The Apple iPad, as Apple is marketing it, is a web browser, an e-book reader, a video player, a photo album, a music player, a gaming console, a word processor, an email client, and a YouTube player. WOW! That is one little do-it-all gadget. Besides, it has a huge library of applications that you can download and use. But is it as good as it sounds?
iPad
Well, Apple iPad is a new class of device. It is a computer based on the Multi-Touch display with IPS technology, with three models that connect to the Internet over Wi-Fi (16GB for $499, 32GB for $599, 64GB for $699) and three that use a combination of Wi-Fi and 3G wireless (16GB for $629, 32GB for $729, and 64GB for $829)
Apple iPad runs the iPhone OS that proved successful with touch-screens. It was designed for this purpose and it responds only to touch without the ability of multitasking.
Regarding the iPad’s display, it is a 9.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen Multi-Touch display with IPS technology, resolution of 1024-by-768-pixel, and has support for display of multiple languages and characters simultaneously
One of the drawbacks of the iPad as it was mentioned previously is the lack of multitasking. That means you cannot chat and check your emails at the same time or keep a Twitter app running in the background and browse the web at the same time. Another drawback is no flash support. This affects web browsing experience but many sites are already creating new sites that are iPad friendly.
Basically, I thought that Apple iPad is an e-reader that can do other stuff. I bought it just to be able to read an ebook without carrying with me a laptop. Then I discovered what an awesome device it is.
The iPad provides a different kind of user experience. It is great for digital content consumption. Getting used to the user interface and the touch screen is so easy and, in my case, slightly addictive. First, I checked my emails in a snap. Next, I visited my favourite websites and watched a youTube video. Finally, I opened a PDF ebook and read for a while then played a game.
I used to take my laptop to Starbucks just to read the news or PDF files while enjoying their coffee. I got backaches after 30 minutes of reading. That is not going to happen any longer with the iPad around. I am able now to sit down, relax and read the news with a proper reading posture. I like the way magazine sites look on the iPad screen. Maybe it is the size of the screen but it is perfect to read the news. I should also mention that the display quality of PDF files is amazing.
Now when it comes to being productive, you can produce some light digital content but it is limited. The experience to create a text document or a spreadsheet is not that great with a virtual keyboard. Maybe getting the external keyboard will make it better. Though I think it is an awesome little device, but it will not replace my Mac Book Pro any time soon.
Finally, should you get an iPad? It depends what you do on a typical day. The iPad is great for some things but it cannot replace a laptop. It’s a great gadget if you have some extra cash to spend but it is not a must-have device.