Jude 2

Hello to all the mac guys and gals,

I have been contemplating a conversion to Mac for a long time. Expense has been the major hold up for me. However, I am really interested in the iPad 2. And I am wondering if it lives up to the hype?

With the Bluetooth keyboard, and thumb-drive storage, could I replace a laptop with it?

Would I be able to use it for document preparation? and the general day-to-day functions of Blackboard schoolwork, email, and web-surfing?

I would appreciate all comments and suggestions.

Thanks, Daniel

They will run the world with iPads before it is all over. I'm only half kidding.

Mine is a glorified toy and if I had more time to investigate its potential, I don't think I could ever reach it. You can actually run Windows on them without putting Windows on them. You can run Windows on them without putting Windows on them, and it is multiple times faster than Windows on the fastest laptop or PC. And, no viruses. Because you're not actually RUNNING Windows on them -- it is a video stream of Windows and Windows software (like Excel, PPT, etc.) from a distant server somewhere on Venus or something. And --- it is free. Or, maybe some of the MS Office stuff would have a monthly fee --- $5. It's all in that cloud thingy.

A blackboard? Ha! You can have the Rockettes dancing on a blackboard with one, probably. I dunno. I do know that there are all sorts of presentation software through the App Store. It'll make your eyes cross -- and much of it is junk, for sure. Keynote, ProPresenter are the two leaders. Keynote is cheap, functional and WORKS. ProPresenter is expensive, works on your Mac desktop or laptop and you can drop a ProPresenter remote app into your iPad for $10 and essentially run your Mac via bluetooth. So, if you are conducting church service with all kinds of media, your iPad can essentially do it at your fingertips.

I'm a novice. I'm not sophisticated. I wish I had more ways to even figure out what all these things will do. They haven't invented things for iPads to do that it is already capable of doing.

Yes, you can get the keyboard and all that peripheral stuff. But, my iPad is now my primary websurfing gadget. The onscreen keyboard is good enough for that. I wouldn't word process on it without a keyboard, though -- and not 100% sure that would even be my preference over a laptop. The feel of a heavy keyboard is needful for me. I can type about 60 wpm on a laptop, normally. A light duty keyboard dancing around while I chase it and try to type is probably not going to suit me.

Printing, etc. will need to be done wirelessly. There's not a printer port in the iPad. Not even a USB. For some things, you'll need to go full wireless or figure out a workaround. But, as a guy who's typically skeptical of stuff like this .... I'm sold. It's worth it. I have the 16gb Wi-Fi only version -- the cheapest one. Invest in a good case. I love my Targus case, leather exterior, swivel base with grooves on one side of the inside cover so it acts as its own stand. About $60 @ Wal-Mart or Target.

no

The ipad is a app-device, not a computer that runs full applications.

but you could replace a computer with it, if you accepted the workarounds and difficulties inherent with an app-device.

did they ever get pages to allow highlighting? (duh)

perhaps an actual computer PC tablet (they don't have these in Apple). the one I use:
http://www.asus.com/Eee/Eee_Pad/Eee_Slate_EP121/

Well, you know I'm a Mac guy, but I honestly haven't been impressed with the IPAD line. I would go for a MacAir instead between the two or move on up to a MacBook.

One concern with IPAD 2 has been the continuous reports of screen bleeding on the Mac forums. Furthermore, I'm disappointed with the lack of parental filters for downloading from the app store.

After much study, we opted for the HTC Flyer and we have not been disappointed. It operates within the Android market as you may know. It has wonderful parental filters and locks; for smaller children (age 3 - 7), it also works with a website called Zoodles.

The IPAD has some great features, but for our needs we opted for the Flyer and it performs well.

pa

The parental filter concerns me too. So I stand on point.

well...got the iPad 2 and I love it...hasn't replaced my PC...but it meets my need 80% of the time...I also got my boys iPod touches...I solved the parental filter issue by not giving them the password to download anything...I have to enter the password for everything they want to add! I am the filter...lol...gives me the opportunity to explain why too...

The iPAD is FREAKING AWESOME!
( Apple stock at 633 also proves others think so as well! )

It's a post PC device. Not a PC replacement.
Note: Your mindset is to replace your PC.. go replace your PC. Not even close!

If you want an amazing ease of use... iOS device for doing everything the App store will allow ( Grab it ). Web, Video, Photos, Video Conferencing, ( add app here). It will go so far beyond your PC... it's ridiculous.

I've got 4 of them. They are all fantastic. The iPad 2 is an astounding value at $399... so if you want one.. Grab that for an intro.

I've stopped using my Macbook pro at meetings. I only load a few things on my iPad and I show and go with that now. The battery life is unreal as it just keeps on working with out a hitch. Slips into my folder.

You use Drop box and others instead of thumb drives etc.

Basically.. YES.. you are missing out. LOL.

dolfan wrote:The parental filter concerns me too. So I stand on point.

It's drop dead simple to manage the content and filters. You can control easily what you want displayed on my kids iPads via a master password. I can turn off any feature I want.

PastorDaniel wrote:well...got the iPad 2 and I love it...hasn't replaced my PC...but it meets my need 80% of the time...I also got my boys iPod touches...I solved the parental filter issue by not giving them the password to download anything...I have to enter the password for everything they want to add! I am the filter...lol...gives me the opportunity to explain why too...

Exactly. You will notice your time getting less and less on the PCs. Yes my kids also have the iPod touches as well.

My wife's birthday was yesterday. I bought a $399 iPad 2 at Best Buy for her. I bought her the same setup she had gotten me for Christmas except I had her name imprinted on her Targus swivel case at Family Christian Store in Huntsville AL after Lifeway told me quite snootily they wouldn't do it. Looked at the retina iPad3 and not impressed enough with the difference to spend another $100. I thought it was way less exciting than the hype. If you are thinking of an iPad, get the 2 while supplies last and the price is lower.

MacUser wrote:( Apple stock at 633 also proves others think so as well! )

Yes Sir! I keep an close eye on AAPL daily. A great investment option for those who can.

MacUser wrote:You use Drop box and others instead of thumb drives etc.

I love my original iPad. Definitely, not a PC replacement, but a huge enhancement.

What is Drop Box?

Paully_44 wrote:

MacUser wrote:( Apple stock at 633 also proves others think so as well! )

Yes Sir! I keep an close eye on AAPL daily. A great investment option for those who can.

MacUser wrote:You use Drop box and others instead of thumb drives etc.

I love my original iPad. Definitely, not a PC replacement, but a huge enhancement.

What is Drop Box?

I'll send you a link... Free 2 gigs of cloud storage. I use it daily.

Always have your stuff when you need it with @Dropbox. 2GB account is free! http://db.tt/0A1N72v

If you use that link I get a bit of bonus space and so do you.

done...I'm now all mac with my new macbook pro...

PastorDaniel wrote:done...I'm now all mac with my new macbook pro...

Welcome home.