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Apple iPad Review

Ranked #9,102 in Computers & Electronics, #191,477 overall

Find out what makes the Apple iPad such a great gadget.

At first glance the Apple iPad - a simple slab of aluminum and glass - appears to be nothing more than a digital picture frame, but there's more than meets the eyes; hidden within a sleek, slim, and shiny casing is technology yet to be matched by any other company.

As of April 3rd 2010 people could start getting their hands on one of the coolest and most sought-after gadget of 2010: The Apple iPad. At this point Apple is still in the process of releasing the iPad to more and more countries. People are piling up in lines outside of retail stores all around the world by the scores for their chance to get their hands on the newest in mobile computing.

Just some of the features of the Apple iPad are: 9.7-inch LED-Backlit IPS Display, Multi-Touch (no need for peripherals), Thin and Light (0.5 inch thin,1.5 pounds), 10 Hours of Battery Life, Wireless, WiFi & Bluetooth, 3G, Built-in speakers, connectivity to expand functionality, and much more.

It's no wonder that the Apple iPad has created such a buying frenzy in all of the countries that it's being released to (over 2 million already sold). Consumers can't wait to get their hands on this thing. I know because I'm one of them! But unlike my fellow enthusiasts I just ordered one online instead of being tussled about by the scores of others waiting in line in front retail shops for a chance at a finite supply. I just skipped all that (took a price hit too because I live in Canada) but I've been enjoying my iPad for the better part of a month while others are - as I write this - flocking to stores to get their "technology fix". God Speed fellow Techies!

It's remarkable to think of all the technology that is packed into this slim and lightweight device. The iPad really is a revolutionary product in the mobile computing market.

The Display

Overview of the iPad display

The Apple iPad uses a unique technology in their displays: IPS, which stands for In-Plane Switching. This technology allows the display to be viewed from any angle up to 178 degrees - please note that for a flat display the maximum viewing angle is 180 degrees - which is quite impressive.
With the crystal clarity of using LED technology for their iPad's display, Apple has created a portable device that can reproduce images, photos, and video quality that has yet to be surpassed in a comparable device market. LED stands for Light Emitting Diode; and is becoming quite popular amongst many display manufacturers for it's superior picture clarity. And, with the help of the LEDs, the display is back-lit which allows you to use your iPad even in the darkest of places.

What's more is that Apple built a 9.7" (inch) display with a resolution of 1024 X 768 pixels to showcase the above mentioned technologies in all their glories and splendors. With a display this large and a pixel resolution that can handle it displaying websites on the iPad is a breeze and allows the user to navigate the web without any constraints (as often found with other internet-capable hand-held devices).

So enjoy the web anywhere you are and the way it was meant to be enjoyed!

Multi-Touch

Overview of the Multi-Touch Feature on the iPad.

This is a feature that you will see popping up all over the place, in the near future, including on your home computer: Multi-Touch and Gesture Recognized human interaction. This Multi-Touch feature is another feature that I simply love about the iPad (as well as the iPhone and Touch); there's no more need for peripherals!

I used to be a Blackberry Pearl owner and, to be quite honest, I simply loved it! But one thing that always bothered me about the Pearl was that the keypad was too tiny. Even the larger versions, that include a full QWERTY keyboard, are still hard to use. And the problem is my thumbs aren't even that big!

Ever since switching to the iPhone I fell in love with the Multi-Touch functionality. It is intuitive, easy to use, response time is very adequate, and is so much quicker to navigate than using a traditional keyboard and mouse. What's more is that being Multi-Touch, as opposed to the traditional mouse which only allows ONE pointing device on-screen, allows Apple and their developers a chance to make more comprehensive apps.

Flipping through your photo album is as simple as flicking your finger. Drag stuff around the screen using your finger. "Pinch" and "Stretch" your fingers across screen to zoom in and out. Bring up the on-screen keyboard and you can type your heart away by tapping the keys with thumbs or fingers.

The best part of this feature on the iPad is that Apple has rebuilt their Multi-Touch technology to accommodate for the large 9.7 inch screen. Folks, this simply makes the navigating, photo browsing and viewing, typing even faster! Since they have more room to play with, developers can capitalize on this and add more functionality to each app. This is also a huge plus for many of the games that can be found for the iPad.

Very Light and Thin

Overview of the dimensions and weight of the iPad

Since the iPad is a mobile computing device, Apple wanted to make it very portable. To do that they designed the body so that it weighs practically nothing at all - only 1.5 pounds (0.68 Kilos) - and is ultra-thin - merely 0.5 inch (1.27 centimeters) thick - so it's easily transported anywhere. It's the size of a standard magazine!

I've come to think of it as an essential and indispensable tool - always being on the move and needing to stay "connected" to the online world. And since it's so thin and light that you can carry it around barely feeling it's weight, as opposed to heavy and clunky laptops. Albeit the iPad may not have all the advantages of a regular laptop computer (DVD burner, expandable memory, etc.), it's pros far outweigh the cons.

The iPad is small enough to blend into your briefcase, decent sized purse, handbag, or even can be carried in your hand. The iPad has a slight curve to it to make it easier to hold.

Carrying cases can also be found for the iPad as well.

Battery Life

Overview of the iPad Battery Life

To get the most out of the iPad battery life, Apple engineers used the same type of battery (Lithium-Polymer) - as found in the Mac notebooks - and designed it for use in the iPad. The result: up to 10 hours of web-browsing, music listening, and video watching fun while using the Wi-Fi connection. The battery life span does differ slightly if the iPad is used on a 3G data network (more resource hungry) but still boasts a 9 hour lifespan.

These figures are approximations as the exact usage differs from one user to another. Another factor that comes into play - as mentioned by Apple - is that the battery life can change from one unit to another.

I wouldn't worry too much about the battery life; I use my iPad all the time and have not yet run into an occasion that I wasn't able to get to a wall socket to replenish my battery. I've yet to experience a battery-depleted shutdown :)

Wireless

Overview of the wireless connectivity features of the iPad

The iPad - being a mobile computing device - comes with a wide range of wireless connectivity features. The iPad comes with 802.11n built-in to take advantage of the full speed of the network connected to it. The iPad automatically scans the area for any Wi-Fi connections and reports them back to you. With a few simple taps on the screen, you'll be connected to the network with no hassles and complicated configurations. Networking is a breeze with iPad.

The iPad also comes with Bluetooth 2.1 and EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) so that you can connect your headphones or other Bluetooth peripherals (i.e. external keyboard).

3G
Some models of the iPad will also have 3G access. These iPad models can reach transfer rate speed of up to 7.2 Mbps (Mega bits per second) anywhere you catch a signal regardless if you are in the vicinity of a Wi-Fi network. With this feature you can truly enjoy all your web-surfing, emails, chats, etc. on the go.

Efficient & Powerful Processor

Overview of the High-Performance A4 Chip Used in the iPad

I would like to personally introduce you to the brains of the whole operation: Apple's A4 Chip. This processor was designed by the highly-talented engineers at Apple to be extremely powerful yet use minimal power. Hence the A4 was born.

The Power
The immense computing power of the A4 chip allows developers to create games and apps that won't hinder performance. I don't know about you but I really can't stand "lag". The A4 used in the iPad has an approximate speed of 1Ghz which is a great increase from the 600Mhz found on iPhone 3GS.
I have been testing iPad to become sluggish due to CPU overuse and it is quite hard to get it to "lag" from general use but is possible with the more taxing applications. But a very fair compromise in my point of view. The A4 chip does blow the iPhone's out of the water though.

Efficiency
To make a chip (a.k.a. Processor, CPU, etc.) very fast isn't extremely difficult if you have tons of energy to spare, but in a mobile device there are tons of factors that also come into play that are harder to address than in a personal computer, for example. The faster the processor, the faster that light travels through the chip which creates heat and uses up more energy.
That's where the beauty of the A4 chip lies; it gives you lots of power but is balanced enough to consume minimal amounts of power. This equates to the unprecedented 10 hour usability of the iPad.

Please note: The reason why I stress that this chip is an engineering marvel (efficiency to power ratio) is that Apple doesn't use large chip coolers which adds even more difficulty to the equation of creating a thinner device overall; and Apple engineers have overcome these obstacles time and again. Hats off to you Apple engineers!

Example Game That Uses iPad's Accelerometer

Playing Games with the iPad can be loads of fun!

An example iPad game that uses accelerometer

The accelerometer that can be found in the iPad helps game and other app developers an awesome tool to help them build apps and games that are more user-intuitive and all around more fun to play than with your old keyboard and mouse.

Connectivity

Overview of the iPad's Dock Connector Port

The iPad has a port that can be found on the bottom that is the also the connection to the charging adapter. This same port is known as the iPad's Dock Connector, and it is much more useful than just to charge your battery.
The Dock Connector port also allows you to add functionality to your iPad with the help of accessories. Accessories that can be "ported" to your iPad are already numerous with many new additions surely to be coming along.

The accessory that I personally found most useful is the 'iPad Camera Connection Kit' which allows users (including myself) to add the only feature that I complained that wasn't built-in: a Camera. Maybe to keep the unit costs down they had to separate the two. For whatever reason I find that the iPad becomes more complete with the Camera in place.

Another popular accessory that can be docked to the iPad is a keyboard. Since I'm loving the onscreen version I didn't buy this accessory yet.

Audio

Brief overview of the iPad's Audio capabilities

The iPad comes with built-in speakers and a built-in microphone as well. Apple claims that the audio quality is "rich in sound" but from a personal perspective I tend to disagree. While the built-in speakers do get the job done at times i still prefer - and much appreciate - the fact that there is a headphone connection. This allows me to connect an external speaker system that creates a better sound than the built-in ones.
I also own many pairs of high-quality headphones which work very well with my iPad.

Microphone
Well, there's not really much to say about it but have to mention it anyway: there's a microphone. Not really a show-stopper but it's there if you need it.

Are you an iPad Lover?

Please select one of the options below so that we can gauge the impact that the iPad has on people. I know that it's just a piece of electronics to some people but to others it's connecting to information in a whole new way.

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iPad Accessories Photos

Get to know the iPad's friends

Apple iPad's Keyboard. The iPad docks into the keyboard and stays in place as you type.

The iPad doesn't come with headphones when you buy the unit but you can buy Apple brand headphones to go with your iPad.

Protect your newly acquired technological masterpiece by giving it a jacket.

Really an indispensable kit for those wanting to take photos directly onto their iPad.

Another carrying case, this one also acts as a stand to keep the iPad angled just right.

Buy Apple iPad & Accessories

A hand selected list of some iPads and accessories for sale at Amazon.

Vote for your favorite Amazon-featured Apple iPad or iPad accessory. You can also suggest your favorite accessory by referencing an Amazon ASIN and I'll add it to the list so it can be voted on too. Let others know from your experience which accessories and products work best for your Apple iPad by submitting a vote.

Thanks for sharing!

Apple iPad Review

Find out what makes the Apple iPad such a great gadget.

Contents at a Glance

Contents at a Glance

The Display

Overview of the iPad display

Multi-Touch

Overview of the Multi-Touch Feature on the iPad.

Very Light and Thin

Overview of the dimensions and weight of the iPad

Battery Life

Overview of the iPad Battery Life

Wireless

Overview of the wireless connectivity features of the iPad

Efficient & Powerful Processor

Overview of the High-Performance A4 Chip Used in the iPad

Example Game That Uses iPad's Accelerometer

Playing Games with the iPad can be loads of fun!

Connectivity

Overview of the iPad's Dock Connector Port

Audio

Brief overview of the iPad's Audio capabilities

Are you an iPad Lover?

Thanks for voting! Now invite your friends to vote.

iPad Accessories Photos

Get to know the iPad's friends

Buy Apple iPad & Accessories

A hand selected list of some iPads and accessories for sale at Amazon.

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iPad & Accessories on eBay

A few eBay auctions that are offering the iPad.

Apple iPad YouTube Videos

Watch some cool YouTube videos of the iPad in action!

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by angeltarrant

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