ipad vs.?????

there's a reason why Apple products demand a premium and are so popular.

they're slick.  well designed.  obvious operation.

when's the last time you saw someone carrying an instruction book around to figure out how to use their ipad?  There are other devices that 'work', but none that are as much fun.  Since this is a 'gift', if you get anything other than an ipad, you'll be needing to explain why it's 'just as good'.  With an ipad... no explanation will be necessary.

that said.  I don't have an ipad.  I use an iphone and laptops.  I hate the touch keyboard vs a macbook air for couch surfing.  but- that's me.

I have an iPad that I got at work, or I wouldn't have paid for it.  I rarely use it.  BUT, when I do reach for it, it's strictly for web surfing.  I like the size of the screen and would say that's a big advantage over other tablets.

I would really recommend going to a store like Best Buy where you can compare models.  It doesn't take a genius device to provide access to the internet, so it's the personal things (size, ease of use, etc) that really matter I think.  

For me, it would be really hard to justify the price of the iPad over the other options, which are hundreds of dollars cheaper.

The first and foremost question to ask is wi-fi AND 4G or just fi-fi?  You'll save around $100 is you just go wi-fi.  You have to think about where you'll be using it and if there'll be a free wi-fi hotspot.  Next comes screen size.

For a smaller, 9" screen, this is what I bought for my daughter:  http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Lenovo+-+IdeaPad+A2109+Tablet+with+16GB+Memory+-+Black/5667867.p?id=1218679204440&skuId=5667867  Nice little tablet.  We've been very happy with it.  It was actually $199 when we bought it.

For a larger screen size, look at the Samsung Galaxy Tabs.  They offer a nice alternative to the iPad.

With any Android device, the minimum OS you want is "ice cream sandwich", 2.3.  Android 2.0 is nothing moire than a beefed up smartphone OS.  Of course, the latest OS 4.1, "Jelly Bean" on the Nexus 7 will be better still:  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834230573&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-_-Tablets-_-NA-_-NA

I'm more of a fan of Android and things open-source than iDevices that require iTunes.  You don't need iTunes for them.  Plug them in to a USB and they show up as a flash drive.  Then just drag and drop.  No need to worry about from what device to where and transferring to new devices.  It's also easier in my opinion to find and download media.  But then, that's me.  Many people (and that's a lot) would say the exact opposite that iTunes is simpler and easier.

I love my Ipad...  Didn't look at much else.

I must have played my free EA Sports golf game for HOURS last night.

I have an iPad I use for work as well as for fun. The only downside to the iPad is it does not have an external USB connection. AKA If I can want to move piles of data I have to e-mail it or use drop box. When it's one big file, it doesn't bother me. When I want to move pictures, it's a pain.

For simply something to play with, it's great! The interface is awesome and even without the USB, I'd most certainly buy it again.

Wait 22 days and get the microsoft Surface.  It runs windows just as a PC, has full USB capability, memory card capability and you can do all of your garmin/camera work, use all of the office products and have multiple programs running.  Even though it is a tablet...it's functions as a full PC.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpzu3HM2CIo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gNI-gdkodk&feature=related

Plus:  I can't wait to see iPad users plugging their ipad into the surface to transfer data.

Google Nexus 7 is one of the best 7" devices out there right now.  720p resolution and everything just works.  If you're looking for something in that size / price range, it's a great option.  Apple is rumored to have a smaller iPad in the works but we'll see when that happens.

i was looking into getting the Ipad also but my little bro ended getting a Samsung note 10.1 and i must say i think its better than the Ipad. I am now going to get the Note 10.1. i am a total Apple guy but on this im going to have to go with Samsung

Can you tell me how?

Doesn't that make you wonder why Apple didn't just put in a USB port? 

Bripod - 2012-10-04 2:58 PM

JoshR - 2012-10-04 3:54 PM

bradword - 2012-10-04 2:50 PM

BikerGrrrl - 2012-10-04 2:29 PM

bradword - 2012-10-04 2:35 PM Yes you can plug in a camera to the iPad. iOS is also used on the web a lot more. Interesting number is 91% of all tablet web traffic is iOS, not android. If you want it to surf the web, among other thing...there isn't a better tablet out there.

Can you tell me how?

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC531ZM/A/apple-ipad-camera-conne...

 

Doesn't that make you wonder why Apple didn't just put in a USB port? 

Apple's selling USB ports for $30 each and you're asking why they didn't put one in for free? You realize you're talking about Apple, right?

But that makes it obvious you are trying to rip people off. Charging $899 doesn't. It also ruins the "beauty" of the ipad by putting a big ugly adapter on it. I know the 2 people I work with who have iphones are not happy about the new chip that is going to prevent cheap charging cables for the iphone5. 

Speaking of connectors...given the bruhaha over the new connector on the Iphone5, when will Apple switch the IPads to the new connector? 

I'm on the bubble getting an IPad myself.