The Official iPad Thread

[amdhunter]

Anyone using Zinio for digital delivery of magazines? I am about to get a few subscriptions of magazines I used to like a lot, but wanted to get a few opinions first.

I've tried the trial magazines and really enjoyed the NatGeo issue, but I am wondering if reading stuff on my iPad is a passing fad. (I've been using the thing for hours on end though.)

Any opinions? I always end up mangling the paper versions of these magazines too.

 

[blackdogdeek]

Any good, free software to rip DVDs into a format for the Ipad? Would like to rip a movie or two of mine to bring with on a trip to watch on the plane.

handbrake is free and i think it does what you want.

 

[SAWYER]

What otterbox style case do you guys recommend?

 

[UpgradeFailure]

So, I like the type of games where you take turns, and it doesn't matter how long it is between turns (like words with friends), so you can just play when you are around. Is there a list of games that offer this type of playing? Any card games, board games, etc?

 

[SAWYER]

nm

 

[TheWart]

So, I like the type of games where you take turns, and it doesn't matter how long it is between turns (like words with friends), so you can just play when you are around. Is there a list of games that offer this type of playing? Any card games, board games, etc?

I *think* Carcassone does this. I don't know because I only play it against the computer, and it is a blast.

 

[mmntech]

Now that the iPad has been out for a while, I've got an open question for all you early adopters. Was it worth it?

I'm actually thinking of getting one a few months down the line. Since iOS4.2 is coming out for it in November, I'm thinking I could use it for some light photo and video editing.

 

[bearxor]

I think so. When i was announced I was like '...ehhhh...' but after using it in my life, it's come to replace my laptop for practically everything. I'm a little disappointed that it looks like OS 4.2 doesn't add some iPad-centric features, but backgrounding is nice to have for audio and stuff.

 

[ubercaffeinated]

i got the ipad a month ago for med school and it has exceeded my expectations. the ability to read pdfs and ppt files and video files on the go, in such a little convenient package, has let me save a lot of time spent on printing, paper organizing, and studying. i haven't found the need to take my laptop to school once yet, and i suspect i won't need to. it's a great tool for consuming media, but i have to admit i haven't really tried to type or produce anything on it - the most i've done are short emails and such.

 

[mmntech]

You guys think 32gb is enough or should I splurge on the 64. Going to put a few movies on it. My music collection is pretty small, just over 3gb. A few games, plus photo and web. I'm thinking the 32 is enough but I'm not sure.

 

[ubercaffeinated]

You guys think 32gb is enough or should I splurge on the 64. Going to put a few movies on it. My music collection is pretty small, just over 3gb. A few games, plus photo and web. I'm thinking the 32 is enough but I'm not sure.

i dunno what your usage habits are, but i find 16 gigs to be more than sufficient. i'm always able to resync with my computer at the end of the day though. if you're gonna be syncing up less often, then i'd probably stick with the 32 gig. 64 gigs, like you said, would be a splurge

 

[rival]

What are you guys using your ipads for? i have had a 3g+wifi 32gb for a few months now but havent found much of a use other than just browsing the 'net while i eat breakfast in the morning, or reading a book/browsing at nighttime in bed

i cant see this device doing much more than that, typing on the screen is abysmal. dont get me wrong, its an amazing device and i really enjoy it, but i just dont see this huge transition to using it for more than that. i must be missing someting

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

What are you guys using your ipads for? i have had a 3g+wifi 32gb for a few months now but havent found much of a use other than just browsing the 'net while i eat breakfast in the morning, or reading a book/browsing at nighttime in bed

i cant see this device doing much more than that, typing on the screen is abysmal. dont get me wrong, its an amazing device and i really enjoy it, but i just dont see this huge transition to using it for more than that. i must be missing someting

To me the iPad really comes into its own when you travel - it's just an amazing, highly portable package, with killer battery life, as an ebook-reader/web browser/email device/gaming platform/media player. If you don't take it outside your home that often, it's not nearly as useful, since it's inferior to a laptop in most respects.

 

[ubercaffeinated]

To me the iPad really comes into its own when you travel - it's just an amazing, highly portable package, with killer battery life, as an ebook-reader/web browser/email device/gaming platform/media player. If you don't take it outside your home that often, it's not nearly as useful, since it's inferior to a laptop in most respects.

i use it in class to follow powerpoints or lecture notes in pdf format. i also download video podcasts of all previous lectures to review. the ipad is ideal to consume media, but it isn't too great to create media, unless you pick up a keyboard imo. in any case, for daily usage in med school, it's been working out great for me.

i HIGHLY recommend goodreader if you haven't picked it up yet. it's fantastic.

 

[bearxor]

What are you guys using your ipads for? i have had a 3g+wifi 32gb for a few months now but havent found much of a use other than just browsing the 'net while i eat breakfast in the morning, or reading a book/browsing at nighttime in bed

i cant see this device doing much more than that, typing on the screen is abysmal. dont get me wrong, its an amazing device and i really enjoy it, but i just dont see this huge transition to using it for more than that. i must be missing someting

That's what it's for though. Even around my house I don't use my laptop anywhere near the amount I did Bi (Before iPad).

You just described what is probably 100% of 80% of home computers use. Most people don't create. Most people consume and in this area the iPad excels.

 

[aphex]

I was very happy to find a package on my doorstep when I arrived home from work yesterday, my dad decided to buy me an iPad for no other reason that I could help him with his if i had one too

 

[mmntech]

Early reviews out for iOS 4.2 for iPad.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/15/ios-4-2-on-ipad-preview-video/
http://gizmodo.com/5639074/ios-42-on-ipad-its-impossible-to-go-back

One Gizmodo commenter sums up my thoughts on it.

Crap. Now I have to get an iPad. http://gizmodo.com/5639074/ios-42-on-ipad-its-impossible-to-go-back#

Printing is a huge thing for me.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

Just picked a wifi one up today, whats the best case out for these things thats reasonably priced?

 

[ubercaffeinated]

Just picked a wifi one up today, whats the best case out for these things thats reasonably priced?

depends on your usage, but you really don't wanna cheap out in this area - i ended up trying out 2 cases before i could find one i liked. i ended up going with a sena zipbook, which is a leather portfolio style case that comes with a kick stand - i chose this over the others because unlike other cases, this one zips all around, giving protection around all edges. you'll find that most ipad cases of this style leave 3 of the 4 sides bare. it was 70 bucks at the apple store.

 

[rival]

Just picked a wifi one up today, whats the best case out for these things thats reasonably priced?

I have the one from Apple, not really a fan of it. It gets really dirty easily and the edges are just weird. AKA get a 3rd party one.

 

[Baasha]

Is there a new iPad coming out this holiday season? I really want the Retina Display with camera(s) for FaceTime/Skype etc. It should also have USB port(s). That would definitely push me over the fence about buying an iPad.

What's the deal with the 2nd generation iPad? I haven't seen any news on it yet.

 

[mmntech]

Is there a new iPad coming out this holiday season? I really want the Retina Display with camera(s) for FaceTime/Skype etc. It should also have USB port(s). That would definitely push me over the fence about buying an iPad.

What's the deal with the 2nd generation iPad? I haven't seen any news on it yet.

iPad is going to need a probably a 1600x1200 display for retina. Can't see that happening. New iPads won't be out until April by my estimate.

I caved and finally bought one. Worst Buy had an open Box model. Still in it's original, unopened plastic sleeve oddly enough. Saved $50 on sales tax alone. Me happy. My birthday present to myself.

 

[aphex]

Anyone have wifi speed trouble with theirs? I noticed while downloading apps that they load SIGNIFICANTLY slower on my iPad than my iPhone.

Also, i ran a speedtest, my iphone gets a steady 4-6mb down connection while my iPad gets the following horrible result:

 

[mmntech]

Could be a router issue. I'm not having any problems.

 

[Hail The Brain Slug]

iPad is going to need a probably a 1600x1200 display for retina. Can't see that happening. New iPads won't be out until April by my estimate.

I caved and finally bought one. Worst Buy had an open Box model. Still in it's original, unopened plastic sleeve oddly enough. Saved $50 on sales tax alone. Me happy. My birthday present to myself.

Actually, retaining the 9.7" display size, they would need an LCD with a resolution of 2600+ by 1750+ for a DPI of 300+. If they kept the same aspect ratio.