Is I Pad really worth it?

suicidebob

Fifer wrote: »

What lag? ................

The lag when typing in the browser, flipping through the homescreens. using Youtube.

Probably something you just get used to after a while and don't really notice.

Fifer

suicidebob wrote: »

The lag when typing in the browser, flipping through the homescreens. using Youtube.

Probably something you just get used to after a while and don't really notice.

Googling, I read that there's a residual problem with keyboard lag in the stock browser which was vastly improved with the Android 3.1 update and has apparently been fixed in 3.2 which is imminent. But I use Opera and there's no lag and nor is there with other browsers I've tried, such as Firefox.

23n1th

suicidebob wrote: »

How about battery life, as well as netbooks generally being a bit rubbish?

My N220 lasts long enough at around 8 to 10 hours, and the "rubbishness" I've found comes directly from the operating system (generally windows - crippled and ugly - starter) which is not the case for me.

I use my netbook for browsing, emails and skype... thats it; plus it was less than half the price of these tablets a year ago so is probably even cheaper now.

My laptop is never far away from a power supply in the house and my phone is always with me and would be even with a tablet.

Like I say theres no advantage I can see. I can see disadvantages with the ipad the main one being i(bloat)tunes!

I_luv_cats

A reasonable nebook today is around £200 to £250 and you will retain the portability, have great storage space, be able to attach usb and memory cards, web cam, still play your media, battery life can be good if your checking the specs, get the internet properly. A pup netbook is better than a pup slate tablet.

You will have to forgo your playtime tablet apps n games but it saves stretching your wallet in the first place and apps etc along the way!!!

almillar

I want that table!
i luv cats makes a good point above, and lists the 'throw anything at it usability that is the advantage of a netbook over a tablet. Think about that seriously before buying one. Tablet advantages include battery life and size, and arguably ease of use, depending on what you're doing of course, but if it's 'consuming media' then I reckon a tablet can be useful.
I've just got an HP Touchpad, which I find excellent (few bugs to be ironed out, and apps and features to come) and compared to my 15" MacBook Pro, it's vastly easier to carry around the house, and out and about of course, lasts longer, and does most of the stuff the MBP does. We're carrying so much stuff around in laptops that we don't always need (DVD drive, keyboard) and the tablet feels like just ripping the screen off the laptop and using it.
Anyone remember using 'desktop computers'? Do you remember when laptops were ridiculously expensive, really slow, had rubbish screens and didn't last very long? Did you ever say 'I'll never own a laptop'? Are you now saying 'I'll never own a tablet'? Laptops are lazier than desktops. Tablets are even lazier again. I love them!

gaztop_3

A note on the Asus Transformer dock: there are three types of dock, B40, B50 and B60. The B60 is the latest and shows very little battery drain. According to Asus, all Transformers being sold now have the B60 dock. Also according to Asus, the problem will be fixed completely on all docks when they send out the automatic update to Honeycomb 3.2, which is due either this week or next (depending on where you are in the world).
I own a Transformer with a B60 dock running Honeycomb 3.1 and I wouldn't have noticed the drain had I not read about it on another forum, it's that minimal.
Asus are also very open about this issue and have given updates on Twitter about it.
I have no regrets about choosing the Transformer, and have shown it to several iPad owners who are now regretting their purchases!

Fifer

gaztop wrote: »

A note on the Asus Transformer dock: there are three types of dock, B40, B50 and B60. The B60 is the latest and shows very little battery drain. According to Asus, all Transformers being sold now have the B60 dock. Also according to Asus, the problem will be fixed completely on all docks when they send out the automatic update to Honeycomb 3.2, which is due either this week or next (depending on where you are in the world).
I own a Transformer with a B60 dock running Honeycomb 3.1 and I wouldn't have noticed the drain had I not read about it on another forum, it's that minimal.
Asus are also very open about this issue and have given updates on Twitter about it.
I have no regrets about choosing the Transformer, and have shown it to several iPad owners who are now regretting their purchases!

I presume mine will be the B40 as it was bought as part of the original £50 offer for early adopters. I'll check tonight. Are there any other differences between docks?

gaztop_3

Fifer wrote: »

Are there any other differences between docks?

Not that I know of, although I'm no expert!

gaztop_3

I've just done some net trawling and found that their may only be firmware differences between the docks.
Have a look at the 'About Tablet' section of settings with the dock attached, and look at the firmware revision. Look for the number 8.2.3.13 or later – the latest build is 8.4.4.11, but there was an option added in 8.2.3.13 and above that lets you select 'MobileDock Battery saving mode' in the 'Screen' menu.
If you have an old firmware revision you can use the check for updates feature, or if that doesn't work, the Asus web site has a download for it.

*Please note that I have the latest firmware and there is still a little leakage. Also note, that I've not been able to test this myself.

23n1th

I like that asus have been open about it. I dare say if apple had similar issues they would still be denying it exists and blaming their customers.