I pad

[vodkancoke]

Hi all,

I am looking to buy an Ipad but not sure what I am looking for. I want to be able to use the internet wherever I go and I will be using it for both business and personal use (emails, facebook, answerbank, itunes) I would also like to be able to watch films on it too. I am a but confused with the 3G, 4G, Wi-fi and having to use a sim card. I am a bit of a dummy when it comes to things like this. Would you advise I go to an Apple shop and get them to explain it to me?

Thanks in advance :)

[karlyau]

I bought the cheapest iPad 2 (16gb wifi only). It is excellent, and allows me to do whatever I want. No 3G, but can connect to mobile phone via Bluetooth, so 3G unnecessary. I recommend it, and haven't found anything I cannot do with it. That said I will buy a new pad 3 soon, and a 64gb model - but only because I have 30gb of photos that I would like to back up. Definitely get one though!

[vodkancoke]

Thanks so much for your answer. I will difinitely have a wee look into it :)

[vodkancoke]

*definitely!

[Flyhalf]

You can use it for most applications - if you want to save Word or Excel files, buy the Quick Office app.
To access some sites you need Flash Player or Java Script, which don't seem to be allowed by Apple.

[hc4361]

4G does not work in the UK - we don't have a 4G network and when we do it will run on a different frequency so won't be compatible.

You could use 3G if you are prepared to pay for a data sim card so you can access the internet away from wifi. You can get 12 month contracts, rolling 30 day contract or Pay as You Go. I suspect Karylou has a 3G mobile phone, which is fine but using 3G drains your phone battery.

If you want to store lots of video/movies, photos and music get a 32GB or 64GB model.

The iPad2 has been reduced since the launch of the iPad 3, and the iPad 2 has the advantage of being lighter and thinner. Look at both and decide if the difference in screen resolution is worth the extra money to you.

I would recommend the iPad 2, 32GB, wifi and 3G.

[karlyau]

True BIGJACK, you cannot watch flash .. Which is the only gripe I have .. And the only complaint anyone I know has! If you can live without flash, do it!! I got my iPad at Christmas, and have only put my pc on about 3 times since .. To rip my CDs

[vodkancoke]

Ah thanks hc4361. I got confused because John Lewis are selling a wi-fi +4G Ipad and I assumed that was the newest one.

Thanks very much for all your help. I will have a wee look tomorrow and see what deals are going. Thanks again :)

[hc4361]

That is the newest one.

It is true the new iPad is more powerful than the iPad 2, but really the soooper dooooper hi res screen uses that extra power.

[Celticv11]

I bought an i pad a few months ago. It is brilliant. I do all my internet surfing on it. I watch tv and also sky movies and sport. I got the 3g version which cost me £100 more, waste of money should have spent that on the larger memory, wi fi is fine on its own. On my last mobile phone bill i had used 74 gb of data. Just had two and a half weeks touring scotland and so glad i had the i pad, in tandem with my i phone i am always on line.

[sherrardk]

I've got a new iPad which himself ought from an Apple shop. As part of the package I got a voucher for a session at the shop being taught how to us it (haven't used it as this is my second iPad and the shop is in Solihull which is miles away - might be useful for you though).

[hc4361]

Don't forget to check the prices at Amazon, Tesco Direct, Argos, Apple, Comet, Argos and other online retailers.

[vodkancoke]

I'm in Edinburgh Sherrardk...I was just going to go to my local PC World because they have an Apple section where they show you how to use the products.
Thanks for the info :)

[vodkancoke]

Will do hc, thanks again for all your advice :)

[Tuvok]

Depending on who you get your broadband from, you may be able to use their wifi hotspots when out and about. Or if there is free wifi you will be able to use it.

I was discussing iPads with some one at work recently - I have my own, he has one from work. He described it as being like a book or magazine - you just pick it up when you want to use it - you don't have to go and switch on a computer!

One problem however, is getting a shot of your own iPad when there are others in the house!!

One thing I would say is regarding printing - yes you can print but only if you have a compatible wireless printer, or, as in my case, a printer that you can "share" on the netwrok, but my computer has to be on first!

As for word etc., there,s always Gogle docs, or plenty of apps that you can use - if you've got itunes, just go and visit the app store via your computer.

Also, if you get the adapter you can output most iplayers to tv or monitor. With the supplied safari you can output video, I would recommend Atomic or Mercury browsers to output webpages to tv etc.

[sherrardk]

Tuvok - that's always been a problem here, making sure that MY iPad is fully charged for the evening when I want to use it. I have given my old one to the children and no-one is supposed to use this one (doesn't quite work that way though).

[Tuvok]

Just back on now, as its been borrowed to do a tesco shop!