iPad Adviser

iPad Models

I was impressed by iPad’s networking options and services. There are two versions available:

• Wi-Fi [802.11a/b/g/n]
• Wi-Fi [802.11a/b/g/n] + 3G

Besides Wi-Fi only model, iPad is also available in a Wi-Fi + 3G model for cellular network access from AT&T. The 3G radio version cost $130 more than Wi-Fi only version.

iPad’s Bluetooth Connectivity

iPad boasts Bluetooth version 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) Technology

Bluetooth 2.1 version has improved pairing experience for Bluetooth devices while increasing the use and strength of security as compared to older version of Bluetooth.The nominal rate of EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) is approximately 3 megabits per second, but practical data transfer rate is close to 2.1 megabits per second. Both Wi-Fi and 3G model support Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR Technology for  connecting wireless device like keyboard.

AT&T’s No-contract, 3G service

In the U.S., 3G service will be available from AT&T. You can choose from two data plans and the good thing about this service is there is no contract required. So basically you can use the wireless service as and only when you want it. In addition to this, AT&T data plans include unlimited access to over 20,000 Wi-Fi hotspots at locations including Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, and more.

The 3G plan offers data speeds up to 7.2 Mbps over 3G cellular networks around the world. iPad seamlessly switches between 3G and even faster Wi-Fi that way you always get the best connection available.

Super Easy Sign-up: So easy a cave man can do it

The service can be added or removed anytime right from iPad. No need to call or visit AT&T store.

How do you do it? from your iPad, tap Settings and choose Cellular Data. Then type in your user information, select a plan, and enter your credit card information. Like I said earlier, there’s no need to visit a store or call customer service.

You can monitor your data usage and change your plan at any time, including switching to unlimited data or canceling 3G service if you know you won’t need it.

Is the data plan required when I buy iPad Wi-Fi + 3G?

Absolutely no. You buy the wireless service only when you need it. You can just sign up for a contract-free data plan right on your iPad. If you ended up not buying the 3G data plan you can always use the built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi to access the Internet. I like this flexibility very much. Personally I would buy Wi-Fi + 3G model and start out with no data plan. I would watch my internet usage habit. If I feel I am out of Wi-Fi hot spot range some or most of the time, I would start out with 250MB/$14.99 data plan. If I still feel I am being left out and about without network I would upgrade myself to unlimited plan. Now one thing most people fear from a wireless service is what they are going to be charged for when they overshoot their data plan limit. Here is your answer from AT&T and Apple: As you get closer to your monthly data limit, you’ll receive onscreen messages to help you decide whether to upgrade to another 250MB or switch to the unlimited plan. You can also check your data usage anytime in Settings. You can drop the service if you think you don’t want it at this time.

At first iPad feels like as the industry pundit have said – an iPhone/iTouch on steroids. But obviously much bigger and better then iPhone/iTouch and the larger real estate is going to allow a lot more options for developers to create unique, iPad application that was not possible on smaller device. Its thin and gently curved with slick surface with an iPhone like Home button.

iPad Features

The moment you click that button you are in another world. Touching the screen more responsive that an iPhone.

iPad instantly feels natural, comfortable and futuristic. It can be held in both hands for couple hours while you surf the web or watch a movie. At first I didn’t like the thick back bezel around screen. But when you think about it you will realize its has a function – that is – you can grip its bezel without leaving thumbprints or accidentally entering any commands to the touch sensitive screen.

The iPad boasts an oleo-phobic coating to reduce finger prints. More about oleo-phobic coating on Gizmodo. iPad is certainly a desire-worthy gadget.

Dimension and weight
Height: 9.56 inches (242.8 mm)
Width: 7.47 inches (189.7 mm)
Depth: 0.5 inch (13.4 mm)
Weight: 1.5 pounds (0.68 kg) Wi-Fi model
1.6 pounds (0.73 kg) Wi-Fi + 3G model

iPad has its gorgeous 9.7 inch, 1024×768-pixel touchscreen. Some folks complained about screens 4:3 aspect ratio which is so pre-high definition but when you look at it it makes sense to have 4:3 ration as its intended use is to make it better for reading books and web browsing. A more elongated shape of 16:9 ratio would not seem to have well balanced in our hands. I am pretty sure Apple designers must have thought of this.

Just like iPhone, iPad has Home button directly below screen, external hard buttons – a sleep/wake button on the top, volume up/down button and silencer toggle switch on the side. It also has an internal microphone next to the headphone jack, speaker and dock connector port for synching, charging and attaching accessories.

The question of who’s going to use the iPad keeps getting asked considering iPad features, software potential and its pricing along with wireless service isn’t really answered yet. Here are few group of people we think will be really enjoying the iPad.

Students

If enough textbooks are available on the iBookStore.com which I am anticipating they will, and if iBook App improves its note-taking ability, students will save their back by replacing 10 pounds of textbooks with sleek and sexy aluminum 1.5 pound unibody iPad that they can hold them all along their video with music. Also if someone builds an App for transcribing lecture into text that would be awesome.

On the Go Business Types

Traveling businessmen, salesmen, researcher, professor, doctor – anyone whose job is away from desk, they can have their own App built, tailored and specialized for iPad.
iWork already comes with attention-grabbing presentation tools with the laser pointer with Keynote is amazing. Also the 10 hours of battery life as Apple claims will come in handy for field professionals.

Professionals
Professionals like architect, designers, computer graphics professionals will love this thing for its creative potential and portability. They can quickly sketch out a prototype and ideas of just keep it handy to record inspiration. A touch screen version of Adobe Photoshop and InDesign would make it better.

Your Mom

One of the best application with the iPad that I can think of it as a Kitchen Appliance. An accordion arm with almost hidden slick holster with an ultimate recipe App would be a great addition too.
Anyone who wants an Internet Appliance – email, internet and photo management and entertainment without wanting the clunky old stodgy laptop or a computer. It doesn’t do everything but it does those specific things and does it really well. It requires little to no maintenance.

Gamer

The iPad super speedy chip if for gamers and probably thats why Steve Jobs had them demo’ed the game App at the Keynote speech. iPad’s larger real estate will be great for board games. Imagine everyone sitting around a table and playing. Video and slideshows look amazing and the convenience of watching them in bed is amazing. Its gonna be amazing to see how people will be reading ebook s more then ever.

Garage Types

An interesting application on iPad would be a Home Inventory application to catalog your kitchen, living room, home library and garage inventory.