I should have an iPad but I don’t…yet. As someone immersed in the digital world personally and professionally, an iPad should be part of my technology tool kit. As well, it’s difficult to tell people about the wonders of something when you have little experience actually using it.
In other words, it’s embarrassing not to have an iPad but I have somehow managed to justify it. Some of my “excuses” are I already have a MacBook Pro and an iPhone so I’ve got the “iThing” covered. As well, I’m not sure if there’s a fit or a compelling need within my technology tool kit. And then there’s the reluctance to purchase the first iteration of any new product, particularly given Apple’s habit of making the next-generation so much better.
But is now the time to bite the bullet and buy an iPad2? Is the newer, sleeker, thinner and faster iPad2 simply too compelling to resist? Has Apple eliminated the “barriers to entry”?
The answer is “Absolutely….definitely…I think so.” In other words, I’m closer to buying an iPad2 but not completely convinced…yet. As much as the iPad is uber-cool, I’m still questioning whether I need/want it or whether it’s the best option given the plethora of tablets hitting the market.
Some of my issues with the iPad include the lack of a USB connection and the inability to tether it to an iPhone (or another wireless device) without a “crack”. At the same time, I’m curious about Android’s “Honeycomb” operating system for tablet devices, which has been much touted.
In other words, I’m still torn about the iPad. That said, if I was walking by an Apple store AND they happend to have an iPad2 in stock AND there were a few dollars burning a hole in my pocket, you never know what could happen.
My understanding is that the iPhone tethering issue will go away with the next rev of the iOS software – and that all the Canadian wireless carriers are on-board to support it.
In fact, that capability was the deciding factor in my decision to go Android. It works great – fast, reliable, and secure. One of those, “how did I ever live without it” technologies.
As to the “can I live without an iPad” question – that one lives in parallel with the “when does the spending stop” question. I have a good smart phone,a good laptop, a good TV. I guess I’ll feel ok about dropping $600+ on yet another screen when I don’t have to replace kids’ hockey gear on an annual basis!
The iPad 3 is supposed to be the next game changer so wait for that one later this year or early next year! That’s what I’m doing, and I hope it’s everything it’s speculated to be.
If you’re waiting to buy an iPad you’re nuts! Of course, that’s only my personal view
My experience was that the iPad was fun for about a month. Or until you try to type anything on it.
A small and light (but powerful) notebook is about 10x more useful and possibly even cheaper.
Hi Matt.
I am an iPad 1 owner and I travel a lot. I purchased the iPad because it is much easier to travel with (and more fun to travel with) than a laptop. I have found a number of things with it that impeed my ability to make it a productivity tool on the road.
I was anxiously awaiting the iPad 2 in hopes it would solve those issues; however, I was a little disappointed and probably won’t upgrade to the iPad 2.
The features it needs and lacks:
- Ability to use a second monitor
- Significantly better photo management options (it should work like iPhoto)
- Stop tethering it to iTunes
- Traditional style file management (folders, files)
- No Flash support
- No USB port
- No SD card port
- Ability to onnect to a camera or video camera to view live photos and video recording on larger screen (i am also a photographer)
- iPod buttons (play/pause) on side of iPad
I am sure there are few more things but I do not remember them at the moment.
Take care,
Shane
Shane,
The lack of an SD card and USB port are two of the key reasons why I hesitate to get an iPad. The ability to tether to an iPhone is also a must have, although I understand it will be part of the new OS upgrade. Thanks for the comment. Mark
Well, I think you’re all nuts. The iPad is not a storage device. It is not a net book. You’re missing out on a lot of amazing applications and utility. Why do you think Apples now porting iPad apps to the Mac?
Typed quite satisfactorily from my iPad at the airport