With the Wi-Fi connection working more smoothly, I soon began to really enjoy using the iPad. I’ve always found my iPod Touch too small for browsing the web or reading e-books, but the 9.7in screen of the iPad seems just about the right size.
Surfing is a joy
The image is bright and clear, and the panel provides virtually 180° viewing angle. It’s small enough to hold comfortably, yet still large enough to view and read complete web pages without needing to zoom in on the text at all.
The on-screen keyboard is more comfortable to use than it's iPhone equivalent too. I’m not sure I’d want to use it for proper word processing – that, presumably, is what Apple’s forthcoming keyboard dock accessory is designed for – but it’s fine for tapping out notes and emails. It’ll be interesting to try out the keyboard dock, along with the iPad version of Apple's office suite, iWorks, when they’re released in the UK.
Other apps also benefit from the iPad’s larger screen, with redesigned interfaces that make it easier to organise and view large numbers of files. The iPod app looks much more like the full PC and Mac versions of iTunes, displaying music, video and playlists in a Library panel that runs down the left-hand side of the screen – though it’s bizarre that the iPad can’t display album artwork using the Coverflow mode that is available even on the thumbnail-sized screen of the iPod Nano.
Wot no Coverflow?
The Mail app has a similar interface, with the contents of the inbox running down the left-hand side of the screen, and individual emails displayed in full beside the inbox.
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.
