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Apple's iPad has captured headlines across the world and was so popular in the US Apple delayed its launch here.
However, on Friday the gadget finally goes on sale in Britain and the Evening Standard has been trying out the UK version of the iPad.
The first thing that hits you about the iPad is the 9.7-inch screen. In fact, it's about all that you notice, as everything is done through it. The software is virtually identical to the iPhone, although a new breed of “HD” apps has been developed to take advantage of the larger screen and faster chip in the iPad.
The screen is incredibly good quality, and high definition movies look superb, as do photos. The software is intuitive — using your finger to navigate quickly becomes second nature, web browsing and email are straightforward, and websites look great on the large screen. The on screen keyboard is also surprisingly good — when I first picked up the unit I was sure I'd need an external keyboard. But I quickly adjusted to the on-screen keyboard, even when writing longer emails (and this review). It's well worth getting Apple's case though, which folds up to raise the iPad towards you into the perfect typing position.
However, the iPad is not perfect — yet. At the moment most of the apps are simply bigger and better versions of those for the iPhone. But with application developers flocking to the device it's only a matter of time before we see more must-have apps.
Apple's iBooks software, which turns the device into a rather lovely electronic book, also has no commercial publishers signed up for launch (it does offer hundreds of free, out of copyright titles), although partners are expected to be added quickly. The biggest problem with the iPad is the price — for something that would be perfect for technophobes, and that I'd recommend to my mother, £429 is just a little too expensive, and £699 far too expensive.
We tried the £699 version, which has built-in 3G (ours via O2) to allow you to get online when you're not in range of a wifi hotspot. If you can afford it, this really is a machine that changes the way we use computers, and in the long term could prove to be even more revolutionary than the iPhone.
It's easy to use, instantly switches on, and is always close at hand. In fact, after a week with the iPad, I suddenly realised perhaps its most impressive feat — my laptop lay in the corner of my living room, totally redundant.
iPad
From £429,
www.apple.com/uk
★★★★✩
Essential apps
Mirror's Edge, £7.49
This game features a free runner moving around a city — controlled by a series of easy to learn flicks and taps on screen. Hugely addictive.
Party Place, price TBC
Up to four players get a corner of the screen each to compete in several fun games including one where you flick marbles into a monster's mouth.
Popular Science Plus, £2.99
A great example of the interactive future of magazines, Popular Science allows you to scroll through text and pictures easily.
iBooks, free download from Apple
Turns the iPad into a great book reader, with the ability to download new books from Apple's store. Text is clear and easy to read, and the attention to detail is superb.
Reader views (8)
My wife is most disappointed that she cannot watch real time tv news or programmes, e.g. BBC1 as there do not appear to be any 'apps' availible to do this. The Ipad is now residing in the loft and I have had to shell out for an additional Toshiba PC laptop.
I was looking to replace my current machines with Macs, but I will now stick to PCs as they seem to be more accomodating to other media outlets.
- Mike Hooles, Watford, UK, 01/07/2010 19:09
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I have the wifi iPad Trevor of London mentions you cannot watch BBC News, well on my Ipad I can watch all the BBC content on The BBC Iplayer, I agree lack of flash is a disappointment, however I also agree with Steve Jobs "Adobe Flash " is heavy running in the background hoggin resources since I got my iPad I have noticed how super fast and clean everything runs perfectly.
I didn't bother with a 3G version because my phone does wireless router so I can connect my iPad and use my included data plan on my t-mobile
- Reg Button, Eismann for Colchester Essex, 20/06/2010 19:32
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Gosh - Apple is everywhere and in different guises. What does the future hold for us all?
I've used the iPad already here and I bought a number of apps from the iTunes store. It's near impossible not to - especially when they are, individually, not that expensive. However, they do add up - and across a year (or 18 months/24 months as per a data data contract), you will see your overall spend going right up.
To correct: "If you want to enjoy premium content, you will have to pay for it, be it on TV, on a PC, on iPad, or even on Android. In that context, what Apple on iTunes offers is pretty cheap: cheaper than CDs, cheaper than PC software, cheaper than videogames. "
This is simply untrue.
Premium content right now is free all over the web. It is currently Apple and News International that are running behind pay walls. This is all new - and what Apple adds is Not cheap 9they actually take 40% of revenue for the companies or artists that upload content - and this is a hosting fee as they neither originate nor develop the content be it Apps or Music or Video.
To correct: "I'd venture a guess that most initial iPad buyers will be owners of the Flash-free iPhone and iPod Touch. They are familiar with what the web looks like without Flash and don't seem to mind. "
This is purely an opinion - and I think that Apple are looking to broaden their penetration - so it is not about their technology platform users but broadening and developing this.
- Trevor, London, 26/05/2010 15:49
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"The iPad technology is possibly subsidised by Apple, with the additional cost being clawed back from commissions through the Apple iTunes store - you can easily spend £10+ per week on apps and pay walled content."
This is a bit of a red herring. There are lots and lots of free options on the iPad (be it on the AppStore or directly on the web) — unlike say on a CD player 15 years ago, where you had to buy CDs to use it or a video game console where you need to spend at least £30 to play a game.
If you want to enjoy premium content, you will have to pay for it, be it on TV, on a PC, on iPad, or even on Android. In that context, what Apple on iTunes offers is pretty cheap: cheaper than CDs, cheaper than PC software, cheaper than videogames.
"be careful of which model you get - the additional 3G over wifi surfing costs from a network provided will add to the annual cost"
3G plans for the iPad can by switched on and off on a monthly as-needed basis. Therefore, one could buy the iPad 3G as a connectivity insurance and never actually pay for 3G usage except for maybe once or twice a year.
"until you surf web using the iPad, you won't realise the number of sites that use Adobe Flash."
I'd venture a guess that most initial iPad buyers will be owners of the Flash-free iPhone and iPod Touch. They are familiar with what the web looks like without Flash and don't seem to mind.
"It will be a long time to come that Flash is replaced outright."
That's purely your personal opinion.
- Tom Ross, Berlin, 26/05/2010 15:27
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"The iPad technology is possibly subsidised by Apple, with the additional cost being clawed back from commissions through the Apple iTunes store - you can easily spend £10+ per week on apps and pay walled content."
This is a bit of a red herring. There are lots and lots of free options on the iPad (be it on the AppStore or directly on the web) — unlike say on a CD player 15 years ago, where you had to buy CDs to use it or a video game console where you need to spend at least £30 to play a game.
If you want to enjoy premium content, you will have to pay for it, be it on TV, on a PC, on iPad, or even on Android. In that context, what Apple on iTunes offers is pretty cheap: cheaper than CDs, cheaper than PC software, cheaper than videogames.
"be careful of which model you get - the additional 3G over wifi surfing costs from a network provided will add to the annual cost"
3G plans for the iPad can by switched on and off on a monthly as-needed basis. Therefore, one could buy the iPad 3G as a connectivity insurance and never actually pay for 3G usage except for maybe once or twice a year.
"until you surf web using the iPad, you won't realise the number of sites that use Adobe Flash."
I'd venture a guess that most initial iPad buyers will be owners of the Flash-free iPhone and iPod Touch. They are familiar with what the web looks like without Flash and don't seem to mind.
"It will be a long time to come that Flash is replaced outright."
That's purely your personal opinion.
- Tom Ross, Berlin, 26/05/2010 15:26
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There is no comparison between the Kindle and the iPad - they are two different animals.
Having had a US iPad and trying it out over tha last weeks- I can say that it is tactile, smaller than I expected, and sadly lacking for things I needed.
The absence of Adobe Flash on the Apple OS makes the iPad second rate. For instance, you cannot view the BBC news website and watch a news story. And until you surf web using the iPad, you won't realise the number of sites that use Adobe Flash. It will be a long time to come that Flash is replaced outright.
Secondly, be careful of which model you get - the additional 3G over wifi surfing costs from a network provided will add to the annual cost - and as you can log onto your own home wifi, and free wifi spots in Starbucks/Costa Coffee etc., decide if it is a requirement.
The Apple case is awful - surf the net for a leather one - and one that allows the iPad to be removed easily. The Apple on doesn't and this is an annoyance.
The iPad technology is possibly subsidised by Apple, with the additional cost being clawed back from commissions through the Apple iTunes store - you can easily spend £10+ per week on apps and pay walled content - add that to the cost, network charges and accessories and this is an expensive bit of kit (and there are bloggers now saying that their usage is decreasing over time).
Finally - check out the new Dell Streak - on the Google Android operating platform - think this could be an intresting alternative.
- Trevor, London, 26/05/2010 14:17
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Correct me if I am wrong but doesnt the Ipad go on sale on Friday?
- Daniel, Northampton, 26/05/2010 14:15
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For an e-book reader, why not pick up an Amazon Kindle instead? It's smaller, costs only £160, will run for 1-2 weeks on a single charge, *and* you can actually read the screen in direct sunlight.
The iPad may be good at some things - but I'm not convinced that it's particularly useful as an e-book reader.
- Mark, Vauxhall, 26/05/2010 11:51
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