Ipad

moneyistooshorttomention

I have a standard "big" computer (run off cable not wireless) and am wondering about buying an Ipad to complement it.

Any thoughts as to whether it is worth paying the extra to buy the "new Ipad" (which, I gather, is Ipad3 version) rather than the Ipad2?

I would think that, for what I want, I might as well save the extra cost and get the Ipad2 (the version with 3G that is).

Am I correct in thinking that:

- the Ipad2 with 3G would be usable absolutely everywhere (well everywhere there are mobile phone masts anyway)

- it would fulfil all the functions I would want from it (mainly browsing the Net/emailing/listening to radio stations I cant get on my radio/currently checking out RightMove frequently) and occasionally using it for watching tv or viewing YouTube

- the cost would boil down to around £400 for the Ipad itself and then I'd have to pay a rolling monthly contract charge of, say, £7.50 on top for 1GB worth of data use. But I could upgrade to paying around £15 per month instead if I wanted to increase the amount of data use to 10GB. Would that be it or would I have any other costs at all ever? Would 1GB worth be enough for "supplemental use" as I am assuming?

- can anyone recommend a good up-to-date book on "Teach yourself to use an Ipad2"?

Lifeforms

You need to look as to how you think it will "compliment it". It's an expensive toy really, and would your needs justify buying one?

Technically a wifi can have same access to internet than a 3G model, at a lower cost usually (mifi units, then also likes of tethering with smart phones) The 3G doesn't need to be a rolling contract, you can just replace the PAYG sims with new ones when the data/time runs out, and many sims can be had for cheaper by going through amazon, ebay, rather than through a mobile phone provider. With any model, wifi should be used over 3G when you can, so at home, other peoples houses, free wifi out and about. that keeps data costs down.

There is also a smaller option supposedly coming out soon too. Should be announced maybe next week, and on sale in a few weeks time after announcement. Supposedly because apple hate to say anything until they announce, unlike others, so no one knows for sure, but a lot of info and rumours "leaked" about what it might/could/should be.

Therefore the ipad 2 would be 2 models old, not just one model old (as it is now)

I suggest that you consider whether you first would benefit from one, then sit and wait until the new ones info is released and decide which you'd want then. However it does seem the smaller ipad may be wifi only, which will affect it if you are set on a 3G model.

Biggest question has to be what do you expect it to do, what would you want to do with it? If it's just mostly surfing, then there are much cheaper tablets out there that could do the job of that.

DCFC79

The new ipad is called the ipad mini. Just 1 question why an ipad ? or even Why the new 1 ? The old ipads are still as good as the new 1 right ? I found the android tabs are easy to get used too ?

Just a thoguht but do you have a wireless router ? If not then you would need to get 1 to use the ipad at home.

You say watching TV so do you mean iplayer etc ? I know the ipads didnt use flash at 1 point but that may well have changed but still something to consider.

NeverEnough

I can understand what you mean, having gone down that route before, so getting into arguments with people on here about whether you really need an ipad or not isn,t your question - just ignore them.

FWIW, the iPad2 is a fabulous tablet - I have a 3G one, 64MB and use it for almost everything these days. I don't feel the "need" for the Retina display, 4G compatibility or whatever else the new iPad offers, and I am pretty sure you will feel likewise. Don't scrimp and buy the wifi only model, it is definitely far less flexible as you cannot always be in range of a wifi network which is accessible by you and the 3G feature is really useful for me as I commute / travel a lot in areas where wifi is not available to me.

Oh and its not "2 models old" - not if you compare like-for-like that is. The awaited ipad "mini" is not a new model in the same range as iPad, it is a different sized, different market, different tablet. There are still only 3 comparable iPads, original, iPad2 and new iPad called iPad3 by some.

Get an iPad2 with 3G, you will not regret it.

PS cheapest way of using iPad2 is just to buy a 3GB sim for around £12 on ebay (there are some reputable sellers, be careful to buy the real deal, an unopened ipad sim pack from 3 in my case) - its cvalid for 3 months, you can either buy an extra 1GB per month when time is up, or throw the sim away and put another £12 sim in. You can get 12GB sims, but these work out more expensive - about £60 on ebay compared to £48 for the same time span for the 3GB ones. You don't need an expensive contract. 1GB a month is pretty good for relatively high use although I do not watch a lot of streaming video or listen to a lot of online radio - that can really eat up the GBs!

There are a number of free online books which you can download from the app store when you have the ipad on how to use its features best - plus there is an Ipad for Dummies book out as well, in that well-known series!!

Lifeforms

NeverEnough wrote: »

I can understand what you mean, having gone down that route before, so getting into arguments with people on here about whether you really need an ipad or not isn,t your question - just ignore them.

Money saving right? FWIIW I have a 2, and wouldn't do without one, but coming on and saying compliment means really there is not much of an idea, so first a good step is to actually look at why you want one. As no reasons are given, people will ask WHY?! Especially linked to

standard "big" computer

and

complement it

which really gives an indication of not much idea about them. Hence Ipads don't compliment "big" computers, they can be used in addition to a Desktop, or laptop. Expecting to be able to do everything on an ipad that you do on a Desktop is just asking for trouble, even more so when people don't get it, understand it, or realise that from the start.

NeverEnough wrote: »

FWIW, the iPad2 is a fabulous tablet - I have a 3G one, 64MB and use it for almost everything these days. I don't feel the "need" for the Retina display, 4G compatibility or whatever else the new iPad offers, and I am pretty sure you will feel likewise. Don't scrimp and buy the wifi only model, it is definitely far less flexible as you cannot always be in range of a wifi network which is accessible by you and the 3G feature is really useful for me as I commute / travel a lot in areas where wifi is not available to me.

If you can get a mobile signal which is what 3G is, you can get a wifi signal with the right equipment, so 3G is still not a necessary add on to reduce costs. (overall) if you happen to have a smartphone, there's a wifi network, if not you can always buy likes of mifi, which can be had for ~£20 on ebay, more if you buy new.

NeverEnough wrote: »

Oh and its not "2 models old" - not if you compare like-for-like that is. The awaited ipad "mini" is not a new model in the same range as iPad, it is a different sized, different market, different tablet. There are still only 3 comparable iPads, original, iPad2 and new iPad called iPad3 by some.

Actually current rumours are that apple may even release an updated "new" ipad version along side the mini. So it will be two models old, whether you personally consider a mini to be a new/applicable model or not. mini/updated; "new" ipad; ipad 2. It will be the third model back, maybe even fourth if both a mini and updated "new"/3 comes out too.

That'd make it a "new" "new" ipad S Har Har. Groan. Mind you, do have to say there was so little between the 2 and 3 that I kept using the 2 over buying a 3, which I had intended on doing originally, and still recommend a 2 over 3 as long as you can get a 2 refurb cheaply. New would say buy the 3 because there is not all that money between them.
But the mini does grab me, but it wont have the features present on the 3/new. Cut down version, so it better be a cut down price too!

moneyistooshorttomention

Thanks to everyone for thoughts so far.

The reason I am looking at getting an Ipad boils down to portability. My "big computer" is only accessible right at my desk and that's it. I would be able to have recipes to hand that I want to use in the kitchen (not able to print them out, as I have no printer). I would be able to listen to those radio stations I can't get at present anywhere in the house. I would have a form of computer I could take anywhere in the country with me and I shall, for instance, be off "on the road" at some point checking out alternative areas in the country to possibly move to and I'd like ready access to be able to look up maps/estate agent details/Whats On/etc.

That's my main reason.

That is a useful thought to be able to buy a 3GB sim as a way to "power Internet" so to say. I don't actually buy anything online other than through Amazon, but I expect I could buy one of these through Amazon.

What is mifi?

RobertoMoir

moneyistooshorttomention wrote: »

Thanks to everyone for thoughts so far.

The reason I am looking at getting an Ipad boils down to portability. My "big computer" is only accessible right at my desk and that's it. I would be able to have recipes to hand that I want to use in the kitchen (not able to print them out, as I have no printer). I would be able to listen to those radio stations I can't get at present anywhere in the house. I would have a form of computer I could take anywhere in the country with me and I shall, for instance, be off "on the road" at some point checking out alternative areas in the country to possibly move to and I'd like ready access to be able to look up maps/estate agent details/Whats On/etc.

That's my main reason.

That is a useful thought to be able to buy a 3GB sim as a way to "power Internet" so to say. I don't actually buy anything online other than through Amazon, but I expect I could buy one of these through Amazon.

What is mifi?

Portability around the house can be taken care of by just a wifi supporting device. I've got a Wi-Fi only ipad 2 which suits me just fine as I know my useage pattern is going from place to place and use it rather than use it "on the go", if that makes sense, and each place has wi-fi available.

MiFi and 'smartphone tethering' refer to getting a wi-fi only device and conecting to 3g via a mifi device, or a smartphone that supports tethering. This can work pretty well actually, and if you already have a phone that supports this it might be a good idea if you want to save money. It's a little less conveniant than just having a ipad (or other tablet, though I personally prefer the ipad) that supports 3G but you pays your money and you makes your choice.

One point about wanting to use a 3G model out in the countryside when house hunting - if the areas you're visiting don't get a 3G signal from the carrier you purchase your service from then you're still off the air. And 3G signal can still be in short supply in some places, sadly.

Lifeforms

Mifi is basically a little unit that you can stick a data sim in (just like you'd use a data sim in the 3G ipad) and then it produces a wifi network for you to use. Passworded, and secure (unlike free wifi in shops etc) Its a solution to get data out and about, and can be used with several devices, so if you have family, all on holiday in Wales, and then you can get a wifi network set up for anyone to use. I use it in conjunction on long journeys with my ipad wifi. Normal journies, I just use my smart phone to create one through tethering. Tethering may or may not be allowed through your mobile provider, and as such if you seek this way, you need to look it up.

Heavy image sites, and even constant radio (even low quality) will eat up data, so when you're at home you really want it to be on wifi (3G models also do wifi as well, wifi models do not, will not do 3G), out and about the solution would be free wifi, mifi, or if you have the 3G model, then you need a sim in there to give you a data connection. I would strongly advice searching out the best network for your intended area and using their data sims (cheaper on ebay and amazon to buy as said already)

If you go for a 3G model, Do not walk into a mobile phone shop and buy an ipad on a contract. You will be overcharged, and tied to that network. I dont even know about unlocking ipads, but your best bet would be to seek out an unlocked one in an apple store, or apple store online.

Just as an aisde, if you really are set on just an ipad, ignore this: There are several tablets that will do the same as you've stated, for less money. 3G and wifi only.

Apple have now said they're doing the press release next Tuesday, so worthwhile waiting and seeing what they intend on releasing, as this will affect both android and ios tablets. Google will be releasing more models, better value etc.

I would say get the newest one out (and if necessary wait until apple confirm, or deny, the rumour of an updated ipad 3), the £50 between them is so little for a better model (ipad 3 vs ipad 3) even outside my opinion. If you go for an ipad2, try and get a refurb from the apple site, as you save enough, and it's like new.

Consider as well if you'd prefer a smaller ipad. Having taken the normal size out and about a lot, that smaller one would be brilliant! Over time the current size and weight, they do seem to weigh down a lot as you carry it longer

DCFC79

Thanks for that Lifeforms and Roberto, I've heard of mifi but never really looked into what it was, sounds like something I could do with when I get a new tablet.

Lifeforms

as a brand new with included data, a mifi unit would probably cost the same to get, as the difference between wifi and 3G, so unless you think you can use it for other things, like the family scenario from before, just ease of use would dictate just getting a 3G model. It's more that if you did buy a wifi model and you struggled with wifi hotspots when out and about, it's not the end of the world, a solution can be found.

RobTang

Lifeforms wrote: »

Money saving right? FWIIW I have a 2, and wouldn't do without one, but coming on and saying compliment means really there is not much of an idea, so first a good step is to actually look at why you want one. As no reasons are given, people will ask WHY?! Especially linked to and which really gives an indication of not much idea about them. Hence Ipads don't compliment "big" computers, they can be used in addition to a Desktop, or laptop

I think you need to look up what the word complement means in the dictionary.

My tablet and my pc are perfectly complementary, there are times when one device is better to use then the other therefore they complement each other when one is lacking in a certain area.

TBH my iPad never leaves my house, if im just out and about my phone will do everything I would need the iPad for. If i'm traveling ill take just my laptop, I cant be bothered to carry the iPad as well.