iVirgin query:buy apps remotely for mother's ipad

Andrew_McP

Andrew_McP

Andrew_McP

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Sorry for basic lack of understanding of the iUniverse, but as a windows/android person I know an ipad is probably my best hope for getting my aging mother simple internet access she isn't intimidated by.

If I setup a new ipad using itunes on my pc, then leave the ipad with my mother, will apps I buy from my pc be "instantly" available to download on the ipad via icloud type magic, even though I'll be miles away (though obviously we'll both be connected to the net via our broadband connections.)

Just as importantly, will I be able to configure it so she can't accidentally buy things via the ipad, because the ipad will be tied to my itunes account and credit card. I'm happy to buy stuff, but not happy to write a blank cheque. :-)

Thanks for any advice or pointers to where I might usefully educate my previously i-phobic inclinations.

PS sent, coincidentally, from a train just as it's passing through Stoke.
 
Andrew_McP said:
If I setup a new ipad using itunes on my pc, then leave the ipad with my mother, will apps I buy from my pc be "instantly" available to download on the ipad via icloud type magic, even though I'll be miles away (though obviously we'll both be connected to the net via our broadband connections.)
Click to expand...

Yes, if you enable it

Just as importantly, will I be able to configure it so she can't accidentally buy things via the ipad, because the ipad will be tied to my itunes account and credit card. I'm happy to buy stuff, but not happy to write a blank cheque. :-)
Click to expand...

Yep, don't tell her your password ;) Free apps still require the apple ID password though. You can't 'accidentally' buy stuff that easily so I wouldn't worry.
 
From my experience, the "yes, if you enable it" only works for me when the iPad is connected to Wifi (duh, 20mb limit on 3G) and Charging.

But still, its a nice feature :)

Regarding not buying apps, you can lock access to installing apps, and iTunes, with the settings menu.

Settings -> General -> Restrictions -> Enable (and set password)

Turn 'on' restrictions for - iTunes, Installing apps, deleting apps, in-app purchases
 
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I cannot comment on 3G connections but I find that auto downloads work for both apps and music, as long as connected to WiFi and whether charging to not.
 
Alpherah said:
Maybe my iPad is buggered then :( it only works for me when charging .. same with all iCloud features
Click to expand...

I wonder if what it is in fact doing is syncing via WiFi with your PC. This is not something I have played with so far but is supposed to kick in when charging and connected to WiFi.
 
Just an update. I set up an iTunes account on my laptop when I got up to Mum's, then bit the bullet yesterday and picked up a 16GB Wi-Fi version (and monumentally useless neoprene case... false economy!) The final straw was trying to show Mum how to use iPlayer on the TV now we've got broadband set up for her. It was painful. :-)

My first hands-on iPad impressions were depressingly good, which is going to ruin my card-carrying anti-Apple profiteering credentials. :-) Anyway, I spent the evening getting myself up to speed on the thing, and its interaction with my iTunes account, and today I've been introducing my Mum to the iPad.

I think this is going to be a success. I've got her getting used to the touch interface with a free Solitaire app, and she's already much more comfortable than she's ever been in about ten years (!) of very casual PC use.

The hard part will be resisting buying one of the darned things for myself now. I don't need one in any way shape or form, but ever since I got a touch sensitive phone 2 years ago (only a Nokia 5800) I've known touch is a very seductive interface. Now I keep trying to touch the screen on my laptop after a morning on the iPad.

Steve Jobs wasn't someone I liked or respected, but his anal retentive leanings definitely created a nice tech-interface device. I don't see anyone competing properly until they too design chips with touch hardwired into them for that vital "transparent" tactile interface.

Anyway, thanks for giving me a nudge in this direction. It's not a cheap purchase for me, but it'll be worth its weight in gold if my helps my mother feel a bit less left out of the techy age.
 
Further update: it took me about three days to get sick and tired of not being able to do what I wanted when moving files around and tweaking (or not!) stuff. Had to resort to Dropbox in the end to help translate my Windows-style desires into the Apple-style experience.

Anyway, I love the touch interface, it is a work of silky genius! And it is probably perfect for my mother. But my initial itch to buy one for myself has well and truly gone. Still, I certainly don't regret the purchase. It was worth it just to watch my mother trying to play Fruit Ninja. :->
 
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