Apple iPad
It's in our hands - should it be in yours?
Review Curse those Icelanders and their volcanoes. I wasn’t surprised when Apple delayed the iPad's UK launch, as friends in the US had told me that the initial shipments in their local Apple Stores had sold out very quickly.
iPad: touchy-feely like only Apple can make 'em
Unfortunately, my cunning plan to get one shipped over from New York was derailed by the Icelandic apocalypse and I had to endure a fortnight of frustrated techno-lust before I was able to get my hands on one.
But now I have, and sitting before me is the 16GB Wi-Fi only model.
The basic technical details of the iPad’s design are now thoroughly well-known, including its 9.7in touch-sensitive screen, ARM-based A4 processor, and Apple’s extended hissy-fit with Adobe over Flash support. What the tech specs don’t convey is the experience of using the iPad.
If only the Wi-Fi only iPad (left) both had the 3G model's wireless window
But just take a look at the ad on Apple’s web site. You’ll notice that the video doesn’t show the faces of any of the people using the iPad. All you see are fingers and legs – fingers flicking across the touch-sensitive screen, while the legs are kicked up on the sofa. The iPad, in short, is all about comfort.
COMMENTS
Got an email from Apple today
Said 'iPad is coming. 28 May. A magical and revolutionary product at an unbelievable price'.
I clicked the link, and they're right - fuck me I cannot believe how much it costs.
Flamebait?
All right, I'll bite.
There are some very keen ebook readers out here in Reg Readerland. Most of us that own a 'real' ebook (e-ink) reader swear by it, decrying LCD as the quick road to eyestrain.
So why is it that "the iPad [is] the first digital device that strikes me as a genuinely attractive alternative to good old-fashioned books and newsprint."?
Support your arguments, man!
£400+ for a device you don't need?
I still cannot see why anyone who hasn't got money to burn would want one of these? You've already said you have a laptop and an iPod touch that you can use from you bedroom so why spend at least £400 just for a bigger screen? Having tried an iPad at the weekend it's bloody frustrating to hold and type at the same time; even short Twitter entries are a pain and it's much easier to use a phone and thumb type.
It's not exactly a pocket device so my guess is it'll be mainly used in the home ... but if you're at home andy you want to look at the net use your PC / netbook / Mac / Laptop or phone in ypur pocket. If you want to watch a movie then watch it on your TV with surround sound. We don't need (as Apple seem to infer) this "third device", the iPad serves no purpose other than to get Apple FanBoys and the Jobs loving media into a buying frenzy.
Even if people do wait for the 3g one they'll have to be tied into another mobile contract as Apple have changed the SIM card. KerrrrCHING!. And why would you take it outdoors anyway? It's not like you'll be able to type easily on the train using an iPad in the same way you can slip a phone in/out of your pocket. Besides, you might as well wear a sign that says "I am a rich mug with money to burn - please mug me".
The only saving grace of this review is that you only gave it 80%.
Re: oh dear oh dear
Brilliant - you're actually serious!
Congratulations on being the first of the "I came to this review after it got linked in my favourite mactard forum and now I've descended from on high to let you all know how stupid you are" comments.
You are of course absolutely correct - we'll all be gagging for iPads once every braindead facebook junkie and their dog has one. We will look back and rue the day we ever posted these misguided comments mocking true disciples such as yourself. In fact I can feel myself turning already! Hallelujah! I might not even make it as far as clicking Submit. Gnnnn!
Oh no look, here we go... >CLICKETY< ...easier than I thought.
