The device certainly has the touchy-feely quality often associated with Apple products. It’s a little heavier than I’d expected it to, but it feels comfortable in the hands and is just the right size to hold or balance on your lap like an ordinary notepad.
Just the right size
Unfortunately, the initial set-up process was marred by two glitches that have been widely reported since the iPad’s US launch. The first – an incorrect error message reporting that the iPad isn’t charging when connected to a USB hub – is relatively minor.
The second problem is potentially a lot more serious. Many people have reported poor Wi-Fi reception on their iPads, and when I first unwrapped it on a Monday evening the iPad repeatedly dropped the connection to my home network in my bedroom – the furthest point from my wireless router – even though my laptop and iPod Touch had no difficulty connecting to the router from the same room.
Oddly, though, the Wi-Fi reception did improved noticeably over the next 48 hours, and by Wednesday morning I was sprawled on the bed happily browsing the web on the iPad. However, it does still have an annoying habit of sometimes dropping the connection after waking up from ‘sleep’ mode.
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.
