the Apple iPad

[rittchard]

I had to hit 2 Best Buys bit I finally got my grimy paws on one after about 3 hours.  Should have been more like 1-2 but oh well. 

First impression: it really is every bit as thin as they say, and although the weight hasn't changed much, the overall feel really is surprisingly more comfortable.  Almost like a giant Color Kindle.  Oh yeah, frame rates and textures on Infinity Blade were fantastic, and just like the demo showed Garage Band and Photo Booth were a ton of fun.  Will test the mirroring feature tomorrow.

[Biyobi]

Went with one of my older clients to buy him one at the Apple store.  We went right before close this evening.  They were completely out of wifi-only and the lower-storage 3G models.  We got him the 64gb Verizon model and he sent it home with me so I could play with it tonight and "figure it out".

The build quality, speed, and "comfortable-ness" are outstanding.  The included cameras are an abomination.  I'm guessing higher res cameras will be a big selling point of the next model.

[Magic]

I swung by a best buy and my local apple store on the way home from work last night, and they were completely sold out. I wasn't really expecting to get one, and later I got a text from a friend who was at an apple store in north jersey who picked me up the 16gb white wifi model, and dropped it off for me this morning along with one of the smart covers.

I use my first gen iPad almost religiously as a couch computer. The speed of the new model is dramatically quicker. Safari handles multiple pages so much better, and loading times and multitasking is just that much snappier.

I wasn't sure how the white bezel would be, but as a web browsing device in daylight, it actually feels a little easier on my eyes - more like holding a sheet of paper.

The new model is a joy to hold and carry. Doesn't feel as heavy as it is. it's amazingly thin.

The smart cover is pretty nifty. It's almost perfect In that it adds no bulk or heft, and wakes/sleeps the device with use, and magnetically snaps into place along the hinge, and also holds closed very well. Using it as a stand is surprisingly stable. I just wish there was a little more protection for the back.

The cameras are junk, but realistically I'll only ever use them for Skype and FaceTime. No native iPad Skype app yet though.

Should you upgrade if you have the original? Only if you do a ton of gaming or multitasking or want the video conference ability. If it's an e-reader or couch computer for light web use... Not really.

[Teggy]

This is pretty impressive - from Macrumors:
http://www.macrumors.com/2011/03/11/impressions-and-screenshots-of-infinity-blade-on-ipad-2/

iPad


iPad 2

[Morgul]

Clouds are shaped different?

[CeeKay]

Clouds are shaped different?

look at the armor.

[TK-421]

Must have been using the armor polishing app.

[Morgul]

Clouds are shaped different?

look at the armor.

Shit.   

As you can see, my opinion of the great grphics in DA2 might not mean much..   lol

[Crusis]

Impressions:

I picked up an iPad 2 at a local Walmart last night. I'm still surprised they had 5 of them sitting there. I had heard everyone was sold out for weeks. Anyway. I had my iPad 1 for about 8 months. As others have noted this is an evolutionary step. The camera is lame but the camera software is surprisingly fun.

The size of this thing is really amazing. It is so thin and the rounder edges really add to the aesthetics. The new ipad screams. I mean it is freaking fast. The first thing I did was load Real Racing 2 HD and then had to fight the kids to get it back. The sound is a lot better. It sounds deeper, clearer and has a little more volume. I'm still playing Dead Space with headphones (and a change of drawers) but for everyday stuff the speaker is a nice improvement.

This is a really slick device. It would have been great if it had retina display I doubt they could have kept the prices the same.

In the end, is it worth upgrading if you have a 1? Only if you want the latest and greatest. For things like web browsing, the speed is amazing. It just sucks that they put such a crappy camera in. Again, I assume this is to keep the price down.

[rittchard]

Got my iPad 2 review up.  Well, it's less a review than me bitching about Apple release strategies - and then I do give some first impressions too.  Pretty similar to what everyone else is saying (like Crusis above).

http://rittchard.wordpress.com/2011/03/15/ipad-2-apple-the-honeymoons-over/

[Blackjack]

I finally tinkered with one at Best Buy last night. It felt really snappy. It still felt a bit heavy for my tastes, but I don't have much experience with tablets or ebook readers. The camera is about as terrible as everyone says. I assume on my Touch it's less noticeable on a small screen how bad the megapixel is. While it's not a dealbreaker for me, it still seems like they ought to be able to squeeze in a cheap camera, without messing up the price scheme, that's merely "mediocre" rather than "awful."  

Apparently the quake stuff in Japan has impacted a couple key iPad/iPhone parts suppliers, so there is more ripple effect there:
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/03/17/shortages_of_apples_ipad_and_iphone_to_bleed_into_june_quarter_following_japan_tsunami.html

[hepcat]

The apps have pushed me over the edge.  I think I'm going to pick up a 32 gig WiFi when one appears.

[Morgul]

I finally tinkered with one at Best Buy last night. It felt really snappy. It still felt a bit heavy for my tastes, but I don't have much experience with tablets or ebook readers. The camera is about as terrible as everyone says. I assume on my Touch it's less noticeable on a small screen how bad the megapixel is. While it's not a dealbreaker for me, it still seems like they ought to be able to squeeze in a cheap camera, without messing up the price scheme, that's merely "mediocre" rather than "awful."  

Apparently the quake stuff in Japan has impacted a couple key iPad/iPhone parts suppliers, so there is more ripple effect there:
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/03/17/shortages_of_apples_ipad_and_iphone_to_bleed_into_june_quarter_following_japan_tsunami.html

Yea, thats what I was saying earlier.  Cameras are supposed to be "cheap" hardware on these things relative to other hardware.  Apple is not known for making cheap shit.  So no clue why they didn't put in at least a  descent camera. 

But, if I did not have the ipad I would get the ipad2.  I am not sure how much I would use the camera anyways.

[Blackjack]

I tried the camera in both still and video modes. The video is fine (Face Time should be a treat on it), the still mode is probably worse than my Palm Visor PDA's EyeModule camera was about 10 years ago. 

I'm thinking maybe the one reason I'd like the 3G is because apparently only that model has GPS in it. I could maybe see that being useful occasionally on driving trips. No, I don't see myself using it mountain climbing as in some ads. I'm too much of a boring surburban-ite. 

[rittchard]

I tried the camera in both still and video modes. The video is fine (Face Time should be a treat on it), the still mode is probably worse than my Palm Visor PDA's EyeModule camera was about 10 years ago. 

I'm thinking maybe the one reason I'd like the 3G is because apparently only that model has GPS in it. I could maybe see that being useful occasionally on driving trips. No, I don't see myself using it mountain climbing as in some ads. I'm too much of a boring surburban-ite. 

BJ I don't remember if you had an iPhone or not, but I read recently that if you tethered the iPad to your iPhone "hotspot" it would give you full GPS support.

[rittchard]

Cool demo featuring gaming on the iPad2 - mirrored to a bigscreen TV:

http://toucharcade.com/2011/03/17/ipad-2-hdmi-out-to-hdtv-demo-video/

[Blackjack]

Apple Insider has a "first look," meaning de-boxing, how well the cover thingie works for typing and "poking," and a lot of painfully close-up photos:
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/03/16/first_look_apples_ipad_2.html

[Misguided]

Brought one home from the apple store yesterday morning. I'm absolutely loving it so far. Anybody feel like starting up a new iPad game thread? I saw one but it was like a year old. I was going back through a thread at Qt3 and was reminded of a number of titles I was interested in but had put out of mind because I had no plans to get an iPad at the time. e.g. Small World, Defenders of the Oasis, Return to Infinite Space, etc. I picked up DotO yesterday and it's a lot of fun.

[rittchard]

Brought one home from the apple store yesterday morning. I'm absolutely loving it so far. Anybody feel like starting up a new iPad game thread? I saw one but it was like a year old. I was going back through a thread at Qt3 and was reminded of a number of titles I was interested in but had put out of mind because I had no plans to get an iPad at the time. e.g. Small World, Defenders of the Oasis, Return to Infinite Space, etc. I picked up DotO yesterday and it's a lot of fun.

Just picked up Great Little War Game HD last night, looks like it could be a lot of fun.

http://itunes.apple.com/app/great-little-war-game-hd

Also I don't remember if you've had another iOS device or not, but I think Battleheart is great on the iPad.

Looks like Palm Heroes 2 just came out recently as well if you like HOMM. 

And Fabled Lands HD might be worth a look, I haven't tried it yet.

http://itunes.apple.com/app/fabled-lands-hd/id415170080?mt=8#

[hepcat]

Supposedly, if I get to the apple store down the street from my office early enough, there's a chance i can score an ipad2 as they're getting them in every day.  After finding out both Neuroshima Hex AND Kingsburg are available in the app store, this is difficult for me to pass up....

[Misguided]

Supposedly, if I get to the apple store down the street from my office early enough, there's a chance i can score an ipad2 as they're getting them in every day.  After finding out both Neuroshima Hex AND Kingsburg are available in the app store, this is difficult for me to pass up....

There's also a new one called Neuroshima Hex Puzzle. What's Kingsburg?

I already had Battleheart on my phone, but found the screen to be too cramped, so definitely looking forward to giving it a try on the iPad (only tried it really briefly).

I am having a great time with Defense of the Oasis. Heck, I got sucked into playing PQ2 for a good hour. I love this big screen!

[Dreamshadow]

Supposedly, if I get to the apple store down the street from my office early enough, there's a chance i can score an ipad2 as they're getting them in every day.  After finding out both Neuroshima Hex AND Kingsburg are available in the app store, this is difficult for me to pass up....

There's also a new one called Neuroshima Hex Puzzle. What's Kingsburg?

I already had Battleheart on my phone, but found the screen to be too cramped, so definitely looking forward to giving it a try on the iPad (only tried it really briefly).

I am having a great time with Defense of the Oasis. Heck, I got sucked into playing PQ2 for a good hour. I love this big screen!

If you like oasis, stoneship from Cyan plays very similar with a nautical theme.  Loving my 32 gig ipad2 right now.  It's making up for the laptop I lost seveal years ago.  And I'm finally getting to play all those games I couldn't on my second gen iPod touch.

[Misguided]

Actually, I thought Stoneship was awful, which is a shame because I wanted to like it. The action elements contributed nothing to the game, and it was far to easy to accidentally walk into a sea monster you had no hope of defeating. Superficially, they might seem similar, but Stoneship is more about learning where things are on each level so you can do it "right" the next time. DotA is a much better balanced game, IMO.

Just finished my first game of Medici. It was pretty cool.

[hepcat]

There's also a new one called Neuroshima Hex Puzzle. What's Kingsburg?

The primary reason I want an Ipad is because of the numerous boardgames ports.  Kingsburg is one of them.   It's a game by Fantasy Flight Games that I'm sure you'll love if they ported it over with any care.

[Misguided]

I haven't bought Small World yet, but that's one that has always interested me at game stores. The board games I like tend to be of the simple to learn, Lifetime to master variety.

There's also a new one called Neuroshima Hex Puzzle. What's Kingsburg?

The primary reason I want an Ipad is because of the numerous boardgames ports.  Kingsburg is one of them.   It's a game by Fantasy Flight Games that I'm sure you'll love if they ported it over with any care.

[hepcat]

Incredibly annoying that weeks after launch I still have to roll the dice of chance even when arriving an hour early at the local apple store.  there was already a line when i got there and they only had verizon or at&t enabled ipads.  if it weren't for the damn apps, i would definitely go with an android tablet.  as it stands, i'm so annoyed right now I think i need to back away from the whole idea of an ipad for a while.  it's not worth this much hassle.

[ravenvii]

Incredibly annoying that weeks after launch I still have to roll the dice of chance even when arriving an hour early at the local apple store.  there was already a line when i got there and they only had verizon or at&t enabled ipads.  if it weren't for the damn apps, i would definitely go with an android tablet.  as it stands, i'm so annoyed right now I think i need to back away from the whole idea of an ipad for a while.  it's not worth this much hassle.

Just chill out and wait for a month. The lines and hoopla will die down and you will be able to just walk in and buy one.

[hepcat]

This does nothing to soothe the 8 year old in me who wanted his toy now.

[Soulchilde]

This does nothing to soothe the 8 year old in me who wanted his toy now.

I want one, but I can't see it replacing my laptop...   Please, someone give me some reason, so I can justify getting one

[CeeKay]

This does nothing to soothe the 8 year old in me who wanted his toy now.

I want one, but I can't see it replacing my laptop...   Please, someone give me some reason, so I can justify getting one

chicks dig it.

[hepcat]

This does nothing to soothe the 8 year old in me who wanted his toy now.

I want one, but I can't see it replacing my laptop...   Please, someone give me some reason, so I can justify getting one

My reasons:

1) Board games and board game tools are being released at a rapid pace.  Heck, even GMT games (makers of Twilight Struggle) have announced that they are jumping on the bandwagon.

2) expensive e-reader

3) netflix streaming

Granted, the last two are already on laptops, but the first one is a huge plus for me.

[ericb]

This does nothing to soothe the 8 year old in me who wanted his toy now.

I want one, but I can't see it replacing my laptop...   Please, someone give me some reason, so I can justify getting one

My reasons:

1) Board games and board game tools are being released at a rapid pace.  Heck, even GMT games (makers of Twilight Struggle) have announced that they are jumping on the bandwagon.

2) expensive e-reader

3) netflix streaming

Granted, the last two are already on laptops, but the first one is a huge plus for me.

It's true that most all of this is on a laptop already...but leave a iPad in your lap for 2-3 hours and you'll forget it's there.  A laptop in your lap for 2-3 hours might require first aid for burns   It's also about 1/8 the weight of an average laptop and there's no Windows (good or bad) and almost instant on and app loading.  It also has 8-12+ hours of battery life compared to an average of 3 for a laptop and the iPad can charge from any USB port.

Other pluses...you can download and use the native nook app with any books you've bought.  Same with amazon and the kindle app.  Same with the borders app (which I prefer for pdf viewing).  Dropbox works great so you can transfer files without hooking it up to the computer or using a flash drive.  Handle native google apps with no problem (email, maps, etc). 

Last, it has plants vs zombies and angry birds

[Purge]

A buddy of mine picked up a Dell Inspiron Duo.

I think I heart that more than the iPad since it's both tablet and Laptop.

Having an iPhone has taught me to hate the inflexibility of the iOS.

[Dreamshadow]

Twilight Struggle is coming to the ipad!?!??!!?  YES!

[hepcat]

Twilight Struggle is coming to the ipad!?!??!!?  YES!

yup...it's also supposed to be released on the PC, so I'll be buying that as well for the (hopefully) online MP with other PC gamers with taste.

They've also announced that Dominant Species and Manoeuvre are coming to iPad as well.  The number of great board games available on the iPad just keeps growing.  I wish they'd release these for android as well, but that seems not to be happening at nearly the pace the iPad is getting them.

[Dreamshadow]

I think the Google Marketplace is a little too open.  It takes *many* reports of an app to prove to them it needs to be investigated and or pulled if it is malicious.  It's kinda wild wild west in there compared to Apple's walled garden. 

[hepcat]

Well, to be fair, part of that also comes across as Android's strength to a lot of folks.

[rittchard]

Wireless Mirroring with iPad 2:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnM8ciByJps

The sad/funny part was I posted this same idea a day before they did and got NO attention.  I guess I should have made a Youtube video to demo it.  I actually think my solution is simpler but I was too lazy to make a custom box

[farley2k]

Incredibly annoying that weeks after launch I still have to roll the dice of chance even when arriving an hour early at the local apple store.  there was already a line when i got there and they only had verizon or at&t enabled ipads.  if it weren't for the damn apps, i would definitely go with an android tablet.  as it stands, i'm so annoyed right now I think i need to back away from the whole idea of an ipad for a while.  it's not worth this much hassle.

I feel the same way so I just ordered one from Apple directly.  It won't be in until the end of the month but I don't have to check multiple places each week with fingers crossed.  I don't think my time has much value (I can piss it away on almost anything) but it was just feeling stupid to keep checking stores. 

[hepcat]

I stopped in at the Apple store this morning on my way into work under the guise of getting a coffee.  After getting my coffee, I just happened to stroll by the Apple store and the clerks were passing out vouchers.  Incredibly, the majority of what they received in today's shipment was the 32 gig WiFi's.  I was vacillating between the 32 and the 64, so this allowed me to err on the side of caution (i.e. cheapness).

I'm now a proud owner of a 32 gig WiFi ipad2 in black.  Appstore time!  

p.s. what's the general consensus on size?  I store all my music on a zune 32 gig MP3 player so I won't be putting any music on it beyond a few.  I'll mostly be using it for netflix and for app store games.  Will a 32 gig be sufficient?