Cheap Apple IPad MB292LL/A Tablet (16GB, Wifi)
Cheap Apple IPad MB292LL/A Tablet (16GB, Wifi)
Money well spent
I have owned my 32gig wifi iPad for about 3 months. I don't believe there has been a day where I haven't used it. Saying that I can't live without this product would be a bit much, but I can say I wouldn't want to. I use it for many purposes, but mainly entertainment. Movies are gorgeous on the screen, games are great and there are some games with incredible graphics that look amazing.
I can't compare it to a kindle, cause I never used one, but in can say reading is great on the iPad. The screen makes it so you can read in the dark, on the flip side, you can't really take it outside in the sun unless you get a shaded area, even then it's kinda hard to see the screen.
I've seen a lot of reviews saying it's a bigger iPod touch, which it is, but that's what I love about it. I owned the iPod touch for about a week and sent it back cause I didn't find it that great. When the iPad came out I thought it looked perfect because the size is perfect.
It's a bit on the pricey side, but well worth it. If you have the money, get this thing.
Read More About Apple iPad MB292LL/A Tablet (16GB, Wifi)
Cheapest Apple IPad MB292LL/A Tablet (16GB, Wifi)
Better than netbooks, by far
I have a love/hate relationship with Apple. I like a lot of their products but also detest a lot of their business practices (like only allowing one retailer besides Apple to sell the iPad). I initially refused to buy an iPad because I, (like many others), felt that it was limited and basically a larger screen iPod touch. Truth is, it's closer to a netbook than an iPod touch.
Before buying the iPad, I tried a netbook, the Asus T91MT to be exact. The ASUS was a little cheaper than the iPad 32gb wi-fi that I eventually bought. However, I couldn't do anything with the ASUS. It would freeze whenever I ran Flash (supposedly the huge advantage of netbooks over the iPad) and the Atom processor was just ridiculously slow. the T91 had a touchscreen, but most of the touchscreen apps were so slow and choppy, it was practically useless. I basically had an expensive paperweight. I returned it and planned to buy an Asus 1201n, but Asus recently replaced it with the slower single-core 1201pn, so I was left with no attractive netbook options.
Meanwhile, I played with the iPad a few times in a store and still wasn't convinced. Then my brother and his wife both bought iPads and showed me the true true capabilities. That finally tempted me enough to bite the bullet and try the iPad. I am so glad that I did. Although it is lacking in some areas (lack of printing and lack of Flash support), it outperforms netbooks in practically every other area. I bought this as something to have when I don't need the full power of a laptop. I would never claim that this will "replace my laptop" because in it's current form, the iPad cannot do that. I do not even know if it is an adequate replacement for a netbook used for business or academic purposes, because at some point, you're going to need removable storage capability and printing. I think of the iPad as more of a tweener for folks like me. However, if you primarily surf the web, read email, post on social sites, read e-books, and play an occasional game, this is perfect for you. It can also help you stay organized, type a letter, create music and artwork, manage your bills, and much more.
Yes, the lack of Flash is a bummer, but the reports of "most web sites having big empty white boxes where Flash should be" are greatly exaggerated. I actually encounter that more on my Windows PC, running both Adblock and Flashblock in Firefox, than on the iPad. A lot of sites are optimized for the iPad, like when I go to my favorite sports site for example, the video starts playing immediately just like on a regular PC. No content is (noticeably) missing. Sure, there are some sites that rely heavily on Flash and won't work quite as well, but I find web browsing on the iPad acceptable.
The speed of the iPad is so much better than the netbook. I love the instant response, especially when booting from sleep. Booting from a full power-off takes about 10-15 seconds, still considerably faster than any Windows machine. The iPad has a gorgeous screen. Youtube videos, including HD, play crisp, clear, and smooth. Most games (excluding the poorly written ones) run smooth and fluid. Picture browsing is pretty fluid as well. I don't worry about multitasking because I seldom need it on this device. Also, the upcoming iOS update will address that issue. Besides, even though the netbook could multitask, it was a struggle. The more demands I put on the Atom processor, the slower it would respond. So, it was a wash.
I opted for wi-fi on the iPad because I have a Droid smart phone and already pay monthly for on-the-go 3G access. I can't justify paying additional money for 3G if I already have a device like a Droid or iPhone. If I want to travel with the iPad, I'll just make sure I load all of my movies and items beforehand, at least until I get to the hotel or any other location very likely to have wi-fi. Speaking of on-the-go, the iPad has an outstanding battery life. I go several days between charges and I do a healthy amount of web browsing and game playing.
The iPad is not without cons. It can get a little uncomfortable after extended periods if you're holding it versus allowing it to rest in your lap. Unfortunately, a lot of apps (especially games) work better in a two handed grip. I also prefer e-ink readers like Kindle to the iPad's bright glossy screen. Although the iPad has Pages (which I own) and a virtual keyboard, I prefer typing lengthy letters (or items like this review) on a regular keyboard/computer. I don't want to buy the keyboard stand for the iPad because that kind of defeats the purpose of why I bought the device. I also wish the iPad had a camera for video chat. This thing would be perfect for Skype video calls and such.
My love for my device notwithstanding, the iPad is not a perfect device. I had to exchange it a week after purchase due to a speaker problem. The initial replacement was a brown box unit that had very visible dust under the screen, light bleeding at the edges, a stuck pixel, and it dropped wi-fi so bad, it couldn't even play a Youtube video without freezing. I checked and discovered that the replacement unit was manufactured in the first week of April, whereas my original iPad was manufactured at the end of May. So I do believe there is validity to the complaints of some of the earlier iPad purchasers regarding these issues. If I was "lucky" enough to get an iPad with all of these issues present, it's not hard to fathom a lot of iPads having one or more of these issues. I subsequently returned the brown box unit and received another retail boxed unit as a replacement. The retail unit was also manufactured in late May and, like the first retail unit, had none of the issues of the brown box unit.
My last few gripes are the lack of a card slot (to save and load files and pictures more easily), and the ball & chain relationship the iPad (and all other mobile Apple products) has with iTunes. I would much rather be able to load pictures, music, and movies without having to go through iTunes to do so.
The iPad is a device that creates its own class. When I just want to grab something and get on the Internet, read my email, update Facebook, or play a quick game, it's the perfect device. It's not overly complicated and doesn't have to be. Anyone in my house can pick it up and use it with no difficulty. It doesn't run Windows or OSX applications but that's not why I bought it. If I need a full-blown computer, I'll use one. And I do still use my computers quite a bit. But I significantly cut down on their usage because the iPad can do most of the things I need to do. Besides, there are some really cool iPad apps out there at great prices. If you're looking for a nice efficient alternative to your normal PC for basic computing tasks, it can't be beat. If you're a light user who needs little more than Internet access and simple day to day apps, it probably could be your only computing device.
I wish Apple would lower the price to make the iPad more competitive with netbooks. I also wish they would make it more universally available, so people don't have to overpay or drive far distances just to buy one (the closest Apple store to me is nearly 20 miles away). Oh well, like I said... love/hate.
Netbooks had their day, but the truth is, if they are to survive, someone has to create an OS optimized for the slow Atom processor. It's obvious that the Atom is just too slow to run Windows, especially Win 7, as comfortably as the iPad runs iOS. Truth is, iOS and Android devices will exterminate netbooks unless either Microsoft invents a modern-day version of something like Windows CE optimized for Atom processors or someone else invents something similar. I'm a Windows guy but I will support the most useful product, regardless of brand. Currently, the iPad is a better option than all but the cheapest of netbooks. The cheapest netbooks can still compete because they have appeal for those on a tight budget or those who just don't want to spend a high amount on an iPad or regular laptop, which is in the same price range as the iPad.
Read More About Apple iPad MB292LL/A Tablet (16GB, Wifi)
Money well spent
I have owned my 32gig wifi iPad for about 3 months. I don't believe there has been a day where I haven't used it. Saying that I can't live without this product would be a bit much, but I can say I wouldn't want to. I use it for many purposes, but mainly entertainment. Movies are gorgeous on the screen, games are great and there are some games with incredible graphics that look amazing.
I can't compare it to a kindle, cause I never used one, but in can say reading is great on the iPad. The screen makes it so you can read in the dark, on the flip side, you can't really take it outside in the sun unless you get a shaded area, even then it's kinda hard to see the screen.
I've seen a lot of reviews saying it's a bigger iPod touch, which it is, but that's what I love about it. I owned the iPod touch for about a week and sent it back cause I didn't find it that great. When the iPad came out I thought it looked perfect because the size is perfect.
It's a bit on the pricey side, but well worth it. If you have the money, get this thing.
Read More About Apple iPad MB292LL/A Tablet (16GB, Wifi)
Cheapest Apple IPad MB292LL/A Tablet (16GB, Wifi)
Better than netbooks, by far
I have a love/hate relationship with Apple. I like a lot of their products but also detest a lot of their business practices (like only allowing one retailer besides Apple to sell the iPad). I initially refused to buy an iPad because I, (like many others), felt that it was limited and basically a larger screen iPod touch. Truth is, it's closer to a netbook than an iPod touch.
Before buying the iPad, I tried a netbook, the Asus T91MT to be exact. The ASUS was a little cheaper than the iPad 32gb wi-fi that I eventually bought. However, I couldn't do anything with the ASUS. It would freeze whenever I ran Flash (supposedly the huge advantage of netbooks over the iPad) and the Atom processor was just ridiculously slow. the T91 had a touchscreen, but most of the touchscreen apps were so slow and choppy, it was practically useless. I basically had an expensive paperweight. I returned it and planned to buy an Asus 1201n, but Asus recently replaced it with the slower single-core 1201pn, so I was left with no attractive netbook options.
Meanwhile, I played with the iPad a few times in a store and still wasn't convinced. Then my brother and his wife both bought iPads and showed me the true true capabilities. That finally tempted me enough to bite the bullet and try the iPad. I am so glad that I did. Although it is lacking in some areas (lack of printing and lack of Flash support), it outperforms netbooks in practically every other area. I bought this as something to have when I don't need the full power of a laptop. I would never claim that this will "replace my laptop" because in it's current form, the iPad cannot do that. I do not even know if it is an adequate replacement for a netbook used for business or academic purposes, because at some point, you're going to need removable storage capability and printing. I think of the iPad as more of a tweener for folks like me. However, if you primarily surf the web, read email, post on social sites, read e-books, and play an occasional game, this is perfect for you. It can also help you stay organized, type a letter, create music and artwork, manage your bills, and much more.
Yes, the lack of Flash is a bummer, but the reports of "most web sites having big empty white boxes where Flash should be" are greatly exaggerated. I actually encounter that more on my Windows PC, running both Adblock and Flashblock in Firefox, than on the iPad. A lot of sites are optimized for the iPad, like when I go to my favorite sports site for example, the video starts playing immediately just like on a regular PC. No content is (noticeably) missing. Sure, there are some sites that rely heavily on Flash and won't work quite as well, but I find web browsing on the iPad acceptable.
The speed of the iPad is so much better than the netbook. I love the instant response, especially when booting from sleep. Booting from a full power-off takes about 10-15 seconds, still considerably faster than any Windows machine. The iPad has a gorgeous screen. Youtube videos, including HD, play crisp, clear, and smooth. Most games (excluding the poorly written ones) run smooth and fluid. Picture browsing is pretty fluid as well. I don't worry about multitasking because I seldom need it on this device. Also, the upcoming iOS update will address that issue. Besides, even though the netbook could multitask, it was a struggle. The more demands I put on the Atom processor, the slower it would respond. So, it was a wash.
I opted for wi-fi on the iPad because I have a Droid smart phone and already pay monthly for on-the-go 3G access. I can't justify paying additional money for 3G if I already have a device like a Droid or iPhone. If I want to travel with the iPad, I'll just make sure I load all of my movies and items beforehand, at least until I get to the hotel or any other location very likely to have wi-fi. Speaking of on-the-go, the iPad has an outstanding battery life. I go several days between charges and I do a healthy amount of web browsing and game playing.
The iPad is not without cons. It can get a little uncomfortable after extended periods if you're holding it versus allowing it to rest in your lap. Unfortunately, a lot of apps (especially games) work better in a two handed grip. I also prefer e-ink readers like Kindle to the iPad's bright glossy screen. Although the iPad has Pages (which I own) and a virtual keyboard, I prefer typing lengthy letters (or items like this review) on a regular keyboard/computer. I don't want to buy the keyboard stand for the iPad because that kind of defeats the purpose of why I bought the device. I also wish the iPad had a camera for video chat. This thing would be perfect for Skype video calls and such.
My love for my device notwithstanding, the iPad is not a perfect device. I had to exchange it a week after purchase due to a speaker problem. The initial replacement was a brown box unit that had very visible dust under the screen, light bleeding at the edges, a stuck pixel, and it dropped wi-fi so bad, it couldn't even play a Youtube video without freezing. I checked and discovered that the replacement unit was manufactured in the first week of April, whereas my original iPad was manufactured at the end of May. So I do believe there is validity to the complaints of some of the earlier iPad purchasers regarding these issues. If I was "lucky" enough to get an iPad with all of these issues present, it's not hard to fathom a lot of iPads having one or more of these issues. I subsequently returned the brown box unit and received another retail boxed unit as a replacement. The retail unit was also manufactured in late May and, like the first retail unit, had none of the issues of the brown box unit.
My last few gripes are the lack of a card slot (to save and load files and pictures more easily), and the ball & chain relationship the iPad (and all other mobile Apple products) has with iTunes. I would much rather be able to load pictures, music, and movies without having to go through iTunes to do so.
The iPad is a device that creates its own class. When I just want to grab something and get on the Internet, read my email, update Facebook, or play a quick game, it's the perfect device. It's not overly complicated and doesn't have to be. Anyone in my house can pick it up and use it with no difficulty. It doesn't run Windows or OSX applications but that's not why I bought it. If I need a full-blown computer, I'll use one. And I do still use my computers quite a bit. But I significantly cut down on their usage because the iPad can do most of the things I need to do. Besides, there are some really cool iPad apps out there at great prices. If you're looking for a nice efficient alternative to your normal PC for basic computing tasks, it can't be beat. If you're a light user who needs little more than Internet access and simple day to day apps, it probably could be your only computing device.
I wish Apple would lower the price to make the iPad more competitive with netbooks. I also wish they would make it more universally available, so people don't have to overpay or drive far distances just to buy one (the closest Apple store to me is nearly 20 miles away). Oh well, like I said... love/hate.
Netbooks had their day, but the truth is, if they are to survive, someone has to create an OS optimized for the slow Atom processor. It's obvious that the Atom is just too slow to run Windows, especially Win 7, as comfortably as the iPad runs iOS. Truth is, iOS and Android devices will exterminate netbooks unless either Microsoft invents a modern-day version of something like Windows CE optimized for Atom processors or someone else invents something similar. I'm a Windows guy but I will support the most useful product, regardless of brand. Currently, the iPad is a better option than all but the cheapest of netbooks. The cheapest netbooks can still compete because they have appeal for those on a tight budget or those who just don't want to spend a high amount on an iPad or regular laptop, which is in the same price range as the iPad.
Read More About Apple iPad MB292LL/A Tablet (16GB, Wifi)
