Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I'm also in agreement, though, I would never turn one down as a gift, I just don't think its worth the purchase, as they are also something that I'd be scared of having stolen should someone see me on a bus/train with it...

My Nexus S is easy to conceal, though, I agree that reading an ebook on it is harder due to the small screen size, but thats all I'd really use an iPad for, and as has previously been stated, a Kindle would work better (apart from it doesn't support ePub files) due to the battery life and the fact that if it got nicked its only a 3rd of the price of an iPad.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I use my current iPad on the bus/train all the time and never had anyone look twice at me or try to steal it.

I would definately consider selling it and getting the new iPad 2 as its enough of an upgrade for me over the existing one. I use it daily for music/video and web browsing, I also use it to type up my blog and play a lot of games on it.

For me it was well worth the purchase.

My laptop at home hardly gets used now as the iPad is just a lot easier to handle and use for long periods of time.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

no they do not they will have fanboys in the millions happy to spend the money and they will also be happy to spend for the adapters to. Apple know how to make money thats for sure.

IMO if someone wants an ipad they will pay out no matter what those who want a tablet will look a lot further and with all the Honeycomb pads looking like they are gonna be stupid money too they will walk away and think nah

---------- Post added at 10:36 ---------- Previous post was at 10:34 ----------

for the same money you could buy a new desktop and aint you heard of sleep mode lol lol

I hardly use my Archos now it had novelty value for me but thats it. It will get used on trains but I aint on trains that often

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Apple are definitely a company that want to take your disposable income, regardless of the product.

I'm sure they'd get more fanboys if the prices were a bit more reasonable :)

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

if you think though if they reduced the product cost by a third by the time you take into consideration extra production costs and the like they would need twice as many sales

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Fair point...

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Apple's image is reinforced by the price. They are very good at what they do - high-end consumer electronics that are very well designed, (usually) well made, and priced in a way that says 'premium product'. Enough people are prepared to lash out what it costs to buy something with the Apple label on it, they really don't need to drop the price.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Generlly I have been impressed with apples design - until I got the official case / cover for my iPad.

When it's on you can't put it in the official apple dock.

Well, I mean I can now, but only as I got someone with much steadier hands to modify it with a razor blade.

I find my iPad much easier to use (from an accesibility stand point) than any other pc in the house.

Unfortunately I don't see android doing anything near as good in that area yet. Windows is catching up with mac os on the built in accesibility though which is a good thing.

But (as much as I hate to admit it ;)) - my old mac that I got given which is what 5 plus years old is still better at zooming and screen reading out of the box as it were. Same with my iPad.

Now as odd as it sounds I can use my ipad with the screen completely off and I get on brilliantly with it and obviously as the screen is off the battery lasts a silly long length of time.

I know I got it for christmas and would not be able to afford one but I think the only reason I do like it so much is as it does fit a specific need for myself.

Anyway that's just my 2p and all that :)

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I might be tempted to get one (actually the wife wants one as an e-book reader). The one thing that'll stop me from getting an iPad (as opposed to a competitor) is the lack of expandability. If I am going to spend this kind of money on a device, I expect a slot for an SD card so I can stick more memory in when I want to. Not be forced to decide on what size memory I want and pay Apple crazy prices for it at the time of purchase. It also seems madness to me that there's no USB ports.

But hey, that's Apple for you...

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

If she just wants an eBook reader, she might be better considering something like a Kindle. Honestly, War and Peace in hardback would be lighter to hold than an iPad.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Well, you know what it's like. She could get a Kindle, but then you would want a colour screen, take it on vacation etc. So, we're holding out a while until something comes along that really tickles our fancy. Expandability will be high on the list though, and that pretty much rules out any Apple product (imo).

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I have both and would much rather use my kindle for reading. Also dont' forget if you get the 3g one you also get /very basic/ free internet with it.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I want one of the new MacBook Pro's but the one at 1,849 looks a bit steep

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

This is an IPad thread ;)

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

For those who are thinking about getting one, the price now of a 16gb wifi iPad 1 has now dropped to £329 (HMV etc). Slightly better than £420.

Edit
Sorry didn't see haydnwalker's post yesterday which stated the new price.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

A practical question ... I'm having trouble scrolling about within my posts as I type them ... There are no scroll bars and no arrow keys on the iPads virtual keyboard. Am I missing something or does it just not work very well?

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Hold your finger down till you get the magnifier then 'push/drag/scroll' it up. That's how it works on the iTouch, so maybe it's the same.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I can scroll around (with one finger) within the box while typing just fine. I have attached a piccy to see if you are on about the same thing?

and as peanut says if you press and hold the cursor should change to a magnifying glass so you can pick exactly where you want to be.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Use two fingers at the same time in the box and it will let you scroll.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

True.

I couldn't take a desktop PC with me when travelling, though, nor laze about with one in bed or on the sofa. I could do that with a laptop, but I don't want a laptop.

Plus a new desktop would be boring, & less shiny :erm:




Although the MacBook & iMac have an "Apple premium" on the price, the iPad prices are actually already reasonable, when you consider the competition, and Apple certainly has no need to reduce them (not just because it sells like hotcakes anyway at the current price, due in part to the branding).

Something that none of Apple's competition for the tablet market has managed to do yet in the 11 months since iPad 1 was released is actually bring out a competing tablet with comparable specs, build-quality, and software for a lower price...Strange as it may seem when you think of the price of the iMac, MBP, etc., the iPad is actually competitively priced rather than the usual Apple price of "more expensive than everything else".

The Samsung Galaxy Tab was the only real competition last year. Although it had fairly comparable specs to an iPad (but half the screen area due to being 7") it still cost the same price as an iPad.

The first "quality non-Apple tablet" out of the gate this year is the Motorola Xoom (due in April). Fairly comparable specs to the iPad 2, but with more RAM and a higher AR screen (16:10 instead of 4:3) [Improvements which most consumers probably won't actually care about... the average consumer for these doesn't seem that fussed by tech specs, something Apple knows]. The price? The same as the iPad 2 (£500 for 32GB WiFi-only, £600 for 32GB WiFi+3G).

Samsung is bringing out a new Galaxy Tab later this year, the Galaxy Tab 10.1, with comparable specs to the Xoom & iPad 2. And you can bet that it will cost the same as an iPad 2...

HP & RIM (BlackBerry) both have their own tablets due at some stage (the TouchPad and PlayBook respectively). They may manage to be more competitive on price (especially HP), but at the moment they're still pretty much vapourware until HP or RIM actually start giving out real info on release dates & pricing etc. ...


---------------------------------------------

Apple owns the tablet market at the moment. Tablet = iPad for most people.

It controls the hardware, the software, the app market, and the retail. It knows that every unit it produces will shift easily, and it can bulk buy components cheaper than its competitors can (also, one reason 2010's competitors were primarily 7" rather than 10" is that Apple allegedly bought so many 10" screens that there weren't enough left for anyone else...).

Other than HP & RIM, all the other competitors (i.e. the Android OEMs) only control the hardware, so only make a profit on the hardware... and they can't sell their products direct as they don't have their own chain of stores like Apple does.

It'll be very interesting to see the evolution of the tablet market this year, given that there is finally going to be some serious competition... I can't see anyone stealing Apple's crown though, certainly not this year.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

If you just bought an iPad 1 in the States there's the possibility of a refund/return:
Wonder if they'll be touting the 30 days in the UK?

Link

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Phwoarrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Some benchmarks for the iPad 2...

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4215/a...rvr-sgx-543mp2

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4216/a...p2-benchmarked


Stomps on the iPad 1... and also (at least for graphics) the Xoom...

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Apple has confirmed that the international launch is still going ahead this Friday 25th March, as planned (unlike last year), and has also finally confirmed the pricing...A very pleasant surprise is that despite the VAT rise since the original came out, iPad 2 is actually going to be cheaper than iPad 1.

http://www.apple.com/uk/pr/library/2011/03/22ipad.html

That actually also undercuts the Moto Xoom (£499 for 32GB WiFi, £599 for 32GB WiFi+3G).

After the VAT rise in January, the original iPad cost £439 / £510 / £612 (16GB/32GB/64GB) for the WiFi only version, and £541 / £612 / £714 (16GB/32GB/64GB) for the WiFi+3G version. The original prices under 17.5% VAT were e.g. £499 for 32GB WiFi, £599 for 32GB WiFi+3G.


Some people have moaned that we're still being screwed over compared to the US prices, but it's not really that bad when you consider that US prices are always excluding tax.

e.g. 32GB WiFi only:

US price (no tax) = $599 = £365.80

UK price (with 20% VAT) = £479

UK price (excluding VAT) = £399.17

Still a bit more than the US, but not by a great deal at all.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I am going to get one on Friday. I hope. I worried they will sell out before I get there as I will be there around 6pm, an hour after sales have started!

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I really want to get the new one but I will need to sell my existing 16gb wifi and 3G one first.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

ooooooh - so shiny...................

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I think you'd have to be extremely lucky to get hold of one that late, given how many people will probably be queueing up during the day... :erm:

I bought the iPhone 4 at launch last year from the Cambridge Apple Retail Store, and although I turned up early there was still a massive queue when I arrived (a queue which just got bigger & bigger).

The iPad 2 launch in the US saw massive queues at the Apple Stores, with stock snapped up just like that. I'd imagine the iPad 1 launch in the UK last year was the same, and that it'll happen here for the iPad 2 on Friday.

Also, given that there are no pre-orders or reservations this year, I'd expect it to be even more manic than last year. At least last year you could reserve one online for collection in-store... Not so this year, which I think would mean even more people would be queuing early, as they can't just reserve one & stroll in later on.

Why not buy online at 1am?

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Think I'll be doing the 1am purchase online, assuming their site can handle the load! - Was hoping to get one 1st thing in the morning and evening scheduled meetings around the challenge and booked a hotel in London for it!

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Well, iPad 2 is now available to order online, and... it's sold out :lol:

It's already dropped to "2-3 weeks" availability. If it's anything like the recent US launch, that will soon become "3-4 weeks" and then "4-5 weeks"...

--------------

Did you get one, Tricky?


EDIT:

Ah, seems the online store has been having issues. People on Digital Spy have been trying & trying, & had nothing but grief trying to get the orders to go through.


Queueing started early, as expected, and demand will outstrip supply: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology...k-queues-start

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Motorola must be sick as the proverbial right about now ...

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

The only good thing about the iPad is that Apple has set a benchmark regarding its price. £329 vs £499 for the Xoom is quite bold I must admit.

I can wait out to see how things go, still too early for me, I'll see what the iPad 3 brings before I'll even consider one.

The Guardian does my nut in, I'm sure they have shares in Apple the way they push Apple products.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I'm glad the iPad 2 is out, maybe they can concentrate on fixing iOS 4.3 and getting my 3g connection sorted, maybe get 4.3.1 out asap.....

http://discussions.info.apple.com/me...ageID=13219868

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Well. I'll be heading down to Regent Street and it's Apple Store after work. Wish me luck. I don't think the store will sell out in under an hour.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

There is already a large queue formed there.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Well I finish at half 5 and it will take about 15 to 20mins to get there from where I work. Hoping queue would have died down...

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I've had mine ordered on-line - when I get back to the office on Monday, I will find out the ETA.....

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

There are already about 160 people in the queue outside the Glasgow Apple store!

Think by the time the store starts selling them at 5pm there will be well over 250 people. Lets hope they all get one lol.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Could you not have just 'forgotten' to hand back your test unit? ;)

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I've been using an iPad for a couple of weeks now and I'm completely sold on the usefulness of the Tablet concept. However, I am still very frustrated with Apple's implementation of it.

The lack of Flash is a major, major irritant. If it were just a few random website videos I'd not mind, but it's absolutely everywhere, especially on the BBC, and not just in their news video. All their interactive stuff uses it as well. I'm simply not prepared to make wholesale changes to the way I use the worldwide web just because Steve Jobs is engaged in some sort of peeing contest with the boys over at Adobe.

I'm also unhappy with the way the stuff you can run on it is limited via Apple's control of the App Store. I want to choose a web browser that I can customize and get running in the way I want it to, for starters.

I've been looking at Android tablets and am thinking that I may look to buy something later this year once there's a decent number of midrange devices running Android Honeycomb.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Looks unlikely I will get the model I want given the already sizeable queues...

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I think there are well over 500 people at Covent Garden already! Saw a photo on twitter.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Great. :erm:

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

And Samsung, and LG, and...

More like £479 vs £499 (32GB WiFi only iPad 2 vs 32GB WiFi only Xoom). Although having a 16GB model at only £399 is very good, as not all will want/need the extra space of a 32GB iPad or Xoom or want to pay for it.


4.3.1 came out today. I can't remember what it does though.

So, did you bother trying in the end?

I would have expected it to be sold out before you arrived... or at least before you got to the front of the queue.

The Apple website is now quoting 3-4 weeks. I've seen posts elsewhere from people saying they've been given delivery estimates of early May :erm:

I've hated Flash since long before Jobs issued his Fatwa against it, and won't miss it once I finally get an iPad. BBC News app (with videos for some stories plus live news video), Met Office weather app, iPlayer app, YouTube app, etc. ... Still, obviously not everyone is like me, and you do still have need of it for some things! :)

Re. browsers... have you tried any of the alternative browsers on the App Store, such as Atomic, iCab, or Opera?

Android... lots & lots of Android tablets due this year, including "quality" ones (Xoom, Galaxy Tab, etc.) and "budget" ones. Samsung's new Galaxy Tab line up looks quite impressive.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Cheers - downloading and installing now, it did mention problems with connecting to mobile networks so I hope it's sorted :) :tu:

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Damien, do you have a Currys/PCWorld, Comet, or Argos near you?

Although the 3rd party retailers have apparently got a rather small stock allocation compared to Apple (obviously), they may well also have far fewer early-adopters turning up.

---------- Post added at 19:15 ---------- Previous post was at 19:14 ----------

Hopefully :)

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Haven't looked very hard for browsers yet, I must admit ... I had a cursory search then assumed there were none to be found. As for web apps, well I think it's a real shame that so many content providers are forced to produce individual branded apps rather than simply providing everything through the browser. It clutters the iPad desktop (even if you do use folders, and personally I think those look a bit ropey anyway) and presumably increases the provider's development costs. Plus, for the time being, the BBC iPad app is a very, very cut own version of their website, with far fewer news videos attached to stories than you get on the website. It is badly laid out and seems to be different to the website purely for the sake of being different. Sky's news app is a lot better mind you.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Update: I am in the final queue at the Regent Street store. 2 hours in total. I will be getting one as they gave you a card for the one you want when you join the queue.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Still not fixed my problem. I am not a happy dilli right now. It's basically converted my iPad into the non 3g one.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Atomic Web Browser (free version): http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/atomi...355513788?mt=8

Atomic Web Browser (full version, 59p): http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/atomi...347929410?mt=8

iCab Mobile (£1.19): http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/icab-...308111628?mt=8

Opera Mini (free): http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/opera...363729560?mt=8


I have the full version of Atomic on my iPhone. It's certainly worth 59p in my opinion! :)

The BBC News app is cut down, but for me it's adequate enough for use on my phone, when I just want to quickly check the news etc. I haven't seen it on an iPad though, and I suppose it would seem a bit limited when used on something with a larger screen.

Sky's new Sky News app specifically for the iPad is meant to be very good, from what I've heard.

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/sky-n...422583124?mt=8

It's only "free for a limited period" though, unfortunately. I don't know if that means it will use some form of in-app subscription, or if the app itself will have an upfront fee.

Excellent! :D

I'm surprised. I honestly thought you'd have no chance, turning up when you planned to.

Which version have you gone for?

---------- Post added at 20:24 ---------- Previous post was at 20:21 ----------

Damn :(

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Our local Currys had a chubby handfull of the 64 ones left at 17.20, after the 20 minute mega rush finished, so the salesdude said..

Didn't bother though..

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Tesco Direct apparently has stock of all models apart from 16GB 3G (White) & 32GB 3G (White).

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Well. After 3 hours waiting, a lot of which took place after I had entered the store, and after all the stores payment systems went down, I have my black 32gb 3G iPad. That was not fun.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I was tempted - but they had my business card (and we buy a couple of hundred k worth of Apple kit a year, and I didn't want to spoil the relationship.....:D).

---------- Post added at 21:49 ---------- Previous post was at 21:45 ----------

My Apple Account Manager has stated Business Customers have a different delivery timescales - I will find out on Monday if she was being economical with the truth.....;)

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I'm jealous :(


Did they provide refreshments while you queued? When I queued up for the iPhone 4 last year, we were supplied with coffee & cakes etc. while we waited :)


Was that the model you wanted, or just what you were able to get?

May I ask why you chose the size & chose to have 3G? Curiosity! :)

---------- Post added at 21:52 ---------- Previous post was at 21:50 ----------

Ah :)

Which one are you getting?

---------- Post added at 21:53 ---------- Previous post was at 21:52 ----------

Oh, Damien, another question. Well, three.

Did you go for a Smart Cover or other case? Polyurethane or leather?

Screen protector?

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

64GB wifi - if I have to use 3G, I will use my Android phone portable wifi hotspot facility (it's what I did with the loaner).

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I'm most likely going to go for the 32GB WiFi, although the 64GB WiFi model is rather tempting due to it being £559 rather than £599 like the original.

No 3G for the same reason as you: If I really need it, I can tether it to my phone.

I have WiFi available at home & at work, and WiFi is widely available at various hotels and other businesses. My need for 3G would be far too infrequent to justify me paying another £100 on top of the price.

The 3G model does also have GPS, but I don't particularly see the need for that on an iPad. I always have my phone on me, which has GPS. And if Mrs D & I are going somewhere in the car, she has her proper Garmin GPS.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Yup - my thoughts as well.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

It was odd. They gave out water, no tea, but the problem was in the store. We moved very fast into it and then nothing happened. I spent at least an hour looking at the tills not moving!

I got to the till, swiped some gift cards i had, then my card got declined much to my horror and it was awkward. I tried my credit card instead, declined. At this point i twigged it was their system as my debit card and credit card are with two different banks. Next, everyones cards were being declined and the payment system was confirmed as down. They phoned up VISA and everything went though! Phew!

All in all, an awful experence. I never go to these things and this validated my reasons why. Hate it. Only went because I was worried about stock and had been waiting for iPad 2 for ages (had gift cards for Christmas but didn't spent as I was waiting).

I went for 32 gig because it's the same size as my phone and my media collection is over 16 gig already. That's not including videos. 64gb excessive. I went with 3G because I may want to take it to work, on train journeys, and so on. If I no longer need my contract is a rolling 1 month one with Three so I can cancel at any time and go with Orange's PAYG tariff. (Benefits of buying unlocked kids!).

Smart Cover. Leather Black. I went for that partly because it felt nicer but mostly because I wanted black. It feels ok but I am not sure I would recommend leather. Not worth the increase unless you want on the colors.

---------- Post added at 22:39 ---------- Previous post was at 22:24 ----------

Anyway. I have a lot of apps I have wanted to try for a long time already downloaded. iPad is syncing as we speak. The Times app, some games, flipboard and other 'social news' apps.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Agh. The iPhone 4 launch last year wasn't anything like that. Long queue, but plenty of refreshments and the systems didn't go down or anything. Just had to put up with queueing for a few hours.

I really think Apple should have allowed online pre-orders, and online reservations for store collection, like last year.

I hope the stock situation doesn't take too long to improve. Bad enough having to wait another month before I can get one, without then having to wait 3-4 weeks for delivery.

I want a Smart Cover too. Pity though that they don't cover the back of the device. I'd worry about it scratching. I'd probably only pay for the leather one to get one in black...so I may just get a grey or blue polyurethane one instead. I'd prefer black, but I don't prefer the extra cost! I'll probably try & find some sort of carry bag type thing too for taking it when travelling.

I'll most likely go for 32GB, possibly 64GB due to it being cheaper than the original.

I only have around 2GB of apps in total at the moment (including various iPad apps I've downloaded in advance), and don't intend on storing anything on the iPad other than apps & videos. Music can stay on my iPhone, I don't need that on the iPad.

Given that most of the time it'd be used at home, space isn't a major issue, as I can always stream or re-sync. And when I do take it away, 32GB is still more than enough space for a load of videos to watch on a plane/train/coach/car. Two hours takes up ~2GB for iTunes video content such as "Digital Copies" from BDs, and around half that for your average Xvid (although they'd require VLC or CineXPlayer).

Apps & games I've seen recommended elsewhere... Superbrothers Sword & Sorcery EP, Collision Effect, Infinity Blade (enhanced for iPad 2), and various things listed here: http://www2.britxbox.co.uk/forums/vi...40437#p1440437

I already have a few free iPad-only apps: iPlayer, Flipboard, Guardian Eyewitness & some others.

Plus I have various iPhone apps which also work on the iPad: Air Video, Atomic Web Browser, BBC News, CAMRA Good Beer Guide, Comics, DC Comics, Dropbox, Geometry Wars, Google Mobile, iBooks, iMovie, Kindle, Marvel Comics, Movies by Flixster, Remote, Sky+, Speedball 2, Trism, Tube Map, Twitter, VLC, Wikitude, Yelp.

Once I have my hands on the beast itself I'll pay for stuff such as Filebrowser and the iWork suite, maybe Redshift.


--------------------------

Tesco Direct is now out of stock. PCWorld/Currys still appears to be taking orders for some models, with other models now down as "28 days". Best Buy is out of stock. Comet is out of stock. John Lewis is out of stock... Apple Online is still quoting 3-4 weeks.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Of course the only reason i'm posting this video is 'cos it's some techy stuff about the iPad 2 - honest :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tjwy7jkNfEE

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I've had my iPad since September and have the 3G 16gb model. Use the web on it a lot and have nearly filled the thing up mostly with apps.

I wasn't going to bother upgrading to the iPad 2 but after getting a hands on today I like the feel of the new design and it does feel a good bit lighter. I will probably sell my current one and switch to the 32gb 3G model in white as I really like the look of it.

I hate Apple as they always tempt me with their shiny devices ;)

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

The 3g speed on the iPad is fast. Amazingly fast, like using a normal internet connection. Coming from poor attempts to connect to the internet on my iPhone. Now, is this because of the iPad or my network provider (Three on iPad, Vodafone on iPhone)?

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Try reloading the firmware from DFU mode.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Yeah I tried that it didn't make any difference.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

So... Have any of CF's iPad 2 early-adopters had the backlight leakage issue?


Which iPhone?

The iPhone 4 & iPad 2 both support HSDPA & HSUPA ("3.5G") as well as normal 3G. I think the iPhone 3GS just had HSDPA & 3G, while the iPhone 3G was just 3G.

So, if you have an older iPhone, that could be the reason.

However, I think it's quite likely to be the network. It could well be that, in your area, Three supports HSDPA/HSUPA while Vodafone only supports bog-standard 3G.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

No, but the iPad 1 I have on extended loan suffered the iOS alarm-can't-cope-with-daylight-saving issue this morning ... alarm went off as scheduled at 07.10, and then again, unscheduled, at 08.10. :spin:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12878517

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I find it amazing that Apple still hasn't fixed that bug...

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I've just placed an order with Apple for a black 32GB WiFi only iPad 2 :)

The product page is now saying "2-3 weeks" instead of "3-4 weeks" for delivery. My actual order says it's estimated to ship on the 25th of April and arrive on the 3rd of May.

Now I need to pick a case while I wait...

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I ordered my iPad 2 on Monday last week, when the Apple website was saying "2-3 weeks". The estimated shipping date was the 25th of April, with an estimated delivery date of the 3rd of May... I had an SMS tonight from Apple, followed by an email, saying it had actually been shipped today, and was due by the 20th of April :D Now I need to hurry up & sort a case out. And hope I don't have dead pixels or the dreaded backlight bleed...

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I got mine delivered today. Sold my iPad 1 on the 2nd so been without it for a couple of weeks.

Ordered a 16gb White 3G through Three as I was already paying for mobile bb with them. Was meant to get it last week but kept getting told it was out of stock, so didn't actully know it was getting delivered today.

It's instantly noticeable that it's faster and a couple of games have updates to make use of the extra graphical power.

I went for a green smart cover although am not sure about leaving the rear unprotected. May eventually pick up a full case.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Nice :)

Any noticeable backlight bleed on yours?


I'll probably get a Smart Cover, & then get a shell for the back once someone brings one out which isn't a rip off (I saw one "Smart Cover compatible" back cover for £30!). Some of the folio cases look very nice, but I think they add too much bulk.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I've not noticed any yet but not had a proper play around.

Asphalt 6 and Infinity Blade both have iPad 2 updates and do look amazing.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I'll probably get Infinity Blade. Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP is meant to be excellent too.

------------

Well, my iPad 2 has made its way from China > Hong Kong > Dubai, and is currently on its way to Cologne in Germany. According to UPS it will allegedly be with me by the end of Monday :)

I'm going to get a Smart Cover at the weekend, and have also pre-ordered a Marware shell to protect the back (cheaper than the Xgear "Smart Cover Enhancer"). I've also got a Belkin neoprene iPad sleeve winging its way to me too (around a tenner at Amazon), to shove the whole thing in when travelling, so it has more protection in my bag (rather than shelling out for a record bag / shoulder bag / satchel thing purely for the iPad).

---------- Post added at 19:27 ---------- Previous post was at 19:26 ----------

Oh, & I accidentally found out that iOS4's Mail app recognises UPS tracking numbers!

[And apparently also FedEx]

I knew it recognised phone numbers, dates, addresses, etc. within emails, but didn't expect tracking numbers.

I had emailed myself the UPS number so I could paste it into the UPS website whenever I wanted to check the progress, but when I tapped on the tracking number within the email (wanting to Copy it), a button came up at the bottom with the option to "Track Shipment". Clicking on it takes you straight to the UPS tracking web page & auto-tracks the number for you. Apparently it also works if you have a tracking number within a Note too.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

It arrived today :)

Syncing it now...

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

<jealous mode>
You lucky, lucky ........
</jealous mode>

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Do you know when you're getting your one yet Hugh?

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Been told the delivery date is the 24th of April.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Soon then :)

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Tried tethering my iPad 2 to my iPhone earlier... worked very well :) Far better than paying another £100 for the 3G version, and then having to pay mobile broadband charges on top of that.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Yup, I tried that with my loaner last month (HTC Desire and iPad) - worked a treat, so I decided due to that just to get the WiFi version.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

My iPad2 has arrived - time to fiddle (sorry, investigate and enhance)...

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Have fun! :)

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I may have to buy Air Play, as VLC is no longer available.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

CineXPlayer will play Xvids etc., & costs £1.79 on the App Store. I've not used it myself, as I managed to grab VLC before it was pulled.

I use a combination of things for video:

iTunes-friendly videos:

1) Sync on to the iPad with iTunes, and play with the Videos app.

2) Stream to the iPad using iTunes Home Sharing.


iTunes-unfriendly videos:

1) Sync on to the iPad with iTunes, and play with VLC.

2) Stream to the iPad using Air Video.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I still do not see the point of the iPad apart from being a fashion item.

Like the iPhone ;)

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Plenty of use for the iPad or other tablets, as there is also plenty of use for an iPhone or other smartphone.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I now get all the service sheets for my local church on my iPad so I can blow the m up and get it to read them out to me when I'm there.

It's the cheapest portable (accessible) computer I've seen.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Agreed (although this might change when more of the android tablets hit the market).

Last night, I streamed news and films, read a book, checked my email and work calendar, surfed the web, all from something very portable and the thickness of about a dozen sheets of paper.

Lovin' it!

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Only if android start to sort out accessibility - at the moment it's dire. If I could have used one I'd have got an android tablet like the arches 101.

I guess apple already had VoiceOver and zoom from the mac so not a lot of research had to be done to get them on the iPad.

While you can zoom the browser a bit on the android tablets it's not a full screen zoom and the text to speech systems are dire.

But they will get there I'm sure, I mean look how long it took Microsoft to finally put a decent screen magnifier on windows :)

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I have been using streamtome

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Some recommendations...

Stream live Freeview TV to your iPad using TVCatchup.com (so long as you have a TV Licence of course):

Sign up for free at TV Catchup, and then simply visit http://ipad.tvcatchup.com/ using your iPad's browser.



Play iTunes-unfriendly videos, such as Xvids in the .avi container...

1) Sync on to the iPad with iTunes, and play with CineXPlayer [£1.79] (or VLC [free] if you managed to get it before it was pulled from the App Store).

or

2) Stream to the iPad using Air Video [£1.79].


More Apps...

BBC iPlayer official app (better than using the browser) [free]

4oD Catch Up [free]

Sky+ (excellent Sky TV guide plus Sky+ Remote Record function) [free]

Sky News for iPad (excellent news app) [free]

BBC News [free]

Engadget for iPad [free]

Atomic Web Browser (alternative to Safari, has tabs & other features not found on mobile Safari, plus is better at remembering passwords) [£0.59]

1Password Pro (password manager for iOS, can sync with 1Password on other iOS devices & with the desktop version) [£8.99]

Dropbox (access Dropbox cloud storage on the iPad) [free]

File Browser (access shared folders & NAS drives on the iPad) [£2.39]

iWork productivity suite (Pages, Keynote, Numbers) [£5.99 each]



Couple of games...

Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP [£2.99] (retro adventure game, with an absolutely gorgeous soundtrack by Jim Guthrie)

Infinity Blade [£3.49] (hack 'n' slash action, optimised for the iPad 2's improved speed & graphics)

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

AV Player HD is also good and has just had an update to make use of the dual core CPU on the iPad 2. This means it can now play 720p MKV files :)

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Has anyone ordered an ipad2 - how long is the delivery date quoted?

How many of them are going to become available in UK shops shortly. If you're prepared to phone up in the morning and try a few different stores, is it likely that this will prove quicker than waiting for one ordered from apple? I understand they won't keep one in store for you.

Is there any difference in shipping times/availability in stores between the different models. Ideally I'm after a 16GB 3G.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I ordered mine from Apple on Monday 4th April. The estimated shipping date I was given by Apple was 25th April, with an estimated delivery date of (I think) 3rd May.

It actually ended up shipping on Wednesday 13th April, and was delivered on Monday 18th April.

If you check the Apple Online Store now, I believe the quoted time for availability is 1-2 weeks.

Alternatives to ordering online from Apple and waiting...

If you have an Apple Retail Store nearby, you can reserve an iPad 2 via the website for collection in store. You need to check the Apple website immediately after 9pm and be quick...

Tesco Direct & Argos both let you register for stock notification emails on their websites. Again, once you get an email from Tesco or Argos saying they have stock, you have to jump on their website pretty quick to grab one.

I would think carefully about which model you want & why. Do you really need 3G?, would 16GB be enough? Etc...

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Thanks for response. Regarding reserving one via website, do you mean the general Apple site or the store-specific page. Where exactly is this option. Does it only appear after 9pm?

If you don't buy one direct from Apple does it affect any of the customer service etc you can get e.g. do they go through set-up with you if you buy direct from store?

I do want 3G and understand the 16Gb etc only relates to storage space, but I have another machine and hard drive if I want to store lots of files.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Do you realise you can link the iPad to your phone's wifi hotspot?

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I don't have a smartphone, as far as I'm aware it just has normal 3G, hence I wanted the 3G ipad in order to be able to access the web from other locations than my house.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

Just installed Flipbook (news aggregator) - v. good.

Also subscribed to Times and Sunday Times online and iPad versions - bargain at £1 for the first 30 days, and then £2 per week*, and the iPad version downloads the daily version, so readable while travelling.

*I already get the Times in the paper version, so saves buying/carrying it around.

Re: The Apple iPad Thread
 

I've just checked the Apple site... seems there's no Reservation option anymore :confused: :(

If you buy from Apple in-store, they'll help you set it up there & then.

If you buy from Apple online, or from anyone else, you set it up yourself at home. Not a hassle, as it's easy. Just install iTunes (if you don't already have it), hook up the iPad, & away you go.

Wherever you buy from, you still have a 1 year Manufacturer's Warranty with Apple in case of problems (plus still have protection against the Retailer under the Sale of Goods Act 1979 [as amended]).

Fair enough :)