3 replies to this topic

[Smokey]

While the iPad has been around for a little under a year, it's been a revolutionary device. Some look at the iPad as just an oversized iPod Touch. Which isn't the case at all. Well not in my opinion anyway. The tablet from Apple has some really nice features that makes one's everyday asks, a piece of cake. Well enough with that, let's look at the iPad, First generation, specs and what you'll be getting for your hard-earned money.







iPad Specs:

Display:

• 9.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen Multi-Touch display with IPS technology
  
  
  
• 1024-by-768-pixel resolution at 132 pixels per inch (ppi)
  
  
  
• Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating
  
  
  
• Support for display of multiple languages and characters simultaneously

Capacity:

• 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB flash drive

Processor:

• 1GHz Apple A4 custom-designed, high-performance, low-power system-on-a-chip

Battery Life:

• Built-in 25-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery
  
  
  
• Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music
  
  
  
• Up to 9 hours of surfing the web using 3G data network
  
  
  
• Charging via power adapter or USB to computer system

Wireless and Cellular:

Wi-Fi model

• Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
  
  
  
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR technology

Wi-Fi + 3G model

• UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz)
  
  
  
• GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
  
  
  
• Data only2
  
  
  
• Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
  
  
  
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR technology

So as you can see you're getting quite a bit for your buck. The iPad is starting at $499.99 and ranges all the way up to $849.99 depending on the model and size you get. I personally love my iPad. I've had it for almost a year now and couldn't be happier with it. I use it for emails, sending quick IMs, browsing facebook, watching movies, viewing photos. Playing games. Who doesn't enjoy those iOS games? They're a ton of fun!









Yes it has taken Apple awhile to get some key features implemented into their OS for the device, such as Multi-tasking, which in essence, isn't really multi-tasking, it's more like App-Switching. So I'm a bit down about the lack of a true-way to multi-task on the iDevices. However, it gets the job done, just not well. When you switch an app, your previous app stops, it doesn't close or shut down,but it holds it in a paused-state while you're browsing through another app.



Another thing I dislike about the iPad is the fact that if i'm doing something like playing a game and a friend sends me an IM on the iPad, a notification box pops up with a preview of the IM and a warning that I have one, causing the app I was in to go on hold. I don't like that. I believe there should be a little notification bar at the top of the OS that shows what you have, in a dropdown, similar to how Android does it, all without interfering with what I was doing or working on at that time.



So you're probably saying to yourself "Well who does the iPad appeal to?" That's a good question. As a web designer, I found it very nice to use as a doodle-pad to jot down my thoughts for future designs. I also like how it's about the size of a standard scholar notebook, so it fits nicely, well, anywhere. If you have a laptop or desktop already and just want something extra that's a little more portable. The iPad is a good choice. If you're one of those guys who just rather have a smaller tablet? I would go with the iPad. There's plenty of other competition out there, but the iPad is just a nicer experience. I feel the OS is cleaner looking, easier to navigate then some other android devices. One plus the iPad has over it's competitors is the App Store. With thousands of iPad specific apps out there, you can load your iPad up with programs that'll do the things you need it to do for you. Other android tablets are still struggling to get their apps optimized for their tablets.



So should you buy an iPad? Well if you're in the market for a tablet, it's definitely one you want to consider. Would I buy one now? No, Apple is due to announce the iPad 2 sometime today. I would wait until that launches as that will no doubt improve over it's older brother and offer you more for your buck.



Verdict:

Pros:

-Clean looking

-Easy-to-use interface

-Light-weight



Cons:

-No true multi-tasking, more like an app-switcher.

-Notifications need to be displayed and handled better within iOS

-iOS can use some overall improvements.





Final thought: I would get the iPad yes, but I would wait for the iPad 2 to launch. Is it worth the price? That's something you have to decide on your own. I love my iPad and sorta wish I had waited now for the iPad 2 but i'm still happy with my investment.

Click here to view the article

[shadowfire]

Thanks for this. I know that it's a bit outdated now according to some, but I've seen the first gen iPads for sell before still, mainly from people who wanted the iPad 2 and to get rid of the first. The price is what turns me off about Apple products but I did love my iMac...so I haven't ruled out one of these yet.

[rcturbos]

Great job on the fantastic review, I have the Ipad and I agree with basically everything you had to say about the Ipad. One thing I notice you said is that it's light weight I know they say it's light weight but after holding it for like five minutes during a game your arms will get noticeable tired. One thing I personally would add to the "Cons" is that they keep releasing new ones so fast because now they are already to release the Ipad 3.... I think apple is just starting to release items faster and faster to get more money but I just think thats a Con if you ask me.

[Smokey]

Yeah. My general rule of thumb is if I buy something first gen, I don't upgrade for another whole gen or two. So for example, I'm getting the PS Vita on launch, If they release a PS Vita Slim next year, unless it's considerably cheaper, I won't be upgrading to it and I'll wait until they release an even slimmer model a year or so from then.