Posted on 10/28/2010 10:53:15 AM PDT by Mamzelle
I'd like to hear from FR ipad owners and ask a couple of questions. I don't own an Iphone or an Ipod, but I do use macs
Dupe post courtesy of XP, not iPad, lol.
Background: I have an iPhone 3GS and a Mac Pro.
Currently I use my iPhone for almost all of my general curfing needs (internet, Twitter, email, etc.). I am all set to purchase an iPad (larger screen than iPhone, ereader, and I have no need for a laptop) but am going to wait until the next generation which should be in 1Q11. I will purchase the largest memory size they offer and get the 3G version.
I live in an area that has big problems in cell phone reception (rural). I’ve read that Apple is expanding to include Verizon. I don’t mind the blackouts, but I would like a navigational system. (I am completely new at this)
What is your husband’s cost per month?
I love the touchscreen, the resolution, the ease of web browsing, the many many useful applications. The drawback is the lack of Flash support, there are lots of Flash-based sites out ere and the Ipad won't be able to handle them.
Thanks to you and All. This has been helpful. Of course I’ve tried to read about it online but there’s really too much information for me to process out there. I knew Freepers were the best place to go. Now I know I have to get the M3 version, which is more expensive, and need to find out what the monthly will cost me.
I mean the 3G. You see how much I know about all this...
I've also found that the 32 gig model is plenty big for our purposes so you can save a bit of money there. I obviously have no knowledge of your storage needs but for us that size is more than enough.
I'm pleased you found my information useful. Good luck.
$25.00/mo. 2 gigabytes data plan no contract via AT&T. Unlimited $29.99/mo. Verizon available Jan. 2011.
Writing this from my iPad.
1. Yes. 3G version has GPS, and I use it a LOT. Mapping, traffic congestion info. Not so good for very precise work a la geocaching, but fine for driving.
Note that most mapping apps rely on internet connectivity, so you may get poor or no mapping service outside a 3G zone. Most places support EDGE networking in lieu of 3G, but that is very slow.
Many apps make interesting use of GPS, such as UrbanSpoon (finds a random restaurant near you) or assorted astronomy apps (use the iPad as a virtual window showing the sky from your location, literally hold it up where you want to know the stars).
2. The best thing about the iPad is connectivity anywhere anytime. I mean really: quick email check at stoplights, look up obscure trivia over lunch, write a paragraph for a book while waiting for the wife to find her shoes, look up recipes, carry entire CD collection with vast room to spare, watch on-demand movies in bed, etc. No laptop can match the instant-on, no unfolding/setup, easy use while walking, no-contract always-connected Internet, uber-portable design.
FWIW: I burn thru about 3GB data per month with this thing.
I’m thinking about having it surgically implanted.
I'm afraid the Google boys may be way ahead of you.
I use Navigon, you have something you like better? I use it on the iPad, but mostly on my 4G iphone, leaves the iPad free for Google Maps, and other surfing. Did I mention my wife now does all the driving? :)
I have tons of Quicktime videos on mine. Mp4 and m4v I use Real Player to download from youtube and it has a converter built in, but I use a Turbo HD device for big files. You can also use Handbrake to rip DVD's into playable format. I don't like the way iPad handles Photos or Movies, so I have iTunes Playlists, like, iPhoneMovies, and iPhonePhotos, that I drag the videos and picts into. Makes it easier for me to find them on both the iPhone and iPad.
You really need the 3G model for Navigation, but the iPhone 4G does that very well. I have the iPhone 4G and the 3G iPad, be glad to help if needed. Love both of them. There is a free App for the iPad that will let you do text messaging, includes an actual phone number for your phone friends, called TextFree. It does have some annoying adds, but cheap to turn them off, look for them to offer phone calls soon as well. Lot of creative people out there that try to wring every last useful byte out of their purchase.
My wife and I have the 3G plus WI-FI model. We like to have all the possibilities of getting a signal, ya know. We love them. It paid for itself on a recent trip to NOLA. I’ve never driven through New Orleans and needed to get from the Superdome area to the Lake Ponchatrain bridge. Opend the Maps app and presto, just followed the pulsating blue bug and found the way. The only problem I’ve had was not updating my info in the cellular data plan. I needed to update the expiration date on my new Juniper card. After that, it was smooth surfing.
The keyboard takes a bit of getting used to but, like everything, once you do, it’s a snap. Some of the videos look a bit grainy but that could be due to the source, age of original footage, the way it was copied, etc.. At any rate, the iPad is about the best thing Apple has come out with in a very long time. Before the lid is closed on me, my iPad will have to be put in the box. And, oh yeah, it’ll be put on FReeRepublic .com just in case the need to FReep from beyond hits.
Thanks very much!
The one real negative about the iPad and iPhone is that they don’t support Flash, as any iPad and iPhone user knows. I do hope that Apple addresses that problem ASAP. I’ve read that it’s not an easy fix but, hey, it’s Apple. They can do just about anything
Navigon was best...I had another one suggested that cost $3, but I didn’t think it was ready for prime time.
I believe Navigon works without a 3G connection...
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