∞ iPad first thoughts

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I’m finally home after spending almost three weeks on the road, including a trip to Apple’s event on January 27 to see the unveiling of the new iPad. I decided to wait until I got back to give you my thoughts on the device and avoid the rush of stories on Wednesday and Thursday.

I had the opportunity to spend some time with the iPad after the launch and There’s a lot to love about it, from the design to its incredible speed. Actually, I think it’s the speed of the device that impressed me the most. Apps open and close really fast, and available immediately after launching them.

I found that to be the case even with iWork. Launching Pages and then start typing and it captures everything. Impressive.

The design is very similar to a large iPod touch, but I think that was expected. That’s not a bad thing either — the iPod touch is one of Apple’s most successful products, so why not use what you’ve learned.

The screen is brilliant. HD movies playing at full screen look amazing. Actually, anything you view with the iPad looks amazing with the display it has, even the Web.

The iPad was a bit heavier than I thought it would be. Not so heavy that it was uncomfortable or anything like that. It’s not like it’ll weigh you down after using it for a while or anything, it just seemed heavier than I expected.

Of course, the iPad comes in two models, one with Wi-Fi and one with Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity. I know there has been a lot of debate about which model people are buying — I’m going to choose the 3G model, just so all my options are open.

I expected Apple to go with AT&T, so that wasn’t a big surprise, but I sure hope AT&T gets it’s act together soon.

Overall, the iPad is a winner based on my short time with the device. While it was impressive watching Steve demo it and the videos look great, you can’t begin to understand how cool it is until you hold it in your hands.


  • http://intensedebate.com/people/chartier chartier

    I have yet to read an iPad hands-on that doesn't mention the speed. That's great news. I've been saving up to build a gaming PC, but now that we have a PS3, I think an iPad might be in my future. I'm not positive yet, as I need to learn a bit more about the OS, its capabilities, and limitations. But I think.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/jdalrymple Jim Dalrymple

    I was really surprised with how fast it was. You can see animations of the apps opening and closing and coming on the screen. Very powerful.

  • http://www.theproductivestudent.com Arjun Muralidharan (TheProductiveStudent.com)

    Thanks for the pictures, Jim! It’s the first time I’ve seen a proper size comparison. Your pictures clearly show the 4:3 ratio for the first time. It does seem odd.

    But I’m truly excited about the iPad and it will replace my laptop as I head over for a 27″ iMac.

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/jdalrymple Jim Dalrymple

      I think that depends on what you do with your laptop. It would replace mine for many tasks, whether traveling or at home, but not others, like mixing music.

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1605294440 Michael Dean Lewis

      I'm not surprised by the 4:3 ratio. This is going to do more than play games and watch movies; reading books on a portrait-oriented widescreen display would just feel weird to people, and trying to read a page on a widescreen landscape device that fits in your hands wouldn't give as many lines of text as a page in a real book (not without being tiny). It's designed to not feel weird to someone who would be comfortable sitting back with a book or magazine, and when you're wanting to sell a lot of a new device, you definitely don't want people to feel uncomfortable or just a little off while using it.

      Can wait to try one out in the store and see how it all feels to me — but I'm pretty sure this is the giant iPod Touch I've been waiting for. I kept balking at buying a iPhone or Touch and I don't need a MacBook right now.

  • http://www.mikemckaigg.com Mike

    I just came across an article the other day that the Apple/AT&T exclusivity contract expires in June and that in June, Apple would be releasing a 4G iPhone for Verizon. Anybody know if that's true?

    Also, there was a news ticker on TV this weekend that AT&T is investing 2 billion to upgrade their network.

    • http://www.yourmaclifeshow.com Shawn King

      No one knows when the Apple/AT&T deal ends. The rumor when it was first announced was a 5 year deal.

  • Perry Clease

    "I expected Apple to go with AT&T, so that wasn’t a big surprise, but I sure hope AT&T gets it’s act together soon."

    I understood that 3G on the iPad is not exclusive to AT&T and that it would work on a number of other 3G networks.

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/jdalrymple Jim Dalrymple

      Perry, that is true, if another network uses the mini-SIM, you theoretically could use it there. I was referring more to the rumors of an iPad/Verizon deal.

      • Perry Clease

        Got it. I guess that AT&T is currently the only 3G service that is iPad ready.

        In regards to AT&T I am wondering if my iPhone data plan would include my iPad. Probably not, but a bundle deal would be nice.

        • http://intensedebate.com/people/jdalrymple Jim Dalrymple

          That was talked about among the media that were there and the consensus was that the iPhone plan wouldn't cover the iPad. Of course, that was just based on the way was introduced and the wording used.

  • Frank

    Oh man Jim, just for those twinkles on the screen (last pic) I'm getting one! :D
    Nice overview and I think the 4×3 will actually be welcome; reading is much easier not to mention pages (be it from web or ebook) display better without losing to extra space found in 16:9/10
    Might you have had a a chance to see if there was an orientation lock?

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/jdalrymple Jim Dalrymple

      Hmmm, I don't think there is an orientation lock, but I didn't specifically look for one.

  • http://www.facebook.com/egoodwin1 Eric Goodwin

    Thanks for the images! I see "File Sharing" is a setting — something I hadn't seen before. I wonder if you're at home, you'll be able to use the iPad to stream content from your main iTunes library? Can't wait to try one of these out at an Apple store