iPad Review: Is it Worth Adding to your Apple Collection?
This is an attempt at a fair and honest review of the Apple iPad. I’m not an Apple fanatic, but I’m definitely not an Apple hater either. I just started using a MacBook Pro at work – and so far so good. I could see myself being a PC convert at home eventually. I’ve never owned an iPhone, but I’ve seen and heard great things about them, and they are incredibly functional for the size and price.
But I’m having a hard time seeing the allure and craze for the iPad. Before I get into my analysis, let’s run through the technical specs of the iPad.
iPad Tech Specs
9.7 inch diagonal LED display- 16, 32, or 64 GB flash drive memory
- 1 GHz processor
- WiFi and 3G enabled
Let’s compare that to the iPhone 3GS tech specs:
- 3.5 inch diagonal LED display
- 16 or 32 GB flash drive memory
- WiFi and 3G enabled
OK, so basically you have the ability to expand on the memory (albeit not significantly), you have a bigger screen, and probably a faster processor. But…..
iPad in comparison to a MacBook Pro Tech Specs
- MacBook pro has a 13″ diagonal screen (vs. 9.7″)
- MacBook Pro has a 2.53 GHz processor (vs. 1 GHz)
- Connectivity is equivalent
- 160 or 250 GB of memory (vs. 100)
Portability is the same, plus I have a standalone keyboard on a MacBook versus an annoying touch screen (call me old fashioned, but I like the feel of keys). Now, I realize the MacBook Pro is more expensive, but an Apple lover is going to have a MacBook Pro or other MacBook variation anyways. Which brings me to the impetus of this review.
Who is the iPad Targeting?
- Is it Targeting iPhone Lovers? Well, if my goal is to use the iPad for the same things that the iPhone does, I’d much rather have the portability of the iPhone – plus it’s at least $300 cheaper.
- Is it Targeting MacBook Lovers? Probably not. It really doesn’t have any functional benefits over the MacBook Pro, if you’re looking for something bigger than the iPhone. In fact, I’d find it to be much less functional and powerful than a MacBook.
- Is it for Apple Lovers? Most likely. But if you love Apple, you probably already have one or both of the aforementioned Apple products to offer you the same or better functionality than the iPad. So, other than falling for the hype, what other reasons are there to get an iPad?
But who is the iPad really targeting? Gamers! If you visit the iPad apps page, you’ll notice that six out of the eleven highlighted apps are video game apps – Real Racing HD, At Bat 2010, Asphalt 5, Scrabble, F1 2010, and Labyrinth 2 HD. The only other possible target audience I could see is Apple lovers who are huge book readers. However, if book reading is your thing, you might be better off with the Kindle DX Wireless.
iPad Discussion:
- Do you think that the iPad is worth the money? Why or why not?
- Will you be buying an iPad? Take the poll!
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I am G.E. Miller, & 
I’m going to make the bold assumption that you haven’t held one yet.
It’s not a laptop, it’s not a cellphone, and it’s not (just) an iPod. It’s something altogether different.
It’s my airplane media center. It’s my couch computer. It’s my city map. Its my photo album. It’s my book library (kindle app FTW!). It’s whatever tomorrow’s awesome app brings to the table.
It’s 12+ hours of big screen, instant-on Internet.
It’s not everything to everyone, but I don’t think its trying to be. It won’t replace my laptop for doing serious computing-stuff. It wont replaced my cellphone for pocketable computing. It’s got it’s own thing going for it. Apple should package in a towel.
Yes, I am an ‘Apple Lover’, but find a way to test drive one for a day or two before laying judgement. Seriously slick technology that docent really replace anything.
Above comment sent from my iPad.
It’s also my comic book reader. Try doing that comfortably on any other device (other than comic books)
I would suggest actually using the device before reviewing it. If you have no complaints about the MB pro and neither love or hate apple then why question the iPad’s relevance in the market without going to the store and test driving it?
@ Todd – I’ve used it, it’s basically a gigantic 3G enabled iPod touch. I don’t see anything new out of it. You can probably actually give a more honest review of it without getting wrapped up in the hype and glitz. I think everything said in this post is fair and accurate.
Its also miserable at deepfrying potatoes!
Did you hear that you can’t replace the battery yourself. You have to take it in and have it replaced.
Brian, I think you hit a good point: the iPad satisfies a false need: “Seriously slick technology that docent really replace anything.”
It has nothing to offer except, luxury, convince and ease of use. If you have $500 to spend, well, why not?
Just like that charging pad thing that lets you charge your cell phone “wirelessly” (while requiring a cover on your device).
Julie, you can say the same thing about almost any new technology that shook things up. When first introduced, cell phones only offered ‘luxury, convienience, and ease of use’, but are now practically a need today.
In my world, those things are desirable traits
I’d love something in between an iPhone and an iPad size-wise, more along the lines of the size of a softcover book. The iPhone is too small for reading comfortably, while the iPad is a bit too big to throw in your purse. The iPad is a great size for backpacks though, and I could see it being useful for students for taking notes (if I were still in college I probably would have jumped to get one).
Brian, I was not saying that iPads have no use. I was just saying they are a “luxury” item–much like cell phones were when they were introduced
Seska,
I wouldn’t! At least not without a keyboard attachment. I can’t get used to typing on a screen, and I much prefer typing on a keyboard. I have met very few (although they exist) people who actually prefer typing on a screen vs an actual keyboard.
I’d probably get a netbook if I was still in school. Especially since I already have an ipod touch.
Julie,
I was thinking along the lines of handwriting recognition rather than typing. The iPad handwriting recognition app that’s available right now has pretty bad reviews, but I’m sure someone will come up with a better one at some point.
@ Seska – I agree. The iPad is awkwardly big. I’d be afraid to take it anywhere without a laptop bag for fear of dropping it, snapping it in half, or who knows what else.
@ Julie – I’m telling you, I love the keyboard. I don’t want to break my neck or get carpel tunnel to use a touchscreen.
Not worth it. I’m actually wondering why Apple came out with this.
We don’t even use the 80 GB Ipod that we received as a gift…I think it’s safe to say we won’t be buying an Ipad anytime soon. We’re just not their target audience…
As with other products, whether by Apple or not, I would prefer to wait for the release of the 2.0 before buying it.
To be honest, I just don’t see how this will enrich my life. I guess it’s one of those things where you won’t realize how much you needed it until you have it?! We’ll see.
With Apple products it isn’t about the latest and greatest processor. I had an old macbook which I traded for a new shiny Macbook pro, honestly, for everyday use I don’t see much difference when it comes to performance. Both are adequate.
But with a PC, it was always a chase for the fastest, since every OS MS released seemed slower than the previous release (W7 is refreshing!)
Would I buy an iPad? Probably not now. Do I see a use for the iPad? Yes. My iPod touch gets good use for casual surfing. A larger ‘iPod Touch’ would be sweet! Reading books and comics – a habit I’d like to get back into.
I think I would get one for three reasons:
1. I had lots of cash so why not.
2. I commuted a ton on public transport.
3. I was in grad school and needed a ton of books at my fingertips. I heard it is a great e-reader. Could be a decent way to keep all the grad school books on hand.
At 500 bucks, it may seem cheap for an Apple product. But when you actually think about it, 500 bucks is really expensive for a highly glamorized toy. Yup, I think that’s what it is – a toy.
@ Robert – $500 is for the minimum 16GB version, by the way. The others are $599 and $699.
Went to BestBuy last weekend to buy a few things. I saw quite a few customers returning their iPads. Not a good thing to see.
With respect to the question, “Who is the iPad Targeting?” I think it’s more of a “what.” The iPad is intended to compete with the Netbook. That’s essentially what it is, although its a bit larger than most netbooks. The iPad can also compete with Kindle. I think Apple simply sees two markets it could tap into with this product.
Both netbooks and Kindles serve good functions. Getting them, in one device, along with the awesomeness Apple offers, could be worth $500. Consider that it is also an iPod, an electronic photo album and a gaming device and $500 sounds like a steal.
The Kindle costs $260, the average netbook is about $300 (or free with a cellular internet package commitment of three years). Logically, you’re saving $100 buying the iPad over the two devices, assuming of course, you are in the market for both.
Many think Apple is the most expensive way to go right off the bat because their PCs are so highly priced. Buy I ended up saving money by going with the iPhone. At $70 per month, I save $30/month off my old unlimited internet phone, and my iPhone paid for itself within 10 months. I couldn’t imagine life without it anymore.
Yes, it’s a convenience device. When you get used to certain conveniences, you just can’t go back. The washing machine and dishwasher were both convenience items once. See anybody doing laundry on a washboard anymore?
Jessica,
Wow, are you indoctrinated or what? How did the iPhone PAY for itself, exactly? You could have a cheaper sell phone (like a free one), with no internet plan, and pay like $30 a month. Unless you actually make money by using your phone, it in no way paid for itself. That’s just a phrase marketers like to use to make you think you’re getting a deal. You save a lot more when you don’t make the purchase.
Also, the iPad really doesn’t replace a netbook. Considering there is no flash, and it can’t do everything–it can’t run “programs”–as in, real programs, not apps, which can be run on a netbook.
It’s a convenient device, and a luxury, and that’s what you pay for. The real bargain? Not buying one.
Nice and honest review.
My only question is the smoothness of scrolling. That is one thing I repeated hear the critics say it EXCELS at smoothness of scrolling. They don’t get lag when scrolling up/down etc. I watched them demo it and it wasn’t an issue. Could it be wifi connection? Almost sounds like it’s not loading data fast enough for the scrolling.??
Definitely it’s us gamers.. I’m beginning to love it actually.
Nothing but a glorified iPhone that can’t call out.
Most my friends who own one regret buying it after a few weeks. Glad I didn’t get sucked in by the hype.
you don’t discuss RAM. You discuss storage space, but that’s not as important.