(no subject)
Hey another LJ update via my iPad :) As more and more people bump into me and start fondling my iPad I also get more and more questions about the device so I decided to make a nice little FAQ :)
1) Is it an oversized iPod Touch/iPhone?
No it is not, although I can understand where people are coming from, if you put it side by side with either device it does look like an oversized version. But that is from the looks department but function wise it is a lot more different.
2) Can I use my iPod Touch/iPhone apps on the iPad?
Yes you can. When you sync with iTunes you can choose to sync those apps over to the iPad. However do note that there are 3 different types of apps you have to consider:
- Native iPhone/iPod Touch Apps
- Native iPad Apps
- Universal Binaries
What is the difference? Well you can run native iPhone apps on the iPad and what is shown on the screen is exactly the size of what you will get on the iPhone.
There is an option to toggle 2x mode which basically blows up the pixels of the app. Looks fine for some apps but horrible for others, very the pixelated.
Native iPad apps are exactly just that, apps made natively for the iPad. These either have extra features or upgraded graphics.
Last but not least is Universal binaries. When you buy an app that is a universal binary you basically get a native iPhone and native iPad executable. So this is the best of the lot since there is only one price for the app.
3) Is it uncomfortable using the iPad?
It is a super thin and super sexy device so no, it is not uncomfortable to hold it at all. But the device does have some heft to it, so you will be holding it with 2 hands most of the time. One piece of advice, do not put a silicone case on it. The device is so sexy to hold that putting any yucky silicone or gel casing on it would be doing the device injustice. Either use it naked like myself or you can wrap it up using those invisible shield wraps which gives you protection and preserves the sleekness of the device. After using the device naked for a week I went for the wrap as well :) By the way it does not get hot.
4) Do I have any other options other than the virtual keyboard?
Yes you can pair the iPad with a bluetooth keyboard. I use the Apple Bluetooth keyboard :) Or if you have the Apple iPad camera connection kit then you can use a USB keyboard as well but you might need a powered USB hub because the iPad does not provide enough power.
5) Will I feel the impulse to purchase accessory for the iPad?
Of course! You will want everything from the VGA Adapter to the camera connection kit or maybe the Apple dock? Or if you want the Apple keyboard dock? Or how about the many types of cases or sleeves for it? haha be warned :) I got the dock, the VGA adapter, now awaiting the camera kit hehe
6) Can I subscribe to digital magazines?
Yes you can. There are several apps for that. You can check out Zinio if you want.
7) When will the iPad be available in Malaysia?
Probably either end May or middle of June.
8) Should I get the Wifi only or Wifi + 3G version?
Well this is a matter of preference. I am planning to get a 3.5G mobile hotspot router so that I can share the 3G connection with several other people, not only surfing on the iPad. So Wifi is a clear choice for me. But if you plan to surf only on the iPad then you might want to get the Wifi + 3G version. My option would give 3G connection to not only my iPad, but also my notebook and my friend's devices as well.
1) Is it an oversized iPod Touch/iPhone?
No it is not, although I can understand where people are coming from, if you put it side by side with either device it does look like an oversized version. But that is from the looks department but function wise it is a lot more different.
2) Can I use my iPod Touch/iPhone apps on the iPad?
Yes you can. When you sync with iTunes you can choose to sync those apps over to the iPad. However do note that there are 3 different types of apps you have to consider:
- Native iPhone/iPod Touch Apps
- Native iPad Apps
- Universal Binaries
What is the difference? Well you can run native iPhone apps on the iPad and what is shown on the screen is exactly the size of what you will get on the iPhone.
There is an option to toggle 2x mode which basically blows up the pixels of the app. Looks fine for some apps but horrible for others, very the pixelated.
Native iPad apps are exactly just that, apps made natively for the iPad. These either have extra features or upgraded graphics.
Last but not least is Universal binaries. When you buy an app that is a universal binary you basically get a native iPhone and native iPad executable. So this is the best of the lot since there is only one price for the app.
3) Is it uncomfortable using the iPad?
It is a super thin and super sexy device so no, it is not uncomfortable to hold it at all. But the device does have some heft to it, so you will be holding it with 2 hands most of the time. One piece of advice, do not put a silicone case on it. The device is so sexy to hold that putting any yucky silicone or gel casing on it would be doing the device injustice. Either use it naked like myself or you can wrap it up using those invisible shield wraps which gives you protection and preserves the sleekness of the device. After using the device naked for a week I went for the wrap as well :) By the way it does not get hot.
4) Do I have any other options other than the virtual keyboard?
Yes you can pair the iPad with a bluetooth keyboard. I use the Apple Bluetooth keyboard :) Or if you have the Apple iPad camera connection kit then you can use a USB keyboard as well but you might need a powered USB hub because the iPad does not provide enough power.
5) Will I feel the impulse to purchase accessory for the iPad?
Of course! You will want everything from the VGA Adapter to the camera connection kit or maybe the Apple dock? Or if you want the Apple keyboard dock? Or how about the many types of cases or sleeves for it? haha be warned :) I got the dock, the VGA adapter, now awaiting the camera kit hehe
6) Can I subscribe to digital magazines?
Yes you can. There are several apps for that. You can check out Zinio if you want.
7) When will the iPad be available in Malaysia?
Probably either end May or middle of June.
8) Should I get the Wifi only or Wifi + 3G version?
Well this is a matter of preference. I am planning to get a 3.5G mobile hotspot router so that I can share the 3G connection with several other people, not only surfing on the iPad. So Wifi is a clear choice for me. But if you plan to surf only on the iPad then you might want to get the Wifi + 3G version. My option would give 3G connection to not only my iPad, but also my notebook and my friend's devices as well.