Gadgets

4 March 2010

iEverything?

IpadApple has recently announced the iPad. Is it a must-have device for you?

The iPad looks like an iPod Touch or iPhone on steroids – with its sizeable 9.7-inch touchscreen that has only a single physical button on its surface. 

The idea is to make basic computing and media consumption easier and more elegant. The iPad will compete with ebook readers and netbooks (smallish laptops with limited processing power). Apple hopes to dominate this market through the iPad’s targeted and “polished” software.

Here’s Apple’s touted feature list:

  • browsing the internet
  • sending and receiving emails
  • organising and viewing photos
  • watching videos
  • listening to music
  • reading ebooks
  • playing games.

If you only want a computer for some or most of these features, an iPad may be perfect. However, it doesn’t play Flash content (browser-based games, movies, and other applications) or have a camera or upgradeable storage.

Like the iPhone, you can access thousands of applications, games, movies, and tunes through the iTunes store. This feature is what will give the iPad most of its worth, allowing you to expand its functionality well beyond the basic device.

Coming soon?

There will be two versions of the iPad released in the coming months. The first version has WiFi access only, so you’ll need a wireless internet connection to download content and browse the net. The other version has a 3G mobile connection, allowing you to go online wherever you have reception. 

But the iPad only supports “micro SIMs” – smaller versions of the common SIM card used in most mobile phones. Availability of the 3G iPad in New Zealand will depend on Vodafone, Telecom or 2degrees releasing micro SIM cards for their networks.

The iTunes music store took years to arrive here and the iBook Store is currently only available in the US. You can buy some digital books online – but only if you dig around on the iTunes store. And you will have to dig!

The facts:

  • No local pricing or release date info has been released.
  • The WiFi iPad will probably be released in late March, with the 3G version following a month later.

Comments

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Inga 5 March 2010

Everything has already been invented. We have so many gadgets: laptops, cell phones, PDA etc.
I personally believe that such ipad is the total waste of money. I still have my mp3 and do not understand why everybody is so crazy about ipods.
If I want all in one, I would better buy a cell phone.
Ipad is simply another way to make customers buy something useless.

Paul 10 March 2010

In short no. I love cloud and Apple but I would see more aplication personally to invest in an iPhone. I also think the cost is going to be prohibitive. I think it is still at Early Adopter stage. Not to mention I have just bought a house:)

Alex 22 April 2010

I had a play last week with an Ipad in an Apple store in the US, plus saw a number of them being used in the US on planes etc. Ipads are certainly easier to access the internet on compared to an Iphone/Itouch - especially if you are long sighted and are much less wieldy than a laptop. The word processor is fine, and the build in key pad works well - can change documents - only problem is that currently can't do track changes.

The current wifi only model would be rather limited as really only get true benefits of the Ipad if connected to wifi. Is great if you are in your office or home, but not so great when travelling... Can see a large market for them as they really are fun to play around with. The electronic books look great on them. Only problem is that you will have to hold the Ipad up to read it and while the Ipad isn't heavy, after a while could imagine that your wrists would get a little sore, same goes for watching movies with it. At least with a laptop the hinge on the screen means that you don't have to hold the screen up to view it.

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