My experience with the iPad
I was lucky enough this weekend, to take an iPad home for the weekend (thanks goes to Justin from WantItAll.co.za and ChristopherM). Having read many mixed responses I was kinda skeptical at first, but with an open mind I gave it a whirl.
First Impressions
Despite reading that the iPad was way too heavy, I never had any issues with it’s weight. It’s not unexpectedly heavy or unwieldy. People complained about the thick edge being a waste of screen space, but once you start playing with it, you realize that it’s necessary to avoid unnecessary clicks and screen interaction. It fit’s nicely in the hands and it meets the “easy-to-use-whilst-laying-in-bed” test IMO.
The speed is instantly noticeable. I have the iPhone 3G and in comparison the speed is lightning fast. Transitions between applications are instant and the screen is very responsive. The keyboard is nicely sized and whilst touch-typists might be annoyed with the the “return” button being where the apostrophes normally are, you can still reach a nice speed of typing.
The native Gmail application is nice and resembles Outlook’s panel system. Browsing is awesome in the iPad. With a screen size not far from the smaller Netbooks, you don’t notice any issues or have the feeling that you’re using a “small” device (like you do when browsing with an iPhone).
It should also be mentioned that my mom (60-something years old) got hold of it and I installed a MahJjong game for her and she was amazed at the iPad in general, but also it’s ease of use. So Apple have done a good job of making a device that caters for a wide demographic.
My Opinions
In my opinion, it fills a gap – the gap between a laptop and a smartphone. Some might say that it’s a gap already filled by Netbooks, but there’s definitely something about having a device with full touchscreen, no keyboards taking up space on your lap and a device that’s as sexy as the iPad. With the quality of the games and applications being developed for the iPad I’d even say that it’s encroaching on the territory currently owned by the likes of the PSP. I played the Need for Speed Shift game and an awesome 2-finger based skateboarding application that left me very satisfied and positive about the potential for kick-ass applications yet to come on the iPad.
Say what you want about Apple, but they know how to create a badass device and the iPad is no exception.
Definitely added to my list of “wants” for this year.
I want one as well! That would be awesome! I still have my doubts but I guess only time will tell!
Cool review.
As a non apple user (to date). I am still waiting for someone to tell me why I need the I-pad, of course I want one (wantitall.co.za), but do I need it? What is the real purpose of the device?
Ashton Kutcher, says is it a smart Iphone or a dumb laptop…
Cheers
Need For Speed is the best game that i have ever played.”~-
I want this device so badly ~_~
I’m going to play around with it a bit more and really try to get down to the bottom of the potential value as well. Sounds like you’re sold, which means I’ll probably be sold too!