IPAD question for Gayle....
 

Gayle, you mentioned having an IPad in one of your recent posts. I really want one, but have never used any Mac products before. Other than the price of the IPad, what else do I need to buy? I have heard that I need to buy applications. Are they expensive? What comes already installed in the IPad?

Do you have the 3G? I would like that feature, but I'm hesitant because it seems I will have to pay AT &T a monthly fee. Do you know anything about this?

Paula, I seem to remember you getting one also. Any advice from anyone who has an IPad would be appreciated.

I totally cannot afford it right now, don't need it, but life is short!

I'm with you Judy....I want one too. Don't need one....but would love to have one...lol. I'm so anxious to read the replies you get.

Hi everyone! I'm at a college volleyball game tonight and only have my phone. I'll answer all your questions when I get home.

Looking forward to Gayle's reply.

I didn't get an ipad.......i got the netbook. It's an HP. I really don't even know if it is comparable to the ipad. WOW...technology......it amazes me these days:eek:

OK, home from the game! I took Abigail and we had a good time. Our team won!

All right down to business. The iPad. I love it! But there are some limitations to it. Also, I think there will be other "pads" or tablets out soon, from companies like Dell, etc. so the prices are sure to come down a bit.

I love it because it is so small and light, it fits into my purse so I can take it right along with me. I take it to the basketball games so that I can use the ESPN app, so see the statistics of the game I am watching - or I can keep up with other games that are being played around the country. I have the 3G and I wouldn't want an iPad without 3G because that means that you can be on the internet anywhere you have a phone signal - which is pretty much everywhere. It also has wireless which is faster than 3G, so I let it roam for wireless and use that whenever I can. Although, at the basketball games, there is wireless internet in the arena, but it is soooo slow, that I turn off the wireless and use 3G - I love that I can do either.

I pay $30.00 a month for unlimited 3G time. I think there are data plans now that cost less than $30.00 a month, but the data time is not unlimited.

It come with the following applications: calendar, contacts (phone/address book), notes, maps (it has a GPS, so you can always see where YOU are on the map), videos (application to watch movies), YouTube, iTunes, Safari (web browser), mail, a photo application, and iPod.

There are thousands of applications, and LOTS are free. The apps I have are:
facebook, calculator, netflix, iBooks, Free Books, virtuoso (a piano), iFish ( a relaxing koy pond game) weatherBug, local newspaper, ESPN Sports Center, NPR news, soliatire, Trip application (has flight status and LOTS of trip information), Brain challenge game, calorie/carb counter, Pac-Man, USA Today newspaper, Trip Advisor, 2 local radio stations, News 8 Austin (local news), a hunting game (who do you think plays THAT game?), Doodle Buddy (a drawing app), Texas (my University application), a TV remote (yes I can change the TV channels from the iPad) and HeyTell which is like voice text messages. ALL of these applications were free.

You can use the iPad like a Kindle, you can rent books, or buy them or get free books. All the classics are free and there are many many free books.

If you have a netflix account, you can watch instant FREE movies through netflix. Not all movies are instant watch, but there are LOTS and LOTS of instant watch netflix movies. I've been re-watching the Showtime series, The Tudors, on my iPad.

Most apps. only cost $.99 or $1.99, but some are more expensive - but I don't think there are many that you would want/need that are very expensive. There are so many cool cool apps, so many that I can't even tell you what they are cause I don't know!!! My sil has GOBS of apps, I don't even know what most of them are.

I take the iPad with me to appointments and read the newspaper, or surf the net while waiting - it is so nice to be "connected" when you are just sitting around bored and waiting.

I use the "Note" application to keep Gary's medication list, my grocery list, a list of things we need to do when we travel, etc etc. It is so handy.

I love the map and directions feature, as I can always find where I am going and I love the GPS because it always shows me where I am.

I love that I can be on the internet wherever there is a phone signal.

Now, the down side. I don't like to type very much on the keyboard. It is a touch keyboard, so you can't rest your fingers on it. However, if you have a wireless keyboard, it will work with the iPad as it has bluetooth. My sil has a portable fold up wireless keyboard which is just the berries to use, if you are going to do much typing on the iPad. I borrow it sometimes and it just folds up and goes into my purse, just like the iPad!

I know there are apps that will allow you to word process on the iPad, but I don't have one and really don't need one as I have a desk computer. The iPad is not a laptop, so it won't do everything that a laptop will do. If someone sends you a Word attachment by email, you can open it and read it and I think there is an application that will let you connect to a printer and print it - but I don't know how to do that.

Even though the iPad has a photo organizer on it, you have to buy an adapter ($29) to plug your camera or iPhone into to download pictures. You can also plug an SD card into the adaptor and download pix from an SD card. The pictures stay on the iPad though, once downloaded. I must say that pictures look absolutely fabulous on the iPad.

There are also some videos the iPad won't show - it will show all YouTube videos, but some live streaming (like sports events) on the computer will not play on the iPad - something about a dispute between Apple and some type of video source???

My iPhone will do some of the same things as the iPad, but I really don't like to look at my tiny iPhone screen - but the iPad is so much nice and easier to read.

I really love my iPad, but I would recommend you go to the Apple store and play with one and also you might check out some of the new tablets from other makers. They won't have all the cool applications though, and there are just some of the neatest apps you can imagine for the iPad.

Ok, what else do you want to know?

Not sure about Judy...but I think it sounds wonderful except about the pictures. The pictures stay on the iPad though, once downloaded Can they be deleted or are they on there forever? I bet the pictures do look wonderful on the IPad.

I would definitly have to wait till prices come down, but I just love reading about the IPads. I did see in a Best Buy flyer some other things called 'tablets' so I bet that is what you are talking about...but I didn't know when I saw them. So much to learn and check out...lol. Oh yeah....what size do you have in GB?

Okay Judy.....your turn...:D

Wait....I have to absorb all of the information you gave Gayle! You are soooo organized, and clear! Must be a teacher!

Seriously, thank you so much....I now know everything I need to know, other than going to an Apple store and playing with it as you suggested. I could not have gotten a better summary if I had paid someone!!!

I think there are plans for less data, which cost less. Since we do not get cell service up here in many places, I would get the cheaper service. I do get it up at the pool, which might be fun. Although, honestly, why do I need to be online at the pool? Because I want to!!!;)

At this point the 32 GB, Wi-Fi 3G is about $740. I wonder if the price will come down after Christmas. I think I may search online to see if plans are in the making for a new iPad model. That's when prices for the old one go down!

I don't need email or the word processor. I have a laptop and a desktop at home, and a wireless printer. ($80 from Staples, but the ink is about $30 each for B & W and color!) So, as an aside, if anyone is in the market for a printer, check out how much ink refills cost. I hear Kodak ink is much less expensive than the others.

Janet, I think we know everything we need to know. I would get 32 GB. My mp3 player is 8 GB. It holds a lot, but to spend so much for only 16 GB instead of 32 GB might not make sense.

Here are the Apple prices. Apple and Walmart are the cheapest right now.

iPad with Wi-Fi + 3GConnect to the Internet at Wi-Fi hotspots and over AT&T’s 3G cellular network when you’re on the go; 3G service sold separately


16GB1

• Ships: Within 24hrs
• Free Shipping
• $629.00
• 
  

32GB1

• Ships: Within 24hrs
• Free Shipping
• $729.00
• 
  

64GB1

• Ships: Within 24hrs
• Free Shipping
• $829.00

And...

AT&T 3G data plans for iPad

Data per month Price per month 250MB/month $14.99 2GB/month $25.00
I'm not sure what this means.

Oh yes, the pictures can be deleted from the iPad - I just meant that you don't have to hook up the camera or phone every time you want to look at your pictures. There a jillions of photo apps you can put on the iPad, but I only use the one that came on it. I like it though because you can view pictures by "groups" such as dates. That is really nice for the pictures we took on the last trip to Alaska. We took SO MANY, but I can sort them by date so if I want to look at a pic we took in Fairbanks, I know that was at the beginning of the trip, so I look at the earlier dates. I'm sure you can do that on the computer too, I just haven't done it yet, and is so easy on the iPad.

Yes Janet, the flyer you saw for a "tablet" at Best Buy is a non-Apple iPad-type device. The iPad is so popular, so I am sure there will be lots of them in the next year or so.

Also Janet, the iPad doesn't get hot on your lap when you are sitting and using it. LOL! I remember that being a problem with your laptop and I have an ancient iBook laptop that always got so warm sitting on my lap!

I'm not absolutely sure either, but here's what I "think" it means. Everytime you get email, or watch a YouTube video or download a book to read, or download a netflix movie or rent a movie - it uses mega-bytes or giga-bytes. Thus, if you don't do a lot of email, or downloading things from the internet, the 250 MB/month would all that you would need. Judy, this would especially apply to you if you don't have much cell service at your house. For me, I have no idea how much MB/GB I use, but I am on the G3 service a lot, as I use the iPad to pass the time while sitting in the car, waiting rooms, etc - so I like the comfort of knowing that I have plenty of download capability.

My sil has 3G on his iPad, but he uses the "phone device" to plug into the iPad. He doesn't have the AT&T data plan http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/mobile/....html?hpt=Sbin I think they cost about $25 per month, and they can be used in laptops too. He has one for his laptop at work. Here is a little more about them. Seems like they are up and coming. The devices, many of them smaller than a smartphone, are similar to the wireless routers in many homes except they don't need to be plugged into anything. They connect to a cellular carrier's data network. Once the battery is charged, a MiFi can be taken anywhere, and it provides a Wi-Fi signal to computers or iPads in a nearby vicinity.

The nice thing about the AT&T data plan is that you can start and stop it at any time, for no reason. There is no long term contract. Let's say, I'm going out of the country and not taking my iPad; thus, I know I won't be using any MB or GB for that month. I just cancel the auto renewing data plan that I have and then when I return I start it up again. There is no cancellation or start up fees. I think that is pretty nifty!

I got really confused for a few minutes...lol...go figure...lolol. Anyway...I thought the article had very good information in it. I had no idea if you got an Ipad that you would have a monthly charge too if you wanted to be on the internet all the time, I just thought WiFi would be the only thing needed and it's usually free. I understand now that not all places have WiFi, but seems most will pretty soon huh? Did I understand that right? I won't be able to afford another monthly payment for quite some time UNLESS I do away with my landline telephone. So much to learn, think about and then get confused some more.... :)

Need to ask another question....others may know more about this than me, but that's why I'm asking. With having the 3G......which is really best...the 16 GB or 32 GB? From reviews I've read on the IPOD Touch...the 16 GB was more than most really needed....but what about the IPAD....would 16 be enough or the 32?

I have the 32, but only use a FRACTION of that. I would have totally been fine with the 16. The higher gigs are needed by those who do LOTS of internet gaming, video streaming, movie watching and the like.

I agree Janet, that WiFi will be commonplace everywhere in just a short time. As I mentioned to Judy though, I think the $14.99 per month AT&T data plan would allow you to be on the internet anywhere through the phone lines would be more than adequate for our needs (including mine). But when I signed up the only plan available was the $30 unlimited plan. I could switch now, and I probably will one of these days.

THIS is why I have the 3G. I'm sitting at the train station waiting for Gary and there isn't any WiFi!

So cool!!!! This year...if anyone asks what I want for Christmas I'm telling them cash...unless they are rich then I will just come out and tell him I want an IPad.....lol.

We may have to wait until April, Janet! Of course, if someone buys you an ipad for Christmas...great!

According to the internet, Apple is p,planning ipad 2 to come out in April, so the price of ipad 1 should go down.

Here's the article:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2373109,00.asp

I was reading the reviews on the Best Buy website about the IPad and read they are coming out with a newer one already and that it will have Facetime and a camera and USB port. I can't even imagine how much that one will cost!!! And of course....that would be the one I would want...not so much because of the camera, but the USB port.

I just don't understand why I can't be rich......I really need to quit watching the Real Housewives of OC, Atlanta, New Jersey, New York, and DC.....roflmbo!!!!! So depessing what those ladies spend.

I've been wanting an iPad, but since I already have an iPhone 3GS which does most of what an iPad does, I just haven't been able to justify it. I have the $30 per month unlimited data on my iPhone. I'm afraid to change to one of the lower data plans in case some really cool features come available and I need the extra data and will have to pay more for it later. I'm on Facebook, Google maps, and other apps quite a bit on the iPhone and have used a lot of data in one month before.

Gayle, do you know if it is possible to tether the iPhone to the iPad and share the data service? It's good to hear a review from someone who has both devices. Like I said I didn't see the need for an iPad since I have an iPhone. I have the Kindle app and download and read books on what I have, but I have been thinking that a larger screen would be so nice. Hmmmmm...... will wait a while like Judy and perhaps snag a bargain. :D

By the way, for those considering a different tablet. From my iPhone experience, the apps are one of the coolest things about Apple. I can't imagine having a tablet and not having access to all the cool apps. What would be the point?

I'm like you Marilyn. I have an iPhone and a MacBook, and I really don't think I would use an iPad. I'm pretty sure all apple products can sync together. When I got my MacBook this summer, I was afraid I wouldn't like it because it's 13 inches. Well, that's exactly why I LOVE it! It's light and easy to take anywhere:) Any my kids were right...it's SO user friendly!!

Ok you guys, now I want one :rolleyes:

I've also heard that other companies are going to start carrying the IPhones....wonder if they'll have all the same apps with each carrier?

I have to go read the Best Buy news about the new iPad. If there is no usb port on the ipad that's out now, can it be synched to transfer stuff from a PC? I'm sure there's a way with a memory card or something.

No, there is no USB port so you can't sync it to a PC to transfer stuff. That's a drawback to the iPad right now. But as I understand it, there will be a USB port in the new ones, and I have heard there will be an adaptor to make a USB port work with the old ones, at some point.

I can't find that article at Best Buy. Do you have the web addy?

There are already ways to transfer. I bet if I checked on CNET they would have info on this.

Yahoo!!!!

Oh wait...I'm paying for Thanksgiving, Christmas is coming and I just paid the dentist!

Oh, tough!!!! Life is too short!

I'm always the type to wait for the new and improve one.

Me too usually! Maybe by April I'll have more money saved. It's so funny...no wonder I don't have any money...lol...I have envelopes titled Diana's, 4WT Trip, IPad and misc. All the extra money I have in my purse goes to these envelopes. I really need to find another job to keep up with my lifestyle...roflmbo!!!!

I have a Hello Kitty Bank that all I insert is change I find on the streets. See what that buy's me :thinking:

Whatever is left in my purse at the end of the week is put in the envelopes except for the pennies and they are put in a bank.

Did anyone get an IPad for Christmas?

Okay.......I still want one of these soooo bad. Since Mom's been in the hospital my laptop is just a bit on the heavy side to be hauling back and forth..lol I know April (when the newer ones come out)isn't far off and that's what I've been waiting on mostly...money doesn't matter at this point....I'd have to charge it anyway...LOLOL.

Not sure why I posted this....lol...I just want one I guess!

They are GREAT for sitting in the hospital, doctor's offices, and waiting rooms.

I bet they are! Just wondering if the prices will really go down much after April when the newer model comes out, PLUS wondering how much MORE the new model will be.

I don't know but with the iPhones the older models go down quite a bit when the new models come out.

I'm at the Texas womens basketball game right now with my iPad. I have to get here an hour early to get my mom in the arena and get a close parking spot. I have to let her off at the door, go park, then go in and get her to her seat. After the game I have to get her to the front door then go get the car and come back and get her. Hence, a close parking spot is necessary. But we are in the arena really early so it's a great time to get caught up with my Internet sites. If I didn't have my iPad, the time would go much slower!

I think it's wonderful that you can still take your mom to the games. You'll really miss that one of these days Gayle...

Sorry. I sat by a guy with an iPad on the plane. I still can't decide if I want one or not.

Is there a reason you're not sure about the IPad Betsi? I haven't even seen one in person...lol....but I like the idea of being able to be online any time and most any where.

Janet, I think it's because I have an iPhone. To me, the iPad is just a bigger version...but of course I don't have one, lol!

You're so funny. I don't have an IPhone or IPad. My son has an IPod Touch and it works great for getting online. It's the same size I think as the IPhone, but that's just a bit small for my eyes...lol. Guess I'll wait till April, but I'm almost sure it's gonna kill me.....rofl :D

Yep Betsi, the iPad is just a big iPhone (without the phone part, LOL!). I don't like surfing on my iPhone though, it's just too small for my eyes. Since I don't have a laptop right now, the iPad fits the bill for sitting in front of the TV with it in my lap getting on the internet.

I also like the GPS and directions on it - when I'm trying to find a place, I can see where I am driving on my screen. It's the same as a regular car GPS, but seems better somehow. LOL! I like the games too and being able to download and read books.

I do use Kindle on my phone, and love it! I have a MacBook laptop, the 13 inch one that I sit on the couch with, and it's east and light to take with me if I'm traveling. I guess I DON'T need an iPad:p

If I had a 13 inch laptop, I really wouldn't need the iPad - but I would WANT it:D I have a shoulder/rib chronic pain issue - so carrying around, even a small laptop causes me problems sometimes. The iPad fits right into my backpack purse and doesn't cause any pain. If not for that, the laptop would be just right!