iPad - a triumph of style over function?

Lilystar

DCFC79 wrote: »

Im surprised you can even put your own software on there eg a word processing program, are there any free apps available for it or do you have to pay for the apps if you want 1, to me its an expensive paperweight

There are various free apps which allow you to create documents and spreadsheets, some will also allow you to upload those to Google docs so you can access them on a different machine. Some are good, some not so much. If you want a lot of specific functionality, you will probably benefit from one of the paid apps.

I think my favourite thing is reading the papers on it, in the morning, while still in bed. It's far better than my laptop for that!

googler

DCFC79 wrote: »

Im surprised you can even put your own software on there eg a word processing program,

Do you mean you're surprised you CAN'T (cannot, can not) put your own apps on...?

Russel245

Hmmm I thought the ipad did a lot of the things people here are saying it doesn't.

In all honesty, I'm unsure how much the lack of flash really holds it back.

Ms-Pacman

I love my ipad. I use it for loads of apps such as music videos, games, office docs, internet browsing, comics & books, reading various magazines, tv streaming from catchuptv, bbc news, ebay app, the star apps are neat, online games like farmville and loads more. It doesnt replace my tv, my laptop or my books but means I can sit in bed or go out and be able to do all of the above and more with one item thats is compact ot use.

I've owned it now for about 3 weeks and look at free apps. So far with my 50 plus apps I've only actually spent just over a tenner and 5 pounds of that was for scrabble!

What I did was splash out for 8 pounds on a decent bulky magazine that had loads and loads of reviews for apps that worked on the ipad even if originally was for iphone/ipod touch. Ignore the thin magazines. Get value for your money as I found at least 4 mags in whsmiths and most had very little content.

the lack of flash is not really a problem. there is a youtube app so you can watch clips from there and logon exactly the same as on ie.
the neatness about it is that it doesn't get bogged down with crap slowing it down. the other beauy of it is that when you delete an app its is gone without leaving a mass of crap behind.

Its not a notepad or a laptop and doesn't claim to be but it does most of the same types of things but in a portable way. I#m always in Costa with mine, having a coffee with a book or game.

have a look at free apps, there are hundreds, I did and it helped me get a better idea of what it can do and how I wanted to use it!

nic_santorini

I went round my mates on Friday and she was sitting there using her laptop and not her Ipad. I asked why and she said that apple had the monopoly on the flashplayer stuff and that there was not an app for that at the moment and thus you can not get the videos or pictures on most web sites. It is a glorified I pod touch (which I have), yes it is a good photo storage facility but I am actually so glad I did not get one and invested in my little laptop that does it all and has an 8 hour battery life too. I think apple are getting a little big for their boots and to top it off by launching the Iphone4 when it does not receive a signal?? Think that the final product tester should be sacked!!

Ms-Pacman

its not a laptop, and its not trying to be a laptop!
I am on my laptop now right now as is much better to use for internet. I'm not sure why she can't see pictures on the internet as its fine for me, maybe her internet speed? As for video, the IPad has its own apps to see video from other sources & It will play mp4.

try reading an electronic book or comic on the ipod touch (of which I have one for playing music in the car), its not great is it! It also has a 10 hour battery life which is pretty good AND it does not overheat and shut down like a laptop can.

it seems like some are missing the point as to what an IPad is and does! And yes its a gadget but it is a very cool one!

RobTang

Ms-Pacman wrote: »

it does not overheat and shut down like a laptop can.
!

It can overheat and will shutdown to protect itself when it does.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-26/apple-sued-over-claims-ipad-tablet-overheats-in-sunlight-warm-conditions.html

Spirit_2

I will look for a magazine to provide inspiration. I think my issue is the one identified early on...I want to creat content on it, and interact with microsoft/adobe documents.

From what positive posters are saying the iPad is largely for entertainment, and unfortunately I am not 'entertained' by gadgets.

The lack of flash has been irritating, so I will try and find the alternative....might have to visit the Genius bar in the Apple Store.

On my laptop again this evening..a bit hefty, but definitely a tool not a toy.

weegie.geek

The ipad is mostly for consuming, rather than creating.

prowla

Yes, the iPad is style over function.
When I first heard of it I thought it was going to be a tablet Macintosh, which would have been great.
Instead it turns out to be an over-sized iPhone, with very limited functionality, miniscule storage, and is hugely expensive.
It may have certain useful features, but overall I don't quite get it.