My iPad Review
Well, this morning I bit the bullet and bought the iPad. Big mistake.
If you’re considering a purchase, here are some items of interest that may help in your decision
WIFI ISSUES
Since Saturday, I’ve been reading various comments on the Apple support forum about Wi-Fi issues. Condensed, these issues appear to be.
- Unable to locate a nearby Wi-Fi network
- Weak of low Wi-Fi signal strength
- Unable to access the internet
My first test was to try and connect to the Emory Unplugged network which took about 2 minutes. After that, it worked perfectly. I spent about 10 minutes walking around the DUC testing the connection and it worked great. Then, I decided to pop off campus and try some local Wi-Fi sites. Big difference.
I went to 3 separate sites carrying both my iPod touch and my iPad. The iPod touch had no problems at all finding and connecting to these Wi-Fi sites. The iPad, on the other hand, had some pretty serious issues. When I did connect, it was either VERY slow, or it would drop off after a few minutes. I would then have to reset the Wi-Fi adapter and it would then reconnect.
After reading various posts on the forums, it’s my understanding that the Wi-Fi router has to be a newer model and have the latest firmware installed. This is great if you have access to the router admin site to upgrade the firmware. If not, you’re out of luck.
Just a side note here, props to the Netcom team for having great wireless in the DUC.
Here is the apple tech note in question about Wi-Fi issues.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3237
This is my favorite part.
“If you are having connection issues, move closer to the Wi-Fi router or hotspot.”
CHARGING
I hesitate to mention this one, but I think it needs to be known.
If you plan on using the same USB connector that you use with your iPod touch to charge the iPad, not going to happen. Yes, you can use it to sync with iTunes, but it won’t charge. When the iPad is plugged into the USB adapter, you’ll see a “NOT CHARGING” status in the upper right corner next to the battery icon. That is, unless you have a MAC, then it charges just fine. Go figure.
In order to charge it, you’ll have to use the AC adapter that is included with the package. The tech article below does say that the iPad will charge connected to a USB 2 port on a PC, but I couldn’t get it to work.
Here is the apple tech note in question about charging issues.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4060
APPLICATIONS
Most of the applications that I bought for my iPod transferred over pretty easily. There were some imaging issues with some of the apps that went full screen. I’m sure these will be fixed in the future. The Netflix app really rocked.
One thing about iPad apps is that there a bit expensive. Whatever you paid for iPod apps, double it for the iPad version.
Well, that’s it. My iPad is back in its box and inserted into the bag, along with the receipt. First thing tomorrow, it’s going back. I just can’t condone a $500 purchase for a “tablet” computer that has no USB, no DVD and serious Wi-Fi issues. Maybe in the future, after a price drop and a bug fix release, another trip to the Apple store will be made until then, I’ll use my laptop.
I hope this helps.
Richard M.