iPad and Online Banking

Tatterdemalion

Does the Apple iPad provide a COMPLETE web experience meaning that it provides FULL functionality at all banking, financial and shopping sites ?

atypical

It doesn't have Flash support so I wouldn't call it a "complete web experience". However that shouldn't affect the usability of the sites you mention. This was probably better posted in the tech section.

bendix

Dunno about the iPad, but the iPhone lets me do all my banking, billpaying etc on it, so I can't see why the iPad wouldnt.

Tatterdemalion

Thanks very much for your replies. I'm asking because I'm wondering about the product's suitability as a first (pseudo) computer for my anti-technology (very short-fuse) Mum and I want her to have the most rewarding experience possible.

For the gadget to be truly useful, access to online banking would be essential. I think it has an iWorks Spreadsheet Package and other simple software that she might appreciate like a Word Processor, e.mail and a Calendar.

Is it easy to back up all of the data created in these programs to external drives ?

What is the Flash material that it won't display ? Are
the films at YouTube and iPlayer streamed with another
technology ? Are Banner Ad's usually in Flash ?

tradetime

I'd have thought something like a Netbook would provide a cheaper and more fulfilling web experience. I'm inclined to look at the iPad as more for the gadget obsessed. The sum of all the reviews I have seen so far is that it is indeed not a lot more than an oversized iPhone. This sort of product has been around for quite a while without making any headway, seems to me the fact that it took someone with a near cult like following to make a go of it speaks volumes.

studio_two

tradetime wrote: »

I'd have thought something like a Netbook would provide a cheaper and more fulfilling web experience.

I like my Netbook very much, but it is worth pointing out that many web sites (such as this one) have VERY deep Mast Heads / Menus. On my 1024 x 600 Screen, this takes up the top HALF of the display - resulting in much scrolling up and down.

chris_m

studio_two wrote: »

it is worth pointing out that many web sites (such as this one) have VERY deep Mast Heads / Menus. On my 1024 x 600 Screen, this takes up the top HALF of the display - resulting in much scrolling up and down.

Indeed - and the new look MSE site seems to have made them even deeper. That combined with an apparent increase in the spacing between thread topics in the forum view resulted in me not being able to see any threads bar the "stickies" on some forums without scrolling - on a 1280x1024 display !!
I've switched back to the "old" look, which isn't quite as bad.

hallmark

atypical wrote: »

It doesn't have Flash support so I wouldn't call it a "complete web experience". However that shouldn't affect the usability of the sites you mention. This was probably better posted in the tech section.

Which is why I won't buy one (would have otherwise just as a gift for O/H). Rubbish attitude from Apple.

ESKIMO

I would be more concerned about the possibility of having access to knowledge of my personal banking preferences.

I'm slightly sceptical when it comes to BIG multi-national corps esp with all their 'need to know' info.

bendix

hallmark wrote: »

Which is why I won't buy one (would have otherwise just as a gift for O/H). Rubbish attitude from Apple.

And yet it's their fastest product of all time, from a company with a reputation for selling new products at lightening speed.

Are they right, or are you?

divorcingjack

My personal experience only! I find no major differences in navigating the internet on my ipad from a regular laptop. I actually find some of the features enhance my experience, such as tapping to zoom in and scrolling which is more time consuming on the laptop.

I got my ipad because I travel for work and it fits in my handbag. I can have all my entertainment music, videos, books for flights on it, my guidebook, maps, my email, my calendar and access to the internet when I need it. It syncs with my phone and laptop meaning I am always up to date.

It fits my life and I love it. I may be gadget obsessed, but it's made travelling easier, and what's wrong with that.

All my internet banking works perfectly incidentally. Get your mum to an Apple store and let her have a play around with it. I reckon she'll love it!

dj