Foo - iProducts

Mornin' Folks...I'm screwing around instead of working, so I thought I'd post here...this is mainly for the techy folks on BF...

I am toying with drinking The Cupertino Kool Aid and getting an iPad. The main purpose is to use it as an e-reader, but I can see it being used for other stuff once I get a hold of it. I know that iPads come in 16, 32 and 64GB. In the olden days, I'd be concerned about this as I'd need to store books, music and other whathaveyou.

Now - recently Apple announced the upcoming iCloud, which I interpret as being more or less of a gigantic hard drive in space (conceptually, that is - actually, I know it involves racks of servers, TCP/IP, electrons and such) that I can access from anywhere and store everything on .

So considering that, does that mean that I would not need to concern myself with actual on-board storage and can go with the smallest capacity (16GB) iPad? Or are there still reasons for getting a higher-capacity device?

Thanks.

Depends on how your connectivity situation is. If you're going to use 3G or WiFi all the time, then maybe you can get less on-board storage and use the cloud. But if you are going to travel with this thing and go places without coverage or use it a lot on airplanes, etc., then you will want more storage.

Also, on-board storage is always going to perform better than downloading stuff.

16 or 32 should be plenty unless you plan to do a lot of movies.

I've got a 16 and my iphone is 32. I don't fill either up most of the time. I did load up the 16gb iPad with movies for a trip once to keep the kids entertained but it was plenty.

Save the money if you can

Depends on how your connectivity situation is. If you're going to use 3G or WiFi all the time, then maybe you can get less on-board storage and use the cloud. But if you are going to travel with this thing and go places without coverage or use it a lot on airplanes, etc., then you will want more storage.

Also, on-board storage is always going to perform better than downloading stuff.

[Slaps self in forehead] I did not think about the connectivity issue...yes, cloud storage requires actually being able to connect to said Cloud. I was looking at the Wi-Fi version - fine for CalTrain; no good for BART. It's all so much clearer now....thanks for the help!

BTW - you're decanting the Yoo Hoo, now? Are you moving upscale on us?

[Slaps self in forehead] I did not think about the connectivity issue...yes, cloud storage requires actually being able to connect to said Cloud. I was looking at the Wi-Fi version - fine for CalTrain; no good for BART. It's all so much clearer now....thanks for the help!

BTW - you're decanting the Yoo Hoo, now? Are you moving upscale on us?

Caltrain doesn't have WiFi (but they did pilot it in... maybe 2006-7), but you can get 3G coverage on the train. Not sure about BART.

Now, as to the pic... it was a hotel suite and they had wine glasses in the kitchen. I had a little fun with it. :)

Caltrain doesn't have WiFi (but they did pilot it in... maybe 2006-7), but you can get 3G coverage on the train. Not sure about BART.

Now, as to the pic... it was a hotel suite and they had wine glasses in the kitchen. I had a little fun with it. :)

Hmm...I see that I'm completely wrong...(about WiFi on CalTrain, that is). S'OK, though - from what I've been reading, it seems that some folks do the data shuffle: Upload what you need for the near term, which makes sense...I mean I really don't think I'll need to carry around 20 movies, 5 books and 490 hours of music all the time...b'sides, it'd be too heavy to carry :D

...also, glad to see that you're not getting too classy...

The 3G card in the laptop is pretty much the norm for people on Caltrain, but yeah, those without probably just download or flash-drive what they need for the trip. Lots of people sitting there staring at Outlook or Gmail or whatever whiling away the hours while their chosen mode of conveyance keeps running people over.

When I am on the train (usually when I am late or I don't feel like dealing with the rain), I'm only on for 10-15 minutes, so staring out the window is enough. :)

A lot of people have criticized the iPad because of how limited it is WRT even the cheapest netbook computer. However I think the iPad opens up its own avenues of use and can be great for people that can make use of it. It will do lots of things- for me I had envisioned watching videos on it, checking email or the internet when I didn't want to crank up the big computer, carrying it with me to show photos to people, light gaming, and maybe as an ereader. Yes a notebook computer will do this too but they are bigger and heavier and take longer to load.

But now that you want a tablet, consider that there is a wide range of andoid tablets available, and a growing number of windows tablets. So you have to choose what OS you want then pick the hardware. And if you really want to do a lot of ereading, do you want Amazon or Barnes&Noble or what? Barnes&Noble has the color Nook which is much less money than an iPad but had the android OS and can play games and so forth almost like an iPad.

Last year I wanted an iPad, and didn't get one because of my accident. I've considered getting one since then, and I think I might still want the iPad over an Android, but the cost difference is very significant.

There is also the Pandigital Android tablet that is $103 at MicroCenter right now (sadly, not available online).

How many RIAA & MPAA bots will be looking at this "cloud" to catch any unauthorized copies you might accidentally place there?

How many RIAA & MPAA bots will be looking at this "cloud" to catch any unauthorized copies you might accidentally place there?

I'll let the illegal downloaders sweat that - everything I have was either a) from my own CD's or b) purchased off of iTunes

I'll let the illegal downloaders sweat that - everything I have was either a) from my own CD's or b) purchased off of iTunes

Have you installed software from your own legally purchased CDs in more than one computer at the time? :)

*Rube looks at RunningPirate's nick*

/Nevermind

Have you installed software from your own legally purchased CDs in more than one computer at the time? :)

*Rube looks at RunningPirate's nick*

/Nevermind

[Slaps forehead for second time in one day] OK - did not think about my handle - good catch, tho... :)

Mornin' Folks...I'm screwing around instead of working, so I thought I'd post here...this is mainly for the techy folks on BF...

I am toying with drinking The Cupertino Kool Aid and getting an iPad. The main purpose is to use it as an e-reader, but I can see it being used for other stuff once I get a hold of it. I know that iPads come in 16, 32 and 64GB. In the olden days, I'd be concerned about this as I'd need to store books, music and other whathaveyou.

Now - recently Apple announced the upcoming iCloud, which I interpret as being more or less of a gigantic hard drive in space (conceptually, that is - actually, I know it involves racks of servers, TCP/IP, electrons and such) that I can access from anywhere and store everything on .

So considering that, does that mean that I would not need to concern myself with actual on-board storage and can go with the smallest capacity (16GB) iPad? Or are there still reasons for getting a higher-capacity device?

Thanks.

From my understanding the iCloud is basically a "free" 5 gig dropbox which automatically syncs all your iWhatevers with eachother. Music (to a degree), photos, contacts, emails, contact conversations, etc.

I'm getting an iPad in the next week or two and am considering ditching my Android in a year and a half once my contract is up for an iPhone. With the announcement of iMessage, I can finally be free of any lust for Blackberry!

With smaller capacity iPads, it's my understanding (although not practiced yet) that you can hook up a memory card with limited media types for viewing via the camera connector kit. I know this works with photos, but don't know about videos.

I've been thinking about an Ipad, I have an Iphone, but like the idea of a tablet, quicker, etc..... I'm thinking about just a wifi version, just because I don't want to spend anymore $$$ on data plans, if I really need a 3g network, then I have my Iphone. I thought about the Android tablets, but I want to stick to one OS for everything. I have a windows 7 laptop and don't think windows 7 is 'all it'. Maybe I should just get a Macbook????

Maybe I should just get a Macbook????

Better to get a Macbook Air. Awesome portability with a great OS.

I've been thinking about an Ipad, I have an Iphone, but like the idea of a tablet, quicker, etc..... I'm thinking about just a wifi version, just because I don't want to spend anymore $$$ on data plans, if I really need a 3g network, then I have my Iphone.

I just use my phone as a wireless access point so there is no need for a SIM in the tablet computer.

http://www.my-review-reports.com/images/irenew-bracelet-reviews.gif

Better to get a Macbook Air. Awesome portability with a great OS.

Correct. I had an iPad. Didn't care for the interface for my needs, I like a traditional laptop. I sold the iPad and accessories I had paid $600 for and got $400+ on eBay. The 13" MacBook Air is halfway between an iPad (small size, light weight) and a traditional laptop. The 11" MacBook Air is even lighter and trimmer. Love the MB Air. I'll be getting a new one pretty soon, I thought the 128 gb HD would suffice for my needs, but I'm bumping up against the ceiling on it, I'll probably have to get a newer unit with the 256 gb flash drive. Waiting for the next generation to come along (hopefully by Jan. 1).

How many RIAA & MPAA bots will be looking at this "cloud" to catch any unauthorized copies you might accidentally place there?

My thoughts exactly.

With 2TB disks at $60 bucks there's really no need for storing stuff in dah cloud.

Better to get a Macbook Air. Awesome portability with a great OS.
If it runs the software you need. Also, don't forget to carry dongles with you if you need to deliver presentations.

If it runs the software you need. Also, don't forget to carry dongles with you if you need to deliver presentations.
Sadly, we keep getting attorneys from the outside come into one of our conference rooms and ask how to plug their MacBook into our projectors. It isn't our problem you forgot your VGA dongle.

At the same time, I understand why this is the case. When you're trying to make something as thin as possible, that VGA or DVI port can be quite large.

At the same time, I understand why this is the case. When you're trying to make something as thin as possible, that VGA or DVI port can be quite large.
When you get as thin as the Air, even an ethernet port is too large. Which is why you need a dongle for that also...

I can't tell you how often I see people carrying ipads to conferences because of the tiny form factor. But then they bring an external keyboard so they can type resulting in a gizmo the size of a small computer without actually being one. So they bring their Air or Macbook too. By the time you add all the accessories, they're really lugging a lot of crap. Say what you will about Jobs, but he knew how to sell stuff.

I'm going to check out the MacBooks at Best Buy this weekend. The model I'm thinking about is the 13.3" with CD/DVD drive, I think I'd be sorry if I got the 11"/without a drive.

I think I'd be sorry if I got the 11"/without a drive.

I have 2 laptops, one with a DVD and the other without. I haven't really needed a DVD drive and I've only used the one in the other laptop twice. I bought an external USB DVD drive for my daughter since her laptop doesn't have a DVD drive either. Since I have other computers, if I needed to install something I would just copy it to my laptop through the network or install from a USB flash drive.

I'd recommend 16GB.

1GB can hold something like 1000 books.

If you're going to use it as an e-reader, you might also consider 7" tablets, because they're lighter, easier to hold and have the same resolution as ipad/ipad2. The thing is, 10" tablets DO NOT fit in pockets, but they're also cumbersome and awkward in small bags. It's totally overkill to use laptop bags for it. 7" tablets WILL fit inside (jacket) pockets and they're still quite heavy inside jackets, but they'll save you from carrying around a bag just for it.

If you're not sure what to buy, consider the return policy of some stores, like best buy.

personally, I'd recommend the amazon kindle fire or blackberry playbook, but if you want to use 3G/4G services, then samsung galaxy tab 7.7 is the one to go to.

ipad2 is a good device, but it's costly and there are quite a few people who will try and steal it off of you if you use it in public. Obscure products, on the other hand, people may be interested in it, but it's not a ipad. And it's never a good idea to carry around expensive electronics in open view, such as 10" tablets.


I use a playbook, and other than the fact that the apps totally, totally, totally blow, it's excellent as a book reader, comic reader and media playback device.
damn, I wish someone would produce an android 3.2 version of the playbook. Closest I've used is acer's A100, but the screen is just terrible on that, the batteries suck and it only holds 8GB, which is not enough.