Ipad2 - should I bu...
 

  You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more

[Closed] Ipad2 - should I buy one?

54 Posts
28 Users
0 Reactions
320 Views
 DT78
Posts: 10064
Free Member
Topic starter
 

Main requirement is to be able to browse the net at home on a decentish size screen, not be as hot/heavy as our 2 year old laptop. Nice to haves are being able to use it on the fly, lightweight, touchscreen etc...

I've heard something worryingly that as it doesn't support flash half the internet doesn't work on them. How can that be the case with the number I've seen in use? Surely that's a big problem?

Other tablets all seem to be similarish price.

Eventually I'd like to try to work out how I can use it with my PS3 and set up some sort of proper home network where I don't have to copy all the music across all devices...any suggestions?


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 12:52 pm
Posts: 2755
Full Member
 

refurb original 16gb ipad from apple - £290
don't worry about the flash thing, its not that big of an issue

[url= http://refurb-tracker.com/ ]http://refurb-tracker.com/[/url]


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 1:02 pm
Posts: 31206
Full Member
 

I've heard something worryingly that as it doesn't support flash half the internet doesn't work on them. How can that be the case with the number I've seen in use? Surely that's a big problem?

It doesn't support Flash - that is true.

"half the internet" is a pretty exaggerated claim though.

Very few mainstream sites rely on you having Flash these days, especially with rise in iPad/iPhone browsing and the advent of HTML5-based video which doesn't need Flash.

Personally I use Flashdance on Firefox to avoid it on my PC as well, as rogue Flash apps are one of the main causes of browser crashes and is also used to track you even if you don't accept cookies (because flash has its own cookies).


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 1:06 pm
Posts: 41395
Free Member
 

Just get a 1st gen, there's one on teh classifieds 😎


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 1:09 pm
Posts: 43
Free Member
 

I bought one skeptically - I now prefeer browsing the net on it over a laptop or anythign else I have used.

The 2 is a much nicer piece of kit too, one is OK.


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 2:03 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Yes, get one. Awesome piece of kit. We have an iPad and iPad2. iPad2 is newer and nicer and more importantly faster.

No Flash, no problem. I am an eCommerce consultant, spend tons of hours a day online and consult almost daily to large retailers about user experience and design and most of them are on a path away from flash. Most sites these days support iPad and other mobile browsers.

There is far more to it than surfing the web, you'll use it more than you might think.


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 2:15 pm
Posts: 5182
Full Member
 

Given how cheap first-gen ones are as the fanboys clamour to upgrade, I would just buy one of those second-hand.

(and did today - 64GB 3G model for less than £400!)


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 2:18 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Haven't used an iPad2 but I have a 1 and it is better than a laptop/notebook for instant-on internetting, great for video and makes a handy (if expensive) digital photo frame. Flash not a problem unless you spend your life on mpora.

The iPad is not so hot if you do loads of typing or want to do anything properly productive. It's Apple's way or no way.


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 2:23 pm
Posts: 151
Free Member
 

I've heard something worryingly that as it doesn't support flash half the internet doesn't work on them. How can that be the case with the number I've seen in use? Surely that's a big problem?

That's a feature, not a limitation.

Most sites provide a faster, less annoying, non-flash interface so I've never noticed the lack of flash (other than in a good way).


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 2:24 pm
Posts: 91000
Free Member
 

Just get a very small light normal laptop if you want an alternative. will be much more comfy, cooler and easier to handle than a normal sized one.


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 2:27 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

i never really got the whole apple thing!

open source is the future look into android pads


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 2:27 pm
Posts: 43
Free Member
 

Skyfire browser works on MPORA iirc.

Actually there is an MPORA app! Sorted


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 2:28 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

open source is the future look into android pads

Here we go again...


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 2:29 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I wont get one until the Internet stops using flash or Apple permit it.


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 2:41 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

you could buy [url= http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/samsung-galaxy-tab ]this little beauty[/url]..... 😀


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 2:48 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

unless you spend your life on mpora.

And even if you do, there's an app for that - I watch loads of mpora videos on my iPhone.


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 2:57 pm
Posts: 31206
Full Member
 

open source is the future look into android pads

Ain't open source great... ooh what's this:

"Google has not only decided to keep the Android Honeycomb source code closed for the foreseeable future, preventing all but a few select partners from using the latest version of its mobile OS, it has also clamped down even harder on those select partners, telling them they can't make changes to the platform or form partnerships of their own without the approval of head Android man Andy Rubin, according to a report citing close to a dozen executives with knowledge of the situation."
-- http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/03/31/google_clamps_down_on_android_partners/

Yay "Open source"! 🙂


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 2:58 pm
 DT78
Posts: 10064
Free Member
Topic starter
 

Can you get the ipad working with a ps3 ok then? I'm thinking I could connect via wifi to the ps3 to retrieve music/vids/pictures rather than copy (is the correct phrase 'sync') all the data across via my pc and itunes?

Or would be cool to be able to use stuff I have saved on the ipad and run it through the ps3/telly via wifi.

They are pricey but I don't spend much on this type of thing so happy to spend a little to make sure it's going to keep me and the wife quiet for the next couple of years. The other tablets at the gadget show just seemed 'boring'.


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 3:47 pm
Posts: 14711
Full Member
 

Can you get the ipad working with a ps3 ok then? I'm thinking I could connect via wifi to the ps3 to retrieve music/vids/pictures rather than copy (is the correct phrase 'sync') all the data across via my pc and itunes?

Don't know about the ipad or PS3 but I use Orb Networks app on my iphone to connect to my main PC. I can then stream all my shared content from my PC to my phone either over wi-fi or 3G. Handy when I'm stuck in some shitty hotel on the other side of the world and I can watch films or listen to music that's stored on my home pc.


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 4:08 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Got an iPad and find the lack of Flash support irritating. Others don't, but I do.
I don't want to limit any of my internet experience and "use other non-flash sites" as is constantly stated on here.

It is still a great piece of technology, but I am old enough to be irritated when it doesn't display simple pictures or video due to Flash.

Yes there are Apps for popular sites but I still prefer the standard ones - for instance the BBC news.

I am seemingly in the minority with this view though.


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 5:00 pm
Posts: 151
Free Member
 

Yes there are Apps for popular sites but I still prefer the standard ones - for instance the BBC news

The BBC news app is excellent 🙂


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 6:01 pm
Posts: 50252
Free Member
 

I don't want to limit any of my internet experience

This is pretty much my thinking, and what is steering me towards the Xoom instead.


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 6:17 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

But you know you [i]really[/i] want my Galaxy Captain....


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 6:22 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

As an sceptic I reserved the right to purchase an iPad until v2 came around. While it is expensive it is a exceptionally convenient way to check emails, use the Internet, play games and watch tv. Really good 🙂


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 6:45 pm
Posts: 31206
Full Member
 

Yes there are Apps for popular sites but I still prefer the standard ones - for instance the BBC news

Use them then: SkyFire plays all the video on the BBC News site just fine - no flash required.


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 6:52 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Having to use a 3rd party way of doing that sort of thing is just lame though for what purports to be the best device out there.
Personally I prefer the way Android OS works, but unfortunately only the Xoom is anywhere the ipad2 in terms of spec, useability, or class, IMO of course.


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 8:45 pm
Posts: 31206
Full Member
 

Having to use a 3rd party way of doing that sort of thing is just lame though

How many Android users stick with the default browser then?


 
Posted : 19/04/2011 9:39 pm
Posts: 8613
Full Member
 

Lack of Flash support might not be a shower-stopper for most people but it certainly can be annoying and is noticeable. Whilst I don't have an iPad I do have an iPhone and a laptop with 64-bit Windows 7 and lack of Flash support is annoying (although on Windows 7 you can obviously either switch to a 32-bit browser or install the beta 64-bit Flash viewer).


 
Posted : 20/04/2011 8:17 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Use them then: SkyFire plays all the video on the BBC News site just fine - no flash required.

Yes it does BUT because of the way it works, you have to watch from start to finish - eg you can't skip to the point you want to watch which I find limits it somewhat.

I do most of my home browsing on my iPhone and it's typically fine. There are some sites that the lack of flash is annoying but I can't say I find it a major problem though it does mean for instance that I can't pick up my work email on my phone but have to use the laptop for that.


 
Posted : 20/04/2011 8:23 am
Posts: 31206
Full Member
 

Lack of Flash support might not be a shower-stopper

I can confirm that my shower is working perfectly. 😀

Whilst I don't have an iPad I do have an iPhone and a laptop with 64-bit Windows 7 and lack of Flash support is annoying

It [i]can[/i] be more annoying on a desktop browser because there is less likely to be a non-flash version of the site for desktop browsers.
But I still generally browse with Flashdance on and I only have to allow a couple of flash apps through a week.

The other point is that most uses of Flash (aside from video and adverts) are designed to be used with a mouse and keyboard - which makes them next to useless on a touch screen anyway.


 
Posted : 20/04/2011 8:31 am
Posts: 31206
Full Member
 

it does mean for instance that I can't pick up my work email on my phone but have to use the laptop for that.

???? What kind of weird system is your work using that you need Flash to pick up email??


 
Posted : 20/04/2011 8:32 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

No idea but that's why it won't work...


 
Posted : 20/04/2011 8:33 am
Posts: 31206
Full Member
 

Presumably you mean you are trying to access email through some awful Flash-based webmail interface - rather than just say using the Mail app on the phone like a normal person?


 
Posted : 20/04/2011 8:37 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Yes - we're not able to use the mail app due to export control issues (and the iPhone's lack of security though apparently they are considering developping android and iPhone apps for exactly that reason)...


 
Posted : 20/04/2011 8:39 am
Posts: 31206
Full Member
 

export control issues

? 😕

and the iPhone's lack of security though apparently they are considering developping android and iPhone apps for exactly that reason

I'm sure the apps they come up with will be much more secure than a standard iPhone where you can use SSL and VPN (with security certificates, RSA SecurID etc). Wish them luck! 😀


 
Posted : 20/04/2011 8:50 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I suspect in reality they're just looking for excuses to delay doing it 😉


 
Posted : 20/04/2011 8:54 am
Posts: 31206
Full Member
 

Also, surely if you can't use the Mail app for "export control issues" - presumably relating to the export of software capable of encrypting communications to a level that makes it difficult for government agencies to decrypt - then any app they develop will either have to be less secure or will fall foul of exactly the same export control?


 
Posted : 20/04/2011 9:03 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

No, you've misunderstood export control - something I'm not going to get into on here as I can assure you it's VERY dull.


 
Posted : 20/04/2011 9:09 am
Posts: 31206
Full Member
 

Fair enough - all sounds like bogus excuses to me - but I'm naturally suspicious of IT departments in general 😀


 
Posted : 20/04/2011 9:16 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Quite right too. I doubt myself quite often... 😀


 
Posted : 20/04/2011 9:17 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Ain't open source great... ooh what's this:

"Google has not only decided to keep the Android Honeycomb source code closed for the foreseeable future, preventing all but a few select partners from using the latest version of its mobile OS, it has also clamped down even harder on those select partners, telling them they can't make changes to the platform or form partnerships of their own without the approval of head Android man Andy Rubin, according to a report citing close to a dozen executives with knowledge of the situation."
-- http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/03/31/google_clamps_down_on_android_partners/

Yay "Open source"!

sorry i was referring to froyo 🙄 I am pretty sure thats open source and isn't gingerbread?

bit behind with the times me!!!!!

there is always going to be

camp apple Vs camp android

at least you can [s]watch porn[/s] TV with your android pad!


 
Posted : 20/04/2011 1:46 pm
Posts: 31206
Full Member
 

There is no shortage iPhone/iPad compatible ... err.. "TV".. trust me! 😈


 
Posted : 20/04/2011 1:50 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

😆

on a different note i wonder how far off pure open source pads are i.e unbuntu etc....

i have seen this flashed on a HD2 phone so there are people out there porting.


 
Posted : 20/04/2011 1:54 pm
Posts: 50252
Free Member
 

Is Android better for watching TV then? 😉


 
Posted : 20/04/2011 1:59 pm
Posts: 31206
Full Member
 

Is Android better for watching TV then?

Checking my bookmarks I have 9 that offer mobile/touchscreen friendly interfaces to free high-quality streaming "TV" - several of which mimic iPhone styling and allow gestures 😯


 
Posted : 20/04/2011 2:10 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Is Android better for watching TV then?

i think so but my sight is not what it used to be! 😆

grahamS are you an apple rep by any chance? you seem very passionate about them!


 
Posted : 20/04/2011 2:21 pm
Posts: 31206
Full Member
 

Nope. I may come across as a foaming Apple zealot but I'm really not*.
I'm just interested in tech generally, I have an iPhone, I like it a lot and I'm happy to talk about it.

If I had a droid you'd probably be complaining I was a Google stooge 🙂

(*[i]c.f.[/i] CountZero)


 
Posted : 20/04/2011 3:08 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

not complaining just merely making comment.

anyway i think its fair to say phone tech has come along way since the early days.


 
Posted : 20/04/2011 3:28 pm
Posts: 33980
Full Member
 

[url= http://www.southparkstudios.co.uk/clips/sp_vid_382531/ ]south park has your answer[/url]


 
Posted : 27/04/2011 5:23 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Anyone know any good/cool apps that I should get(pref free)?
I've just got one but am worried that I'll barely scratch the surface of it's functionality. Yes it was a whim but it's sooooo purdy and I was looking at buying a netbook anyway.


 
Posted : 28/04/2011 4:46 pm
Posts: 31206
Full Member
 

FlipBoard seems pretty good?


 
Posted : 28/04/2011 5:20 pm
Posts: 3826
Full Member
 

I have read that the Ipad3 is not going to follow Apples annual release policy. It will be slightly bigger with screen to the edge and quad processor. So it might be reasonable to wait until the autumn?


 
Posted : 28/04/2011 5:28 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

What the hell would you need a quad processor for? Its a tablet, not a shrunken main frame...


 
Posted : 28/04/2011 11:10 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

What the hell would you need a quad processor for? Its a tablet, not a shrunken main frame...

Because even though I don't know what a quad processor is or does, clearly it's better and exactly what I need. 🙄


 
Posted : 29/04/2011 4:23 am
Posts: 5936
Free Member
 

If your Tablet hasn't got a quad processor you may as well throw it in the bin. FACT.


 
Posted : 29/04/2011 5:23 am

6 DAYS LEFT
We are currently at 95% of our target!