Yep. Got an iPad.
Really quick review - really, really like it. Glad I have it.
Longer review: The iPad on first glance looks like an oversized iPhone. I have a problem (still) with the extremely spaced out grid of applications - I would rather see more icons on the screen (or have a little bit of control over sizing and placement).
The screen is bright and beautiful. Text is clear, colors are saturated and its a joy to look at. I have done some web-browsing on it, and read books using the Kindle for iPad application.
If someone came up to me and asked whether they should get a Kindle device or an iPad - I'd first ask if spending twice as much mattered to them, but then direct them towards an iPad. The greater flexibility of the backlit screen for reading is a winner. When we visit my parents we often are driving back in the evening. I usually am the passenger. I often read on the way back - I have read physical books, on a succession of Palm devices, on my Kindle (1 and 2), and on my iPhone. Reading on the iPad is a hands-down winner. Clear text, quick page transitions, and a backlight. I don't need a flashlight to read at night anymore.
My one (slight) downside is the weight. 1.5 pounds does weigh at you a little. My father, recovering from Rotator Cuff surgery, had to put it down because it was straining a bit. I'm recovering from an RSI flareup in the wrists and hands, and I can feel the strain also. (I prop it up a lot)
However, my mother and sister were enamored of it. Or at least, enamored of the games: my sister played Plants vs. Zombies, and my mother played TriTowers Solitaire for quite a while, and I thought we'd have to peel the iPads away from them before we left.
We did try to play a game of Scrabble - that went badly. While the 2 person game T and I played at home worked well, the 4 person game we tried at my parents house didn't. We had 3 iPhones and 1 iPod Touch running Tile Rack, and the iPad hosting the game. We kept losing players intermittently, and finally gave it up as a no-go.
I have been hoping for an Apple Tablet (or, more exactly, a good, functional, touch-based tablet) for years. I had wanted a bigger Newton back in the day. I've owned a Compaq tablet (slow, and the pen-based input bugged me). The iPad makes me a happy geek.
I'm not sure if I'm going to be envious of the 3G model later. I'm thinking not. (But, the MiFi's look tempting...)
My issue with reading on the ipad too long is my eyesite, I have a kindle and while I like the "experience" on the ipad better (love two page layout) it does hurt my eyes after a while.... Once the kindles come in color, or the ipad can somehow switch to an ink display, then I'll be happy :)
Posted by: pixie | April 13, 2010 at 08:23 AM