Some advice needed on an iPad :)

CaptainRAVE · 8 Jan 2012 at 10:43

So for my birthday/PhD graduation my dad has offered me an iPad. Have always put off getting one previously because I wasn't sure if I would use it enough to justify the price.

Not looking to pay anything monthly, so would probably go for the wifi edition.

Don't really know much about the ipad, so any info/advice would be really appreciated

Morfik · 8 Jan 2012 at 10:55

Well an iPad isn't going to let you do anything you couldn't already do with a PC but it does change how you do things and ultimately makes them a bit more convenient / comfortable.

Before I got an iPad I'd only sit on my PC to browse the net, check email etc. Now I can do that on the sofa in front of the TV or in bed. I can also stream my films to it and watch in bed. Ultimately it's a more enjoyable experience.

Yes you can do all that on an iPhone as well, but once you start using the larger screen you realise it just works a lot better.

Jay794 · 8 Jan 2012 at 10:58

I was in the same boat as you, I had a netbook and never saw the point of getting an iPad. I got one for Christmas and all I can say now is, wtf was I thinking?!

The iPad is so much nicer to use, and reading magazines or comics on it is so easy, you don't have to do all the zooming in and out that you do on an iPhone.

Plus if you have an iPhone already you can tether the iPhones 3G connection to the iPad so you can get online with it

CaptainRAVE · 8 Jan 2012 at 11:12

Morfik said:
Before I got an iPad I'd only sit on my PC to browse the net, check email etc. Now I can do that on the sofa in front of the TV or in bed. I can also stream my films to it and watch in bed. Ultimately it's a more enjoyable experience.

This is definitely what I most like the idea of!

Jay794 said:
I was in the same boat as you, I had a netbook and never saw the point of getting an iPad. I got one for Christmas and all I can say now is, wtf was I thinking?!

The iPad is so much nicer to use, and reading magazines or comics on it is so easy, you don't have to do all the zooming in and out that you do on an iPhone.

Plus if you have an iPhone already you can tether the iPhones 3G connection to the iPad so you can get online with it

Same here, I currently use my netbook when infront of the TV, but it is very slow and not really all that comfortable tbh.

You have both made it very tempting

Any advice on the storage capacity of the iPad?

Jay794 · 8 Jan 2012 at 11:14

If you shop around you can get the 64GB Wifi for about £20 more than the 16GB, well at least my mum did that for Christmas, she got loads of cash back, but ultimately, it depends what you plan on using it for, for me I won't be listening to music on it, it's purely for videos and apps, so 64GB although nice, is way overkill unless I'm going on a long train or plane trip.

If you plan on putting music on it (why I don't know, thats what iPods are for) then 32GB would be enough.

For the record, I only asked for the 16GB lol

Morfik · 8 Jan 2012 at 11:27

If you're planning on keeping the iPad at home (what I do 90% of the time) then the smallest, 16Gb, is sufficient as you can stream your videos & music to it. And I doubt you'll go over 16Gb for Apps / Photos etc.

If you want to take it out and use it for videos / music which will need to be stored on it then I'd go for 32Gb.

Jay794 · 8 Jan 2012 at 11:30

/\ /\ /\

Agree with morfik, 64GB is really pointless unles you can get it cheap like I did

CaptainRAVE · 8 Jan 2012 at 11:55

Think I will go for the 16Gb or 32Gb then.

Will take a look at them in the Apple store later (although probably won't buy it there).

Is it worth getting a cover for one? Are there any other must have accessories?

Jay794 · 8 Jan 2012 at 11:58

Yes definitely get a cover but do NOT get it from Apple or HMV, they're way overpriced, I got a Belkin Smooth Folio Case for £20, but definitely, look at eBay cases, my advice, find one you like in Apple then buy it from eBay, you'll save loads. I got mind from the highstreet and found it online that night for £14!

DangerMoose · 8 Jan 2012 at 12:59

Jay794 said:
If you plan on putting music on it (why I don't know, thats what iPods are for) then 32GB would be enough.

For the record, I only asked for the 16GB lol

I actually think it works rather well for listening to music whilst web browsing, reading and suchlike. Seems little point in dragging another device into the equation (although it is less convenient if you want to get up and walk around).

In terms of storage, I would only personally recommend 16GB if you do not plan on gaming much on it, in addition to considerations like media file storage (in addition to cost considerations, naturally). If you are the kind of person who can stick with a small number of favourite games and mainly installs something new once something else has been played to death and removed, this may not be such a factor. But for those like myself, who get caught up in all the sales you tend to see and keeps quite a range of games installed to dip in and out of, you will likely fill it up quickly. Many EA and Gameloft games are in the region of 0.5-1GB, not to mention stuff like Infinity Blade and others. With a selection of games, some music and the occasional video file or two, 32GB is just enough. I also use the cameras to shoot video from time to time, which can easily swallow up a few more GB until you get around to exporting them.

Jay794 · 8 Jan 2012 at 13:03

DangerMoose said:
I actually think it works rather well for listening to music whilst web browsing, reading and suchlike. Seems little point in dragging another device into the equation (although it is less convenient if you want to get up and walk around).

I didn't think of listening to music at home lol, I only ever listen to music outside of my house. Just couldn't visualise someone walking around town with an iPad strapped to their chest with their headphones on, oh wait a minute....http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/itee-the-world-s-first-ipad-compatible-shirt

DangerMoose · 8 Jan 2012 at 13:21

Jay794 said:
I didn't think of listening to music at home lol, I only ever listen to music outside of my house.

My usage pattern frequently includes wearing headphones in the living room whilst my wife is controlling the TV. Especially if there is something I particularly dislike on the TV.

Just couldn't visualise someone walking around town with an iPad strapped to their chest with their headphones on, oh wait a minute....http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/itee-the-world-s-first-ipad-compatible-shirt

Hmm, I'll pass.

Jay794 · 8 Jan 2012 at 13:25

Lol I guess you've just given me a reason to put some music on my iPad, especially since I'll be moving in with the fiance within the next month lol

Ynot · 8 Jan 2012 at 13:46

Jay794 said:
Plus if you have an iPhone already you can tether the iPhones 3G connection to the iPad so you can get online with it

How would you go about doing that?

Thanks.

Jay794 · 8 Jan 2012 at 13:48

It depends what data plan you're on for example,

I pay £25 a month with 3

I get unlimited data, so I can turn 3G on and select Hotspot on my iPhone, this basically means that wifi enabled devices can use the 3G connection just like a wifi connection

Faustus · 8 Jan 2012 at 14:00

Jay794 said:
Yes definitely get a cover but do NOT get it from Apple or HMV, they're way overpriced, I got a Belkin Smooth Folio Case for £20, but definitely, look at eBay cases, my advice, find one you like in Apple then buy it from eBay, you'll save loads. I got mind from the highstreet and found it online that night for £14!

Snugg - best I have found for balance between quality and price.

Ynot · 8 Jan 2012 at 14:05

Jay794 said:
It depends what data plan you're on for example,

I pay £25 a month with 3

I get unlimited data, so I can turn 3G on and select Hotspot on my iPhone, this basically means that wifi enabled devices can use the 3G connection just like a wifi connection

OK thanks.

Jay794 · 8 Jan 2012 at 14:05

I would avoid the Smart cases that Apple go on about, you get can cheaper cases that cover the back of the iPad, the SC only covers the front, which means you might aswell spin a 50p on the back of it

MrMoonX · 8 Jan 2012 at 14:22

Jay794 said:
I would avoid the Smart cases that Apple go on about, you get can cheaper cases that cover the back of the iPad, the SC only covers the front, which means you might aswell spin a 50p on the back of it

Smart covers are ace, just get an invisible shield for the back.

Also recommend getting the 3G one if you use it out the house, there isn't that many free wifi, plus they have GPS which will be a god send if you lose it

Jay794 · 8 Jan 2012 at 14:28

MrMoonX said:
Smart covers are ace, just get an invisible shield for the back.

Why buy 2 cases when you can buy one that covers both, for cheaper?

MrMoonX said:
Also recommend getting the 3G one if you use it out the house, there isn't that many free wifi, plus they have GPS which will be a god send if you lose it

3G iPads require a contract, but if you care afford it, then yes go for it. Personally, I find it easy enough to use my iPhones connection but I don't use my iPad online that much anyway except for downloading