iPad Newbie Questions

leedsfan88

Hey all I'm considering the idea of buying an iPad and I've been very anti apple in the past but the iPad looks great and would be ideal for what I'm looking for.

So here are some questions i had off the top of my head

1- Is there any app/program for the ipad that will open .cbr files?
2- Does Adobe PDF reader run on it? Or anything that will open a PDF?
3- Is the screen good for reading? Like for example if its sunny outside will i have problems trying to view my screen with comfort like i sometimes do with my laptop?
4- Is the battery life as good as they say? 10 hours?
5- Is iTunes the only app / program for playing music and movies on the iPad?
6- Does it support DIVX & AVI Video files?

Cheers to all in advance

Richard

In answer to some of your questions - Adobe Reader isn't available but you cam view PDFs natively and store them in the Books app.

You don't use iTunes to listen to music on the iPad, there is a separate app. Not sure if there are decent alternatives, however. There are apps, though that will let you listen to Internet radio stations or cloud music.

I don't think DivX or AVI are supported. you'll need to convert these files. You'll also need to convert that comic book format to ePub - this is apparently easy to do on your PC.

Not sure about battery life or reading in the sunshine as I don't own one.

banquo

No divx or avi. Battery life, in my personal experience is actually better than 10 hours!

Tom Dunne

I'm on the verge of buying one myself, so if I could add to the questions:

• how good is Skype - I use it all the time, so it is important to me
• any issues pairing a Bluetooth headset with the iPad?
• Amazon Kindle - I see the UK store is now open, how people find the software compared to iBooks?
• Any issues setting up a VPN? (not living in Ireland, so a VPN will be one of the first things I set up)
• And finally, any word as to when IOS4 will be coming to it?

naasrd

Tom Dunne wrote: »

I'm on the verge of buying one myself, so if I could add to the questions:

• how good is Skype - I use it all the time, so it is important to me
• any issues pairing a Bluetooth headset with the iPad?
• Amazon Kindle - I see the UK store is now open, how people find the software compared to iBooks?
• Any issues setting up a VPN? (not living in Ireland, so a VPN will be one of the first things I set up)
• And finally, any word as to when IOS4 will be coming to it?

I've used Skype and it works fine, the mic has no problems picking up your voice.

chabsey

leedsfan88 wrote: »

Hey all I'm considering the idea of buying an iPad and I've been very anti apple in the past but the iPad looks great and would be ideal for what I'm looking for.

So here are some questions i had off the top of my head

1- Is there any app/program for the ipad that will open .cbr files?
2- Does Adobe PDF reader run on it? Or anything that will open a PDF?
3- Is the screen good for reading? Like for example if its sunny outside will i have problems trying to view my screen with comfort like i sometimes do with my laptop?
4- Is the battery life as good as they say? 10 hours?
5- Is iTunes the only app / program for playing music and movies on the iPad?
6- Does it support DIVX & AVI Video files?

Cheers to all in advance

1) there are a few, I recommend comic zeal. This will open cbr, cbz, rar, zip and PDF.

2) the iPad natively opens PDFs. iBooks will open PDFs as will goodreader and many many others.

3) I find screen great to read on but it's LCD so direct sunlight makes it hard to use. This isn't an iPad thing, it's an LCD thing.

4) never tested it, never needed to. I would guess I'd get 8-10 hrs from it if I tested it.

5) iTunes isn't the music /video app. The iPod app plays music and the video app plays video.

6) with an app called air video you can convert just about any video type on the fly. So you put the Mac/pc program on whatever machine has your videos on it and you stream/ convert them to your iPad. Works beautifully.

Hope this helps.

leedsfan88

chabsey wrote: »

1) there are a few, I recommend comic zeal. This will open cbr, cbz, rar, zip and PDF.

2) the iPad natively opens PDFs. iBooks will open PDFs as will goodreader and many many others.

3) I find screen great to read on but it's LCD so direct sunlight makes it hard to use. This isn't an iPad thing, it's an LCD thing.

4) never tested it, never needed to. I would guess I'd get 8-10 hrs from it if I tested it.

5) iTunes isn't the music /video app. The iPod app plays music and the video app plays video.

6) with an app called air video you can convert just about any video type on the fly. So you put the Mac/pc program on whatever machine has your videos on it and you stream/ convert them to your iPad. Works beautifully.

Hope this helps.

Cheers Chabsey, your post was very helpful, cheers to everyone else as well all feedback was very helpful.

So another question, in regards to the to screen, does anyone know if the kindle reader has the same type of screen as the iPad?

chabsey

leedsfan88 wrote: »

Cheers Chabsey, your post was very helpful, cheers to everyone else as well all feedback was very helpful.

So another question, in regards to the to screen, does anyone know if the kindle reader has the same type of screen as the iPad?

Totally different screens. The kindle uses e-ink which is closer to actual print and easier to read in sunlight. It has delayed refresh though, so each page turn takes a moment for the screen to refresh and display the new page. Apparently the new kindle has Made this quicker than before but it is still noticeable.

You seem to be angling towards evaluating both devices in terms of their usefulness as e-readers. Personally I'd recommend the iPad, I also own a Sony e-reader but read all my books now on the iPad.

It's personal preference though, the iPad costs more but does a lot more. It is a little heavy though, about the same as an average hardback book, so consider that when deciding.

Hope this helps.

Ps. For reading comics it's great as well.

leedsfan88

chabsey wrote: »

Totally different screens. The kindle uses e-ink which is closer to actual print and easier to read in sunlight. It has delayed refresh though, so each page turn takes a moment for the screen to refresh and display the new page. Apparently the new kindle has Made this quicker than before but it is still noticeable.

You seem to be angling towards evaluating both devices in terms of their usefulness as e-readers. Personally I'd recommend the iPad, I also own a Sony e-reader but read all my books now on the iPad.

It's personal preference though, the iPad costs more but does a lot more. It is a little heavy though, about the same as an average hardback book, so consider that when deciding.

Hope this helps.

Ps. For reading comics it's great as well.

Cheers buddy, i've a massive collection of digital comics and i really need to start them as opposed reading about them ha ha

MarcusFenix

Im considering buying an ipad also, I have an ipod touch so im good that way, thing is I have SHIATE loads of pdf books that I could do with for college but don't wanna whip out the laptop every time I need to reference one, also it's a sexy looking yolk!

Will the 499 price tag drop anytime soon?
Can you use all of the services on wi-fi? 3g wouldn't bother me as they are generally too slow anyway.

AlanD

divx and avi now supported:

http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/09/ipad-gets-xvid-avi-video-playback-with-cinexplayer-app-on-itunes/

naasrd

MarcusFenix wrote: »

Im considering buying an ipad also, I have an ipod touch so im good that way, thing is I have SHIATE loads of pdf books that I could do with for college but don't wanna whip out the laptop every time I need to reference one, also it's a sexy looking yolk!

Will the 499 price tag drop anytime soon?
Can you use all of the services on wi-fi? 3g wouldn't bother me as they are generally too slow anyway.

Can't see the price dropping for quite some time, if ever at all. As for your PDFs, this wil be ideal. You can use all on wifi.

leedsfan88

1- Is there an app for the iPad that allows you to do up a typed document, such a a MS Word type app?

2- Is searching the internet the same on the iPad as it is on a laptop, like on my phone the internet isn't the exact same as some websites only load the mobile phone version of their site?

3- Also is it tru that you can attach a keyboard and mouse to the iPad?

Basq

leedsfan88 wrote: »

1- Is there an app for the iPad that allows you to do up a typed document, such a a MS Word type app?

Yeah.. there's plenty. There's the iWork Suite, DocumentsToGo, Quickoffice and Office2HD to name just four.

leedsfan88 wrote: »

2- Is searching the internet the same on the iPad as it is on a laptop, like on my phone the internet isn't the exact same as some websites only load the mobile phone version of their site?

When browsing on an iPhone, the "user-agent" property of the browser reads that it's an iPhone and sends you to the mobile version. The iPad is not "specifically" a mobile device so it shouldn't be redirecting you to a mobile version of a site.

leedsfan88 wrote: »

3- Also is it tru that you can attach a keyboard and mouse to the iPad?

A mouse wouldn't be much use as there's no pointer on an iPad (:D) but you can certainly hook up a keyboard by either using the Apple Keyboard Dock (available for €69 - see below) or using a supported bluetooth keyboard:

MarcusFenix

Is the iwork suite expensive?

Id rather have one of these over a laptop for it's mobility but i'm heading into final year which is very heavy on the powerpoints and reports, will the ipad do the job?

Basq

MarcusFenix wrote: »

Is the iwork suite expensive?

Not near my iPad or iTunes.. but it's about a tenner I think.

culabula

basquille wrote: »

Not near my iPad or iTunes.. but it's about a tenner I think.

You don't have to buy the suite -just any one of the 3 apps that suits you. Pages is 9,99€, methinks.

MarcusFenix

Ok, i looked online and the iPad bought from the US online store works out at just under 390euro, would there be problems using it in ireland or would this be ok? (it's just the wifi I want)

MarcusFenix

culabula wrote: »

You don't have to buy the suite -just any one of the 3 apps that suits you. Pages is 9,99€, methinks.

Thanks but would it be a substitute for a laptop when it comes to typing up docs or creating presentations?

3DataModem

Already answered well above, but here's my 2c:

1- I recommend CloudReader. I read a LOT of comics on it, and they look fantastic.
2- I recommend GoodReader. I have a lot of books and sheet music I read with this app.
3- I haven't had any problems outside.
4- Battery life is fantastic; 10hr with use is definitely accurate.
5- No there are several, but iTunes is fine for me for everything except AVIs.
6- There is a free app I just created a thread about (also mentioned above by another poster).

naasrd

culabula wrote: »

You don't have to buy the suite -just any one of the 3 apps that suits you. Pages is 9,99€, methinks.

Yeah, Pages is the best tenner I ever spent.

Kevin!

MarcusFenix wrote: »

Ok, i looked online and the iPad bought from the US online store works out at just under 390euro, would there be problems using it in ireland or would this be ok? (it's just the wifi I want)

There are no problems apart from the plug being a standard US fitting, a cheap adapter will sort that out.

And also, that price you have calculated does not include tax (in America, tax is added on at the end of the transaction depending on what state you live in, in California the state tax is 8.25% which brings the iPad up to roughly 540$ or 419Euro (which is still cheaper than Ireland)

Make sure when bringing your iPad home to take it out of the box, so you don't get stung for import duty's coming through.

J-blk

MarcusFenix wrote: »

Is the iwork suite expensive?

€7.99 per app (there are 3 of them in total: Pages, Numbers and Keynote).

I could almost see somebody getting away with using Pages and a physical keyboard for a lot of stuff but Keynote is nowhere near as feature rich as the Mac version or Keynote or Powerpoint on Windows so I don't think it would quite cut it.

One of the best decriptions I've seen about the usefullness of the iPad is that it is great device for consuming all kinds of content but not very strong for creating it.

culabula

MarcusFenix wrote: »

Ok, i looked online and the iPad bought from the US online store works out at just under 390euro, would there be problems using it in ireland or would this be ok? (it's just the wifi I want)

None whatsoever.

culabula

MarcusFenix wrote: »

Thanks but would it be a substitute for a laptop when it comes to typing up docs or creating presentations?

Docs, I have no problems with, Presentations I don't do, so am unqualified to speak. I love the ability in Pages to export in 4 different types of file.

culabula

Kevin! wrote: »

There are no problems apart from the plug being a standard US fitting, a cheap adapter will sort that out.

And also, that price you have calculated does not include tax (in America, tax is added on at the end of the transaction depending on what state you live in, in California the state tax is 8.25% which brings the iPad up to roughly 540$ or 419Euro (which is still cheaper than Ireland)

Make sure when bringing your iPad home to take it out of the box, so you don't get stung for import duty's coming through.

Depending on size and therefore cost of machine, I think you're covered for personal purchase on the lower-end iPads.

theg81der

I am also considering a purchase but does anyone know if there is anyway you can watch programmes on it? I mainly watch new series from America via yidio. Tried the links on the Ipad in pc world and it didn`t open any.

leedsfan88

Are there many free apps, as I'm a huge fan of free stuff:D

aidan_walsh

leedsfan88 wrote: »

Are there many free apps, as I'm a huge fan of free stuff:D

Lots.

leedsfan88

One major question i forgot to ask

How do I get stuff onto my iPad if it doesn't have a usb port????

Basq

leedsfan88 wrote: »

How do I get stuff onto my iPad if it doesn't have a usb port????

Like what exactly? It has a USB connectivity obviously, but not a USB port to hook up an external HDD etc.

You transfer video / movies / music / contacts on via iTunes (same as getting stuff on your iPod/ iPhone). There are even some applications that allow you to transfer over WiFi.

leedsfan88

basquille wrote: »

Like what exactly? It has a USB connectivity obviously, but not a USB port to hook up an external HDD etc.

You transfer video / movies / music / contacts on via iTunes (same as getting stuff on your iPod/ iPhone). There are even some applications that allow you to transfer over WiFi.

I read it doesn't have a usb port?

Will the usb port take a usb flash drive, because i have a huge collection of digital comics and books that i'll be using the iPad to read

culabula

leedsfan88 wrote: »

I read it doesn't have a usb port?

Will the usb port take a usb flash drive, because i have a huge collection of digital comics and books that i'll be using the iPad to read

No, it doesn't work like that. You either transfer your media via iTunes and a cable or you use a cloud-based service such as Dropbox (free).

leedsfan88

culabula wrote: »

No, it doesn't work like that. You either transfer your media via iTunes and a cable or you use a cloud-based service such as Dropbox (free).

Cool so Dropbox it is ha ha

Does iTunes only transfer music, picture and video files?

with regards to the cable how much does it cost or does it come with the iPad?

Basq

leedsfan88 wrote: »

Does iTunes only transfer music, picture and video files?

More or less. It syncs Contacts, Calendars and Applications (from App Store) too.

There are third-party applications like ComicZeal Sync which will convert and transfer your comics (CBR's) to the iPad.

leedsfan88 wrote: »

with regards to the cable how much does it cost or does it come with the iPad?

No, the cable comes with the iPad. It looks like this:

culabula

leedsfan88 wrote: »

Cool so Dropbox it is ha ha

Does iTunes only transfer music, picture and video files?

with regards to the cable how much does it cost or does it come with the iPad?

Charger and cable are supplied. Files such as .pdf and .doc may now be transferred via iTunes.

With judicious use, a Dropbox account may offer 10.25Gb of storage free.

Basq

culabula wrote: »

Files such as .pdf and .doc may now be transferred via iTunes.

:eek:

I really need to update my iTunes!

jamesd

culabula wrote: »

With judicious use, a Dropbox account may offer 10.25Gb of storage free.

Please explain - taught it was just 2gb free?

culabula

jamesd wrote: »

Please explain - taught it was just 2gb free?

You take the tour = 250mb

You invite loads of friends: 250mb for each acceptance and creation of account up to 8Gb.

Result? 10,25GB

culabula

theg81der wrote: »

I am also considering a purchase but does anyone know if there is anyway you can watch programmes on it? I mainly watch new series from America via yidio. Tried the links on the Ipad in pc world and it didn`t open any.

I watch live TV and recorded programmes on it using:

tvcatchup
Air Video
eyeTV
ABC

and so on. Some of these require a VPN, such as blackVPN.

jamesd

culabula wrote: »

You take the tour = 250mb

You invite loads of friends: 250mb for each acceptance and creation of account up to 8Gb.

Result? 10,25GB

Thanks, Just signed up there now, And am doing the tour.
Got my 32gb wifi ipad today to having fun.

adox

Tom Dunne wrote: »

I'm on the verge of buying one myself, so if I could add to the questions:

• Any issues setting up a VPN? (not living in Ireland, so a VPN will be one of the first things I set up)

No issues at all. I`m using one for the UK and the States and have had no problems with it.

leedsfan88

adox wrote: »

No issues at all. I`m using one for the UK and the States and have had no problems with it.

Whats a VPN?

Soot-fan

My ipad is coming next week. Is there free VPN that can be used for the iPad.

adox

leedsfan88 wrote: »

Whats a VPN?

It's a virtual private network. You sign up for one, a UK one for example, and IP address shows as being in the UK. Handy for viewing the likes of BBC iplayer etc which aren't available over here.

leedsfan88

adox wrote: »

It's a virtual private network. You sign up for one, a UK one for example, and IP address shows as being in the UK. Handy for viewing the likes of BBC iplayer etc which aren't available over here.

Thats pretty unreal, do they cost much?

adox

leedsfan88 wrote: »

Thats pretty unreal, do they cost much?

I'm using blackvpn. It's 5 euro a month but you can get 2 extra months free with a code. There's a whole thread on it here somewhere. You will then get your own code and for every person that uses it you get an extra two weeks. I posted mine on here a few months back and ended up getting 6 months free!

iwillrocku

what are the great things the ipad and is it worth 499 euro:D:D
thank you:D

Tom Dunne

iwillrocku wrote: »

what are the great things the ipad and is it worth 499 euro:D:D
thank you:D

I don't understand your question.

iwillrocku

Tom Dunne wrote: »

I don't understand your question.

what is the difference between the ipod touch and ipad:D

banquo

About 6 inches.