The launch of the iPad has seen a lot of interest particularly among technology enthusiasts. However, there is the danger of getting ahead of oneself to purchase an iPad without really understanding what it does and the problems or shortcomings you are likely to encounter. As a result, this article has been put together to take a look at some of the basic functionalities of the digital tablet computer in a bid to enlighten potential owners on what to expect in an Apple iPad. Current iPhone users may however be surprised at the amount of similarities between the iPhone and the iPad.
- Applications: most iPhone apps will run on iPads although users may have to re-size them due to constraints in screen sizes.
- Multi-tasking: the newly introduced multi-tasking facility in iPhones, for third-party apps, will not apply to the iPad yet.
- Cost: the iPhone can either be cheap or expensive depending on who is buying it. Wireless iPads prices start from $499 (16GB) to $699 (64GB) in the United States while prices in the rest of the world are yet to be announced. However, 3G iPads are slightly more expensive (+ $130) and require an additional data plan fee from your network provider.
- Display: the user-interface of the iPad is quite similar to that of the iPhone or iPod Touch. As a result, owners of those devices will find it easier to navigate the iPad.
- Internet: the iPad only uses Apple Safari Web browser which does not allow for tabbed browsing. In addition, users will not be able to watch Flash video and animation as Adobe Flash is not yet supported.
- E-Books: iPads have their own e-book reader called the iBook. The iBook makes it possible for readers to change text size and font, look up words via an in-built dictionary and view pages in colour on the iPad. Users can also access books made for other e-readers, such as the Kindle, via Apple’s iBook store.
- E-mail: iPad email works with a variety of top providers such as Gmail, Microsoft Exchange, Yahoo Mail, Hotmail, AOL and so on. Document and image attachments can also be viewed in full screen.
- Keyboard: Like in most mobile devices, the iPad’s virtual on-screen keyboard is not very practical for typing long emails or text documents. In addition, users cannot attach an external keyboard to compensate as the device does not have a USB port.
The next part of this article will discuss 7 other facts you should consider carefully before spending your money on the iPad.
Talking Point
Is the iPad’s lack of a USB port, multi-tasking and so on enough to discourage you from purchasing the device?