[Closed] Would I use an iPad?

Yes. Rarely use my laptop anymore.

I can't imagine using one to work on. They're great for looking at shit on the internet though

They're good at some things, but not others.

They're a great presentational tool if you do that kind of thing at work. And they're great for browsing on. But Word, Excel, stuff like that...stick to what you're using now.

We've though the same. Laptop get used for little else.
Could add it to the stable for kitchen telly watching easily.

Sorry to hijack the OP's thread. But can they be used for iplayer bbc et al? Also what about putting photos from a digi cam?

If you make a lot of stuff with a computer, they're rubbish.

If all you do is look at stuff on a computer and make a decision based on that, they're great.

I got given one for work, and now I never use a laptop when at home! I love it, it comes with me wherever I go - instant internet.

It won't replace a laptop if you use word, excel etc for complex tasks but if you use the internet a lot then it will make you very happy. Especially if your laptop is crap, like mine, and takes about 8 minutes to start.

They have their limitations.

My iPad is used for web browsing mostly .

For the uses you have explained I think it would be fine ....but to 3G or not to 3G that is the question...!!!

I'm looking at shit on it right now, I can also watch shit like iPlayer, ITV, 4od, film four, Netflix, love film. I also read mags on it and play games, listen to music.

It's not very good for work unless you use it as a secondary monitor, but for all non wrk stuff - it's the SHIT. 😀

Haven't regretted getting one.

They are very good

I'd have my money and buy one though swapsies ain't good

Cash is king ...

I was thinking about one for about 3 months and eventually gave in... And to be honest, well worth it, it's instant switch on and go. Use the flipboard app loads. Once you get one, give yourself a few days to get used to it and you won't regret it.

Depends on how old it is whether it'd be worth doing it instead of the cash, you could always sell it on here if you didn't get on with it.

saleem - Member

... you could always sell it on here if you didn't get on with it.

At a discount of course ...

Surely iDave should have an iPad?

Love mine, use it all the time - computer only gets used for work stuff now really. I can use my bluetooth keyboard off my iMac with it if I have to do typing on it.

Love stuff like Flipboard and the Red Bull magazine app. Got some killer music production apps on there as well now.

Wow, thank you for mentioning flipboard. Just installed it and the twitter is awesome!

Its great at email, FB and internet browsing. Its no good at any other office applications. Its a great toy for flights and general waiting aroung.
Thats all its good for.

Thats all its good for.

I don't agree. I edit photos on mine on holiday and it works great IMO. There's loads of great music productions apps too. And office stuff is fine if you use an external keyboard.

It works great for showing people portfolio stuff for my photography business too.

Not convinced about this browsing thing either. I like to slump on a sofa with the laptop on my lap and it's a perfect position without having to hold anything. I can't see how I'd hold an iPad and type easily in any position I find myself in.

Best actual use I've seen for one was in lieu of a clipboard by someone standing or moving around to deal with people.

EDIT:

It works great for my showing people portfolio stuff for my photography business too.

This is a fantastic application for one too. Far easier to hand to someone else than a laptop.

Not convinced about this browsing thing either.

The opinions of people who've never used something are generally the most useful. 😛

I didn't say it was rubbish, I said I wasn't convinced!

If someone lent me one I'd happily try it out, but without that option I'm not going to spend £500 to find out 🙂

I wasn't convinced until someone else bought me one.

[i]I didn't say it was rubbish[/i]

Typing on the iPad [i]is[/i] rubbish.

Other stuff is great.

Typing on the iPad is rubbish.

Typing on the iPad doesn't work *for you*.

Other people's experience may vary. Apparently, a lot of younger people (yes, I know that counts out 90% of STW) are now saying that typing fast on an iPad is easier as the keys move less. Apparently 110 words per minute isn't that unusual any more.

Rachel

Typing on the iPad is rubbish.

edit: other tablets are available - but not for me.

I love mine, the hdmi connector is great for watching Iplayer and movies on the telly, in fact the only downside is fighting the mrs for it 😥

molgrips - Member
Not convinced about this browsing thing either. I like to slump on a sofa with the laptop on my lap and it's a perfect position without having to hold anything. I can't see how I'd hold an iPad and type easily in any position I find myself in.

You don't get the sweaty legs/privates from the heat of a laptop, It's not heavy so is easy to hold and there's no risk of it sliding off.

Multiple wins for iPad.
🙂

[i]Typing on the iPad doesn't work *for you*.[/i]

Well who the hell else am I going to be writing about? Duh!

They're awesome, I spent a year debating getting one, I was foolish. Privateer is cheaper via online sub too. I use sketchbook pro a lot for my job, I never crunch numbers so can't comment on that side, I've heard iWork is good though.

Double post, bloomin' ipads.

Futile discussion now, he's just told me he's not 'allowed' to hire a coach......

Just when I thought it was a good idea.

You'll have to buy now, do it.

I love mine, [s]the hdmi connector[/s] an AppleTV is great for watching Iplayer and movies on the telly

You don't get the sweaty legs/privates from the heat of a laptop, It's not heavy so is easy to hold and there's no risk of it sliding off.

Multiple wins for the netbook/laptop imho.

Don't get sweaty legs/privates with my laptop. Weight is not an issue. No need to hold it, cos it rests on legs, leaving 2 hands free to surf and type.
Multiple wins for the netbook/laptop imho.

Seems we've reached an impasse - Different strokes for different folks I guess. 😉

110 words per minute!
I bet that was only with ,.!? punctuation. Anything else (including numbers) and it slows to a snail's pace.

I got an iPad the other day for testing with. It's great. There are many things that you didn't realise you wanted to do while sat on the sofa before you get one. The speaker is remarkably good too. Much better than our laptops.

Seems we've reached an impasse - Different strokes for different folks I guess.

What?! An interwebs forum thread where we discover different people have different opinions on stuff ???!!

Who's have thunk it eh?

Unbelievable.

joao3v16 - Member
Seems we've reached an impasse - Different strokes for different folks I guess.
What?! An interwebs forum thread where we discover different people have different opinions on stuff ???!!

Who's have thunk it eh?

Unbelievable.

What do you think the 😉 was for? here's some rolley eyes for your silly comment 🙄

Multiple wins for the netbook/laptop imho.

You crop up in every thread explaining why you don't want/need an iPad. It sounds like the only person you are trying to convince is yourself. I predict you will have one within 3 months. 😉

leaving 2 hands free to [s]surf and type[/s] fiddle with oneself whilst looking pron.

Is what you mean. 😉

I bought one and it replaced my laptop (macbook). The i starting using a work macbook pro and that replaced the ipad. They are useful when travelling, though.

If you struggle to type on one, get a keyboard for it.

You don't get the sweaty legs/privates from the heat of a laptop

I have one very large laptop that makes my legs hot, this one doesn't though. It's completely cool underneath.

Are you saying you put the iPad flat on your lap and type on it that way?

ASUS Transformer Prime is the best of both. A tablet and keyboard.

Best of all, its not an overpriced iPad ! 😉

YMMV 🙂

You don't get the sweaty legs/privates from the heat of a laptop
I have one very large laptop that makes my legs hot, this one doesn't though. It's completely cool underneath.

Are you saying you put the iPad flat on your lap and type on it that way?

No, I meant my 17" MBP gave me a sweaty lap, there's nothing sweaty with an iPad apart from parting with the money.

clarkpm4242 - Member
ASUS Transformer Prime is the best of both. A tablet and keyboard.

Best of all, its not an overpriced iPad !

YMMV

A transformer is 450/500 which is about the same a IPad, I've not used one so I can't really comment on how good it is. But I can say it is PIG UGLY.

It's nice to have, but is only a toy at the end of the day. Nice for people who find conventional computers difficult to use I guess.

It's nice to have, but is only a toy at the end of the day. Nice for people who find conventional computers difficult to use I guess.

I predict you will have one within 3 months. 😉

No, I meant my 17" MBP gave me a sweaty lap

Must be a problem with that brand of laptop then.

(typing with both hands on my nice cool Lenovo ultraportable sat on my lap - screen at a different angle to the keyboard for viewing convenience - or occasionally using one hand to drink a glass of wine as I read).

Did we ever establish how you actually type on an iPad - do you have to put it down on your lap?

They are great and reasonably priced if you go second hand:

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/fs-16gb-ipad-great-condition190

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/fs-ipad-1-16gb-with-proper-apple-black-case-leeds

😉

I use the ipad 2 with the Kensington bluetooth keyboard.
The combination is the same size or even bigger than many netbooks.
Its a whole lot more expensive and it does a whole lot less.
As for reading I agree that holding it out in front of you like a book is not comfortable for an length of time.
I fold out the keyboard with the screen standing up and rest it in my lap. It is basically the same position you would use a laptop.
The screen is no better or worse on your eyes than reading off a computer so it fails as a reader.
Many of the apps don't sync well with my pc software and they all have small bugs which you work around - I thought apple was meany to have all this kind of stuff sorted.
I think its a fashion accessory and I wouldn't buy it again.
Being a pc user I'm disappointed I got sucked into this apple marketing crap.

No, I meant my 17" MBP gave me a sweaty lap
Must be a problem with that brand of laptop then.

(typing with both hands on my nice cool Lenovo ultraportable sat on my lap - screen at a different angle to the keyboard for viewing convenience - or occasionally using one hand to drink a glass of wine as I read).

Did we ever establish how you actually type on an iPad - do you have to put it down on your lap?

It's a beast of a machine- they're not called laptops anymore as they are considered too powerful (comparable to a desktop machine) and are now referred to as portables - but anyway that's by the by.

I've got an iPad2 and I type holding it, using the traditional poking the screen with one finger method. The smart cover is rolled into a triangle and therefore provides excellent purchase on the device.

It's rarely on my lap but when it is the smart cover is rolled and then I can type. But I never type so much it become uncomfortable to do so.

[img] [/img]

They still look like a lot of money for what they are to me the Ainol Aurora looks like a much better buy (when they are back in stock) as they are around 1/4 of the price for pretty similar kit

I've got an iPad2 and I type holding it, using the traditional poking the screen with one finger method.

Ah - so it's a lot more awkward than typing on my laptop, and you can't type with one hand whilst drinking a glass of wine with the other (though I'm not actually drinking a glass of wine at the moment).

I've got an iPad2 and I type holding it, using the traditional poking the screen with one finger method.
Ah - so it's a lot more awkward than typing on my laptop, and you can't type with one hand whilst drinking a glass of wine with the other.

Not really I drink wine from my camelbak, as it keeps the red at perfect temperature and I don't have to get up for a refill.

😉

I regretted buying mine for 6 months or so in 2010. I didnt find things like iplayer very stable or fast. I THINK what happened was the software caught up with the device, it's now a lovely way to surf the web and watch tv.

I have it with me around the house, dont use it for much more than catching up with BBC documentaries, listening to Today while I get ready for work and a bit of web at night. Thats more than enough to justify having one. Wouldnt rush out and upgrade to the new one though.

Surely it's easier just to put a drinking hose on a wine box?

But I can say it is PIG UGLY

Hmm, the Prime makes the iPad look like a cheap plastic toy...
...lovely finish and build quality.

YMMV 😉

I own one therefore I am bound to say it is great 🙂

I bought mine and didn't really use it for the first three months - regretted buying it. Tried watching a film on it, but had to prop it up on my laptop so i didn't have to hold it all the time (hands free type film 😳 ). Whats the point in that eh!

Then I started using iBooks and its fantastic. Then I got a proper cover that means it'll stand up on its own and downloaded 3 minute gaps - brilliant. I can't remember the last time I used my laptop (which gets REALLY hot with its stupid fans underneath).

Seriously, those slagging them off probably haven't used them. Its ace and I'd be lost without it

dont use it for much more than catching up with BBC documentaries, listening to Today while I get ready for work and a bit of web at night.

Really? I already have a radio, a TV and a laptop.

I love mine. I find typing on it great. And my laptop makes my legs sweaty too. Great for travelling, coffee shops etc. Crap for excel documents etc though. Being able to lie about on the courch watching youtube/iplayer etc is great. Next I want an Apple TV so I can stream what I'm watching onto the telly.

Jesus honestly if you don't want one then don't get one and leave those that have one alone and let them get on with enjoying it.

They are not an essential device, they are something people buy if they feel they want/need it. Of course they don't really need it - but seriously, get a grip of something, wander into the garage/shed and ask yourself if you NEED that many bikes, do you NEED that price forks or would cheaper options do a remarkably similar job.

Those of you that are single laptop using rigid singlespeeders just stay out of it alright!

Seriously, those slagging [s]them[/s] laptops off probably haven't used [s]them.[/s] a nice cool lightweight one (you probably all have rubbish MBPs like eyeridetit)

FTFY

aracer, my gf has a nice £1500 ultra light, cool PC laptop. She's always using my iPad instead.

Oh, and I type using it like in eyerideit's picture on the right sat on my lap - I can do it pretty fast but if I had serious word docs to do I would either use a bluetooth keyboard with it or use a desktop/laptop, as it's not mega comfortable to type for extended periods.

I have written short docs on it in the train/car though and nobody died.

With the thing flat on your lap the screen looks like a difficult angle to read.

It's not flat on your lap, it's angled up by triangle made by the case. And it's not hard to read. Which you'd know if you tried one.

I've got one, had it for just over 2 months. Not impressed.

Few things that are annoying, lack of flash, you don't realise how many sites you want to look at use it.

Typing can be a pain, especially if you make a mistake, you can't touch the screen to make the cursor go to the middle of the word, you have to poke at it to eventually it goes to the end of the word then delete word and start again. It is a faff switching to numbers and symbols and back

I also find that some sites you can't easily copy the URL . Worst one is you tube. Another annoying thing about it/YouTube is that if someone on here posted a YouTube link, I click on it, go to YouTube but to come back to this thread I'd have to hit the home button and log back in to stw.

I also find that the browser never saves passwords etc so always have to enter them

Twitter app is crap

Hate the fact that you have to pay for anything useful.

I will be keeping an eye out for an android tablet then selling this iPad to get that

Don't worry about the whole Flash thing, as an Apple user I've not found it an issue, I can't remember the last site I visited on my phone that didn't work.

Besides, it's currently being replaced with HTML5 and that does work with Apple stuff.

I don't have a tablet though, not found a need for one as yet.

Few things that are annoying, lack of flash, you don't realise how many sites you want to look at use it.

Are you saying you didn't know that it didn't run flash before your bought it? Sounds to me that you didn't do your homework!

Sell it mate then you will be happy!

Hmm, houns makes some interesting points there, I'm still tablet free but was going to go for one shortly, those are valid usability objections to the ipad there rather than the 'I don't like it cos it's shit' opinions - well aside from flash, I'm pretty sure I can live without that (having said that I did find it caused a problem with a site I was looking at on a freinds pad recently - but seriously who makes their search results in flash - phillips!).

Not often you see a reasoned argument against the pad.

Of course I knew about lack of flash, but didn't realise how many sites use it.

Yes I know new stuff is on the way but I want to look at sites now

A lot of holiday/hotels sites use it, as do estate agents. Also videos I want to watch (no not pron, just stuff from the states)

Not often you see a reasoned argument against the pad

There have been quite a few threads worth of reasoned arguments against on here over the past couple of weeks.

The "reasons" might not have been accepted / acknowledged by the iPad users 😉 but they are very real limitations in functionality for some prospective users...

I don't recognise any of the problems Houns witters on about. The YouTube thing doesn't make sense, either the link works on here or it doesn't, and when I watch a video then tap 'Done' I immediately come back to this page. Every time. Getting YouTube links is no hassle, I just do what I'd do on my computer, copy the video link, tap 'video' on here, then paste into the box, having deleted the http//: bit first, as that's already been copied. Flash? Christ, how many shonky sites do you visit that require such a crappy, outmoded piece of software. Anything that requires third-party plug-ins in order for it to be viewed on the Internet deserves to be ignored.
I don't have Flash on my computer, I refuse to install it. If I absolutely need it, then I use Chrome, which runs Flash natively.

As for reading I agree that holding it out in front of you like a book is not comfortable for an length of time.
I fold out the keyboard with the screen standing up and rest it in my lap. It is basically the same position you would use a laptop.
The screen is no better or worse on your eyes than reading off a computer so it fails as a reader.

aracer - Member
Seriously, those slagging them laptops off probably haven't used them. a nice cool lightweight one (you probably all have rubbish MBPs like eyeridetit)
FTFY

My MMP is a beast of a workhorse not one of these silly laptop things - it has a very stable system that is secure - I don't need virus software - it doesn't clunk - it hums. Yes it does get hot but when you've got GNARRR you break a sweat don't you.

Houns - Member
I've got one, had it for just over 2 months. Not impressed.

Few things that are annoying, lack of flash, you don't realise how many sites you want to look at use it.

Sorry to inform you but [b][url= http://www.google.co.uk/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=flash+is+dead&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&redir_esc=&ei=i4ZfT8qHO8KV8QPXmKmyBw ]FLASH IS DEAD,[/url][/b] Steve was right. I've had my iPad for 12 months and not missed it - it's a bag of shite like most Adobe software. I'm speaking form experience because I use it every day. I've forked out £1000's for software that crashes a lot - especially Illustrator - GRRRR IT MAKES ME MAD.

Typing can be a pain, especially if you make a mistake, you can't touch the screen to make the cursor go to the middle of the word, you have to poke at it to eventually it goes to the end of the word then delete word and start again. It is a faff switching to numbers and symbols and back

You've not learned how to use it. Navigating around text is easy - just touch and hold. You can select words/all and even move the parameters around within the page of text.

four fingers to swipe between apps

five fingers to close apps

it's frikkin' amazing

I read on my iPhone at the moment, and I can happily read books for hours on it.

An iPad weighs about the same as a large hardcover but you don't need to hold the book open

built in error-correction knocks spots off of what I have to put up with on my computer.

Your just an apple fanboy by the sounds of things and good for you.
Fanboys of any description are generally not capable of reasonable judgement - they just see things through their fan boy glasses.
I'm an avid pc user but was willing to experiment with this and it failed.
When you spend that kind of money you want to like it - how many people hate their new bikes.

anyone who reckons a laptop/net book is a better ebook reader is out of their tiny mind

Ignore this, just testing

Ok, clicking on the link above (not the embedded vid) takes me to this on YouTube

[img] http://db.tt/BrVl6E76 [/img]

How do I get from there back to this page?

you push the big button to close youtube and go back to safari. It should open up on the same page where you left.