it isn't a laptop, I could easily travel with the iPad and leave the MacBook at home. Ok, maybe just for for short trips... Anything more than a week and I'd probably take the MacBook TOO.

I purchased the cheapest one, $499 and only WiFi. I'm starting to feel like I should have gotten the 3G model....

Would be interested if anyone else has purchased the iPad and your impression, so far.

Hi Memason,
I'm curious how cumbersome it is to type on it. Is this why you would take your laptop also? Are there additional reasons? Thanks.

PT

[memason]

Hi Memason,
I'm curious how cumbersome it is to type on it. Is this why you would take your laptop also? Are there additional reasons? Thanks.

PT

PT.... I can type on it for short emails. Since it's a touch screen, if you actually put your fingers on the screen, it types a letter. Takes a little getting used to, but I don't think it's bad. Plus, if you're going through airport security, you don't have to take it out of your bag....big plus! On my last trip, I had 2 laptops and the iPad...what a hassle in security.

The main reason I would take the laptop is because I'd get tired of sharing with my wife! She wasn't as enthusiastic as I about the iPad, but now, she can't keep her hands off it! :1rotfl:

My recommendation...go to Bestbuy or an Apple store and try it out for yourself. At the Apple store, you can play to your hearts content...you gotta love the Apple store.

[yobeano]

Have had an iPad since day2 of it's release. I have found it so useful that I use the computer only rarely. Great for the internet but remember, no flash support, so there are some vids that you cannot see. Hasn't really been a problem for me at all.
Actually using it to reply right now.

[Pturner]

PT.... I can type on it for short emails. Since it's a touch screen, if you actually put your fingers on the screen, it types a letter. Takes a little getting used to, but I don't think it's bad. Plus, if you're going through airport security, you don't have to take it out of your bag....big plus! On my last trip, I had 2 laptops and the iPad...what a hassle in security.

The main reason I would take the laptop is because I'd get tired of sharing with my wife! She wasn't as enthusiastic as I about the iPad, but now, she can't keep her hands off it! :1rotfl:

My recommendation...go to Bestbuy or an Apple store and try it out for yourself. At the Apple store, you can play to your hearts content...you gotta love the Apple store.

I have gone to an Apple store and tried it! I love my iPhone and I like the iPad too. Just not convinced of the need if it wouldn't replace the laptop for travel. I have a Kindle, so wouldn't need it for books. If I didn't, it might be different, although not sure how I would like reading on the iPad vs the electronic-ink e-reader.

It will be interesting to see how all these devices develop over time. I've thought of one idea that would be cool: A next gen iPad with a built-in and removable iPhone. What do you think? Should I get Steve on the line? :laugh:

[jaspal]

I have not purchased it YET. However, I too will get one. I am waiting (since I waited so long) to get the next version where they will have multi tasking in. It is too true however, that you will be able to down load the software when it comes out. I will be getting the 3g with 64 g. originally I was getting 32 g but decided for $100 to get the larger one with lots of memory. I too will use it in place of my Mac book pro for short trips. Plus, it will be great to carry when I leave the house just for the day. Pages is great which you can download for $14.99. I love the idea of not needing a contract to get wi-fi when you need it. I can get from Att from a month to month basis.

I love all of the Apple products. I have 2 itouches a laptop & desktop (all Apple). I have been taking the one to one classes for 2 years. They are GREAT.

[Ohiogirl]

Appears some of you might benefit by listening to a podcast I heard this past Wedesday on our local NPR programming - All Sides with Ann Fisher interviewed a William Powers, on Living in The Digital Age. Much to Consider. You can find a link to a podcast on WOSU.org under Ann's show. He discussed how he and his family now have wireless weekends, how hard it was to do so, and how much their quality of life has increased.

There was another author on a couple of weeks ago discussing how attention spans have gone haywire in the last few years because we are not trained to click all over the place. I have noticed personally that I can't seem to concentrate on reading books for long periods, even though I now have the time! I love to read, but find myself lasting about 20 minutes, then want to check my email, change the channel, etc.

Some technology is a good thing, but maybe we have too much?

This may start a firestorm, but I don't think I've seen any posts on this subject . . .

[memason]

It will be interesting to see how all these devices develop over time. I've thought of one idea that would be cool: A next gen iPad with a built-in and removable iPhone. What do you think? Should I get Steve on the line? :laugh:

PT... I'm making phone calls on the iPad now. You just need to use Skype and you can call anywhere in the world, as long as you're on WiFi. After about 2 months, I use the iPad all the time. Mostly, sitting on my balcony, sipping a glass of wine, typing on TOTV! Can't wait until I'm sitting on my lanai... 152 days, but who's counting :)

[mitchbr47]

I purchased mine in early May. I went with the 64 GB model without the 3G. It is about 1/3 full so far. I also bought a bluetooth keyboard. I probably spent 50/50 with the ipad and my other Macs. It won't entirely replace my laptop as I do videography and photo work, burn dvds, etc.. But it is great for surfing the web and email.
Besides Skype, another phone app for calls is called Whistle. So check it out.

It seems strange reverting back to a mouse on a desktop after using the ipad and the track pad on the laptop. Maybe a mouse might soon disappear just like the floppy disk.
It might be interesting to compile a list of favorite apps.

[Pturner]

PT... I'm making phone calls on the iPad now. You just need to use Skype and you can call anywhere in the world, as long as you're on WiFi. After about 2 months, I use the iPad all the time. Mostly, sitting on my balcony, sipping a glass of wine, typing on TOTV! Can't wait until I'm sitting on my lanai... 152 days, but who's counting :)


I'm starting to get tempted. Veeery tempted.

[jaspal]

I too was going to get the 64GBut w/ 3g . Would you still get the 64GB or do you think the 32GB is enough? I would add pages which is like excel & word combined.

[jaspal]

Do you have to pay for the phone service on Skype?

[memason]

You have to pay for the phone service, if you are calling cellphones or landlines. However, the fees are very modest at about $.02/minute. I put $10.00 on my account 6 months ago and I still have money left. But, I'm not a heavy Skype user....just occasional. Since I'm still in Germany, I use it mostly for international calls; both on the iPhone and the iPad.

If you are using Skype to Skype, then it's free.

[memason]

Ok.... Two months into using the ipad and I only have one regret... That I was too cheap to get the 3G model! I find that I now use the iPad more than I use my MacBook. On another thread, here on TOTV, I have discovered several useful apps for the iPad; recommended by other users.

Recently, my company implemented email integration with the iPad, so they are now "pushing" email to the iPad. Therefore, it now functions pretty much like a Blackberry and I receive company email and personal email on the same device. Thank goodness I can turn off the company email. :thumbup:

I have also been using the iBook app for reading. Since I've not used a Kindle or Nook, I can't compare the experience with using eInk. However, I find that I can read for several hours without a problem.

Typing takes getting used to..with the touch pad, but I find it easy now.

How are others fairings with the iPad ?

[Larryandlinda]

Memason
In the iPhone doubletap locks shift
My pad doesn't

Also both leave the numeric keyboard when using spacebar
I.e. Entering spaces in a phone no

Thanks
l andL

Ok.... Two months into using the ipad and I only have one regret... That I was too cheap to get the 3G model! I find that I now use the iPad more than I use my MacBook. On another thread, here on TOTV, I have discovered several useful apps for the iPad; recommended by other users.

Recently, my company implemented email integration with the iPad, so they are now "pushing" email to the iPad. Therefore, it now functions pretty much like a Blackberry and I receive company email and personal email on the same device. Thank goodness I can turn off the company email. :thumbup:

I have also been using the iBook app for reading. Since I've not used a Kindle or Nook, I can't compare the experience with using eInk. However, I find that I can read for several hours without a problem.

Typing takes getting used to..with the touch pad, but I find it easy now.

How are others fairings with the iPad ?

[memason]

After watching this video, my wife decided that maybe she could use an iPad after all .... :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTSDPKktbUk

[memason]

Memason
In the iPhone doubletap locks shift
My pad doesn't

Also both leave the numeric keyboard when using spacebar
I.e. Entering spaces in a phone no

Thanks
l andL

I've got a partial solution. For CAPS to function like your iPhone, you need to go to Settings--->General--->keyboard and turn on the option for caps lock.

As for typing numbers, I don't have a solution....yet. For phone numbers, I just use the - which will leave you in numbers. Once I find another solution, I'll post it here....

Enjoy

[dklassen]

Just popped for an iPad. Didn't think I wanted one at first but I have to say, I like it quite a bit. Now I'm fully Apple compliant.

24" iMac, Macbook, Mac Mini, iPad, iPhone 4.

[villages07]

Yep, I got mine exactly one week ago. Certainly not a need, more of a want. My first Apple product. Very impressive technology as a mobile supplement to my primary desktop. Oh dear, now what to do with my acer net book.. I'm afraid it will become an orphan.

Pretty cool stuff!!!
:coolsmiley:

[Pturner]

I use my iPhone as my computer away from home, but typing anything more than a short text or email reply just doesn't cut it.

How does typing on the iPad compare to typing on a laptop? I keep getting more tempted.

[villages07]

Pt... Typing on the touchpad is faster than an iPhone but not as easy as a conventional laptop keyboard. It's beauty is in content delivery not so much putting stuff into it. Borrow one from a friend for half a day and you'll be hooked.

[villager99]

are special setups or passwords etc. needed to use an ipad to connect to the internet at any of our regional rec centers (hotspots)?
and does anyone know if the connection works from the parking lots or if you have to be inside the building?

[tony]

Here how Darrell learned to use his Ipad. (http://www.wimp.com/catipad/)

[villages07]

Good one, Tony... Hope barefoot doesn't see that video. The kitty has far surpassed bf's comfort level with her day old iPad.
:boxing2:

99 - can't give you adefnite answer yet. Tried at seabreeze from the side parking lot and could not pick up a signal. iPad should work no differently than any wifi laptop in accessing a hot spot.

[English Ivy]

are special setups or passwords etc. needed to use an ipad to connect to the internet at any of our regional rec centers (hotspots)?
and does anyone know if the connection works from the parking lots or if you have to be inside the building?

When I first got my iPod Touch a couple months ago I couldn't wait to get to a wifi spot. Went to Colony to log on. I had to use my Villages ID and pin # in order to connect. Once I knew the routine I did try connecting one time in the parking lot but it didn't work. Had to go inside. Now we've got a router hooked up and it's so nice to sit on the lanai and "surf".

Now that I've learned how great it is to have internet access at wifi locations with the iPod Touch, I want an iPhone so I can have access everyplace. It's such fun and the apps are so cool. I think it will be great to have access to weather radar when you're out on the golf course and it starts to rain. :coolsmiley:

[Barefoot]

I am typing this on the IPAD I bought on Sunday. It is cute, but I think the touch keyboard is designed for hunt And peckers, and not for speed. And where the heck is the '. Do I have to go to the number keyboard every time I want to use a '?

I,m sure I,ll grow to love it, but for now, sign me

Bewildered Bare

[jaspal]

I purchased mine in early May. I went with the 64 GB model without the 3G. It is about 1/3 full so far. I also bought a bluetooth keyboard. I probably spent 50/50 with the ipad and my other Macs. It won't entirely replace my laptop as I do videography and photo work, burn dvds, etc.. But it is great for surfing the web and email.
Besides Skype, another phone app for calls is called Whistle. So check it out.

It seems strange reverting back to a mouse on a desktop after using the ipad and the track pad on the laptop. Maybe a mouse might soon disappear just like the floppy disk.
It might be interesting to compile a list of favorite apps.

I was debating between the 32GB & 64GB. I too have a Macbook Pro. My ITouch has 32GB which I use for music . I wonder if I can get away with the 32GB Ipad? Comments welcomed.

[memason]

I am typing this on the IPAD I bought on Sunday. It is cute, but I think the touch keyboard is designed for hunt And peckers, and not for speed. And where the heck is the '. Do I have to go to the number keyboard every time I want to use a '?

I,m sure I,ll grow to love it, but for now, sign me

Bewildered Bare

Barefoot.... the auto-correct will catch most usage of the ' key. But, if you tap and hold the ! key, the ' key will appear above it. Just slide up to select it. Whenever I need to type I'm or you're or any contraction, I just type Im or cant or youre and the iPad automatically puts in the ' . There area a few tricks to typing, but once you learn them, typing becomes much faster. For me, there isn't much difference between typing on a normal keyboard and the iPad, but it takes a little practice.

Search YouTube for typing on the iPad and you'll get lots of suggestions and tricks.

Enjoy....

[memason]

I use my iPhone as my computer away from home, but typing anything more than a short text or email reply just doesn't cut it.

How does typing on the iPad compare to typing on a laptop? I keep getting more tempted.

P.... you know you want one! Just do it .... :icon_wink:

[tony]

memason,

The Ipad is totally useless for any real work. I cannot see any justifiable reason to put out that much money to buy a crippled PC without a real keyboard. For these reasons it is totally senseless to buy one. I will be getting one in the not too distant future.

[memason]

memason,

The Ipad is totally useless for any real work. I cannot see any justifiable reason to put out that much money to buy a crippled PC without a real keyboard. For these reasons it is totally senseless to buy one. I will be getting one in the not too distant future.

Tony.... The voice of true logic!

Senseless Mike... :)

[Pturner]

P.... you know you want one! Just do it .... :icon_wink:

Memason, cut it out. I'm trying to hold out for the 2.0 model.

p.s., Tony, I didn't know the third Admin was a cat.

[villager99]

Typing on my ipad now have not figured out wifi but love using the 3g connection. So far dowside isno flash player for some online games i play on facebook but i will adjust i am sure

[tony]

Pt,

Darrell's a very cool cat.

[mitchbr47]

memason,

The Ipad is totally useless for any real work. I cannot see any justifiable reason to put out that much money to buy a crippled PC without a real keyboard. For these reasons it is totally senseless to buy one. I will be getting one in the not too distant future.

It depends on what one means by real work. What about the optional bluetooth keyboard? It works great. The reason it can't replace a real computer such as a laptop is
1 lack of printing without jumping through hoops
2 a lack of multitasking
3 watered down capabilities in programs such as Pages and Numbers, Photoshop Express
4 No camera for video conferencing
5 Relatively small drive space. The max at 64 GB could ill up fast.

I don't think they were made to cannibalize the sales of laptops or desktops.

With 3 G capabilities it would make a great GPS.

[Barefoot]

Barefoot.... Whenever I need to type I'm or you're or any contraction, I just type Im or cant or youre and the iPad automatically puts in the ' .

Search YouTube for typing on the iPad and you'll get lots of suggestions and tricks. Enjoy....

Brilliant suggestions, thanks memason.

I have a girlfriend who got an IPAD and is now trading it in for a "better" model. So I got the 64 GB with Wifi and 3G .. not because I need it, heck, I don't even know what it does. But I figure later, when I get smarter, I won't have to upgrade.

I don't exactly love my IPAD yet, but I do sleep every night with it under my pillow.

[Barefoot]

If you get a keyboard to attach to an IPAD, can you program the IPAD so that the touch keyboard disappears and the whole screen is content?

[mitchbr47]

If you get a keyboard to attach to an IPAD, can you program the IPAD so that the touch keyboard disappears and the whole screen is content?

The keyboards are wireless using bluetooth. The touch keyboard on the screen can disappear with one click, I mean touch on the keyboard icon.

I think there is a free dictation app called Dragon Dictation for the ipad and iphone. Record your message, fix any typos and punctuation. Then copy and paste.It even recognizes names in the Contacts app.

[memason]

memason,

The Ipad is totally useless for any real work. I cannot see any justifiable reason to put out that much money to buy a crippled PC without a real keyboard. For these reasons it is totally senseless to buy one. I will be getting one in the not too distant future.

Ok Tony.... you get one of these useless devices yet?? :loco:

[Barefoot]

I've now had my iPad for a month, and have figured out how to do a few things. .... I know I've only scratched the surface.

I've gone from frustration to adoration. Mitch and MEMason have provided some good tips.

An iPad is the neatest toy ever! :clap2:

[dklassen]

I rarely use my macbook anymore since getting the iPad. At first I got the iPad just have one. Now it's become part of my daily life even including some work stuff. With Citrix and Logmein I can do just about anything anywhere. iOS 4 is coming in Nov that will include multitasking, folders, etc.

[tony]

memason,

Now look at this. Darrell is out their boogying in the fast lane, and I haven't gotten one yet. I am still stuck to my laptop. I need software on the laptop and . . . well you know.

[memason]

memason,

Now look at this. Darrell is out their boogying in the fast lane, and I haven't gotten one yet. I am still stuck to my laptop. I need software on the laptop and . . . well you know.

OK, granted... Darrell is in a league all his own. BUT, since you are an Admin on a message board that includes lots of folks using an iPad to access [maybe even Darrell is a member ???] , I would think it a justifiable business expense to get an iPad. How else will you tailor our wonderful experience on TOTV... :icon_wink: . :icon_wink:

Is this helping ????:D

[tony]

That is a wonderful suggestion.

Jan? Darrell?

You guys gonna spring for me?

[dklassen]

I'm in for $20

[tony]

memason,

How close does Darrell's $20 get me?

[chelsea24]

memason,

How close does Darrell's $20 get me?

A cup of coffee and a doughnut in The Villages! :kiss: :wave:

[memason]

memason,

How close does Darrell's $20 get me?

ha ha.... another $10 will get you the cover for it... You know, if you had an iPad, maybe you could develop a killer app for TOTV that we would all pay to download.

OK...try this on for size... I have "your" newly developed app on my iPad/iPhone and I just happen to be walking past TooJays in SS or LSL. Since "your" app knows my GPS location, using push notification, I get an IM that says... "Hi Mike, since you are in the area, stop in TooJays and mention TOTV and we'll give you a free soft drink with your lunch"

Oh and TooJays will probably pay for you to send this to me too....

OK... that's the last idea, unless I get a job offer :loco:

[chelsea24]

Memason, that's a fabulous idea!!!!! :BigApplause: I'm quickly becoming your biggest fan!

Admins: Hey guys, these app people are making millions with these apps! Think about it. Seriously! :thumbup:

[Pturner]

I rarely use my macbook anymore since getting the iPad. At first I got the iPad just have one. Now it's become part of my daily life even including some work stuff.

We know. Tony showed us the video of you learning to use it. :D

[Pturner]

ha ha.... another $10 will get you the cover for it... You know, if you had an iPad, maybe you could develop a killer app for TOTV that we would all pay to download.

OK...try this on for size... I have "your" newly developed app on my iPad/iPhone and I just happen to be walking past TooJays in SS or LSL. Since "your" app knows my GPS location, using push notification, I get an IM that says... "Hi Mike, since you are in the area, stop in TooJays and mention TOTV and we'll give you a free soft drink with your lunch"

Oh and TooJays will probably pay for you to send this to me too....

OK... that's the last idea, unless I get a job offer :loco:

You're good! :thumbup:

[Barefoot]

I'm having so much fun with the Dragon App.

What else is fun?

[laryb]

OK, I've read this entire thread twice, and I just ordered a 32G with 3g for my wife's Christmas present. They had it on sale Black Friday on the Apple site, and the only accessory I got was the extended warranty. Since all she does is surf and play games (Pogo and Facebook, and I know there's no Flash), I figured that 32G would be enough with the use of an sd card. Beside, I figure that she'll like it so much that I'll easily be able to justify buying the new version / 64g and 3G in the spring.:icon_wink: Anyway, what accessories can anyone recommend that I should get her as stocking stuffers? Once we're down there, I may never get her off the lanai:pepper2:

[Larryandlinda]

OK, I've read this entire thread twice, and I just ordered a 32G with 3g for my wife's Christmas present. They had it on sale Black Friday on the Apple site, and the only accessory I got was the extended warranty. Since all she does is surf and play games (Pogo and Facebook, and I know there's no Flash), I figured that 32G would be enough with the use of an sd card. Beside, I figure that she'll like it so much that I'll easily be able to justify buying the new version / 64g and 3G in the spring.:icon_wink: Anyway, what accessories can anyone recommend that I should get her as stocking stuffers? Once we're down there, I may never get her off the lanai:pepper2:

We've been using the iPads too, and opted out of 3g (too many plans and iphones already) but did get 3g for the one we use abroad, since the plans there are cheaper than dirt.
Here are some images of an accessory we saw at a truck stop in Portugal recently, and now we see they are sold here too.

http://www.google.com/images?q=steering+wheel+laptop+support&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=851&bih=540
The better ones have a place for a mobile phone, food, drinks, and maybe an ashtray too.
A great way to get a lot done and keep the distractions where you can get to them without fumbling - something that could cost you valuable time.
Not to mention saving neck strain when looking down at the seat.

Now that our state has banned holding a cell phone while driving, some people are trying to balance the phone on their steering wheels, knees, dashboard, sunvisor, and what have you.
Very dangerous trying to read the screen in some of those places


Remember to read instructions and heed warnings and cautions with any accessory.
And remember, too:
use your vehicle safely while phoning

L and L

[dklassen]

Get her a case to go with it. When I got mine, I grabbed the standard Apple iPad case and have been very happy with it.

Also get her a micro-fiber cloth and some appropriate screen cleaner. I clean mine a lot.

[Pturner]

Say dklassen,
Did you and Jan ever spring for Tony's iPad??

[chacam]

Can you plug in a webcam and video skype ? ? Does it have a mike and speakers or do you have to use a headset ?

[mitchbr47]

Can you plug in a webcam and video skype ? ? Does it have a mike and speakers or do you have to use a headset ?

No webcam. Maybe in the next version. Skype available for audio only. The ipad has speakers and built in microphone.

[laryb]

Has anyone installed virus or spyware protection or is unnecessary? If so, what was the program?

[memason]

Has anyone installed virus or spyware protection or is unnecessary? If so, what was the program?

There is no need for virus or spyware software on the iPad. Everything you get for the iPad is through the iTunes store and Apple does a pretty good job of screening the apps. Plus, you aren't running a typical OS like Windows on the iPad.

I did a scan of the iTunes store for virus or spywear software and there isn't even an app available for the either the iPad or iPhone.

With the iPad, you can be fearless.... Enjoy it!