If you’re thinking about buying an iPad then you’ve probably read a lot of blogs with titles like “the day I threw my laptop away” and “rad or fad? What’s up with the iPad!” Well, prepare yourself for my version of that old utility and usability show.
I got the iPad about three weeks ago and I am still as pleased with it as I was the day I got it. Since then I have only used my laptop for work, podcasting and syncing; the heavy lifting. The iPad isn’t built to replace your laptop. It’s also not meant to just be a glorified iPod either. There really is a space between the two that I didn’t believe existed and even mocked. “I have the new iPad mini!” I said, talking about my iPhone.
Then I touched one. It felt good. That’s when my brain started, without my knowledge, creating scenarios where the iPad would be the best tool for the job. Finally I’d convinced myself that I needed one and could justify the price. I’ve not had a moment of buyer’s remorse. The screen is responsive and bright, the speaker is adequate and the battery life is amazing.
For a writer, this device is amazing. The display is excellent and with the use of apps like Office2 HD and Dropbox it is perfectly suited for composing that NYT bestseller that you’ve got brewing.
Typing on the touch screen keyboard in landscape mode takes some… well it takes a lot of getting used to. I find that my fingers are in the way of the display. Also, when i want to select text the zoom bubble is obscured by my fingertip. In fact, I’m typing this in portrait mode. Imagine the keyboard on your iPhone but a good bit bigger. In either mode it’s awkward but manageable. I believe that I may invest in a low cost Bluetooth keyboard in the future.
As an entertainment device it excels. Movies and tv shows look great and Netflix has so much on demand content it’s amazing that I know anything about how well the iPad does anything else.
The device itself doesn’t disappoint. That’s not to say that there is nothing that I’d change about the overall experience. The layout of the app store for the iPad is nice but it’s a little hard to navigate efficiently. Another beef that I have with the app store experience is that getting a detailed look at or downloading an app on, say the 18th page, means that I have to start back at page one when I return to browsing. Major time waster and a bummer too.
So, would I recommend an iPad to a friend? You bet your RAM I would. My son loves it too. Its great for looking at pictures and watching Imagination Movers. I just ordered an Otterbox Defender case for it. Break that, Jonas. Wait, don’t break that. You’ll make Daddy cry.
Good review. iPad is still too expensive though. I’ll probably be getting an Android tablet. About $100 cheaper and 3in bigger. Plus the open platform and everything else you get from Android.
I’ve got a friend who has an Android tablet and he likes it a lot. I am, however, smitten with my iPad.