Thinking of maybe getting an iPad - have questions

mel.b

I'm going to own up and say I don't have an iPhone, iPod touch and my iPod I do have is about 3 years old and i never download the updates for my iPod:o So I'm not really up with all the latest 'i' stuff or understand some of the terms that are used.

However at Stansted airport yesterday I got the chance to play with an iPad and i'm now thinking seriously of getting one. I have been wanting a netbook for some time and have more recently been thinking about an ebook reader, so when I saw & played with the iPad I realised that it would suit my needs perfectly (something to download photos onto while travelling, surf the net, check emails and use to read books to save carrying them while travelling).

I've had a look at the apple website to to get a basic idea and also read through a few threads (including the first 14 pages of that massive thread started by Graham). I've just got a couple of questions that I need answering...

1. To download photos from my camera I just need to buy a special adapter. Does it read RAW format or just JPEG?

2. Books. What is the range like in the apple store? New releases or old classics? I read somewhere that there is a kindle app that you can install on the iPad and then purchase books through kindle (?amazon)

3. Wi-fi v. 3G. What's the difference? What do I need? If I want to do some surfing while overseas which is the best? If you can find a free Wi-fi spot I assume there's no charge? I've got mobile broadband at the moment - did I read somewhere that somehow this can be used with the iPad?

4. What does 'jailbreaking' mean? Why would I want/need to do this?

5. What is the price of the iPad in the UK at the moment. I 'think' at Stansted airport it was 367pounds (or was it 467pounds?) for the basic 16Gb version (not sure if that was with 3G or not)

I think that's it at the moment:)

Any help with sorting out my confusion would be great,

Cheers,
Mel.b

Terrynova3y2

1. http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC531ZM/A

2. Kindle app lets you download all the books from amazon just like you would with the Kindle hardware, not sure what the iBook store is like though

3. Wifi works on wireless networks, 3G lets you put a sim card in and use a data plan to connect online anywhere. (as long as theres a signal of course)

4. Jailbreaking lets you install apps which haven't been approved by Apple from the Cydia store.

5. The 16gb wifi model is £429

I was up in Belfast today planning on picking one up and they were sold out

mel.b

Thanks Terrynova.

I just finished reading through the 52 pg thread started by Graham. I had been planning on getting the 32GB version, but then I saw this post...

culabula wrote: »

In my opinion, snag yourself a 3G 16GB. I was forced to get the wifi only cos that's all there was, sold it and got a 3G last Monday. It's frustrating when your MiFi runs out of juice. Capacity is irrelevant I feel, thanks to the Cloud.


.

What is 'the cloud'? I googled it and came across a wi-fi company, but not sure how this then relates to what capacity iPad to get. Was thinking on getting the 32gb version as one my main uses would be to store & view photos while travelling. I use a dSLR and take a lot of photos so was thinking the more storage the better?

I'm getting really tempted now...good thing they are sold out in belfast otherwise I'd probably be up at the crack of dawn tomorrow!

Cheers,
Mel.b

x43r0

Hey,


"The Cloud" is a term IT people use to refer to the internet

mel.b

x43r0 wrote: »

Hey,


"The Cloud" is a term IT people use to refer to the internet

LOL - I'm not blond but I really feel it at the moment:o I didn't think i was 'that' out of touch!

i can't see how that is going to help me at the moment though as I don't want to upload my photos while travelling - just want to view & save them. So maybe the 32gb is best afterall?

eamon234

There nothing available on the iBook store commercially in Ireland just free stuff at the moment the usual classics etc.

eamon234

x43r0 wrote: »

Hey,


"The Cloud" is a term IT people use to refer to the internet

Eh, no it isnt! The Cloud is a range of services and technologies that use the internet to provide services and information in real time over the web.;)

mel.b

eamon234 wrote: »

Eh, no it isnt! The Cloud is a range of services and technologies that use the internet to provide services and information in real time over the web.;)

Ok, so now I'm confused. From the quote I posted above which was taken from Graham's long thread, is this 'mythical' cloud thing going to help in my situation or not? basically, am I better to get the 16gb or 32gb version?

Cheers,
Mel.b

whiterebel

mel.b wrote: »

Ok, so now I'm confused. From the quote I posted above which was taken from Graham's long thread, is this 'mythical' cloud thing going to help in my situation or not? basically, am I better to get the 16gb or 32gb version?

Cheers,
Mel.b

The cloud is like an offline space, that can be used for storage, email etc. Basically you can use it any time, particularly handy if you're on the move. Not much use for very big files, so IMO you would be better of with the 32GB and use wireless where available. You could always invest in something like a MiFi in the future if you need it.

eamon234

mel.b wrote: »

Ok, so now I'm confused. From the quote I posted above which was taken from Graham's long thread, is this 'mythical' cloud thing going to help in my situation or not? basically, am I better to get the 16gb or 32gb version?

Cheers,
Mel.b

I'd advise the 32gb or 64gb if you can afford it I personally couldn't be bothered uploading stuff in the hope that I come across a working wifi hotspot if I need it later. The fact that you can't expand the memory on these it one of it's biggest drawbacks.

Wolfe Tone

There is no SD slot on the ipad?

whiterebel

MUSSOLINI wrote: »

There is no SD slot on the ipad?

No.

alex73

Saw the Ipad at heathrow yesterday. Very nice device, but for a 16gb wifi enabled version the price was 416 pounds (about 480 euros). There are 6 options and this was the cheapest (and does not have 3g option) Most expensive was 678 pounds 788 euro, WIFI/3G 64 Gb. I like it but I already have a small netbook worth 200 euros which has 250gb and SD slot.. I suppose if you have the money its worth buying one, I just can't afford it. Also for sure the next generation will have front video cam built in to allow skype video. So I am waiting for the next generation.

uvox

Always buy the biggest storage version you can afford regardless of this upload to the cloud stuff. It's fine for uploads and cloud computing is about always-on online web services and processes, but I think keeping as much as own data as close to you as you can. Whether you choose to upload to an online store or not is a option.

I think you're right to aim at 32GB min.

What I will say about buying Apple h/w in general is that you should budget in for the full extended warranty if you're a heavy user of hardware.

wez99950

I said i would write in this thread instead of starting another one!! I am thinking of buying an iPad for my mother and i just have a few questions and would appreciate user's opinions/views.
- she is a very big reader and contemplated buying a Kindle and I was wondering has anyone tried using the iPad in the sun, is there a difficulty seeing the screen.
- she travels a lot (mostly to France) so I was wondering in terms of data plans (using it internationally) is it quite expensive?
- i have three options of where to buy - Ireland when it is released, London/Northern Ireland and Miami Airport (i'm not even sure it is available there, will have to check) where my brother has a stopover. Where would be the best value or is there much of a difference and would there a lot of hassle buying abroad?

Any advice/information would be much appreciated, thank you.

uvox

Problems in sunlight alright (but not just for iPad). Obviously, that won't be a problem in this country this summer.

However, there are lots of workarounds as pointed out by international stylist, Tyler Brûlé (real name Mossy O'Hara, from Dunboyne):

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/57d93842-906a-11df-ad26-00144feab49a.html

On the otherhand, contrary to what Tyler Brule claims, sunscreen will wipe off.

My assessment? Go for it. But buy here with warranty. Available from next Friday (I think)

LOL.

wez99950

uvox wrote: »

Problems in sunlight alright (but not just for iPad). Obviously, that won't be a problem in this country this summer.

However, there are lots of workarounds as pointed out by international stylish, Tyler Brûlé (real name Mossy O'Hara, from Dunboyne):

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/57d93842-906a-11df-ad26-00144feab49a.html

On the otherhand, contrary to what Tyler Brule claims, sunscreen will wipe off.

My assessment? Go for it. But buy here with warranty. Available from next Friday (I think)

LOL.

Very good article!

Thank you for your response. I am really leaning towards buying it here, just for sheer convenience (that is, if i am able to preorder in time and not working when we are able to preorder!).
Out of curiosity, for those who are given an iPad from another country as a gift, can they not - if something goes wrong - use the warranty in Ireland (or get an alternative)? Poor guys if they cant!

whiterebel

wez99950 wrote: »

Very good article!

Thank you for your response. I am really leaning towards buying it here, just for sheer convenience (that is, if i am able to preorder in time and not working when we are able to preorder!).
Out of curiosity, for those who are given an iPad from another country as a gift, can they not - if something goes wrong - use the warranty in Ireland (or get an alternative)? Poor guys if they cant!

Apple's warranty says you may be required to have it serviced in the country of purchase, which is the same wording as the iPhone, and they do enfoce that.

culabula

whiterebel wrote: »

Apple's warranty says you may be required to have it serviced in the country of purchase, which is the same wording as the iPhone, and they do enfoce that.

Belfast has bent over backwards to both service and assist with iPads bought in the USA.

culabula

whiterebel wrote: »

Apple's warranty says you may be required to have it serviced in the country of purchase, which is the same wording as the iPhone, and they do enfoce that.

whiterebel wrote: »

The cloud is like an offline space, that can be used for storage, email etc. Basically you can use it any time, particularly handy if you're on the move. Not much use for very big files, so IMO you would be better of with the 32GB and use wireless where available. You could always invest in something like a MiFi in the future if you need it.

I have a 16GB 3G iPad powered by a Tre Italia SIM (and a MiFi) and store all my content in both my iDisk and DropBox. I have never missed having a larger capacity iPad.

culabula

Oh, and there's now AudioGalaxy, as well........;-)

Frankmagnet

Did you manage to get yours fixed Cula?

whiterebel

culabula wrote: »

Belfast has bent over backwards to both service and assist with iPads bought in the USA.

You never know the day they will stop, though. I have a feeling it will be more of an issue for the 3G version, rather than the WiFi one, although as it is unlocked, maybe not. I can't see why they can't just give a worldwide warranty on the iPad.

culabula

Frankmagnet wrote: »

Did you manage to get yours fixed Cula?

Heading there now to discuss. Machine is still fully functioning except for power switch (preventing screenshots).

Frankmagnet

culabula wrote: »

Heading there now to discuss. Machine is still fully functioning except for power switch (preventing screenshots).

Good luck with it.

culabula

Frankmagnet wrote: »

Good luck with it.

They can't do anything, so let's be careful out there!

I can't live with it, though the damage is slight, because am a tosser, but some might be able to put up with it. The damage can't be seen in a case -the biggest nuisance is the power switch. You have to use settings instead to turn it off. The other problem is that you can no longer take screen shots. Apart from that it's fine, just this unsightly but small bash beside the power switch. I'm knocking 100GBP off the RRP immediately to see if anyone is interested.

uvox

wez99950 wrote: »

Very good article!
Out of curiosity, for those who are given an iPad from another country as a gift, can they not - if something goes wrong - use the warranty in Ireland (or get an alternative)? Poor guys if they cant!

Serviced in-country. The extended applecare program in theory has global service, though that the large print giveth, the small print taketh away (varies by locality, availability of authorised stores, and so, read the T+C).

I wouldn't chance it unless you're on the road all the time and back in the country of purchase. Particularly with a Rev.a product and Apple's history with the European Consumer Centre.

Of course, you can always try and offload it on bendunne.com...:)

wez99950

Think I have decided to purchase one for her. That is, if i'm lucky to get one this friday!

Last question, those who have one - any buyers remorse/regrets??

culabula

wez99950 wrote: »

Think I have decided to purchase one for her. That is, if i'm lucky to get one this friday!

Last question, those who have one - any buyers remorse/regrets??

None whatsoever, just regret being bumped into the other night...!

mel.b

uvox wrote: »

Always buy the biggest storage version you can afford regardless of this upload to the cloud stuff. I think you're right to aim at 32GB min.

QUOTE]

Having just seen the Irish prices i'm trying to work out how far the budget can stretch:D Just wondering if it possible to connect an external hard drive to download stuff onto - that way I could get away with the 16gb version. Basically, once you have photos and stuff on it, how do you get it off again

Cheers,
Mel.b

culabula

mel.b wrote: »

uvox wrote: »

Always buy the biggest storage version you can afford regardless of this upload to the cloud stuff. I think you're right to aim at 32GB min.

QUOTE]

Having just seen the Irish prices i'm trying to work out how far the budget can stretch:D Just wondering if it possible to connect an external hard drive to download stuff onto - that way I could get away with the 16gb version. Basically, once you have photos and stuff on it, how do you get it off again

Cheers,
Mel.b

Apart from upload/download via the cloud, you simply connect to iTunes whether on a PC or Mac and sync your photos, music, videos, movies, TV shows, docs etc to it.....

In addition, there are now wonderful apps such as Air Video, Audiogalaxy, eyeTV etc that make sure you are never short of media or access to your files.