iPad, Quick Review and things to know if buying from the US. (now with pics)

Graham

1) it's probably going to be cheaper from the US, but you knew that already.

2) It comes with a US power adapter(surprise), you can charge via the supplied (US)USB or your iPhone adapter which takes twice as long.

3) If you buy the 'World Travel Adapter Kit' you can swap the country specific part of the iPad adapter for a Irish/UK style plug.

4) iPad software is only available from the US store at the moment so get yourself a few iTunes gift cards in US dollar denominations.

5) Prepare to be wowed, it's one of the fastest browsing experiences you will ever have had to date. Web pages render faster than my iMac/PC/anything.

6) Shocker, it doesn't support flash :rolleyes:

7) It's a big iPod Touch, but that's the whole point. It will change your browsing habits.

8) It looks and feels fantastic.

9) It has the weight of a reasonably heavy book.

10) All of the Irish 'reviews' I've found so far are nothing but rehashes of press releases and other reviews, no one mentions the hands on experience.

11) It still doesn't have flash. But that's nearly irrelevant as adobe CS5 will be able to generate native iPhone code for submission to the App Store. Expect to see a lot of familiar flash apps in iTunes real soon.

12) It still has DRM for SOME things you get from the app store. You don't have to take that route. You can source DRM free material from wherever you've got it in the past, just be aware you may need to convert it.

13) The 16GB iPad is below the duty/VAT free limit if you're bringing one back in from the US as long as the value of everything you're bringing back is below €430.

14) If you're getting one in the US, take your laptop. You have to activate it in iTunes before you can us it AT ALL.

15) It doesn't support flash. If flash is essential to you the iPad probably isn't the device for you.

16) Will "insert favourite website URL" Work on the iPhone/iTouch/iPad, see this thread http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=65284408

I will happily answer any questions if you're genuinely interested in buying an iPad. I will not get into a debate on the pros and cos of DRM/Flash as they're not relevent to me.

You want photos of anything on it, ask.

You want me to try something on it, again just ask and I'll take pics.

If you're a member of the Irish media/press who want's to try an iPad out for real, just ask and I'll try and arrange to meet you.

If you're just interested in having a play and you're based around Dublin, again just ask. If I can accommodate you I will.

In short, questions only please, if you want to start a rant about DRM/Flash support, kindly start another thread. You are entitled to your thoughts but please don't add them to this thread.

Pics to follow very shortly.

Basq

I'm going to Miami in June.. so I'll probably pick it up but I'll be interested to hear how the 4.0 OS pans out.

I'm a big fan of simple browsing on the iPhone so a larger screen and faster processor suits me perfectly for on-the-couch browsing etc.

In my mind, it has it's flaws but I do think a lot of them will be addressed either in future OS updates from Apple or from good ol' Cydia (once it's been ported obvously).

Graham

One of the biggest floors the iPad addresses is browsing. Although there's no tabbed browsing, the fact that you can jump to a Safari page containing minimised of your most regular we pages works a treat.

I certainly got the impression so far that you could click and hold an a web link to open it in a new page, then return to the previous page via the minimised page.

Creamy Goodness

can you open more than 8 pages in safari? you can't on iphone/ipod touch?

can you search web pages like you can on a desktop (ctrl + f / cmd + f) ? - iphone/ipad/ipod touch devices NEED this BADLY.

can you take a screenshot by pressing sleep + home button?

can you actually take a screenshot of settings >> general >> about for me?

Graham

OK, still not mastered displaying photos via flicker, so you may have to right click on the below icons and open in new window.





If you feel the need to see a particular web page as a photo on the iPad, ask and I'll try, time permitting. I'm not going to be able to test/photo thousands of web pages.

redout

Graham wrote: »

OK, still not mastered displaying photos via flicker, so you may have to right click on the below icons and open in new window.





If you feel the need to see a particular web page as a photo on the iPad, ask and I'll try, time permitting. I'm not going to be able to test/photo thousands of web pages.

Stick the url in between [IMG][/IMG]

Graham

Hi Creamy Goodness,

will try and answer your questions one at a time:

can you open more than 8 pages in safari? you can't on iphone/ipod touch?
Not Sure, but like safari there's a holding page that contains miniature versions of the web pages you visited recently and they don't appear to reload each time you swap between them, will check in more detail tomorrow.

can you search web pages like you can on a desktop (ctrl + f / cmd + f) ? - iphone/ipad/ipod touch devices NEED this BADLY.
Can't find the iPad equivalent, but that's not to say it isn't there. Will keep digging but the only think I can say for sure is there's no CTRL/CMD keys lol. Will let you know if I find similar.

can you take a screenshot by pressing sleep + home button?
YES, see previous posts for examples.

can you actually take a screenshot of settings >> general >> about for me?
No prob,

Graham

Thanks redout, that's exactly what I've been doing but appreciate the feedback.

Basq

Graham wrote: »

Thanks redout, that's exactly what I've been doing but appreciate the feedback.

You're putting the link to the webpage (as opposed to the link to the actual image) between the IMG tags.

On the Flickr page, right-click the image and copy the image URL, then paste that between IMG tags.

Graham

Would do, but flickr expressly request you don't do that (or so I understood).

mad muffin

I don't see any images?

old_aussie

Graham wrote: »

OK, still not mastered displaying photos via flicker, so you may have to right click on the below icons and open in new window.





If you feel the need to see a particular web page as a photo on the iPad, ask and I'll try, time permitting. I'm not going to be able to test/photo thousands of web pages.

Don't open for me, as there is no active option to "open in new window"

mad muffin

old_aussie wrote: »

Don't open for me, as there is no active option to "open in new window"

What? Do you see images there?

Graham

OK, images, trying again

Graham

Creamy Goodness, here's yours:

Dades

People who are foreseeing the demise of flash are in flatout denial. The iPad will be in it's 2nd or 3rd generation before flash content is replaced in significant numbers on news/media sites by other technologies.

In the meantime 'leisure' browsing will be severely restricted without flash support.

Nobody should buy a first gen iPad in anticipation that the technology it doesn't support won't be around for long.

Graham

Nowhere did I predict the 'end of Flash':

11) It still doesn't have flash. But that's nearly irrelevant as adobe CS5 will be able to generate native iPhone code for submission to the App Store. Expect to see a lot of familiar flash apps in iTunes real soon.

In short, questions only please, if you want to start a rant about DRM/Flash support, kindly start another thread. You are entitled to your thoughts but please don't add them to this thread.

Khannie

What's the keyboard like? (a screenshot with boards open would be most welcome). I find the iphone grand for browsing, but rubbish for actually replying to threads / etc.

BrianD

Graham wrote: »

In short, questions only please, if you want to start a rant about DRM/Flash support, kindly start another thread. You are entitled to your thoughts but please don't add them to this thread.

Eh no, it's a serious shortcoming of the product for anybody who wants to use this device for what will be one of it's primary purposes - Internet Browsing.

As a web publisher, I use flash routinely on our site due to to it's convenience (ease of embedding video ) and that it is widely accessable by browsers. Many advertisers use flash and it's advertising that supports many sites that will be viewed on an Ipad.

I am tired of hearing Apple evangelists trying to talk this one down. It's a fundamental shortcoming for Apple devices. Not only that, it's a feature that Apple have taken a conscious decision to deny their customers.

Graham

If you're asking about the physical keyboard/dock I'm afraid I can't answer, they didn't have that available in the apple store (not that I could find anyway).

The virtual keyboard is surprisingly accurate/comfortable, especially in landscape mode.

Pics of the on-screen keypad to follow.

Khannie

Graham wrote: »

If you're asking about the physical keyboard

No, sorry, didn't even know there was one. It's the on-screen one I meant. Thanks.

Graham

BrianD wrote: »

Many advertisers use flash and it's advertising that supports many sites that will be viewed on an Ipad.

And I won't be able to see those really obtrusive flash ads any more. Doesn't sound like a shortcoming to me.

As a web publisher, I'm sure you can find an alternative if it's an essential part of your business model (clue, html 5), as a consumer don't expect me to be upset that I can't see your ads in the meantime.

You're suggesting the product I purchased is no use because it can't see your ads!

Pixelcraft

BrianD wrote: »

I use flash routinely on our site due to to it's convenience (ease of embedding video ) and that it is widely accessable by browsers.

Convenience for publishers sure, but hardly for users, which is what design for the web is all about.

Graham

Khannie,

as requested:

Elessar

It's a nice looking gadget, but I can't see a use for it myself. I have an iphone for on-the-go and a mac laptop (well, soon) for at home. For me at least, the iPad is trying to fill a hole that isn't there.

How much did it cost you from the US? I'm guessing you got it on eBay?

Graham

Nope, apple store so list price.

For me the iPhone is sometimes to small when on the go, and my MBA too big.

To quote Goldilocks, iPad is "just right" for the in-between times, but then I have a reasonable commute so YMMV.

Basq

The keyboard looks abnormally large... especially when compared to the box for the post.

cornbb

First iPad to load boards.ie? History is made

I couldn't see myself missing flash on the thing tbh. Except for watching some online video I suppose. All the other flash I see on my desktop browser seems to be annoying ads. I certainly don't miss it on the iPhone.

maggy_thatcher

Graham wrote: »

Nope, apple store so list price.

Assuming it's not the 16GB model, and have brought it back into the country, did you include this when working out the price, or did you smuggle it in? If so, what did it work out as in total?

Graham

You are allowed to bring in goods (including gifts, souvenirs, perfume and clothing) free of duty, the combined value of which does not exceed:

€430 in the case of an individual aged 15 years or over

http://www.revenue.ie/en/customs/leaflets/pn1878a.html

499.00 USD = 372.095 EUR

Cyrus

maggy_thatcher wrote: »

Assuming it's not the 16GB model, and have brought it back into the country, did you include this when working out the price, or did you smuggle it in? If so, what did it work out as in total?

how many people coming back from the states with watches, engagement rings, clothes other electronic devices ever pay customs?

maggy_thatcher

Graham wrote: »

You are allowed to bring in goods (including gifts, souvenirs, perfume and clothing) free of duty, the combined value of which does not exceed:

€430 in the case of an individual aged 15 years or over

http://www.revenue.ie/en/customs/leaflets/pn1878a.html

Yeah - that's my point -- the 16GB model is under that ($499, €371), but the 32GB model is over that ($599, €446).

maggy_thatcher

Cyrus wrote: »

how many people coming back from the states with watches, engagement rings, clothes other electronic devices ever pay customs?

Unfortunately, not many :mad:

Lord Nikon

I thought Customs just nabbed you for smokes and VRT.

copacetic

How is the screen holding up smudges wise Graham. From other online pics it seems to pick them up really quickly and must be a nightmare to keep clean? Or are they not noticeable when viewing straight on? Keeping the iphone screen clean is bad enough!

Thanks for the pics, looks good. I was unimpressed when it was announced but am coming round a bit, although think I'll prob wait to see what happens with Courier/Slate/Ipad2 and Iphone HD before I really decide what to do.

How to you lap surf? i.e at home on the couch are you propping it up with the stand, crossing your legs to prop it up etc?

cyberspider

Got one in NY on Sunday myself.

In case you don't know apple are also selling a case for it as pictured by Graham. This has a cover that closes over to protect the screen but also folds up so it can stand at an angle to view videos or type in landscape.

Graham

Smudge wise it's not too bad, like the newer iPhones it has the oleophobic coating so you don't tend to notice the smudges when it's in use.

Switch it off though and it's a whole different ball game, smudge-central. Quick wipe of the sleeve and it's clean again.

Lap surfing with the cover on, it's fairly easy to get into a comfy position, the stand pretty much can be adjusted to suit however you're sat. I do find I'm holding it book-style unless I'm typing though.

cyberspider

One other thing - you need to have a US itunes account to download any of the Ipad apps. The staff said it will be sold in Europe at the end of the month and at that stage the various ipad specific apps will be available via the various European app stores.

Graham

Correct cyberspider, but you can temporarily change your Irish iTunes account to a US one if you're using USD$ gift cards (which can be purchased online/eBay).

There are no iPad apps currently in the Irish store.

leedsfan88

is there any ports on it to support a keyboard, just curious

Graham

Yes, there's an iPhone/iPad type port on the bottom and apple have announced a keyboard dock.



The iPad also supports bluetooth keyboards.

leedsfan88

Graham wrote: »

Yes, there's an iPhone/iPad type port on the bottom and apple have announced a keyboard dock.



The iPad also supports bluetooth keyboards.

Cheers man, now its just become a little more tempting

Graham

Just added:

13) The 16GB iPad is below the duty free limit if you're bringing one back in from the US.

14) If you're getting one in the US, take your laptop. You have to activate it in iTunes before you can us it AT ALL.

(don't ask how i discovered No 14) :rolleyes:

cojomo2

Graham wrote: »

Just added:

13) The 16GB iPad is below the duty free limit if you're bringing one back in from the US.

14) If you're getting one in the US, take your laptop. You have to activate it in iTunes before you can us it AT ALL.

(don't ask how i discovered No 14) :rolleyes:

yes, but you are still liable for VAT @ 21% if I am not mistaken.(if your silly enough to declare it!)

maggy_thatcher

cojomo2 wrote: »

yes, but you are still liable for VAT @ 21% if I am not mistaken.(if your silly enough to declare it!)

No, that's only if you aren't travelling with the goods. If you're bringing them in yourself, you don't have to pay:

leaflet wrote:

However, travellers may bring in goods up to the limits outlined in paragraph 4 without paying duty and VAT in this country.

Also, it's not "silly enough", it's "honest enough"

Graham

OK, edited point 13 to read

13) The 16GB iPad is below the duty/VAT free limit if you're bringing one back in from the US as long as the value of everything you're bringing back is below €430.

Can we put the duty/VAT thing to bed now please.

Scotty #

Graham wrote: »

And I won't be able to see those really obtrusive flash ads any more. Doesn't sound like a shortcoming to me.

...or 75% of all online videos and 90%+ of all online games. Which is a MAJOR shortcoming for me

The HP Slate (which does have Flash) has been ready for release for some time now and HP have held it off. It seems they are letting Apple create all the buzz and hype about these things before they release their own version. A clever move IMO.

Graham I've read that a camera cannot be connected directly to the iPad. Is this true? Surely not.

Graham

Camera requires a small adapter for either direct camera connection or SD card reading.

That wasn't available at the time so I don't have it.

I doubt that I'd use my iPad for editing images, that kind of heavy lifting I'd leave to my main PC.

The only video I ever really browse on the web is from News sites and the ones I use regularly have already upgraded to support html5 video and/or 'there's an app for that'

leedsfan88

was just looking at the price of e-readers as i tend to read a lot of comics on my laptop, so was thinking of treating myself...they are so expensive and don't offer nearly as much as an iPad or HP Slate(if I can trust what I've read), so I think if i can sell one of my laptops I might take the plunge and purchase the iPad...i assume it supports Adobe Acrobat Reader?

Graham

Not exactly a thorough test but I just mailed myself a PDF, reads no problem.

There are other 3rd party PDF readers too.

You'll probably like the Marvel Comics app if you'e into comics, it's a free app I downloaded yesterday for testing.

leedsfan88

Graham wrote: »

Not exactly a thorough test but I just mailed myself a PDF, reads no problem.

There are other 3rd party PDF readers too.

Yeah man, cheers sure all i need is for it to read PDF, doesn't matter what software does it