Apple iPad Review
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In this review we are testing the Wi-Fi-only version of the Apple iPad. There will also be a Wi-Fi+3G version, which supports HSDPA 7.2Mbps at 850/1900/2100 MHz. It will be AT&T compatible and the carrier will offer pre-paid data plans for it. Note that the iPad cannot be used for phone calls.
Introduction and Design:
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Fast forward to the iPad and we see an even more drastic gap between product introduction and Appleification. Microsoft (of all companies) showed the first tablet computers back in 2000 (check out the press release, it’s a fun read 10 years later.) The tablet is described as “a long-cherished goal for technology visionaries and computer designers,” but as we know even though the tablet produces lots of ohhs and ahhs and gadget envy, it has failed to gain any real traction in the marketplace. So why now and what makes Apple think they can do it any differently? The iPad has the power of the App Store behind it but is still missing some of the basic components of computing such as multitasking (sound familiar?) So where exactly does the not-quite-a-computer iPad fit into your gadget lineup, and more importantly is it worth it?
UPDATE: Since Apple announced that the iPad will get multitasking and the other new features of iPhone OS 4 this fall, we take some of our criticisms we had towards it back. Read here for the full details about iPhone OS 4.
Like Apple so often does, let’s start with design. The iPad should look extremely familiar since- in effect- it is a giant iPhone/iPod Touch. The display has blown up to 9.7” but a single home button remains on the front bezel, and along the sides you’ll find the volume control, switch (now to lock rotation,) a power button, 3.5mm headphone jack, speaker and of course Apple’s proprietary charging and data connector. What it does not have is a built-in expansion port, so you’re stuck with a myriad of accessories or the memory you buy it with.
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The iPad looks like a giant iPhone | ||
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The sides of the Apple iPad | |
It weighs in at just 1.5lbs (1.6 when it becomes 3G equipped) but feels much heavier. Almost to a T everyone who picked up our iPad remarked on the weight before anything else. It’s nearly a pound lighter than any netbook on the market, but doesn’t feel substantially lighter than our HP Mini 10. Like the original iPhone the back is wrapped in brushed aluminum, and of course the screen is glass. It’s not that the iPad is heavy, it’s just that it’s heavier then you’d expect from such a thin device. When we reviewed the iPhone we appreciated its extra weight because it gave the device a high-end feeling. The iPad construction is without a doubt top notch, but we would prefer it to shed some significant weight.
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Next to HP Mini 10 | ||
Then there’s the problem of feel. The second question out of most people’s mouths was “does it come with a case?” The curved back, brushed aluminum finish and glass front all make for a slippery device, and while we’ve had no problems the iPad does feel like it could slip out of your hands at any moment. The cold aluminum is very impersonal as well. To wander down the psychological pathway for a minute here the iPad is a very sterile and uninviting device. It’s cold and hard to the touch and evokes almost no emotion when handled. The design language is so familiar at this point that there is no wow factor like the first time you used an iPhone or held an aluminum body MacBook Pro.
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33 Comments
1. nak1017 posted on 20 Oct 2010, 01:55 0 0
And it's still not a phone... or even really in the same class as a phone...
2. jhoots posted on 06 Apr 2010, 10:30 0 1
they arent trying to market it as a phone.. i think this device is pointless. it aims to take marketshare from netbooks and mini labtops but how can it without flash and no multitasking capabilities?? id much rather spend my money on a tablet PC labtop.. all the trendsters will buy it but its a waste! like they pointed out in the article it doesnt do anything new. it is a super sized ipod touch thats it!! try jogging with this strapped to you trendsters.. haha it probably would be good for college students that want to download book and text on it for school but for the price and lack of function id just go with a laptop.i hope that it does one thing though.. and that is get people interested in simple and easy apps for regular netbooks and laptops. to help make the PC more personal and less complex for the simple (non-geek) everyday user. imagine, if you start telling the average consumer they can now do apps on their computer (i know laptops already do better than this) they be more interested and and excited. you can kind of trick them into buying things like this just because the vast popularity of "apps"
13. nak1017 posted on 07 Apr 2010, 13:53 0 0
It's on "Phonearena", not "Netbook-ish device arena". I expect to atleast be able to make a phone call without 3rd party VOIP software.
3. ilia1986 posted on 06 Apr 2010, 11:25 0 0
"Things like playing 3D games, seamlessly surfing the web, enjoying YouTube and other video, emailing, reading e-books and even basic document editing. Yes, you can already do most of that with certain smartphones, but not in that smooth, easy and intuitive way the iPad allows you to" Explain please. How is the iPad any different in that aspect from the iPhone? Of course it has a larger screen, but considering that the 3.5" screen of the iPhone looks way better than a lot of smartphones out there - I really fail to see a significant advantage here.
4. Jeradiah3 posted on 06 Apr 2010, 12:09 0 1
i thought about replacing my computer with the ipad, but it doesnt come with a disc drive so theres no point in buying it. apple has become boring and all 3 products are literally the same. you can download the line2 app so u can make phone calls with the ipad and with the $30 AT&T data plan, u have a big azz iphone without a contract. apple needs to stop making generic devices and get creative like HTC and even blackberry
5. electro.livin posted on 06 Apr 2010, 12:49 0 0
i would be a bit worried about using this say on a train or bus cause it's probably going to get nicked (unless you use it as a weapon)
8. cellgeek82 posted on 07 Apr 2010, 01:26 0 0
So lets see, an iPhone (or iPod Touch) for a couple hundred dollars that fits in my pocket, looks stylish, has enough bells and whistles, makes phone calls (iPhone). And of course the iPhone has the wireless network advantage. Or get a $500 device that doesn't fit in anything less than a dufflebag, doesn't do much more than an iPhone/iPod, can't make phone calls, probably expensive as hell to insure (if available) in case of theft or damage...I don't get it! WHY? Do people actually spend money on crap like this? I'm not saying it's not functional, but it's useless. Why get a giant iPod? Have fun traveling with this. I'm an Android user but would definatly consider the iPhone over an iPad any day. iPad = iDon't Android/iPhone = Does!
12. nak1017 posted on 07 Apr 2010, 13:52 0 0
Agreed, this thing is a pseudo bastard child of an ipod touch and a netbook and doesn't replicate the features and conveniences which made each respective product standout. I hope Apple gets their nose blooded a little on this venture so they have to go back to the drawing board and try to innovate a little bit more...
16. iHateCrapple posted on 08 Apr 2010, 13:44 0 0
He called it a bastard child ROFLMFAO!! Classic! +1
10. Rico Dinero posted on 07 Apr 2010, 09:59 0 0
its another way Apple can put their hands in your pockets. And not even in the good way. For 500.00, I better get a reacharound instead of getting F&$%ed
14. fsjon posted on 07 Apr 2010, 14:18 0 0
Once Chrome OS is finally out the door, imagine that on a slate/tablet design! And by then, the table design will be matured and know what design elements work best. I can see it now where I can replace my computer with a chrome OS tablet!!
15. fongy posted on 08 Apr 2010, 06:06 0 0
I think that this is a very good review.... My main problem is the score - with all those negatives (a lot more than positives, and fundamental negatives at that) and considering niche appeal and considering alternatives... 8/10? Really? Tops 7/10, realistically 6/10... I bet CNET will do exactly the same, all major reviewers appear to shy away from giving apple products anything less than 8/10 despite better competition... Bizarre... but predictable...
17. vzwtech86 posted on 12 Apr 2010, 03:07 0 0
I don't understand why everyone is hating on the iPad...I have one and I think that it's great. People need to give it a chance. The apps on it are so much better than on the iPhone and gaming blows the psp and the ds out of the water IMO. Not only that but the games are still cheaper than the psp and the ds by 15 to 20 bucks, sometimes even more. The only gripe I have is that the iPhone apps scaled up kinda look like garbage so it kinda forces you to rebuy the HD resolution versions which kinda sucks but is still cheaper than buying ds and psp games. And I personally don't like flash in the first place html5 just seems better to me. Call me a fanboy if you want but I use a nexus one for my cell phone and I like android as well. Once you actually own one it's really another story. And the battery life is just phenomenal. I can seriously watch 7 or 8 movies back to back and still be at around 30 percent battery. Btw I typed this all on my iPad. I rarely use my MacBook or nexus one for browsing anymore either. Anyways, everyone needs to give it a chance.
20. jellyelly posted on 13 Apr 2010, 15:52 0 0
You are what they call a SUCKAAAA lol........Apple got you for your MONEYYYYYY lol just like they got my brother you guys are both idiots lol........i dont have a i pad and i never need to. Sure I will agree over all its cool because iphones and itouches are cool as well and the ipad is just that, just waaaay bigger and 7 to 8 movies please, my brother got the ipad and he loves it as much as you do but even he said 7 to 8 movies back to back is pure B.S. and what are you talking html5 is better html5 isnt completely developed. Still in 2010 your tablet, cpu, netbook, smartphone would be a lot cooler with flash player. Ipad over all is cool but nothing new and there are certainly better things out there. Too much money, very limited hardware and software(meaning no room for expansion) and i typed this on my HP laptop by the way and i bet i did it a lot faster then you did. = }
23. sgg61991 posted on 17 Apr 2010, 21:25 0 0
HP FTW! Anyways, I completely agree with you. Plus, there's no multitasking (as of yet). I had multitasking on my HP PocketPC that came out in like 2005 (it still works btw). For all of the hubbub Apple gets, it's a pretty big oversight for them not to include it. Especially if it's supposed to compete with netbooks.
