Is I Pad really worth it?

GRM

Fifer wrote: »

Is a phone a valid comparison with a tablet?

Not directly but my comment was more related to some of the UX discussions in the thread.

[Deleted User]

ok people - a tablet fulfulls a different use case to a laptop or a netbook.

I primarily use my iPad 2 at home. I've not had a holiday since I bought it, but I expect it would also come with. When I'm working, I use my laptop. If i've got a casual meeting, I might use my iPad for keeping check on emails.

I've found that my use of the home PC has nosedived since I had the iPad. So, what do I use it for/as?

* Music (Internet Radio, streaming from my 50gb Itunes library on the home laptop)
* Email - Connects to my work and yahoo emails easily
* Apps (Rightmove especially at the moment)
* Video chats (I'm working away at the moment and even my 2 year old knows how to launch Skype and phone his daddy). I've also used FaceTime a bit but will jump for joy when the ipad version of Skype is launched
* Facebook access
* Casual Games - if you buy the games when they're on sale, they're a bargain. My Nintendo Wii sits unused now
* eBooks - it reads PDFs really well, I've also got the Kindle app

Bad things -
* i can't read my camera SD card without buying an add on.
* It's bluetooth is shocking; I use my android phone and dropbox.
* The inbuilt web-browser is rubbish, I'm no fan of its rendering and its needs to view sites in a more 'portable' way like my phone does.
* No proper file system

If I want to write some code, make a spreadsheet or write a document/presentation - i'll use my laptop every time. I know there are apps - but sometimes you need a bigger screen, a mouse and a keyboard

It's a great product, not perfect, but very very good. I'd love to spend some time with a comparable Android tablet to compare though

Fifer

ringo_24601 wrote: »

Bad things -
* i can't read my camera SD card without buying an add on.
* It's bluetooth is shocking; I use my android phone and dropbox.
* The inbuilt web-browser is rubbish, I'm no fan of its rendering and its needs to view sites in a more 'portable' way like my phone does.
* No proper file system

If I want to write some code, make a spreadsheet or write a document/presentation - i'll use my laptop every time. I know there are apps - but sometimes you need a bigger screen, a mouse and a keyboard

It's a great product, not perfect, but very very good. I'd love to spend some time with a comparable Android tablet to compare though

Ringo, glad you like your iPad. I agree pretty much with your list of pros. At upgrade time, a convertable like the Asus Tranformer (or the Acer version, don't recall the name) might cover all your cons and wants (although it could be argued that the keyboard dock is an add-on).

[Deleted User]

Fifer wrote: »

Ringo, glad you like your iPad. I agree pretty much with your list of pros. At upgrade time, a convertable like the Asus Tranformer (or the Acer version, don't recall the name) might cover all your cons and wants (although it could be argued that the keyboard dock is an add-on).

I forgot to mention watching videos... I found an app that'll play just about any video you throw at it.

Realistically, an android tablet should be able to do everything an ipad can. However, there's a distinct level of difference in the user experience. The iPad is dummed down, but I think I do like it like that. It's a casual user's device with a casual UI. It's not really designed for power use or even proper business use. It's simplicity is a benefit when non-technical users want to get the most out of it.

I think if i'd bought an android tablet, i'd have got too bogged down with customising it and adding widgets. Also, i doubt my toddler could use. Plus, it'd have cost more to get the same spec and I couldn't have bought the 'army tested toddler proof' case.

I do miss having a 'back' button though

Fifer

ringo_24601 wrote: »

Plus, it'd have cost more to get the same spec

Would it? I'm not familiar with Apple's prices, but have usually found Apple stuff comes at a premium.

I ended up with the Transformer as I was convinced I didn't want a tablet, but was looking for a small ultraportable laptop - this looked to fit the bill and I'm pleased to say so far it does and has also converted me to the convenience of tablets for browing and all sorts of other stuff.

[Deleted User]

hmm ok, the transformer is about 40 quid cheaper than the 16gb ipad 2

23n1th

ringo_24601 wrote: »

....I've not had a holiday since I bought it,..

I know apple products are overpriced but I didn't think they were that expensive!

ringo_24601 wrote: »

... Also, i doubt my toddler could use. Plus, it'd have cost more to get the same spec and I couldn't have bought the 'army tested toddler proof' case.

I do miss having a 'back' button though

My 4 year old can use my SGS2 no problem, sometimes doing stuff I didn't except her to be able to. You're wrong about the price though.

[Deleted User]

23n1th wrote: »

I know apple products are overpriced but I didn't think they were that expensive!



My 4 year old can use my SGS2 no problem, sometimes doing stuff I didn't except her to be able to. You're wrong about the price though.

Well, i know my 2 year old struggles with my HTC Desire HD (he likes the bubble game!) yet on the ipad he can happily load BBC iplayer and find the tv show he wants, he can navigate around it very easily.

I've only had the ipad about 6 weeks..

Fifer

Is the IOs iPlayer app interface different to the Android one?

[Deleted User]

Fifer wrote: »

Is the IOs iPlayer app interface different to the Android one?

A little bit.. although i've not seen it on a tablet. It's easier to get to the different channels.