iPad - My take

The iPad.  Worth all the buzz?  Which model should you get? Wi-Fi or 3G and Wi-Fi?  How much memory?  Accessories?

Wow so many questions.  Ok so I have had my iPad a few days now (since it launched).   Here are my initial thoughts.   First if you are considering an iPad...or maybe even more importantly of you are not.  I really suggest you head to the Apple store or Best Buy and check it out.  Without getting your hands on one it's really hard to see what a wonderful device this really is.   Sure it looks like a big iPhone.  No it doesn't do everything - no true multi-tasking.  But what it can do, it does very well. 

So what are some good use cases for the iPad?  

eBooks - If you are someone who loves to read, get an iPad.  Yes, there are other devices out there, notable the Kindle from Amazon (which is a very nice device). But it and the others from Sony just don't compete.   The Kindle has three great things going for it - easy to view screen, battery life and the ability to buy books right from the device.  iPad has all that covered.  And you don't need a book light to read in low lighting. By the way I am typing this on my iPad in direct sunlight.   Very readable.

So if you have a Kindle or Sony eReader - dump them and get an iPad. 

Media - If you are someone who likes to look at your digital pictures, listen to music or watch a movie (on a plane ride or anywhere). Get an iPad.  The screen is simply amazing and the sound is surprisingly great. 

Surf the web - More and more of us have a laptop handy when we are watching TV.  I don't know if we all suddenly have ADD or what, but there is so much you can do by having the web at  your fingertips.  Checking email, looking up TV show information, checking the bank accounts, playing games, etc.  Sure you could do that on the iPhone, but to be honest once you touch the iPad, you will soon realize that the iPhone for surfing the web is great, when you have to have it...but given the choice, I am sure we all would opt for the bigger screen.

NetBook replacement - This is a tricky one.  First, let me say for most tech type folks, the iPad is not a good replacement for a laptop.  BUT for a NetBook...I think so.  I am trying it out in that capacity.  Now the reason I say for 'most tech types'; for the average person in the US, I would think that an iPad would be a great replacement for a laptop or desktop.  For example, I think my mom would love one.  It was recently said that the iPad is like a reboot of the computer industry.  Right now, computers are too complicated, especially for home users.  I was on the phone last night with a good friend with a big virus problem.  Most of us don't care about things like multi-tasking, but we do care that computers should just work.  The iPad, much like the iPhone really hits this mark.  When you want new cool software (such as the Zillow app to see what your house is worth), it's simple.  Touch the App store, and click buy.  Done.  May not please all the techies...but it's what normal people want.

Other uses - Really it's unlimited.  I will be using mine as a presentation tool the end of April....it's the perfect form factor.  If you draw and watch to sketch out your ideas...there is an app for that.  Truly unlimited.

Now, back to the questions.  What model?  Currently they only have a Wi-Fi version available.  A model with Wi-Fi and 3G (data) will be available by the end of the month.  Should you get the Wi-Fi or wait for the 3G.  Well, it depends.  If you think the majority of the time you will be at home using Wi-Fi or at places that provide Wi-Fi.  Yes, get it now.   If you are really geeky (like me), and you have a Mi-Fi or Overdrive hot spot (which turns the cellular data 3G/4G into Wi-Fi), yes get the Wi-Fi version today. 

Who should wait for the 3G version?  If you plan to use the device (to get on the Internet/eMail) when you are away from Wi-Fi, you might want to wait.  The 3G version will cost about $130 more and have the option of a non-contract, month to month plan for data from AT&T for $30 a month (opt in and out whenever you like).  For me, I got the Wi-Fi version and I have an Overdrive from Sprint so I can get Internet just about anywhere.

How much memory?  This is a tough one.  Considering my iPhone has 32GB, I figured I would have to go with the 32GB model ($599).  But to be honest, I am recommend more and more that people just get the 16GB ($499) model.  For the most part, you won't need to load it up with all your music and 16GB is probably enough.  Plus by the time you fill it up in a year or so...there will be bigger, cooler models available.

Accessories - I have four.  The wireless keyboard, the dock, the VGA connector and the Apple case.  Of those, I recommend the dock for sure.  Makes for a pretty digital picture frame when it's charging up.  The wireless keyboard (or the combo dock and keyboard).  They are a maybe.  Depends on what you plan to work on with your iPad.  The built in, on-screen keyboard is very good.  Very usable.  But, if you are a speedy touch typist and plan to write some long emails or (like I am doing right now- posting to your blog).  Go for the keyboard.  No need to buy it day one, try it without, and add it if you feel the need.  VGA connector - if you do public speaking or presentations, it's a must.  If not, skip it until you have the need.  The Apple case - skip it.  Cases will be everywhere any moment now, they are and should be personal, just like your iPhone case.  No rush, it's fine without it...then shop and find the one you want.

Whew that's a lot of words and I barely scratched the surface.  My advice today.  Head down to the Apple store or Best Buy, play with one and buy it.  Most of you would be just fine with the Wi-Fi version, so save the $130.  If you must have it...plan to pre-order the 3G version and get ready!

Post your comments and let me know what you think.