I really think the iPad is going to be a revolutionary device. It’s even got features that will lure an iPhone freak like me to buy it.
My wife agrees the iPad is probably the ideal device for her (instead of a laptop) so we’ll end up getting two iPads instead of just one. And although there are some unanswered questions about its capabilities, I’ve already picked out the two models I’m going to purchase.
The iPad Will Be Revolutionary
The iPad fits into a new category that’s right between the iPhone and a laptop. It’s perfect for newbies or people who don’t really use a computer that much. The iPad looks to be an ideal device for web surfing, e-mail, books, photos, movies, music, maps, calendar, and contacts. The only caveat here is no Adobe Flash for web surfing, but the powers that be are set on this issue so deal with it.
You can see for yourself how all the features are combined in this unique device by clicking this link to visit the iPad site, and then click: Watch the iPad Video. Be careful about doing this because you just might start thinking about getting one.
The iPad’s Allure to an iPhone User
There are plenty of features to entice an iPhone freak like me to buy the iPad. The first is the display size, which will be an improvement for web surfing, watching movies, reading books, and viewing maps. The second thing is speed. It has a new 1 GHz Apple A4 custom built chip AND the wireless is going to be faster with 802.11N capability.
The 64 GB models will have more storage space than the iPhone. And to top it all off the iWork productivity apps are available. Even though I own an iPhone, these are more than enough reasons to purchase an iPad.
Unanswered Questions Regarding the iPad
VOIP
For me there is a great deal of uncertainty about VOIP. How will the different VOIP services work? Google Voice, Vonage Mobile, Skype, iCall, and Line2 are all services I’ve used and each one offers something a little bit different.
VOIP is an area I think will change significantly in the next few years. If you have a iPad with 3G you could sign up for the total access iCall service for $9.95 USD per month and get your own phone number. Then you would conceivably have phone service with only a data plan and not even need a mobile/cell phone. Think about that for a while.
SMS Messaging
Google Voice may be the best thing to use for SMS messaging on the iPad. I’ve set my Google Voice call settings to “Do Not Disturb” and forwarded all my SMS messages to email. Since I have push email on my iPhone, when someone sends me a text message I get a push email notification and can then switch to Google Voice to reply for free. Setting things up in this manner gives me free text messaging. What a concept!
And then there’s the Ping! app. Will it work on the iPad? Currently it’s strictly for the iPhone and you can only SMS other iPhones.
If you know of some other program or application that may work for SMS messaging on the iPad please leave a comment at the bottom of this post.
Push E-mail
Right now you can only have one push e-mail account on your iPhone so there’s a very interesting question regarding push e-mail. Will I be able to setup push email on both my iPhone and iPad?
iPhone Apps
Will all those iPhone apps really work on the iPad? I’m concerned most about my high-dollar apps, two in particular.
NBA League Pass Mobile allows me to watch a lot of NBA regular season games that I would not normally get to watch. Perfect for following the Lakers. 
Since I have an N-router the data speed will be much faster on the iPad, hence a better viewing experience.
My Tom Tom app was pricey and works well with the iPhone, especially when using the Tom Tom car kit. The iPad won’t have a car kit, but it would be nice to have the Tom Tom app work on the iPad. I have my doubts.
Which Model to Get
I think it’s worth the extra money to get the 3G model because of how the new data plan is structured. AT&T will offer a $14.99 monthly plan that allows 250 MB of data consumption or you can get a $29.99 monthly plan that allows unlimited data . And because there is no contract, you can cancel at anytime, change plans from month to month, or turn the service off and on as you desire. Which 3G data plan should you buy?
I would like to have a 3G plan in place when going on vacation. On a regular basis at home with wi-fi, not so much. The only problem with purchasing a 3G model is that I’m going to have to wait until late April to get my hands on the 16GB and 64GB models I’ve picked out.
iPad Reference Links:
Related posts:
- iPad, 3G and VOIP
- iPhone Push Email + Google Voice = Free SMS Messaging
- iPhone Uses While Traveling
- iPhone Push Email Not Working
- iPad First Impressions – Apps Decoded
Share on
Twitter
Tumblr