1st impressions of the iPad

Ok, so first things first, it’s awesome; now for some detail.

It’s a little heavier than expected, but it really doesn’t matter. Whether you’re an existing iPhone/iPod touch user or not, as you’d expect from any Apple product you can simply pick it up and use it.

Getting yourself set up is the same as an iPhone or iPod touch. Email and WiFi is simple to connect and you’re only limited by the apps you download.

The landscape keyboard takes a little getting used to, but with a little practice you’ll be writing emails (and blogs) in no time.

Business apps are readily available, for any purpose. More specifically, the iWorks suite (Pages, Numbers and Keynote) are fully-functional, allowing for creation, editing, saving, exporting and presenting… just like their Mac big brothers.

They’re also completely compatible with the Microsoft Office suite, for Windows users. With out of the box Exchange compatible email and calendars you can keep in touch with the office.

The screen size is perfect for magazine apps such as Wired or even the likes of the Wall Street Journal. I’ve found the interactive content in Wired particularly impressive.

One of the features I’m most grateful for is the screen lock switch. This allows you to fix the current orientation of the screen so it won’t change as you move; perfect for reading your favourite magazine or comic in bed.

As with any touch device, be prepared to accept finger marks, but with the screen brightness up, it’s easily overlooked.

All in all I think the iPad will be a success in the UK, just like the US. If you haven’t got one, or used one yet, I highly recommend that you go to your nearest Apple store and see for yourself.

Sent (lovingly) from an iPad.

28/05/10 Paul M said:

Main thing putting me off the iPad is the iPhone app compatibility... though iPhone apps work, I've read they aren't elegant (too small in default view and the visuals are pixalated when zoomed in)... it basically limits its software range at launch imho and last thing I want to do is rebuy "iPad optimised" apps that I already own on the iPhone. Did you test this out? Is it a problem?

01/06/10 Chris Seal said:

You present a valid point Paul. In most cases I've seen thus far, the native iPhone apps on the iPad are as you've described, but it's worth noting that some developers are updating their existing apps to allow for iPad use rather than buying an iPad-specific version. Unfortunately there will be some circumstances whereby some creators will make the most of people wanting an optimised version of their favourite apps and make the most of the additional screen space.