Big reason I love my iPad

[redrunner]

@bbates, do you plan to purchase apple care for your ipad 2 or a third party warranty like from Squaretrade? Is an additional warranty necessary?

[bluedogok]

There were people waiting in line at the Apple Store in The Domain (Austin) when I got to work this morning. When I left work at 4:30 the line was about an 1/8th mile long winding through The Domain. The parking garage was already packed at lunch.

[BBatesokc]

Got mine - had to drive to the Shawnee WalMart. Everywhere I called in/around OKC was sold out. Shawnee had several.

I only do the Apple warranty because it doesn't get any more user friendly than an Apple warranty. I also never buy the additional warranty until the last day of the original warranty. Why pay the extra for an extended warranty if you lose the device during the initial warranty?

That said, I always buy an extended warranty. I am a heavy user and have needed the warranty for both my iPod Touch and my iMac. I make it a habit to sell my iDevice(s) with a couple of months of extended warranty left.

[redrunner]

What I like about Squaretrade warranty is that it covers breaks and spills. AppleCare doesn't cover accidents like these. Squaretrade has a 40% off promotion for an ipad2 warranty until the 14th.

[BBatesokc]

What I like about Squaretrade warranty is that it covers breaks and spills. AppleCare doesn't cover accidents like these. Squaretrade has a 40% off promotion for an ipad2 warranty until the 14th.

I've had two incidents with iDevices that were not technically covered under the warranty, both times the Apple store covered it.

The last time was because I drowned my iPod Touch in 44oz of Diet Dr. Pepper. I took it in and told them what happened and they agreed that wasn't covered - but handed me a brand new 64GB iTouch anyway.

[BBatesokc]

Okay - here's my 24 hour review of my iPad2. It is lighter and thinner and has two cameras. I really can't tell if it's real world faster however. I put it side by side to an iPad 1 and the apps seem to launch just as fast and run as smooth.

Here's my buying advice;
1. If you don't own an iPad and want one, its every bit as cool as the original one and has some added bells and whistles. So, if its in your budget, go for it.
2. If you own an iPad 1 and are considering an upgrade - if you are a power user like me. Meaning you use it multiple times a day for work and play AND you have a need for the camera (I'm using it to photograph receipts, documents, etc.) then it is probably worth the upgrade (difference in price that you get for selling your iPad 1 and the price of a iPad 2). If you are not a power user then I'd consider not upgrading, especially since it means you'll need to buy all new accessories (case(s), and some speakers, etc.).
3. You might also considering buying an iPad 1 if you can find one (with receipt) and Apple will refund you $100. Only applies to iPad one purchases made in the last two weeks.

[UnFrSaKn]

I got the last 64gb Wifi+3G at Best Buy, but it's having some kind of 3G issues that At&T can't figure out. I'm having the Apple guys look at it next week. It's a pretty paperweight until I get it fixed.

[BBatesokc]

It took almost 24-hours for me to get my iPad 1 backup to restore onto my new iPad 2. I almost gave up. Ran into the same issue when I upgraded the OS awhile back.

[metro]

Bates did all your apps and everything transfer over to the new iPad smoothly, I'm worries only the iTunes stuff will transfer over and not the apps, etc. How did you do the switch?

[metro]

I will get the one with the biggest gbs but I'm debating on the the 3G. My gut says get it even if you don't plan on using it because you might change your mind down the road. My head says why pay for something you don't plan on using.

My question to iPad users. 3G or no 3G? Your thoughts.

I opted for the 3G for the same reasons, even though I haven't used 3G yet, ut I will vitally and would be nice to have, especially when traveling.

[BBatesokc]

Bates did all your apps and everything transfer over to the new iPad smoothly, I'm worries only the iTunes stuff will transfer over and not the apps, etc. How did you do the switch?

I always seem to have 'issues' with major OS updates and device upgrades.

Took two days, but it finally all synced. Best thing is, all the content in my apps transferred back over (like Bento databases, MSecure data, etc.).

Definitely don't connect to your computer via a USB hub - connect directly to the computer. I also had to attempt 4 restores before it finally worked and each took hours and hours to perform.

A look at the Apple forums is showing lots of people with syncing issues.

In the end mine worked fine - it just took lots of patience and was not user friendly.

[UnFrSaKn]

As of this morning, I still can't get 3G to work on it. It's a pretty paper weight. Other than looking at synced pictures, I can't get much use out of it. Mostly due to my ignorance on how the data plan works on it through AT&T, I probably added to the problem. I wanted to transfer the unlimited data I had on iPad 1 over to iPad 2 and things got complicated on their end with how the device connects through the system. The ICCID numbers don't want to update in the system, causing it not to pick up 3G from the towers or something of that nature. I literally talked to twelve different AT&T representatives, and they tried pushing me off to Apple. I even set up and appointment on Wed. I had no idea that when I setup the iPad, it created it's own phone number that you can see in the settings. I had assumed when I set it up originally with the first iPad, I was signing into a Family Plan we had. In reality, it was it's own account and I wasn't helping by referring to the cell phone number on the plan, rather than the number for the iPad 2. It should have been a five minute phone call. Once it dawned on me, I found out I can log on their website and found how to see the account for the iPad 1/2. Basic stuff, and I feel very stupid. I called them again, and they moved me up to the top of their queue so I should get a call today. I still don't know how their going to sort it out.

I had no trouble at all syncing the device though. It works perfectly fine other than no 3G.

[BBatesokc]

Can you not use the wifi until the 3G is up and running?

Now that mine is working good I'm really digging the camera. I was at the county court house yesterday and I simply used the iPad to take photos of all the documents I would normally have to pay for copies of (saved $16).

[BBatesokc]

It was brought up previously what size hard drive do you really need - some stating 16GB was plenty. I am syncing mine right now and my 64GB drive only has 25.4GB of free space. Keeping in mind a 64GB iPad really only holds 59.15GB. 14.3GB is photos alone. Apps take up 6.6GB, Video 16.1GB......

[earlywinegareth]

I love my iMac and plan to get a MacBook next year, but I don't get the purpose of an iPad. Is it more than just a nice multi-media toy?

[BBatesokc]

I love my iMac and plan to get a MacBook next year, but I don't get the purpose of an iPad. Is it more than just a nice multi-media toy?

Depends on your needs. For some it's simply a gaming device, for others it's a crucial part of their daily work.

I literally use mine all day long for work and play.

[Lord Helmet]

It was brought up previously what size hard drive do you really need - some stating 16GB was plenty. I am syncing mine right now and my 64GB drive only has 25.4GB of free space. Keeping in mind a 64GB iPad really only holds 59.15GB. 14.3GB is photos alone. Apps take up 6.6GB, Video 16.1GB......

I find that 16gb is plenty. However, I don't keep anything on the iPad except apps. Video, pics, music, etc all get streamed to it.

[metro]

I love my iMac and plan to get a MacBook next year, but I don't get the purpose of an iPad. Is it more than just a nice multi-media toy?

Go play with one at the apple store, then make an opinion, it's far more than a toy, but changing the face of computing. Try using a laptop comfortably while sitting back or reclining, or easily on the go. FYI, I'm typing this right now on my iPad while fully reclined in my recliner.

[HewenttoJared]

I love my iMac and plan to get a MacBook next year, but I don't get the purpose of an iPad. Is it more than just a nice multi-media toy?

I almost never turn my computer on since buying mine. High-end gaming and flash videos are the only reasons i even have a computer anymore and when it breaks I'll probably just throw it out and be done with them for good.


Typed from a breakroom on my iPad.

[Thunder]

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/apple/5-wa...-2-launch/9798

[BBatesokc]

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/apple/5-wa...-2-launch/9798

That article is just one big whining fest. He's mad because he ordered online and hasn't gotten it yet. Fact is the iPad is hugely popular and they looked to have moved 500,000 in the first weekend alone.

[Thunder]

iPad is Apple.

Apple sucks.

ATT sucks, too.

:-P

Hai Bri

[MikeOKC]

iPad is Apple.

Apple sucks.

ATT sucks, too.

:-P

Hai Bri

Thunder, I used to be just like you. I hated Apple; loathed Apple. I was into all things Windows and Unix/Linux. And then I bought my iPod Touch. I fell in love with that thing. And then came the iPad. Of course, these iOS devices are made by Apple but they are not Mac-centric in any way. They don't use Mac lingo, icons, etc. You can be a Windows user and pick up an iOS device and be on your way in 15 minutes.

The way the iPad has changed the way I keep my own life in order, and basically revolutionized forever how I communicate and do business, I can't speak highly enough about these things. With that said, I would truly like to see some real competition with some of these Honeycomb Android devices. But with iPad 2, Android has a long way to go to get even close to capabilities, design, etc. It's quickly becoming the defacto standard for tablets - the worst thing that could possibly happen (IMO) because competition is good and can only make future iOS devices better.

Bottom line: I'm no longer an Apple Hater. I have come to appreciate the innovative iOS and how it has, literally, changed the face of "computing."

[Lord Helmet]

I've never understood Apple haters.

[BBatesokc]

I've never understood Apple haters.

They are just barely more annoying than the die hard Apple fans. I use both Apple, Windows and Android computing devices. They all have their pros and cons.